TWedge Data Collection Software - Universal Keyboard Wedge

The versatile and universal data collection software TWedge extends arbitrary systems and databases with real-time data acquisition. This software wedge immediately forwards captured data to applications, databases, Office and ERP systems. Modifications of the target systems are not required!

Cable harness with a single red cable in the center

Software Wedge for Data Acquisition

You want to import and process data from external devices such as barcode scanners, gauges or scales? But your application does not support direct device connections?

TWedge is the solution to your problem!

With TWedge, it is just a matter of minutes to implement a simple yet powerful, automated data-collection system for devices such as scanners, scales, controllers, electronic gauges, RFID or Wi-Fi controllers, access control systems, medical devices and many more.

Smart Data Acquisition Middleware

The data acquisition software TWedge connects any device with any application in an elegant, cost-effective and flexible way. This software wedge is able to automatically forward device data to applications (and even other devices) via multiple methods:

  • as virtual key-strokes (keyboard wedge function)
  • direct database access (ODBC, SQL statements)
  • read/write file access
  • Microsoft® Excel® support (DDE)
  • via the system clipboard
  • HTTP requests

TWedge is able to handle multiple devices in parallel (depends on license: TWedge, TWedge Pro, TWedge Datacenter). If required, the software can be operated as system service in the background without further configuration or additional tools.

For USB, Serial Ports, TCP, UDP and Bluetooth®

TWedge communicates with all devices connected via

  • USB (HID keyboard profile)
  • Serial ports (RS232, RS485, virtual COM)
  • Bluetooth® (master and slave)
  • UDP (client and server)
  • TCP (client and server)
TWedge connects with USB HID keyboard devices such as barcode scanners, scales, gauges and even keyboards without the need for special driver software. TWedge selectively intercepts USB data and processes it device-specifically (!). When possible, device connections are bi-directional, thus control commands can be sent to the connected device, device-to-device communication is supported, and the device can be polled on a regular base.

Simple, Scenario-Based Configuration

TWedge provides ready-to-use templates which cover common data collection and data acquisition scenarios. As an example, saving captured device data directly into arbitrary files or ODBC databases is done with a single click.

Unlimited Processing Capabilities

The software wedge TWedge provides a completely new, script based approach offering maximum flexibility: The functionality of TWedge is easily adjusted to even the most advanced requirements. The complete data acquisition logic or hotkey and timer functions can be customized with the help of the integrated JavaScript®. The JavaScript implementation is based on the Chrome V8 engine, debugger support (Eclipse) is provided.

TWedge at a Glance

USB HID Support – TWedge processes data received from USB HID devices (scanners, scales, keyboards, …) or from devices connected via serial ports (RS232, RS485, virtual COM ports), Bluetooth®, UDP and TCP/IP. Client/server and master/slave modes are supported.
Keyboard Wedge – If required, received data is converted into virtual keystrokes and injected into arbitrary applications. Function and control keys (F1, TAB, Alt, Ctrl, Enter...) are supported - e.g. for selecting the required input field in the target application. This works in Terminal Server environments as well.
Application Control – The data acquisition script is able to control target applications (e.g. starting applications or bringing them into the foreground). Depending on device data or on other values (e.g. a database lookup) the collected data may be redirected to different applications.
 
Scripting – Each aspect of the data acquisition logic is customizable. The integrated JavaScript® engine provides functions for database operations, file access, keystroke and function key simulation and many more.
Multiple Devices – A single TWedge instance is suitable for exactly one data acquisition device. To manage more devices simultaneously choose between TWedge Pro or TWedge Datacenter.
Ready-to-Use Templates – TWedge offers ready-to-use scripts for common data acquisition scenarios (such as “keyboard wedge” or “store into database”).
 
Connection Recovery – Lost or interrupted Bluetooth and TCP device connections are restored automatically.
Protocol Converter – The use of TWedge as converter between different protocols or interfaces (e.g. COM to TCP) is extremely simple.
Hotkeys – Adjustable hot-keys make it easy to perform arbitrary data collection functions (e.g. querying a connected device for data).
 
Timers – Data acquisition tasks may be performed on a regular base (device polling, device triggering). Multiple timers are supported.
System Service – TWedge can be operated as desktop application, as system service or as minimized application in the task bar (like the system clock).
Binary Data – TWedge is able to handle control characters like NUL (0-Byte), SOH, STX, DC1, FS, GS, etc. correctly.
 

Additional Features

  • Database Access
    Direct ODBC database access with SQL commands.
  • File Access
    Read/Write file access.
  • Microsoft® Excel® DDE
    Integrated Microsoft Excel support using DDE (dynamic data exchange).
  • Convenient Debugging
    TWedge offers JavaScript debugger support using Eclipse and the Chrome DevTools.
  • Password Protection
    Configuration, distribution and deployment of this software wedge is extremely easy and safe. If required, the configuration files or user interface functions can be password protected.

System Requirements

Memory Requirements

At least 25 MB RAM per managed device (more in case of complex data acquisition logic of customized scripts).

Operating Systems

All current 32 and 64 bit Microsoft Windows systems:

  • Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2
  • Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2016 / 2016 R2
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 10

For legacy systems like Windows XP or Windows XP based systems (e.g. Windows Embedded and Windows Embedded POSReady), TEC-IT provides support only on a voluntary basis (no legal entitlements).

HID Devices

Supported USB HID devices need a HID keyboard driver.

TWedge

A TWedge instance is able to manage exactly one data acquisition device. To manage more devices (or device connections) simultaneously choose between TWedge Pro or TWedge Datacenter. All licenses are perpetual with a one-time license fee.

  • Single
  • € 94 / $117one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 1 Device
  • Single License1 installation
  • Buy
  • Workgroup
  • € 450 / $559one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 1 Device
  • Workgroup License10 installations
  • Buy
  • Office
  • € 900 / $1119one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 1 Device
  • Office License100 installations
  • Buy

TWedge Pro

A single TWedge Pro instance supports up to three device connections in parallel. You may also be interested in TWedge (single device) or TWedge Datacenter (more than three devices). All licenses are perpetual with a one-time license fee.

  • Single
  • € 188 / $234one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 3 Devices
  • Single License1 installation
  • Buy
  • Workgroup
  • € 900 / $1119one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 3 Devices
  • Workgroup License10 installations
  • Buy
  • Office
  • € 1800 / $2238one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 3 Devices
  • Office License100 installations
  • Buy

TWedge Datacenter

The TWedge Datacenter edition is bound to a single machine. The maximum number of device connections depends on the license kind (and the available system resources). You may also be interested in TWedge (single device) or TWedge Pro (up to three devices). All licenses are perpetual with a one-time license fee.

  • Datacenter 5
  • € 374 / $465one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 5 Devices
  • Datacenter License1 installation
  • Buy
  • Datacenter 10
  • € 699 / $869one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 10 Devices
  • Datacenter License1 installation
  • Buy
  • Datacenter 25
  • € 1499 / $1863one-time fee
  • Data Collection
    for 25 Devices
  • Datacenter License1 installation
  • Buy

V3.5.2

Bugfixes

  • License Info
    Display the correct text in the license info e-mail.

V3.4.0

Features/Enhancements

  • USB HID Input Device
    TWedge V3.4.0 extends the existing USB HID data capture functionality with a new method for collecting USB HID input data. This new "Synchronized" method uses a more sophisticated data collection technique to process the received keystrokes. This synchronized keystroke logger mode also works with the Windows 10 on-screen touch keyboard (TabTip.exe).
  • JavaScript: HtmlMessageBox
    The new function HtmlMessageBox displays HTML text and returns the href text when clicking a link. The action template "Write Data to CSV File with HTML Confirmation Dialog" demonstrates this function.
  • JavaScript: NotifyInfo, MessageBox
    Fixed a crash when passing a non-string value as text parameter.
  • Additional User Interface Languages
    TWedge is now available in Italian and Spanish.

V3.3.1

Enhancements

  • WebSockets
    Updated to libwebsockets 2.1.

Bugfixes

  • WebSocket Client
    Sending data from a WebSocket client to a WebSocket server does not fail anymore.
TWedge
Download TWedge Trial Buy From €94 / $117 (one-time)

Data Collection - TWedge Info Sheet (PDF)Info Sheet (PDF)

Keyboard Wedge Software Videos

Watch the product videos of our data acquisition software (YouTube)!

Testimonials
Stefan Ebenhoch
+COM IT Solutions GmbH
Fast installation, easy configuration ;) ingenious!
Jeff Myrick
National Force Calibrations Plus, LLC
I want to tell you how pleased we are with your product. It has worked without interruption for us once we configured it for our purpose.