Sending Virtual Keystroke of decimal separator using User32.dll

[wireconnector]

I need to use LV to send keystroke to an external executable program that controls an old lab instrument. Basically, I need LV to send a number (let’s say 123.45), a tab, another number and enter.

I tried to use this example https://forums.ni.com/t5/Example-Code/Using-LabVIEW-to-Simulate-Keyboard-Events/ta-p/3996210?profile... based on User32.dll but here both the comma and the period character are not enabled.

I tried also this example (https://labvolution.com/labview-simulating-keyboard-events/) but I was only able to input letters, numbers, tab, and carriage return. When I input the ASCII code for decimal separator (I have tried both 44 and 46) I get no results.

Is this a limitation of windows? I am running LV2019 on Win10 and 10 I have tried both Italian and English language option.

If so, what alternative method is the best option for my need?

Thanks for your help.

[BertMcMahan · Accepted solution]

Did you try 190 (period)?

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.windows.forms.keys?view=windowsdesktop-6.0

This may not be the same as for User32.dll but it does appear to have similar functionality. Might be worth a shot 😕

[billko]

This is perplexing.  Do you have any documentation on the messages?

[Martin_Henz]

I did not look into the examples, but I think, they use the keybd_event() function from user32.dll

You have to use the virtual key code (not the ascii code) and thats 0xBC or 0xBE

See this webpage for a complete list of the virtual key codes:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/inputdev/virtual-key-codes

[kartiknattar]

This might help you for period.

0x6E is the hex value for this

And you can use 188 or 0xBC for comma

[wireconnector]

Yes,

the link you provided is the correct reference.

For my purpose also 110 (decimal) and 188 (comma) are working.

Thank you very much.

[wireconnector]

The link you reported with HEX values it is useful and correct,

the linked example that I am using it is with decimal input so I just have to convert from HEX to DEC.

Thanks

[wireconnector]

Yes, it is working just as in the screenshot you provided.

Thanks