If this is in the wrong place, I apologize; I simply wasn't sure where it fit.

As part of my job, I've been tasked with maintaining the code for a set of handheld barcode scanners. The scanners came with a program designed for loading information on them and retrieving it from them, but this requires that the end user haul this program up and manually make the shift according to the instructions in the manual. I've been looking for a way to automate this.

It turns out that the scanner's internal os includes what appears to be a minimal installation of kermit. (It specifically states 'Kermit Server Mode' on the screen when this is selected from the menu.) I can't get it to accept any commands, and the instructions in the manual place all actions on the host side, but I'd thought that might be usable for automating information retrieval. Upon discovering that there was a (c)kermit install on my Linux test server, I started trying to make the connection. I've never worked with C-Kermit before, though, so I'm having trouble, and am probably missing something obvious here.

I found a site online that appears to be a complete copy of the man page (as the first part is identical to the information that appears when I type man kermit into my test box). It included instructions for making a direct serial port connection; as the scanner cable is designed to plug into a serial port, I thought that was what I needed. However, upon attempting to follow the instructions for that setup, I'm having problems with the set speed command. I've tried every single speed setting that 'set speed ?' lists, and get the same message for all of them: ?Unsupported line speed - [numeric value of speed]. While attempting to follow earlier instructions I did not get this message, but the instructions I am following now include an extra step - set modem type none.

Where am I messing up in this?

Try this: http://linux.die.net/man/8/setserial The setserial command might be what you're after. That will help you set your serial speed/parity/etc.

Don't know what you're trying to automate this in, but an "expect" script would be able to navigate menus/options received, and send back commands based on what it gets....