Hi All,

This is my second message to the list.  I am working on a VB program to
read a punch hole time card.  These time cards are punched using a base 10
format.  The card has 3 columns of numbers with say 10 rows.  When the card
is inserted all the way into the reader it triggers a signal that says read
from the refelective sensor (evenly spaced lines indicating center of
rows).  The holes have an array of leds and phototransistors placed in a
row.  As the sensor sees the line, it triggers the array to read in the holes.

My question is, has anyone worked with these refelective sensors?  Any idea
how to hook up the array?  I would like to read in the data serially if
possible.  IE, can I use a parallel to serial converter chip tied to the
output of the phototrans?

Thanks for any help!

Brian Gracia

ps. I would use smart cards if I could, but I think the static in the plant
might destroy them.  I work in the cast polymer business.