Skip to main content
To use WinWedge with any of the macros on our website, you must first set up WinWedge in DDE Server Mode. Each example macro requires different DDE settings. As you read through this guide, keep in mind the specific settings listed on the macro’s page. When you select “DDE (Server)” from the Mode menu, a window appears prompting for a DDE Application Name, a DDE Topic, and a DDE Command. In addition to sending serial data, WinWedge can be configured to issue a DDE command to another program after each input from a serial device is received. The DDE command is typically used to force the receiving program to perform an action like running a macro or subroutine. For example, specifying Excel for the DDE Application Name, System for the DDE Topic, and [RUN("MyMacro")] for the DDE Command would cause WinWedge to trigger Excel to run a VBA subroutine named MyMacro after each data record is received.

​
Step 1: Select DDE Server mode

Select “DDE Server” from the WinWedge “Mode” menu. Enter the DDE Application Name and Topic. If using a macro from our website, this information is listed on that macro’s page.

​
Step 2: Enter the DDE Command

WinWedge Standard: Enter the DDE Command in the appropriate field. WinWedge Pro: Go back to the main WinWedge setup screen and select “Input Record Structure” from the “Define” menu. If you have not already done so, define the data record structure for your device. In the last window (“Input Record Definition Editor”), you’ll see a “Field Postamble DDE Command” field after each defined field. This allows you to send multiple DDE commands to your application instead of just one. If you are using a single macro to handle your data, navigate to the last defined field and place the DDE Command in its “Field Postamble DDE Command” textbox.

​
Step 3: Activate WinWedge

Activate WinWedge. If you have not yet finished setting up WinWedge, follow the Quick Start Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Last modified on November 3, 2026