MIDLANDS RPS DIGITAL IMAGING GROUP
Techniques & Technical Info
SCSI Scanners and 'XP' David Eaves ARPS |
| As I have finally been successful in connecting my old SCSI scanners to my new(ish) Windows XP computer, here is a note for the DIG board which summarises the steps needed. It may be of use to others who would like to do the same:- |
| There
are three problems, i.e., 1 - Getting a SCSI outlet on the computer, recognised by Windows XP. 2 - Getting a cable with the right connections. 3 - Getting Windows XP drivers for the old scanner(s) |
| If you already have a SCSI card from an old computer you could try this in the new, but there could be problems with the SCSI drivers. If you are starting from scratch (as I was since my old (Mac) computer had a built in non-transferable SCSI port) the card to go for is an Adaptec 2904. Mine came from RM plc (www.rm.com) at a cost of £33. Fit it in a spare PCI slot and let Windows install the driver. In addition you need an ASPI file which can be downloaded from the Adaptec web site (reference ASP 132). Install this as per Adaptec guidelines. |
| I have seen a cheaper SCSI card in Maplins which is labelled as OK with Windows XP but don't know anyone who has used this. |
| There are several variations on SCSI connectors. The card comes with a 50 pin mini (high density) socket. My scanners had either the large 50 pin centronics connection or a smaller 25 pin connector. Maplin is the source of suitable interconnections and I found an appropriate one, cost about £15. |
| With luck you will find scanner drivers for Windows XP available for downloading from the scanner manufacturer's web site. I was able to do this for both my Minolta Scan Speed F-2800 film scanner and my Arcus 1200 flat bed. If there is no Windows XP version I believe a Windows 2000 version will do. If all else fails you can use Vuescan which is a universal piece of scanning software. It works with pretty well all operating systems and all scanners, and is available for download from www.hamrick.com. You can use a trial version for free (which puts a watermark on all images) and then pay about $40 for the key to get rid of the watermark. The software works well, some say better than manufacturer's own, and its nice to use the same software for both flatbed and film. |