spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

I have an old ArtixScan 4000t film/transparency scanner. It currently uses a SCSI connection. To be honest, this creature has only worked for me 2X since I got it in 2003!! I recently purchased a "new" tower which does not accept the "card" for the scanner, the card is too large. So, my question is this, is there an adaptive cord which would allow me to connect this scanner via a USB port? I've heard so many good reports about this scanner. Would love to be able to actually use it. Thanks for any advice.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I tried to search for information on this scanner, and while several returns came back showing used ones for sale, nothing came back from Microtech, the manufacturer, or for any sources for manuals. So...here is what I hope is an intelligent guess around this system.

First...a quick query does return that Amazon offers at least one SCSI-USB converter. It's pricey, right at $400.

A cheaper option to try might be a SCSI interface board. You'll have to figure out which onr you have a slot for. Here's a link to the search I did.

https://www.google.com/search?q=scsi+interface+boards&oq=scsi+interface+boards&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.4949j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Second...you are going to have to determine whether your software (if there was any) will load on your new computer. It is possible that this scanner will just look like another disk drive and the photos will appear as files. Then you will need to find out if your computer/operating system will recognize the drive/files.

It will be interesting to see how far you can take this resurrection. SCSI had a mixed reception at the time...lots of good benefits, but it was really considered as "scuzzy" by a lot of folks. Now that SATA drives and their descendants are the norm today, SCSI seems to have limited use.

Hopefully others may have documentation or experience that will help you more than this.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Wow, I haven't heard about a scuzzy interface in YEARS!
The biggest problem may be the software installation. I had two apps on my 98 box that Win 7 basically said "cannot install". Had to buy new versions. Hopefully you won't have a problem.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

"Scuzzy" is/was not a derogatory term for SCSI. It is just an easy way to say it. You know, like "doss" for D-O-S, SATA for Serial-A-T-A, etc.

SCSI fell out of use not because it was bad in itself, but because improved interfaces developed. Firewire was the "thing for years until USB2 appeared (even though it is not faster than Firewire 400). Progress does not negate the effectiveness and value that something had in its time. SCSI ruled the interface world..internal hard drives, external drives, scanners, printers, other peripherals for many years.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

SCSI (the purview of Wizards) is complicated. I found this on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/USB2-0-Ultra-SCSI-Converter-Device/dp/B000EEQFHY

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

I agree with the scuzzy opinion. $400 is about what I paid for the scanner itself so, umm no. I do have the software but not sure if it works with the new computer. Have not fired it up yet. Will check out the link Thanks for your help.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

Thanks but $399 is almost what I paid for the scanner. A bit too much.

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

My ex[erience w/SCSI was scuzzy, totally meant in a derogatory way! Only got it to work w/remote tech help. Then again, I'm a dolt when it comes to computers.

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

The interface board might be the best way to go. Just a matter of what size w/fit my tower. Thanks.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

SCSI has made some major hardware changes over the last few years and the connections look nothing much like what you have now. While you can find a SCSI card that will fit in your system, getting a cable to go from the new card to the scanner will be difficult and the two items will likely be expensive. Then there is the question of whether it will even work when it's all done. I wouldn't give it more than a 20% chance. 35 plus years in IT and I wouldn't waste my time and money attempting it. You would be a lot less stressed and end up with a better situation to put the funds you would spend towards a new scanner.

fotojeff

Speaking of these scanners I have an artixscan 1100 a micro tech 4 and a microtech 5 I would consider selling pretty cheap if anyone would be interested. And while we are talking scsi scanners I have an imakon I’d sell as well. I know this should go in the classifieds but just putting it out there

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

It would be helpful if you mentioned the name and model of the SCSI card (it’s likely etched on the card) - brands such as Adaptec were quite popular. It could be an older ISA bus card or newer PCI bus. Do you have the cable that matches BOTH the card and the scanner? That will be critical because there were many iterations of SCSI and connectors. iF you have both the card and matching cable AND the driver for the card AND the application for the scanner, then the least expensive solution is probably to pick up an old XP computer with a motherboard with the correct type slot (and an open one) and put it on your network. You can likely pick up an old computer for $50 or even free if you or a friend has upgraded to a new computer, but hasn’t tossed the old one yet. If that sounds like too much complexity (or space), or you don’t have ALL the pieces I mentioned, then give up on the scanner. The likelihood of finding an adapter (I’m not aware of one) that is comparable with both your specific SCSI port AND the scanner application SW actually working are pretty much nil.

BTW, I still use a SCSI interface scanner attached to an older computer on my network, and use it specifically for that purpose, but that’s not a viable solution for everyone.

fotojeff

On another note I have seen some scsi USB adapters on line for pretty cheap. Way less than the 400 price mentioned earlier. Just have to do some research they are out there

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I have a similar dilemma in that I own an older Nikon scanner which also requires a SCSI interface. I have a (very) old computer attached to it running something of the likes of Windows 3. The computer has NEVER had an ethernet cable attached and is completely isolated from all else. It's only job is to run that scanner, which it does adequately, especially for the amount of time its used. Perhaps, some day, I will look into a better and more modern way. Since I don't shoot film much anymore, this won't be anytime soon. Happy Holidays.