hardware question

[gnite21]

I don't see anywhere where you all talk about hardware issues, but you seem pretty knowledgable that I thought I'd give a try here as well on a techie forum.

I just bought a G5 tower, and want to use my older scanner (scsi device). It's an AGFA SnapScan1236s about 4 years old...but I don't use it all that much and it's in great condition. I have read that there are SCSI to USB connection coverter cables, but most of them don't support MAC OSX. So far, I've found only one that does. It is: Raytoc Systems USB2.0-UltraSCSI Converter. I've only found it available for purchase on the yahoo.com website. Raytoc doesn't seem to sell it.

Has anyone used this? Does anyone use SCSI devices with their newer USB Macs...and under OSX? Adaptec's device works with OS 9....so would I be able to access the scanner under 'classic' mode on the new G5?

I'm flummoxed! And thanks for any wisdom here.

[morea]

Eep - I'm pretty mac-illiterate, so that counts me out. Unfortunately it slows down here on weekends, but I'm sure someone will be able to help you before too long.

In the mean time, welcome to the forum! /emoticons/cheers.gif

I haven't lost my mind... it's backed up on disk somewhere.

[gnite21]

Thanks, Morea...I'll hang on for more input.

And thanks for the welcome, too. I've checked in briefly logged off a few times since I joined, and there is rousing good discussion!! I will participate more when things slow down for me a bit. Right now I'm swamped up the ying yang!
B

[PrintDriver]

So far I haven't had any luck accessing an old SCSI scanner of mine. I have a G4 with an Adaptec SCSI PCI card installed. The only reason I believe I can't access the scanner is that the maker does not make a driver for OSX. I can see the scanner on the hardware profile in OSX, I can see the scanner in the hardware profile from Classic, but I still have to boot into OS9 to use it. You don't have that option with a G5. I can't even trick it into working in Classic the way I tricked my Panther-driverless Microtech scanner to work.

The Apple site has all sorts of SCSI information depending on your rig. This thread may be of most use to you:
discussions.info.apple.com/webx?7@3.UCwFamOEC89.4@.68999b9b/8 (http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?7@3.UCwFamOEC89.4@.68999b9b/8)
Be aware of reputation level indexing for posters on this site.

PrintDriver is a grande format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

[gnite21]

Thanks, PrintDriver.
I was going to head over to apple and a could other OSX techie forums shortly. I'll check out your thread. That new Raytoc Systems device is the same as the Adaptec only it SAYS it's for everything including OSX...just wondering who may have tried it so far. It says 'new' on it's propaganda, but I'm not sure just how new it is....certainly newer than the Adaptec version that doesn't work with OSX.

One idea I have is to leave it connected to my old G3. Then network both the old machine with the new G5 and just scan on the old machine and then go get the file over the network. If it works, it would at least save me the money on the device...and on a new scanner. The new computer and monitor and new software to go with OSX has cost me enough for one year. I really can't afford a new scanner, too.

Thanks for your comments and the thread!

[defjoe]

it's cause 90% have mac and mac don't have issues!

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'
'I'm the damn designer, bitches!'

Check out my indie comic book!
www.assassinsguild.net/ (http://www.assassinsguild.net/)

[MD]

At work we have an old SCSI Scanner that we hooked up to our OS X Machine. We dont have the adaptor, we have the PCI card & it works perfect. It took UMAX a while to create a driver forour scanner, and then the b@stards had the nerve to charge us $50 for the software.

If your scanner does not have an OS X driver there is a program that might help called Vuescan. It is a scanning program that we used till we got our hands on the driver. I found it on versiontracker.com but the company that created - http://www.hamrick.com/

Hope this helps

[PrintDriver]

Huh, Joe? We're talking about macs...

Yeah, the Adaptec SCSI PCI card does work. But if you read the Apple thread above, it's getting more and more iffy. The new cards cost more than a new scanner too. It's the driver thing. By all means, check out VueScan. It doesn't work with everything but the list gets longer every year. You can download it to try it out but please pay for it if you use it. The guy is worth it.

PrintDriver is a grande format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

[gnite21]

Hi guys...thanks for the help!

I've got an Agfa SnapScan, and I've downloaded the driver for OSX. The larger problem is attaching the cable to the computer. But I think I've gotten enough info to feel secure in merely leaving it attached to the old G3 and then networking that older computer with the new G5. I've had a ton of other things to do over the weekend and today, and have only just gotten everything out of the box. Hoping to get at least the power turned on by tomorrow. But first...back up everthing on the G3 hardrive. My existing CD burner sucks, so that is a challenge these days. I know I'll be happier once everything is all changed over to the new system, but I just can't do it all at once with that old scanner.

Plus, in trying to contact Agfa today, I found they aren't making SnapScan anymore. OY! What's a girl to do? Luckily, I don't have need to scan all that much. This is why I'd like to make the old one work in the new system at least a little longer. Even if it's just a year, it would help.

Thanks again for the help. It's comforting knowing there is help out there!

[MD]

Leaving it the way it is is probally the best choice. The card runs $50 or the converter is $40. You can get 2400 dpi optical scanners for under $125 Just save yout money and buy a usb or firewire scanner. You will be much happier anyways. Previews scans take only a couple seconds and final scans are soooo much quicker and crisper.