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Re: USB Scanner & MM 1.3 considerations

Hello Jim, et al..

I've got USB scanning in the Panels environment working beautifully right
now, though it took me ages to figure out the best method. I'll try to
explain the bits that I think are important:

First off, we have Umax Astra MX3 scanners. Unfortunately, the solution I
found may not work for you if you have a different model.

Before doing anything, make sure you have the absolute latest drivers for
your scanner (versiontracker.com is usually a good place to look other than
the manufacturer's site).

Now, choose the method you want kids to use to utilize the scanner. I use
GraphicConverter and TWAIN Acquire. I used to use the VistaScan app, but
saving through it is an absolute nightmare, as well as being stupid and
non-intuitive (have I mentioned how much I hate Umax programmers yet?).

Next, log in under System Access and try to scan something. For me, this
means:
* Open GraphicConverter
* Select "TWAIN Acquire..." from the File menu
* In the VistaScan window that should come up, I Preview, then Scan.
* Save the resulting image

If everything went without a hitch, you're ready to move on. If not, you
might need to tweak GC's (or VistaScan's) prefs. For example, is it set to
save as the right image format by default? (Depends on what you're gonna
want your kids to end up with, of course).

The next step is to decide who gets the TWAIN stuff in their server-based
preferences folder. If you want *everybody* to be able to scan whenever they
want, you can pop the TWAIN and UMAX (or whatever your scanner uses) folders
right into the Initial Prefs bit. Keep in mind, though, the HD space that
will consume; 5MB times 400 users is about 2 gigs.

What I do is this:
* First, manually put the TWAIN stuff into all staff members' prefs
folders. That way, teachers can scan, always.
* Second, if a teacher asks for his/her class to be able to scan things
themselves, I pop the TWAIN stuff into each of his/her students' pref
folders. This keeps the number of the TWAIN duplicates on the server down.
Kind of a hassle, but doesn't really take that much effort.

Finally, give access to the GraphicConverter app to *all* workgroups (so
that a teacher can log into his/her class' workgroup and save scans in the
proper Group Shared folder). Make VistaScan openable by other apps in the MM
admin app, too.

Should be about it. I've got kids in grade 3 doing the entire scan and save
process, start to finish, without any assistance.

Oh, and lastly: It's been quite a while since I actually set things up here,
so I might be forgetting something. If something here doesn't make sense, or
you get stuck, feel free to ask; I think I'll be able to help. :)

Good luck,
John


> I would like to request some guidance from those hardy pioneers who have
> successfully setup USB scanners in their computer labs. My question concerns
> the implementation of a USB scanner in my MM 1.3 computer lab using SL iMac
> clients. IDEALLY, this scanner would work in the panels environment. I am
> considering one of the below scanners for purchase. I would like to hear
> from those of you who have already successfully setup a scanner in your lab
> environment. Any recommendations as to setup procedure and which scanner to
> purchase for the greatest compatibility would be greatly appreciated. TIA
> for your assistance!

References: 
 >USB Scanner & MM 1.3 considerations (From: Jim Cash-GPS <email@hidden>)



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