Scanners in Linux

[pkd_lives]

I am currently teaching myself, and setting up a mandrake 8.2 system. Bear in mind I am still at the learning stage with this, but I am trying to get all my M$ stuff on Linux (then the big day, wipe my entire system and install only Linux). My problem is scanners (of the copy this document variety). I have a snapscan 1212p which runs on a parallel port.

I contacted Agfa and their reply was:

'Dear sir,

Unfortunately no Agfa scanners work with Linux & there are no plans to bring
out any drivers.'

So the basic tech knowledge I want is not available (and as a result AGFA have lost all my future business).

Mandrake do not have the snapscan in their hardware list, however Mandrake 8.2 provides scanner drivers, and there is one called Snapscan 1212u. Yes you guessed it It runs off of the USB.

I would like to know, has anyone else played with this stuff, and is there a way to get the Usb port and the Parallel port interchanged (I know I could probably open up the driver and write the paralell port code, but I am not at that level with linux, and my coding is not currently at that level either)? Ideas thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated. (I can always buy a linux supported scanner - but money is money).

[TheQuirk]

I'm not sure, but maybe converting the parallel cable into a USB one would work?

They sell'em here and at various other websites -- maybe even at Best Buy!

[slave]

Linux doesn't support my scanner (HP Scanjet 4400c)

[Heru]

scanners are tricky.
Most of them use some not very well known library in windows that MS won't let anyone else go near.  So the majority of scanners will only work in Windows.  
Poke around abit on various Linux sites and see what scanners will work, typically if it connects with a parallel or serial or SCSI post it has a better chance of working, but some USB scanners will work.

[pkd_lives]

Thanks,

The option of using USB is not really available, the motherboard connection for USB comes out to a 9-way D-type (what?), and my MB is a pile of dogs...I wouldn't trust them. I guess I'll just have to hunt on the linux websites more.

[creedon]

Do a Google search for SANE (Scanners Are Not Easy).

They'll tell you of the various methods of using a scanner in Linux.  BTW: DON'T try USB.  Scanners have no standards anyway ,and the limited support for USB in Linux just compounds the problem.  I have a UMAX Astra 3400 that isn't nor will it ever be supported in Linux- it's the ONLY reason that I still have WIN98 on my box.  Go SCSI for the greatest range of options.

[sporkme]

bump

who runs a scanner from linux?

how did you do it, and such?

be specific... if there is anyone.

this should be addressed, as it is one of the few shortcomings of our beloved OS.

when i look, the synopsis is basically "huh?"

i'm getting close on my scanner, but holy shit, it is a jungle out there.

SEND TO FAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!


edit: typos

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: sporkme / bob ]

[pkd_lives]

Try this site.

The backend tables are good info.

http://www.mostang.com/sane/
http://www.mostang.com/sane/sane-backends-cvs.html

Scanner is the main issue I have not yet dropped Winblows.

Now I have some time I am going to sit down and take linux by the scruff of it's neck. I am certain I can get a scanner going in Linux, but as I am getting new hardware I might just buy a new scanner, then goodbye M$.

Of course you have probably already tried these sites and found your scanner is not supported. Scanners seem to be problematical because so much of the controls are proprietary. Sorry I can't help more.

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: pkd ]