How to Connect a SCSI Scanner to a Computer

Scanners with SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy") interfaces operate faster than scanners with parallel or USB interfaces. You can attach a SCSI scanner if you have a SCSI port. This procedure applies to a SCSI flatbed scanner for the PC.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SCSI Scanners

1. Check your computer for a SCSI port; it is slightly smaller than a parallel port.

2. Buy a scanner that uses a SCSI port; check the system requirements on the package.

3. Unpack the scanner and its accessories.

4. Unlock the scanner mechanism. The locking button may be near the hinge of the scanner cover. Refer to your scanner manual for location.

5. Turn off the computer and any attached devices.

6. Attach the SCSI connector end of the scanner cable to the SCSI port on your computer; secure the side screws.

7. Attach the other end of the cable to the identical slot on back of the scanner; refer to the scanner manual for location. And secure the side screws.

8. Attach the SCSI terminator plug to the second SCSI port on the scanner, or set a switch (check the manual), if the scanner is the last SCSI device or if it is the only device. Because SCSI devices can be daisy-chained (one device attached to another), the computer must know where the SCSI link ends.

9. Change the SCSI ID on the scanner if another SCSI device is using the same ID. Check the scanner manual and your computer manual for any IDs that should not be used.

10. Attach the power cable to the scanner and to a power outlet.

11. Turn on the scanner, then turn on the computer.

12. Install the scanner software using the Windows Plug 'n Play feature, which should detect the scanner automatically when Windows restarts. Follow the Windows instructions, and insert the scanner installation diskette or CD when prompted.

13. If Windows does not detect the scanner, insert the installation diskette or CD, and select Run from the Start menu. Navigate to the scanner software installer on the disk, and click OK.

14. Follow instructions for choosing settings and running a test scan.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the ID of another SCSI device by checking the device - it will probably have a little box with the number and a button to change the number - or by checking the computer settings during computer restart.
• Ensure that the computer detects the scanner by turning on the scanner before turning on the computer.
• If the SCSI chain isn't terminated properly, or if two devices are using the same SCSI number, your computer might behave erratically or might not start up. If that happens, shut down the computer, turn off the scanner and restart. Refer to the computer and scanner manuals for proper termination and numbering instructions.
• The scanning mechanism in the flatbed scanner is a moveable part. It is locked in place before shipping. You must unlock the scanner before using it, or you will damage this mechanism. Likewise, you must lock the scanner before transporting it or you may damage the scanning mechanism.