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Using GSD Equipment
Scanning
The GSD has a large varierty of devices to scan slides, large format drawings, pages from books, snapshots.
It is possible to create very large and awkward files with scanners, and waste disk space and lots of time if you don't know how to set your parameters correctly. Please read our explanation of proper settings and glossary of basic scanning terms.
Vector vs Raster Scanning: While it is sometimes possible to extract vector information ('line-art') from the raster (images made of dots) files produced by the scanner, the GSD has little software for this, and in most cases the accuracy and quality of such conversions is low. The drawing should be digitized as lines with the large-format digitizer instead of scanned if that is the desired end-result.
Color Calibration: In general, the scanner is calibrated for good color reproduction, but no specific arrangements are made to assure color fidelity under all circumstances. Use a combination of trial-and-error and image processing adjustments to achieve the color results you need.
Large format: You can use the Colortrac scanner as a large-format copy device, (enlarging or reducing), by scanning directly to the RTL format, optionally scaling in the process, saving in plottmp, then printing the RTL file directly on an HP InkJet plotter (using the usual mechanism for files in plottmp). There is presently no charge for using the large format scanner.
- Scanning Hardware
- Important Cautions
- Operating Flatbed and Slide Scanner
- Operating Large Format Scanner
Scanning Hardware
| flatbed scanners | Colortrac 3680e Engineering Scanner | slide scanners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| location |
|
Room 521 | 3rd floor, L41 |
| original types | photos, books, 2D art | flat art (maps, plans, posters) on paper or film (mylar, e.g.) | 35mm slides |
| original size | up to 11" x 17" | up to .47" thick, up to 36" wide (12mm x 914mm), and as long as computer memory allows | n/a |
| resolution | variable, max 400 dpi | ||
| modes |
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| speed |
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| output | most popular raster graphics formats (TIFF, JPEG, RTL & others) |
IMPORTANT CAUTIONS
While all scanners should be robust and durable under ordinary use, they are complicated and delicate devices, with some precision components. They should not be disassembled, have liquids spilled on them, or have any foreign objects placed on the scanner surface that might break,discolor, or scratch the glass, etc.
All Scanners: Remove staples, paper clips, or anything that may snag or scratch.
Colortrac:
- Only smooth, clean, flat art on paper or film (mylar, e.g.)
- No taped or glued montages, tempera paints, charcoal, etc; these can ruin the scanner!
- If your original is fragile, brittle, small, dirty, smudgy, or if you are not quite sure, use a clear plastic sleeve.
Having trouble?
- DON'T use the scanner if any red or blinking lights are on.
- DON'T choose 'Calibrate' from the File Menu; If not done correctly, it just makes it worse!
- DON'T attempt to remove any parts, or undertake any repairs.
- DON'T undo any cable connections or attempt to reconfigure any software.
- For some problems, turn both the scanner and computer off, then the scanner back on, and then the computer back on.
- If that does not work, just call for help.
Smart behavior
- Let the scanner warm up for 30-60 seconds (green and internal lights on) before you try to use it or you will get errors.
- Use the lowest acceptable resolution settings for your needs or it will take forever and be huge.
- Move your files to nettmp or plottmp and then to some other medium immediately or you risk losing them.
- DON'T use scan stations for ordinary image processing - get your scan done and process the image somewhere else, freeing the scanner for others' use.
Operating Flatbed and Slide Scanners
- Make sure scanner is turned on and properly cabled to the computer. Do not remove or reseat any cables while scanner or computer are on.
- Open Adobe Photoshop.
- Hold down on File->Import, and select the scanner plugin appropriate for the scanner (usually some variant of its name).
- Often there is a pre-scan option which enables you to set the bounding rectangle of the area of interest, and see a low-res preview.
- Set the desired scanning rectangle, resolution in dpi, and other parameters such as color or grayscale, as possible in the dialog box.
- After scanning, be sure to save your file locally and remove your originals from the scanner!
- Move locally saved files to a network drive (either your account or nettmp).
Operating Large Format Scanners
- Warm up Colortrac scanner for 30-60 seconds, until green and internal lights are on
- Use clear plastic sleeve if original is smudgy, small, or brittle
- Gently, firmly place original into scanner, left aligned, until rollers 'grab' document
- Use Forward/Backward buttons to make sure document is in straight
- Scan with Scanworks or Photoshop:
In Scanworks SA
- Select desired parameters (format/type, resolution, size)*
- Set filename (use My Documents folder or Desktop to store files temporarily)*
- Click on scan button
*If Scanworks will not let you change parameters or directory: Select Factory Defaults on the Presets tab (lower left of the window, close scanworks, then open it and try again.
In PhotoShop
- Choose File > Import > Colortrac Twain Driver
- The SCAN PARAMETERS dialog box should appear: Specify resolution, size, and image type.
- Use SIDE JUSTIFIED if you are using the blue edge guide on the right hand side of scanner bed.
- Click on ACQUIRE DATA to scan document.
- Press the Forward Arrow button on the scanner control panel to release the original don't just pull it out.
- Save and name the file.
- Transfer your scanned images to 'nettmp' or to any removable media (CD-R or Zip).
- Delete your files from the scanner PC.