A question or two about making proper scanss

Nathan Hall · 05-27-2012, 11:52 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on a small problem I'm having with my scanner.

I have a Mustek A3 USB 1200. I was talking on the phone with someone I've been working and scanning pages to him so he could check to make sure that the pages were coming in correctly. The first two did, but when I scanned in another the pages suddenly lost size and resolution, and I do mean literally from one page to the next. I checked the settings I was told to use (600 dpi, .tif file) and tried again, and kept trying for an hour after that, with no luck. He asked me if I had loaded the software that came with the scanner; I said no, and asked why I would need to do that when the first pages came in correctly. We batted that back and forth for about an hour before I decided to call it a night.

So the obvious question is, what went wrong? How was I able to scan in two pages that met specifcations and one that didn't? Ideas, thoughts, and experiences are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Bishop · 05-28-2012, 01:03 AM

What software were you using to scan? Photoshop?

vartemis · 05-28-2012, 07:44 AM

Sometimes scanners can be stupid like that. Usually what happens is that they change the resolution on the scan, but keep the proper pixel count; ie instead of scanning a 1" x 1" piece @ 300 dpi, it shows up as being scanned @ 100 dpi, but it shows the image as being 3" x 3". Both pictures are 900 pixels squared.

If this is the case, just open it up in photoshop and go edit->image size:
1) copy the length of pixels
2) change the resolution to what you want (300 dpi or whatever)
3) paste back in the pixel length you copied

That should correct it. I've had this happen from time to time. Don't know why it does it. It's not just Mustek. Had it happen on Epsons and Canons too. Something just gets screwed up when it's compiling it.

Hope that solves your problem.

j

**Ray Dillon** · 05-28-2012, 01:10 PM

That scanner has issues, man. I have it. Constant troubles. Not compatible with software, especially current photoshop. Sometimes scans black or blank even. Takes forever.

THANKFULLY there's a new 11 x 17 scanner out there for relatively cheap!!

BROTHER 11 X 17 SCANNER / PRINTER /FAX

Nathan Hall · 05-28-2012, 06:27 PM

Bishop: I wasn't using any image software, and that's one of the things that gets me about the problem. I set up the scanner and tried loading the software that came with it (Ulead Photoexpress 5 SE) but it just spun when I slid the disc into the DVD player on my laptop. So when I sent the first two pages and was told they were suitable for colors and letters, I thought I wouldn't need anything like photoshop. Then the letterer said the third page wasn't right. After that I tried resetting the specs a few times while we talked about what the problem might be.

I forgot to mention that I'm doing all this on a Mac, but I can't imagine that being part of the problem. Maybe I'm wrong, though.

Vartemis: I need to get photoshop before I'm able to follow your suggestion, but thanks for offering it. I'd really like to know why scanners can change the resolution on a scan without being prompted to do so first. That's one of my pet peeves about technology, it being able to act independently of what you want it to do. You say you've seen this kind of thing happen on other brands?

Ray: Thanks for the head's-up, I'll be sure to check that out. Do you have one already?

I've never had any black or blank scans come back, so at least that wasn't something I had to deal with. Were you having these issues from the very beginning when you got yours?

Bishop · 05-28-2012, 08:49 PM

So, are you scanning directly to email? If not, what are you using to get the scan into the computer?

Biofungus · 05-29-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan Hall

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on a small problem I'm having with my scanner.

I have a Mustek A3 USB 1200. I was talking on the phone with someone I've been working and scanning pages to him so he could check to make sure that the pages were coming in correctly. The first two did, but when I scanned in another the pages suddenly lost size and resolution, and I do mean literally from one page to the next. I checked the settings I was told to use (600 dpi, .tif file) and tried again, and kept trying for an hour after that, with no luck. He asked me if I had loaded the software that came with the scanner; I said no, and asked why I would need to do that when the first pages came in correctly. We batted that back and forth for about an hour before I decided to call it a night.

So the obvious question is, what went wrong? How was I able to scan in two pages that met specifcations and one that didn't? Ideas, thoughts, and experiences are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Reinstall the drivers. Failing that, unplug the scanner from the computer (and the power outlet). Go to whatever passes for a 'device manager' in Mac, and remove it if it's listed there. Reboot your computer. Plug the scanner back in (power outlet first, then into the computer) and let the mac "re-find" the hardware. Hopefully that will sort out your issues. Sounds like a driver file got corrupted. Solar flares and weird sh*t like that cause it. Seriously.

Nathan Hall · 05-29-2012, 08:52 PM

Bishop: I scanned the pages and pics and sent them to my documents folder because I thought that's what I was supposed to do. Then I just sent the files by email.

Biofungus: I'll do all that, thanks for the suggestion. I'm at a point now where if I have to reboot the scanner from scratch after every time I shut it down, then that's exactly what I'm gonna do. I'll be sure to let you know if your suggestions work!

vartemis · 05-30-2012, 08:21 AM

If you don't have Photoshop, download Gimp. It has all the features you should need for production editing, and it's free. This should allow you to crop and clean up your scans as well.

j

Justice41 · 06-02-2012, 02:41 PM

Download the drivers from Mustek so you don't have to worry about a CD. Install. Just scanning without looking at the scanned file is foolish as you won't know if the scan was right. This isn't a push button everything works world. Nothing works as it should all the time. Use the free software that comes with the installer Scan at 350 dpi in color don't do grayscale as some of the nuance in artwork gets muddied up and or won't come out in the scans. Then you need to either use the raw file or do some adjustments in contrast or brightness. But don't just expect the machine to just do all the work. it's just a scanner after all.

Nathan Hall · 06-03-2012, 08:05 PM

Hey Justice, just had a chance to read your comment. I wanted to mention that I wasn't expecting the scanner to do all the work, at all. Remember, I was on the phone with a co-worker, someone with much more experience and knowledge in the matter, and I was being coached on how to get the right size and resolution for the work. So we were definitely looking at everything. Remember also that we lost the desired look in seconds from page 2 to page 3, so when that happened that's where my confusion followed. You're correct that this isn't a "push-button/everything works" world, but when I'm using equipment that isn't broken or otherwise damaged, I do expect the equipment to perform and get the job done.

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll be sure to try them if the scanner fails again.

05-27-2012, 11:52 PM	#1
Nathan Hall Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 27	A question or two about making proper scanss Hi everyone, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on a small problem I'm having with my scanner. I have a Mustek A3 USB 1200. I was talking on the phone with someone I've been working and scanning pages to him so he could check to make sure that the pages were coming in correctly. The first two did, but when I scanned in another the pages suddenly lost size and resolution, and I do mean literally from one page to the next. I checked the settings I was told to use (600 dpi, .tif file) and tried again, and kept trying for an hour after that, with no luck. He asked me if I had loaded the software that came with the scanner; I said no, and asked why I would need to do that when the first pages came in correctly. We batted that back and forth for about an hour before I decided to call it a night. So the obvious question is, what went wrong? How was I able to scan in two pages that met specifcations and one that didn't? Ideas, thoughts, and experiences are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

05-28-2012, 01:10 PM	#4
Ray Dillon Golden Goat Studios Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine Posts: 7,299	That scanner has issues, man. I have it. Constant troubles. Not compatible with software, especially current photoshop. Sometimes scans black or blank even. Takes forever. THANKFULLY there's a new 11 x 17 scanner out there for relatively cheap!! BROTHER 11 X 17 SCANNER / PRINTER /FAX __________________ RAY DILLON - Artist/Writer - Golden Goat Studios CLIENTS: HBO's Game of Thrones, Borderlands 2, Ridley Scott / Science Channel, R.L. Stine, IDW / Mars Attacks, Marvel, DC, Archie * Met wife/artist Renae De Liz here in DW! ART: COVERS : COMICS : FILM/GAME : uTube : FOLLOW ME!

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05-28-2012, 01:03 AM	#2
Bishop Keeper of random thoughts Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: In your head. Posts: 4,091	What software were you using to scan? Photoshop?

05-28-2012, 07:44 AM	#3
vartemis Onomonopiaphile Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 480	Sometimes scanners can be stupid like that. Usually what happens is that they change the resolution on the scan, but keep the proper pixel count; ie instead of scanning a 1" x 1" piece @ 300 dpi, it shows up as being scanned @ 100 dpi, but it shows the image as being 3" x 3". Both pictures are 900 pixels squared. If this is the case, just open it up in photoshop and go edit->image size: 1) copy the length of pixels 2) change the resolution to what you want (300 dpi or whatever) 3) paste back in the pixel length you copied That should correct it. I've had this happen from time to time. Don't know why it does it. It's not just Mustek. Had it happen on Epsons and Canons too. Something just gets screwed up when it's compiling it. Hope that solves your problem. j

05-28-2012, 06:27 PM	#5
Nathan Hall Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 27	Bishop: I wasn't using any image software, and that's one of the things that gets me about the problem. I set up the scanner and tried loading the software that came with it (Ulead Photoexpress 5 SE) but it just spun when I slid the disc into the DVD player on my laptop. So when I sent the first two pages and was told they were suitable for colors and letters, I thought I wouldn't need anything like photoshop. Then the letterer said the third page wasn't right. After that I tried resetting the specs a few times while we talked about what the problem might be. I forgot to mention that I'm doing all this on a Mac, but I can't imagine that being part of the problem. Maybe I'm wrong, though. Vartemis: I need to get photoshop before I'm able to follow your suggestion, but thanks for offering it. I'd really like to know why scanners can change the resolution on a scan without being prompted to do so first. That's one of my pet peeves about technology, it being able to act independently of what you want it to do. You say you've seen this kind of thing happen on other brands? Ray: Thanks for the head's-up, I'll be sure to check that out. Do you have one already? I've never had any black or blank scans come back, so at least that wasn't something I had to deal with. Were you having these issues from the very beginning when you got yours?

05-28-2012, 08:49 PM	#6
Bishop Keeper of random thoughts Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: In your head. Posts: 4,091	So, are you scanning directly to email? If not, what are you using to get the scan into the computer?

05-29-2012, 08:52 PM	#8
Nathan Hall Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 27	Bishop: I scanned the pages and pics and sent them to my documents folder because I thought that's what I was supposed to do. Then I just sent the files by email. Biofungus: I'll do all that, thanks for the suggestion. I'm at a point now where if I have to reboot the scanner from scratch after every time I shut it down, then that's exactly what I'm gonna do. I'll be sure to let you know if your suggestions work!

05-30-2012, 08:21 AM	#9
vartemis Onomonopiaphile Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 480	If you don't have Photoshop, download Gimp. It has all the features you should need for production editing, and it's free. This should allow you to crop and clean up your scans as well. j

06-02-2012, 02:41 PM	#10
Justice41 Piss Off Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 9,367	Download the drivers from Mustek so you don't have to worry about a CD. Install. Just scanning without looking at the scanned file is foolish as you won't know if the scan was right. This isn't a push button everything works world. Nothing works as it should all the time. Use the free software that comes with the installer Scan at 350 dpi in color don't do grayscale as some of the nuance in artwork gets muddied up and or won't come out in the scans. Then you need to either use the raw file or do some adjustments in contrast or brightness. But don't just expect the machine to just do all the work. it's just a scanner after all.

06-03-2012, 08:05 PM	#11
Nathan Hall Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 27	Hey Justice, just had a chance to read your comment. I wanted to mention that I wasn't expecting the scanner to do all the work, at all. Remember, I was on the phone with a co-worker, someone with much more experience and knowledge in the matter, and I was being coached on how to get the right size and resolution for the work. So we were definitely looking at everything. Remember also that we lost the desired look in seconds from page 2 to page 3, so when that happened that's where my confusion followed. You're correct that this isn't a "push-button/everything works" world, but when I'm using equipment that isn't broken or otherwise damaged, I do expect the equipment to perform and get the job done. Thanks for your suggestions. I'll be sure to try them if the scanner fails again.