External SCSI Converter

Question

External SCSI Converter

I just acquired an AGFA Duoscan T2000XL, and I've been trying to research and solve the interface problem. To clarify: trying to convert the SCSI signal to a Firewire or USB port.

Based on my research, the available options are:
RATOC FRSX1 - scsi to firewire adapter
Microtech ExpressSCSI USB adapter
or
Adaptec PCMCIA 1460 card

What I want to know is specifically what options or problems you think I might run into. I'm leaning toward the Ratoc adapter because of the versatility, but on the Ratoc Compatibility page for the FRSX1, the T2000XL is not on their list of tested/ supported devices. Any idea of whether it works or not?

Also: some clarification as to what software/ driver elements are needed for the scanner to be recognized, assuming any of the aformentioned devices do their job. Is AGFA Fotolook necessary? Can I use that instead of having to purchase VueScan?

Thanks in advance for your help.

17" Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.5.6), 1.5 GHz PowerPC G4

Posted on Jan 7, 2009 4:29 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Jan 7, 2009 6:22 PM in response to Gangstagrizzeale

SCSI to Firewire or USB is a problematic beast at best, simply because SCSI is typically not hot swappable.

I would say that if you are going to hook up a SCSI device over either to shut down the machine's power entirely, before attempting to hook up the Firewire cable and the device. Make sure it is properly terminated, and it has its own power. Also make sure the SCSI adapter has its own power that is separate from the computer. With notebooks that gets trickier because of their low power consumption requirements.

As this is a very specialized area most people don't go to because most peripherals are no longer SCSI, you may find better support for it in http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/ or some other similar place. Then again, maybe someone at Apple Discussions can help.

I would though look over all the Mac OS X compatible scanner drivers*:

http://www.macmaps.com/macosxnative.html#SCANNER

and see if the scanner is listed. If it is not, contact AGFA and ask them if they base their scanner engine based on another scanner's drivers or not.

Good luck!

- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Message was edited by: a brody

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Answer 2

Feb 12, 2009 7:22 PM in response to Gangstagrizzeale

Hello,

I also just acquired a t2000xl. The RATOC FRSX1 connects great, but had to get an adapter from here: http://www.computercablestore.com//SCSIAdapter_SCSI_2_HD50MPID899.aspx. I'm using Vuescan, but can't seem to get a high res scan out of it. Have you had any luck? If so, please let me know.

I think I will have to install OS 9 (ouch) and run Fotolook.

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