Scanner: Failed to open a connection to the device (-21345) iMac + Epson Scanner

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Scanner: Failed to open a connection to the device (-21345) iMac + Epson Scanner

Using Sonoma on my iMac. My particular scanner is an Epson Perfection V500 Photo. Not a printer/scanner combo. I've tried both Image Capture and Vuescan. The latter has had me downloading the latest of its software and also offers a download link to the latest driver from Epson. Then it still doesn't work. I'm so up to date it's crazy. So what's wrong? On rare occasions I can access the scanner after a restart for a few times and then it's back to square one for no apparent reason. Connecting is a fluke it seems.

I've removed the scanner in system settings, and then re-added it and tried to open it from there. I've unplugged it, turned it off and on and everything I can think of short of a voodoo dance shaking bones and feathers over it.

iMac 21.5″, 14.0

Posted on Jun 19, 2024 9:25 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Michael Goettee Author

Level 1

94 points

Jun 20, 2024 6:40 AM in response to MartinR

Thanks, MartinR! Plugging the cable directly into the Mac seems to have been what WORKS, at least while using ViewScan. I'm holding my breath, since the problem has been only temporarily been fixed several times. Plugging it directly into the Mac is the only thing I hadn't done because it's been plugged into the same hub for years. Since my former "fixes" only lasted a short while, I'm going to keep this going until I'm absolutely sure.

BTW: This is a 2019 iMac. I've got a new one on order, so who knows what fresh **** comes with the fact that the only ports on the back are USB C and will require adapters and a new hub for almost everything. ARGH!

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Answer 2

MartinR

Level 7

25,896 points

Jun 19, 2024 10:21 AM in response to Michael Goettee

This does happen from time to time. I have two Epson scanners and it happens occasionally to each of them.

I have found the solution to be to connect the scanner directly to your Mac, not through any kind of USB hub. Also, turn the scanner on and wait 30 to 60 seconds before starting Vuescan, Image Capture or Epson Scan. This seems to give the system and the apps time to recognize the connection to the scanner.

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

25,896 points

Jun 19, 2024 2:13 PM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:

Disabling IPv6 from the printer's control panel may resolve this issue.

The V500 is a just a USB scanner. A very good one, but just a scanner. While there are three buttons on the scanner to initiate a scan to PDF, email or printer, there is no control panel and it is not networked. This is just a USB connection issue.

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Answer 4

MartinR

Level 7

25,896 points

Jun 20, 2024 8:51 AM in response to Michael Goettee

Michael Goettee wrote:

the only ports on the back are USB C and will require adapters and a new hub for almost everything.

"That's progress ..." or so they say ...

There are inexpensive USB-A -to- USB-C adapters you can get for your existing USB cables. Here are two examples:

For most scanners and printers you could just replace the existing cable with a USB-C to USB-B cable like this one.

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Answer 5

MartinR

Level 7

25,896 points

Jun 19, 2024 2:12 PM in response to MartinR

Michael Goettee wrote;

Using Sonoma on my iMac.

BTW, exactly what model iMac do you have; and do you have any other USB devices connected to it? Are you using a USB hub?

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Answer 6

Jun 20, 2024 6:52 PM in response to MartinR

I've just received some USB-A to USB-C adapters. Also looking at a powered USB-C hubs that even have a gigabyte ethernet port and slots for other things I'm using like camera cards. Praying they all work. Progress indeed. (eye roll).

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