(vanity) Need SCSI controller solution for small-form-factor PC

self | 7/2/15 | NewJerseyJoe

[NewJerseyJoe]

I once again call upon the collective genius of all the FReeper minds, this time to help me solve a computer issue.

I recently had no choice but to upgrade from the PC I've been using since -- wait for it -- 2000 (or thereabouts). Why did I wait so long? Well, because I've tweaked and customized it over the years to do exactly what I want it to do. But I had to face the reality that it's too slow to do things properly anymore, and more and more online stuff just doesn't work on the old XP machine.

I got a Dell-refurbished Optiplex, and I'm extremely happy with the speed and responsiveness, and Win 7 (x64) is quite refreshing.

But there's a snag.... I have an old Microtek legal-size flatbed scanner which I love -- it works perfectly and suits all my needs. (I need the legal-size scan surface for the stuff I work with.) I was worried that my SCSI card wouldn't work in x64, but I found 64-bit drivers online that remedy exactly that problem. So I was ready to proceed with installation when I realized that my Adaptec AIC-7850 (AVA 2906) PCI SCSI controller doesn't fit in the opening for the PCI slot on this computer -- I think it's what they call a "small form factor" PC.

I haven't been in the market for a SCSI product for 15 years, so I don't know what kinds of products are available these days.

1. The first thing I thought of was a low-profile SCSI controller. They're available to purchase, but the ones I found cost a few hundred dollars.

2. Then I thought, "Perhaps someone has invented some sort of SCSI-USB converter." I found such items -- but every product I saw has been discontinued.

3. Next thought: maybe there is some sort of extender card or extension cable, so I can have the SCSI controller outside the chassis of the PC. The only things I found in this regard are ribbon cables meant for use *inside* the chassis.

So I've struck out three times. As I mentioned, I now turn to the experience of my fellow FReepers for a solution. The legal-size flatbed scanners I've found cost hundreds of dollars, and I need a lower-cost solution to this problem.

Your technical expertise is appreciated. Thank you.

[Kirkwood]

I threw out my scsi scanner from the 1990s a few years ago. USB scanners are cheap, fast, and the quality of the output is much better.

[Paladin2]

Maybe a used card is available.

Or, put a wart on the box to hold the big card.

Or swap all the guts to a big box.

[Paladin2]

USB to SCSI adapter.

[Covenantor]

does this work for you?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DYBXN10/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1435857962&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&keywords=scsi+pci+card&dpPl=1&dpID=41WSu0VcxrL&ref=plSrch

[Norm Lenhart]

Replace the scanner. I know what you’re gonna say. I sympathies. Just believe me when I tell you that it is not worth the grief of kludging together a solution to keep old hardware going unless it is some mission critical thing. A scanner isn’t.

[tacticalogic]

Being something of a collector (alright then, pack rat), I just checked one of my bins and found an Adaptec AHA-2940.

[NewJerseyJoe]

>> USB scanners are cheap

If you can link me to a cheap USB scanner with a legal-size scan surface, I'll be happy to look at it.

[NewJerseyJoe]

Link? As I wrote in my post, all the ones I’ve found have been discontinued.

[CptnObvious]

Consider a WIFI Printer/Scanner/Copier like the Canon MG 3220: inexpensive, shareable.

Also get off XP and onto windows 7 for the free upgrade to 10. Check if your CPU is 64bit, if so backup your XP and get a tech to install Windows 7 64bit. Then you can upgrade your memory beyond 3.2Gb.

I just did that and cloned my hard drive onto an SSD in 8 min. Now making DVDs is wonderful and my system flies!

[NewJerseyJoe]

>>Replace the scanner

No $$ for that. I'm in circumstances where I either (A) find a low-cost solution or (B) I keep the old PC running only for the scanner and then transferring files by flash drive.

[Kirkwood]

I found a bunch on Amazon. Here is one for under $200 and if you get the refurbished one it is under $100.

http://www.amazon.com/Epson-WorkForce-Sheet-Fed-Automatic-B11B190011/dp/B001B90Q94/ref=sr_1_3?s=office-electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1435858385&sr=1-3&keywords=8.5+x+14+scanner&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A6559683011

I got an upright Canon duplex scanner for about $450 that is blazingly fast and does both sides at once. But I figure you want to get one for only a couple hundred.

[Norm Lenhart]

Option B is cheaper.

[NewJerseyJoe]

>>get off XP and onto windows 7
Check if your CPU is 64bit

As I wrote in my post, the new PC is Win 7 x64.

>>Canon MG 3220

Also as I wrote in my post, I require a legal-size scan surface. The printer/scanner you mentioned has a letter-size scan surface.

[NewJerseyJoe]

Yeah, I know. I fear that’s the solution I’ll end up with.

[NewJerseyJoe]

Do not have that kind of $$ in my present circumstances. See my response #11.

[taxcontrol]

Have you considered an all in one printer? $250 for print, fax and scan.

http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/Multifunction_With_Legal_Size_Document/#.VZV5fflVhBc

[Kirkwood]

Here is a duplex 8.5 x 14 scanner that is about $270.
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-ImageCenter-ADS-2000-Document-Scanner/dp/B007TN1J2O/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0S3TJEKSKC1QG2XKK2SY

I think you need to realize that flatbed scanners are being replaced by the upright models now. Much nicer and all automated. Throw the paper in the top and it spits out a collated pdf document on your computer.

[NewJerseyJoe]

See #11, #16. For me, right now, it’s either a low-cost solution or nothing.

[Kirkwood]

And yet you are going to throw away good money on an antique scsi card? Crazy.