Posted on 07/02/2015 10:16:33 AM PDT by 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.
Yes — addressed in my original post.
Would your current SCSI card fit in the box other than it's bracket? Because any back alley shop might have a bracket that could be modded to work...
Otherwise, while low-profile SCSI cards are available, they are quite expensive - $150 or so, and up... A new scanner would be less money... with better resolution too... JMO
Ok, I understand. I mistakenly thought you might be trying to fit the wrong type of card. On first glance, I saw cards with a wide range of prices. I think the high end ones are a new SCSI standard. SCSI took a big hit once USB 2.0 came out due to the small difference in performance so I haven’t used it for quite a while.
I hope you can find a reasonable solution. I have PCMCIA cards sitting around somewhere with Firewire, wireless etc, that no longer fit into new laptops, so I would be in the same situation if I needed to connect to some older devices.
What I did was upgrade hardware. Staples often has a combination of printer sales with trade-in rebates of $50-$100. I’ve bought $300 HP Office Jet all-in-ones for about $150. There is an Office Jet with a Legal sized bed. The Ink for these also yields about 2x as many prints for the same money as the smaller printers so it is mess expensive to run. If you only occasionally need to due legal sized scanning, the auto feeder will scan legal even if the bed is smaller.
Once again, I hope you find a solution that works for you.
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