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SCSI to Firewire or USB Converter - For 24" Alum iMac

Submitted by TwoPynts on March 13, 2008 - 6:27pm. Intel Macs

I have a new 24" aluminum Intel iMac and can't keep my G4 any longer.
I have an older Epson 836XL large format scanner that I would like to keep using, rather than pony up $2K+ for a new one. It works just fine.

I've yet to find an adapter compatible with Macs that will allow you to use SCSI scanners or printers. Mass storage devices, yes. Other peripherals, no.

Does anyone know of one that works, either Firewire or USB?
Thanks.

~Kort

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Eudimorphodon's picture

Leopard + SCSI = Not So Good

Submitted by Eudimorphodon on March 13, 2008 - 8:42pm.

The documentation for "Vuescan", here:

http://www.hamrick.com/vuescan/vuescan.htm#macosx

specifically recommends this device, the Ratoc FR1SX. If you search for "FR1SX" and "Leopard" you'll find spotty reports, some saying it works, some saying it doesn't, and some in between. Your mileage will undoubtedly vary.

An off-the-wall suggestion would be to get the cheapest PC with a SCSI port you can find (or use your old G4, for that matter), configure SANE to share the scanner on the network, and use the OS X port of SANE/TWAIN to run the scanner without physically connecting it to your new iMac. It's a clunky thing to do if it's just you using the scanner, but if you have a home or office of potential users to share it with the idea might have merit.

--Peace

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TwoPynts's picture

FR1SX

Submitted by TwoPynts on March 13, 2008 - 9:05pm.

Hey, that is just the type of device I was looking for, if it works. I found another Ratoc converter for USB, but it does not support scanners and the like for OSX. Worth trying in any event. Thanks a lot Eudi!

~Kort

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TwoPynts's picture

Yeay!

Submitted by TwoPynts on April 16, 2008 - 1:10pm.

Good news everyone!

I bought it and installed it (with a 50 pin port adapter) and am pleased to say that the the Ratoc FR1SX is compatible with the Epson 836XL scanner using the latest VueScan software. And the optional power supply in not necessary. It took a few restarts and some playing with the supplied driver software supplied by Ratoc on a CD, but it does now work smoothly.

I am thrilled. It scans images beautifully, perhaps better than when attached to the old G4. And it is faster as well. For about $150 I know have a working 13x19 scanner instead of having to get a new one for $2000 or more.

So yes, there is a SCSI to Firewire adapter out there that works in OS 10.5.2.
Spread the good word...

~Kort

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