-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: large format scanner question
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2005 13:49:14 -0500
From: Patrick Florance <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
CC: [log in to unmask]
References: <[log in to unmask]>
Hi Jeremiah,
This is Patrick from the Harvard Map Collection. I've managed our digital
imaging services and our print lab here for a few years. We've gone
through a couple of large-format scanners here. We started with a VIDAR
Titan Atlas 40" a few years ago. We recently upgraded to an Atlas P42 Plus
42" scanner. As you probably know, VIDAR was purchased by Contex, so all
VIDAR scanners are now actually Contex - a bit of a bummer I think.
The Atlas P42 is a good scanner; however we have had a bit of trouble with
it. We've had some blue artifact hue problems, and it seems to get tangled
up in itself electronically often. In fact we are currently sending it
back and getting a replacement. I do like the scanner though; the speed,
feed, and height are adjustable. And the tech support has been fantastic.
I can't really comment on the Contex Magnum XL 54". I think Abe at Yale is
using it. However, there is a huge jump in price from the 42" to the
54". We rarely cannot scan a map because it is too large. So for us, it
just wasn't worth the added price. We'd rather put that money into our
plotter, RIP, and larger flatbed desktop scanner. We also decided to go
with USB II instead of Firewire.
There are some things you will definitely want to consider when purchasing
a large-format scanner. Adjustable speed is important. If you're doing
fragile materials you probably will want to slow down the scanner. You
probably will want the ability to do a single pass scan. Adjustable
height is also important if you have items on some sort of thick
backing. Keep in mind that although the scanner's height is adjustable,
there is often some slippage with thick items that results in blurry
artifacts.
Also, you will most likely want to upgrade from the base software that
comes with the scanner. For instance, we use CopySystems MX with
ours. It's an additional $2000 plus a maintenance for upgrades at $599 per
year.
One other consideration is Raster Image Processing (RIP) software. If you
are saving a lot of large digital files you will want a RIP to print them
to your plotter. We used to use Fiery Spark RIP, and I hated it. It
crashed on me all the time. We've switched over to Onyx RIPCenter and it's
been fantastic. We are also using an EPSON 9600 44" plotter.
You will also want a ton of RAM on your scanning/RIP/image processing
machine. I'd recommend 2 gigs.
I haven't used the Colortrac 5480e. I would like to know what you've
heard. Also, would you please forward the responses you get to me. I'd
like to read them as well. I hope this is helpful.
Best,
Patrick
>>-------- Original Message --------
>>Subject: large format scanner question
>>Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:47:40 -0500 (EST)
>>From: Jeremiah Trinidad <[log in to unmask]>
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>
>>------------------
>>We are considering purchasing a large scale scanner and am interested to
>>see if anyone has any experience using the Contex Magnum XL 54" scanner,
>>or possibly another one of their products.
>>
>>The other scanner we are considering is the Colortrac 5480e, of which I
>>have heard both good and bad things about, so I would like to explore
>>other options and would be grateful for any information others would be
>>willing to share.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Jeremiah Trinidad
>>GIS/Map Librarian
>>Columbia University
>
>*******************************
>Patrick Florance
>Digital Cartography Specialist
>Harvard Map Collection
>Harvard University
>Cambridge, MA, USA 02138
>Tel. 617-495-2417
>FAX 617-496-0440
>Email: [log in to unmask]
>http://hcl.harvard.edu/maps/
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