Anyone on this group have any experience with removing the sensing
array from scanners and using it as an optical sensor? I'm interested
in using some of the old scanners that seem to be all over the place as
optical devices for spectroscopy, etc. Problem is that I have no
experience with these critters.

Henry Barwood

wrote:
Anyone on this group have any experience with removing the sensing
array from scanners and using it as an optical sensor? I'm interested
in using some of the old scanners that seem to be all over the place as
optical devices for spectroscopy, etc. Problem is that I have no
experience with these critters.

Henry Barwood


I have been collecting the Spectroscopes and Scanners for years, now I
need the Software and hwdre drivers to scan the Optical Sensors, Both
optical graitting ? and Prisms types. DB, and DU mechanisms. Good
application, Identifying LEDs by Wavelength !

Yukio YANO

wrote:
Anyone on this group have any experience with removing the sensing
array from scanners and using it as an optical sensor? I'm interested
in using some of the old scanners that seem to be all over the place as
optical devices for spectroscopy, etc. Problem is that I have no
experience with these critters.

Henry Barwood




Generally they use a linear CCD element, CCDs in general are read very
much the same way as dynamic RAM chips, there should be some info out
there that will help.

wrote in message
ups.com...
Anyone on this group have any experience with removing the sensing
array from scanners and using it as an optical sensor? I'm interested
in using some of the old scanners that seem to be all over the place as
optical devices for spectroscopy, etc. Problem is that I have no
experience with these critters.

Henry Barwood



Assuming scanners are much like fax machine optics.
I once made a microfiche printer by extending a Fax CCD by wires out to a
scaled down traverse carying microfiche and torch bulb and a different lens.
The active CCD is about the same length/width (i don't remember which)
of a microfiche "page". Yes, a low level light source as you're not
illuminating 8 inches of paper.
Retain the rest of the electronics to process as normal

--
Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/

You might be ok with spectroscopy in the visible range -- after
all, the scanners were designed to scan visible color. But it
might not do you much good if you're looking at ultraviolet.


wrote:
Anyone on this group have any experience with removing the sensing
array from scanners and using it as an optical sensor? I'm interested
in using some of the old scanners that seem to be all over the place as
optical devices for spectroscopy, etc.

Most CCD devices have pretty good sensitivity from around 350 nm to
about 1100 nm. I routinely use an old webcam minus the IR blocking
filter for NIR work. I see no reason why the linear chips in scanner
should be different.

HB