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 snipped-for-privacy@troy.edu
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
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.
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
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.
snipped-for-privacy@troy.edu wrote:
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
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