Scanner Outputs Bands of Color But No Image

[joeylemor2]

Hi,

My scanner has suddenly malfunctioned. The scan head moves but it does'nt output any images - only bands of colors. Any ideas?

The scanner is a Microtek Scanmaker 4800 and I am using the lastest ScanWizard 5 v6.3 software.

Thanks.

 

[goombawaho]

It has passed on. Unless you can try it on another PC and make it work, assume it's useful life is over.

 

[joeylemor2]

I opened the scanner to check if there is loose connection somewhere or a blown capacitor. It appears that there is none.

Although I found out that there is a small tear in the ZIF cable, but its far to the side and I'm not sure if the covered wire near the side has been cut. Could this be it? I was wondering whether it is worth it to buy a replacement cable?

Btw, I also tested the power supply adapter and it's still OK.

 

[goombawaho]

It certainly could be the issue.

But:
It may not be a purchaseable part
It may not be worth the money just to find out, even if available.

How much did you pay for the scanner?? Those things are kind of throw-away unless you bought a SUPER good one.

 

[rclarke250]

Goom is right, you can get a good scanner for 100-125, and a really good one for under 200.00. And most parts are not considered as serviceable parts, so not available to order.

 

[joeylemor2]

Thanks for your reply guys.

I agree that many cheap peripherals, like printers and scanners, are usually considered as disposables. Anyway, I just wanted to confirm that it was not just a minor issue, or something that can be easily repaired, before I throw it away.

I am just curious guys, but how many times have you replaced your desktop scanners/printers? This is already my second scanner, but what can you say about the durability of brands/models that you used?