I have been using a Canoscan LiDE 40 scanner with my Windows machine for a few years with no problem. I downloaded the driver from Canon for Mac OS X recently and I'm now trying to get it to work on the Mac. It -should- work, but when I plug it in, the scan head moves about a cm, the head flashes, then it moves back. It does this every two seconds perpetually. Is this likely a driver problem or a hardware problem? Just to make sure it wasn't stuck, I took out the glass and helped the head along. I even tried moving the head all the way to the other side. It just retreats back to the starting position and starts its back and forth routine again. What gives?
Mike
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Sorry for the slow response. LIDE 40 is a Japan only model, which is why you didn't find the drivers on the USA and Europe sites. It still works fine on XP, so I guess the driver just isn't written well or something along those lines. Oh well, like you say, scanners are cheaper and faster these days. I'll just get a new one.
Mike
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by: NaturaTekPosted on 2009-05-17 at 12:48:45ID: 24407362
Sounds like it maybe faulty. But before we go ahead and say that, is it possible you can connect it to a Windows XP computer and test it from there?
I looked on Canon's website in US and europe and did not find a driver for xp or mac, in fact LIDE 40 is not even listed there, only 35 and 50, maybe the 50 version works on 40? I won't know, but I would try it on the mac.
Once I had a similar experience. If you are bold and adventurous, you can try the following. Open it up and make sure there are no obstructions. One old printer had a 'thumbtack' that someone got in there and prevented the rollers from rolling. Check the belt, should be firm. The rails where the scan interface goes up and down, should be smooth and not 'rusted'. You can grease these rails that solves some issues. Many people debate what to use to grease the rails. Epson techs use G-26 lubricant for example, but we don't have access to exact lubricant, some people use clear silicone grease, a white lithium lubricant, etc. From my experience I've used a clear mineral oil , consistency of very light vaseline. and I haven't had a problem. I'm not recommending, but stating what I've used long ago.
Try diff USB ports, perhaps the printer is usb 2.0 and you have 1.1? Check the voltage of the powersupply of scanner, when they fail, wont produce enough voltage.
Ideal is to test the scanner on a xp machine, to rule out driver issue. I don't think it's driver issue anyhow since sounds more mechanical.
If you do have a failed scanner, do not worry, there are awesome epson/canon All in one printer/scanners that work great and are in price range of 55-75$ for a nice one, and of course goes up for more bells and whistles. I did find a nice epson with color lcd for 59.99 all in one at bestbuy, someone somewhere has a deal going on,
Best wishes.