Fiche scanning (was Re: [Simh] Listings of XXDP test and maindec's for 11/70)

On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 9:09 AM, Ethan Dicks <ethan.dicks at gmail.com> wrote: Even a decent, older fiche scanner can bring over $15kUS for the complete package, with brand new models going anywhere from $30k to $50k or higher for one with moderate bells and whistles. But they're built to do a paritcular job, and they do it well. The data density on microfiche ranges from moderate, say 100 8.5x11 source pages per fiche, up to several hundred pages per fiche. To be able to scan such a broad range and still pick out the characters reliably is quite a feat. A big part of the problem with scanning tech docs from fiche lies in the fact that it's difficult to lays hands on high quality duplicates. Silver originals or even silver duplicates would be the best case scenario, but don't really see them being made available for scanning. Companies are reluctant enough to release master copies for first generation duplication. All of that having been said, I do have direct access to a fiche scanner. Given decent, consistant fiche, it takes just over a minute to scan a full fiche, at 300dpi (original. Scan an 8.5x11 image from a fiche, print it back out at 300dpi, and you'll have an 8.5x11 document), bitonal. Greyscale takes a bit longer, but is sometimes well worth the extra time investment. If anyone is interested, I can entertain work requests as side-jobs. However, I cannot do it for free. I still have to pay a use fee to my company for use of the equipment. If anyone is interested, contact me at this email address ( wulfcub at gmail.com ) --Shaun -- "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." -- Winnie The Pooh http://www.lungs4amber.org