Thanks to all for the information re the above. Turns out it is basically a dog unless I can get the wierd special interface card which is scarcer than the proverbial rocking-horse excrement. There's a remote chance it was still where the scanner came from but I'm probably too late now. I won't throw it out just yet though- will put it with all the other 'computer trash' - just in case.... ('Oh Lord' sez spouse of 30 plus years who still can't get the car in the garage!) And the connector WAS a 36 pin standard Centronics style printer connector- enjoyed all the discussion though! Tks all Dave Brown Christchurch NZ