USB Scanner problem

Hi,

I'm a new convert to linux, currently using Kubuntu (Hardy Heron release).

I have a problem with my scanner. When I connect it it is correctly
recognised as a scanner model HP Scanjet 2300c. But when I try to use
it the first scan (the preview) causes the scan head to move all the way
to the end stop and then it tries for a further 30-40seconds to drive
through the end stop. It finally gives up leaving the scan head at the
far end of the track. I have to kill whatever program I was using to
capture the scanned image. Then the next attempted use times out as the
head very slowly moves back to the home position resulting in a "no
device found" situation.

I've tried both gwenview and kooka programs that got installed with the
system and they both appear to run a common task to do the actual
scanning. I think it's called "sane".

Can any one here give me an idea of what to try next?

Thanks

Nev

nev young wrote:
[color=blue]
> Hi,
>
> I'm a new convert to linux, currently using Kubuntu (Hardy Heron release).
>
> I have a problem with my scanner. When I connect it it is correctly
> recognised as a scanner model HP Scanjet 2300c. But when I try to use
> it the first scan (the preview) causes the scan head to move all the way
> to the end stop and then it tries for a further 30-40seconds to drive
> through the end stop. It finally gives up leaving the scan head at the
> far end of the track. I have to kill whatever program I was using to
> capture the scanned image. Then the next attempted use times out as the
> head very slowly moves back to the home position resulting in a "no
> device found" situation.
>
> I've tried both gwenview and kooka programs that got installed with the
> system and they both appear to run a common task to do the actual
> scanning. I think it's called "sane".
>
> Can any one here give me an idea of what to try next?[/color]

The problem you're describing appears to be a serious driver bug for your
particular scanner model. So my suggestion of "what to try next" would be
to see if other people are having the same problem - check with Google on
reports of success or failure regarding the combination of your particular
distribution (or your kernel version) and your scanner model - and if so,
file a bug report.

Hopefully, someone will then release a newer (and better) driver for that
device, or at least pass the message on upstream to the kernel developers.
Kubuntu is build upon Debian (and thus possibly uses a Debian-patched
kernel), and Debian in turn is built using a patched version of an in the
meantime already outdated vanilla kernel.

/sane/ is the usperspace frontend to scanners in GNU/Linux, so I doubt that
the problem lies there. Still, sorting that out is your distribution's
responsibility, so filing a bug report with them may be the best course of
action you as a user can take.

Hope this was helpful... ;-)

--
*Aragorn*
(registered GNU/Linux user #223157)