CompuServe Messages

In an earlier message there was mention of Microtek scanners and SCSI controllers, some question about whether the Microtek controller cards were SCSI and whether other devices such as CD-ROM drives could be daisy-chained. I have some information from Microtek on that subject… As of this date (6/29/93) no Microtek scanners are compatible with generic SCSI controllers. Their current line, the Scanmaker II and II-XE models, are controlled by their own, non-standard SCSI controller. The only thing which can be daisy-chained on this controller is another Microtek scanner. HOWEVER, apparently they are working on making their equipment more generic in its interface so that, in the future, you may be able to use conventional SCSI controller cards, etc. Their older products (including my Scanmakers 600Z and 1850) are controlled by another proprietary interface, their "MS/PCY" or "MS/MCY" cards, which are altered, fast parallel communication ports of some unique design. So, for now the Microtek scanners seem to require their own forced segregation – no sharing or SCSI co-habitation for them! Bad news for us and, perhaps, for their sales.