Epson Perfection 636U User manual

Scanner
Basics
CPD-8119

Copyright Notice
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The information contained herein is designed only for
use with this EPSON scanner. EPSON is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other
scanners.
Neither SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third
parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse,
or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the
U.S.) failure to strictly comply with SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION’s operating and maintenance instructions.
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use of any
options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or EPSON
Approved Products by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.
A Note Concerning Responsible Use of Copyrighted Materials
Digital cameras and scanners, like photocopiers and conventional scanners, can be misused by improper copying of
copyrighted material. While some countries’ laws permit limited copying of copyrighted material in certain
circumstances, those circumstances may not be as broad as some people assume. EPSON encourages each user to
be responsible and respectful of the copyright laws when using digital cameras and scanners.
Trademarks
EPSON and EPSON Stylus are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. EPSON
SoundAdvice is a service mark, ColorTrue is a registered trademark, and Perfection, Micro Step Drive, and
EPSON FaxAdvice are trademarks of Epson America, Inc.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of
their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
Copyright © 1999 by Epson America, Inc. 2/99
Printed on recycled paper with at least 10% post-consumer content.

FCC Compliance Statement
For United States Users
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures.
■Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
■Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
■Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
■Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Warning
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC
Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for
this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this
device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused
interfaces. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
For Canadian Users
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le materiel brouilleur du
Canada.

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Contents
A COMPLETE SCANNING SOLUTION 1
About Your Scanner 1
About Your Software 2
About Your Documentation 3
Cautions, Notes, and Tips 3
System Requirements 4
Windows 98 4
iMac 5
Year 2000 Ready 5
Important Safety Instructions 6
SETTING UP YOUR SCANNER 7
Unpack Your Scanner 7
Choose a Good Place for Your Scanner 8
Unlock the Scanner 9
Connect the Scanner to Your Computer 10
Installing the Optional Equipment 11
Transparency Unit 11
Auto Document Feeder 12
Power On Your System 14
Install the Scanner Software 14
If You’re Running Windows 98 . . . 14
If You’re Using an iMac . . . 17
Install the Creative Software and Electronic Manuals 20
HOW TO SCAN 22
Preparing to Scan 22
Selecting Settings 24

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Tips for Getting the Best Scan 26
Selecting Resolution 26
Scaling (Resizing) Images 27
One-Touch Scanning 27
Batch Scanning 27
Step-by-Step Scanning Instructions 28
Placing Your Original Document 28
Scanning Photographs with Adobe PhotoDeluxe and EPSON TWAIN 29
VIEWING YOUR ELECTRONIC MANUALS 31
Copying a Manual to Your Hard Drive 31
Navigating a Manual 32
SCANNER MAINTENANCE 33
Scanning Something That Doesn’t Fit Under the Document Cover 33
Transporting the Scanner 34
Cleaning the Scanner 35
PROBLEMS? NEED HELP? 36
Identifying Scanner Parts 36
Light and Buttons 37
Problems and Solutions 38
Setup Problems 38
Scanner Problems 38
Software Problems 39
Scanning Problems 40
Where To Get Help 43
EPSON Technical Support 43
Software Technical Support 44
INDEX 45

1
A Complete Scanning
Solution
Your EPSON®Perfection™636U scanner is a professional-quality 36-bit scanner
packed with easy-to-use features for practically any type of scanning—for business,
home, or school. The “plug & play” USB connection is fast and easy with no extra
hardware to install. Using EPSON’s ColorTrue®Imaging System, the scanner
captures your images with amazing detail and accurate colors. Your scanner can
achieve up to 600 ×2400 dpi hardware resolution with EPSON’s proprietary Micro
Step Drive™technology, delivering the kind of crisp, precise images you’d normally
expect from a professional graphics scanner, and faster than any other scanner in its
class.
About Your Scanner
Your EPSON Perfection 636U scanner includes the following features:
■Superior image quality:
■True optical resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi)
■Hardware resolution of 600 ×2400 dpi with Micro Step Drive technology
■Maximum resolution of 9600 ×9600 dpi with interpolation
■36-bit color depth for capturing images with over 68 billion colors
■EPSON TWAIN for high speed scanning and accurate optical character
recognition (OCR)
■Start button for one-touch scanning
■Letter/A4 size scanning area (legal size documents can be scanned with the
optional auto document feeder)
■Optional transparency unit and auto document feeder

2
About Your Software
The EPSON Perfection 636U scanner includes these leading-edge applications for
professional-quality scans:
EPSON TWAIN Driver
The scanning utility for producing professional quality
images. Ideal for scanning text into OCR programs. Includes
Text Enhancement Technology (TET) for more accurate
OCR scanning and Auto Area Segmentation (AAS) to
separate text from background colors.
Adobe®PhotoDeluxe®Home Edition 3.0 (Windows®) or
Adobe PhotoDeluxe version 2.0 (iMac™)
Edit your photos with professional results. Add special effects,
overlay titles and captions, restore old photos, and add many
other creative enhancements to your photographs. Create
invitations, flyers, and promotional items for business or fun.
Br
Ø
derbund ®The Print Shop®PressWriter™
Use the built-in templates to easily and quickly create
professional newsletters, brochures, resumes, and flyers.
NewSoft™Presto! ™PageManager for EPSON
Use with the scanner’s Start button feature to quickly scan
single- or multi-page documents (with the optional auto
document feeder) and save time. Then drag and drop your
scanned images into almost any application. Or convert
scanned text into editable documents using the built-in OCR
software.

3
About Your Documentation
This guide includes instructions for setting up your scanner, scanning tips, and
troubleshooting advice. It also includes instructions for viewing your electronic
manuals and installing the optional equipment.
For details on using the scanner software, see your electronic EPSON TWAIN User’s
Guide. For additional maintenance and troubleshooting information, and scanner
specifications, see your electronic EPSON Perfection 636U Reference Guide.
Cautions, Notes, and Tips
Please follow these guidelines as you read your documentation:
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your
equipment.
Notes contain important information about your scanner.
Tips contain hints for great scanning.

4
System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for Windows and iMac are listed below. For
optimum performance, a faster processor and more memory are recommended. If you
are scanning high resolution images, you need more than the minimum available hard
disk space listed.
Windows 98
■An IBM®compatible PC with a 486/66 MHz or faster processor
■Microsoft®Windows 98 preinstalled
■16MB RAM (32MB recommended)
■50MB available hard disk space
■Available built-in USB port or hub connection
■CD-ROM drive
■Mouse or pointing device
■VGA or higher resolution monitor with 640 ×480 resolution (800 ×600 or
higher recommended) and 256 colors (65,000 colors or more recommended)
Color and tone reproduction are subject to the display capability
of your computer system, including the video card, monitor, and
software. See the documentation for these products for details.

5
iMac
You cannot use a serial interface to connect the scanner.
■Apple®iMac computer running Mac OS 8.1 or later
If you are using Mac OS 8.1, you need to install the iMac
Update before installing the scanner software. This is available
online from the Apple web site. If you are using Mac OS 8.5
check the Apple web site for any updates.
■Available USB port or hub connection
■32MB RAM (64MB recommended)
■50MB available hard disk space
■CD-ROM drive
■Mouse or pointing device
■VGA color monitor with 640 ×480 screen resolution (or higher recommended)
and 256 colors (32,000 colors or more recommended)
Color and tone reproduction are subject to the display capability
of your computer system, including the video card, monitor, and
software. See the documentation for these products for details.
EPSON TWAIN supports the Apple ColorSync™2.X color management system and
QuickTime.
™These extensions are automatically installed during EPSON TWAIN
installation.
Year 2000 Ready
Your EPSON scanner is Year 2000 Ready. However, be sure the other parts of your
computer system are also ready for the year 2000.

6
Important Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference. Follow all warnings
and instructions marked on the scanner.
■Unplug the scanner before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill
liquid on the scanner.
■Do not place the scanner on an unstable surface or near a radiator or heat source.
■Do not block or cover the openings in the scanner’s cabinet. Do not insert objects
through the slots.
■Use only the type of power source indicated on the scanner’s label.
■Connect all equipment to properly grounded power outlets. Avoid using outlets
on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control systems that regularly switch on
and off.
■Do not let the power cord become damaged or frayed.
■If you use an extension cord with the scanner, make sure the total ampere rating
of the devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere
rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
■Do not attempt to service the scanner yourself.
■Unplug the scanner and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the scanner; if the
scanner has been dropped or the cabinet damaged; if the scanner does not operate
normally or exhibits a distinct change in performance. Do not adjust controls that
are not covered by the operating instructions.

7
Setting Up Your Scanner
Setting up your scanner is easy—just follow the simple steps in this book in the order
listed below.
1. Unpack and choose a place for your scanner.
2. Unlock the scanner.
3. Connect the scanner to your computer.
4. Power on your system.
5. Install the scanner software.
6. Install the creative software and view your electronic manuals.
If you purchased the optional transparency unit (B813132) or auto document
feeder (B813142), see “Installing the Optional Equipment” on page 11 for
installation instructions. You can purchase these options from EPSON Accessories at
[phone] or visit our web site at www.epsonsupplies.com (U.S. sales only). In
Canada, please call [phone] for dealer referral.
Unpack Your
Scanner
Remove the scanner from the
box, then remove the packing
material from your scanner.
Save the packaging in case you
need it later. Your EPSON
Perfection 636U comes with
the items shown to the right.
scanner
CD-ROM with driver,
electronic manuals,
and creative software
for Windows 98
USB interface cable
CD-ROM with driver,
electronic manuals,
and creative software
for iMac
Scanner Basics

8
Choose a Good Place for Your Scanner
Here are some points to consider:
■Place the scanner on a flat, stable surface. If the scanner is tilted, it can’t operate
properly.
■Make sure to place the scanner where you can easily unplug the power cord, and
where the USB cable can reach your computer.
■Keep the scanner away from direct sunlight and strong light sources.
■Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations, or high or rapidly changing
temperatures and humidity.
■Be sure there’s enough room behind the scanner for the cables, and above the
scanner so you can fully raise the document cover.
18.9 inches (48.0 cm)
when document
cover is open
16.7 inches (42.5 cm)
3.5 inches (8.8 cm)
when document
cover is closed
11.3 inches (28.7 cm)
at least
3.9 inches (10.0 cm)

9
Unlock the Scanner
Before connecting the scanner to a power
source, you must release the transportation
lock, located on the side of the scanner.
Turn the transportation lock down to
the unlocked position using a coin or
similar object, as shown.
If you can’t turn the transportation lock
easily, turn the scanner on; then, after the
operate light starts flashing red, turn the
scanner off and try again.
Always lock the scanner carriage before transporting it;
otherwise, the scanner may be damaged. Be sure the scanner
lamp is in the home position (toward the back of the scanner).
To ensure this, always turn off the scanner before locking the
carriage.
home position

10
Connect the Scanner to Your Computer
If you are connecting to a PC, Windows 98 must be preinstalled on your system.
1. Make sure the scanner, computer, and any USB devices connected to your
computer are turned off. The scanner is off when the Poperate button is up
(not pushed down below the surface of the front panel).
2. Locate the USB cable that came with your scanner.
3. Plug the square connector on the USB cable into the USB connector
on the back of the scanner. Then plug the flat connector into the USB
port on your computer or USB hub.
Your system may not work correctly if you use a USB cable
other than the one supplied by EPSON or if you connect your
scanner through more than one hub.
4. Plug in the power cables for your computer, scanner, and other USB devices.

11
Installing the Optional Equipment
There are two options available for the EPSON Perfection 636U: a transparency unit
(B813132) and an auto document feeder (B813142).
This section includes basic information on unpacking and installing the options. For
instructions on using the optional equipment, see your electronic EPSON Perfection
636U Reference Guide and EPSON TWAIN User’s Guide.
You can purchase these options from EPSON Accessories at [phone] or visit
our web site at www.epsonsupplies.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call
[phone] for dealer referral.
Transparency Unit
The transparency unit lets you scan negative or
positive film strips and slides on your scanner.
Unpacking the
Transparency Unit
Make sure that all the items to the right are
included in the transparency unit box. If any
items are missing or damaged, contact your
EPSON dealer immediately. Keep all the
packing materials so you can use them for
storage when you are not scanning
transparencies.
Installing the Transparency Unit
Follow the steps below to install the transparency unit on the scanner.
1. Make sure the scanner is turned off.
2. Remove the document cover from the scanner by lifting the back straight up.
3. Make sure the document table glass is clean and dust free.
film holders
transparency unit

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4. Place the transparency unit on the document
table glass so that the hinges face the rear of the
scanner and it fits on the document table glass.
5. Connect the transparency unit connector
(arrow faces up) to the scanner’s option
interface.
6. Turn on the scanner.
7. Turn on the transparency unit.
For information on loading transparencies and
selecting driver settings, see your electronic
EPSON Perfection 636U Reference Guide.
Auto Document Feeder
The auto document feeder (B813142) allows you to automatically load single-sided,
multi-page documents into your scanner. The document feeder is particularly useful
for OCR (optical character recognition) scanning or for creating an image database.
Unpacking the Auto Document
Feeder
When you unpack your auto document feeder
(ADF), make sure you have all the parts shown
to the right. Remove the protective materials
from the ADF. Keep all the packing materials
so you can use them for storage when you are
using the auto document feeder. If any items
are missing or damaged, contact your EPSON
dealer.
on/off switch
paper support
auto document feeder
spare paper path guide

13
Installing the Auto Document Feeder
1. Make sure your scanner is turned off.
2. Remove your scanner’s document cover by lifting the back straight up.
3. Make sure the document table is clean and dust free.
4. Insert the hinges on the ADF into the outer
square holes at the back of the scanner and
close the ADF.
5. Attach the ADF’s connector (arrow faces up) to the
scanner’s option interface.
6. Attach the paper support to the ADF.
7. Turn on the scanner.
For information on loading paper in the ADF and
selecting driver settings, see your electronic EPSON
Perfection 636U Reference Guide.

14
Power On Your System
Always turn your scanner on before you turn on the computer. Otherwise, the
computer may not recognize your EPSON scanner when you install your software.
The operate light on the top of the scanner blinks as the
scanner initializes.
Whenever you turn off the scanner, wait at least 10 seconds
before turning it back on. Rapidly turning the scanner on and off
can damage the scanner.
Install the Scanner Software
The scanner software comes on two CD-ROMs: one for Windows 98 and one for the
iMac. Check the CD-ROM label to make sure you have the correct CD-ROM for
your operating system.
If You’re Running Windows 98 . . .
You may be asked to insert your Windows 98 operating system CD-ROM during the
scanner installation. Please have your Windows CD-ROM handy, in case it is needed.
1. Turn on your scanner first; then turn
on your computer. A screen appears
saying that your system has detected
new hardware. Then the Add New
Hardware Wizard screen appears.
2. Insert the scanner software
CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive,
then click Next.

15
3. Select the Search for the best driver
for your device option, then click
Next.
4. Make sure only the CD-ROM drive
check box is selected, then click
Next.
5. Click Next to continue with the
driver installation.
6. Depending on your system, you may
be asked to insert the Windows 98
CD-ROM. After inserting the CD-ROM,
click OK. (If necessary, type D:\Win 98,
where Dis your CD-ROM drive letter,
then click OK again.)