Plustek PS388U User manual

 Installation
 Usage & Maintenance

Trademarks
© 2018 Plustek Inc. All rights are reserved. No portion of this document may be
reproduced without permission.
All trademarks and brand names mentioned in this publication are property of their
respective owners.
Liability
While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of all contents in this
manual, we assume no liability for errors or omissions or by statements of any kind
in this manual, whether such errors are omissions or statements resulting from
negligence, accidents, or any other cause. The contents of this manual are subject
to change without notice. We will not shoulder any legal liability, if users failed to
follow the operation instructions in this manual.
Copyright
The scanning of certain documents, for example checks, bank notes, I.D. cards,
government bonds, or public documents, may be prohibited by law and/or subject
to criminal prosecution. We recommend you to be responsible and respectful of the
copyrights laws when you are scanning books, magazines, journals and other
materials.
Environmental Information
Recycle or disposal at end-of-life information, please ask local distributors or
suppliers for recycle and disposal information. The product is designed and
produced to achieve sustainable environmental improvement. We strive to produce
products in compliance with global environmental standards. Please consult your
local authorities for proper disposal.
The product packaging is recyclable.
Attention for recycling (For EU country only)
Protect your environment! This product should not be thrown into the household
waste container. Please give it to the free collecting center in your community.
Screen Examples in This Manual
The screen shots in this guide were made with Windows 7. If you are using
Windows XP / Vista / 8 / 10, your screen will look somewhat different but functions
the same.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
How to Use This Guide...............................................................................................1
Conventions of This Guide .........................................................................................2
A Note about Icons...............................................................................................................2
Safety Precautions......................................................................................................2
Minimum System Requirements.................................................................................3
Box Contents..............................................................................................................4
Scanner Overview ......................................................................................................5
Ultrasonic Sensor .......................................................................................................7
CHAPTER I. INSTALLING THE SCANNER....................................................................8
Software Installation Requirements............................................................................8
Hardware Requirements.............................................................................................8
Installing and Setting up the Scanner.........................................................................9
Step 1. Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer.............................................................9
Step 2. Installing the Software............................................................................................10
Step 3. Install the Extended Paper Width Slider ................................................................12
Step 4. Install the Stacker...................................................................................................12
Step 5. Testing the Scanner...............................................................................................13
Installing Additional Software....................................................................................14
CHAPTER II. SCANNING..................................................................................... 15
Preparing Documents...............................................................................................15
Checking Document Conditions.........................................................................................15
Loosening Documents........................................................................................................17
Placing Documents...................................................................................................18
Placing Business Cards............................................................................................19
Placing Plastic Cards................................................................................................20
Placing Documents with the Protection Sheet..........................................................21
Scanning Documents................................................................................................23
Scanning via TWAIN Interface ...........................................................................................23
Scanning from the Scanner’s Front Panel..........................................................................25
Scanning from the On-screen DocAction’s Execute Menu................................................26
Scanning from the Icon in the Left Side of the DocAction Window...................................26
CHAPTER III. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................... 27
Cleaning the Scanner...............................................................................................27
Cleaning Materials..............................................................................................................27
Cleaning the ADF ...............................................................................................................28
Replacing Consumables...........................................................................................30
Replacing the Pad Module .................................................................................................31
Replacing the Feed Roller..................................................................................................32
Calibrating the Scanner............................................................................................34
Power Save ..............................................................................................................35
CHAPTER IV. TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................ 36
Scanner Connection.................................................................................................36
Clearing Paper Jams................................................................................................37
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................ 38
APPENDIX B: CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY................................................ 42

Service & Support Information (For EU country only)...............................................42
Statement of Limited Warranty .................................................................................43
FCC Radio Frequency Statement.............................................................................44

1
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing us as your scanner supplier. Your new scanner will
improve the professionalism of your day-to-day computing tasks by allowing you to
input images and electronic text into your computer system. You can easily scan
single-sided or double-sided documents with your scanner.
Like all of our products, your new scanner is thoroughly tested and backed by our
reputation for unsurpassed dependability and customer satisfaction. We hope you will
continue to turn to us for additional quality products as your computing needs and
interests grow.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
This User’s Guide provides instructions and illustrations on how to install and
operate your scanner. This guide assumes the user is familiar with Microsoft Windows.
If this is not the case, we suggest you learn more about Microsoft Windows by referring
to your Microsoft Windows manual before using your scanner.
The Introduction section of this manual describes the box contents and minimum
computer requirements to use this scanner. Before you start installing your scanner,
check the box contents to make sure all parts are included. If any items are damaged
or missing, please contact the vendor where you purchased your scanner or our
customer service directly.
Chapter I describes how to install scanner’s software and connect the scanner to
your computer. Note: The scanner connects to your computer through the Universal
Serial Bus (USB). If your computer does not support USB technology, you will need to
purchase a USB interface card to add USB capabilities to your computer, or buy and
install USB connectors if your motherboard has USB capabilities. This guide assumes
that your computer is USB-ready and has a free USB port.
Chapter II describes how to use your scanner.
Chapter III describes how to maintain and clean your scanner.
Chapter IV contains technical support information that can help you solve simple
problems.
Appendix A contains the specifications of the scanner you purchased.
Appendix B contains our customer service, the limited warranty agreement and
FCC statement concerning the product.

2
CONVENTIONS OF THIS GUIDE
Bold —Represents commands or contents on your computer screen.
ALL CAPS —Important note or first use of an important term in a chapter.
Italic —Represents buttons on your scanner OR important notes.
A Note about Icons
This guide uses the following icons to point out information that deserves special
attention.
Warning
A procedure that must be followed carefully to
prevent injury, or accidents.
Attention
Instructions that are important to remember and may
prevent mistakes.
Information Optional tips for your reference.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning
Before using this device, please read the
following important information to eliminate or
reduce any possibility of causing damage and
personal injury.
1. Usage, the product is for indoor use in dry locations. Moisture condensation may
occur inside this device and cause malfunction at these conditions:
 when this device is moved directly from a cold to a warm location;
 after a cold room is heated;
 when this device is placed in a damp room.
To avoid the moisture condensation, you are recommended to follow the procedure:
i. Seal this device in a plastic bag for it to adapt to room conditions.
ii. Wait for 1-2 hours before removing this device from the bag.
2. Do use the AC adapter and USB cable provided with the scanner. Use of other AC
adapter and cables may lead to malfunction.
3. Keep the space around the AC adapter clear in case you need to quickly unplug
the AC adapter during emergencies.

3
4. Damaged wire could cause fire or electrical shock. Keep the power cord straight
and without being twisted, bended, or scraped.
5. Unplug this device if you don’t need to use for a certain period of time, such as,
during night or long weekend, to avoid any risks of causing fire.
6. Do not attempt to disassemble the scanner. There is danger of an electrical shock
and opening your scanner will void your warranty.
7. Be sure not to bump or knock the scanner glass as it is fragile and could break.
8. Do not subject the scanner to excessive vibration. It may damage the internal
components.
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS1
 PC with Intel Pentium®IV 2.4 GHz processor or compatible
 1 GB RAM
 Available USB 2.0 port
 DVD-ROM Drive
 2 GB Free Hard Disk Space
 Video card that supports 16-bit color or greater
 Operating System: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10
Information
Systems with 2 GB RAM and 3 GB free hard disk
space are recommended for optimal performance.
1Higher requirements may be needed when scanning or editing large quantities of images. The
system requirements stated are only a guideline, generally the better the computer
(motherboard, processor, hard disk, RAM, video graphic card), the better the results.

4
BOX CONTENTS2
1. Scanner
2. USB Cable
3. AC Adapter
4. Stacker
5. Quick Guide
6. Setup/Application DVD-ROM
7. Calibration Sheet
8. Extended Paper Width Slider3(2 pieces)
9. Protection Sheet4
10. Padded Carry Bag5
11. Cleansing Cloth
12. Pad Module6
2Save the box and packing materials in case you need to transport this scanner in the future.
3Extended Paper Width Slider is not included in all scanner models.
4Protection Sheet is not included in all scanner models.
5Padded Carrying Bag is not included in all scanner models.
6Pad Module is not included in all scanner models.

5
SCANNER OVERVIEW7
1. PAPER CHUTE COVER—Helps keep the paper in place. Open paper chute cover
when using the scanner.
2. PAPER WIDTH SLIDER—Adjusts the paper width slider for the paper size you are
using.
Information
Extended Paper Width Slider8(accessory in the
box content) —Hold the paper uprightly so as to
avoid the paper feeding to be askew.
3. COVER OPEN LEVER—Opens the ADF cover. Pull it to open the ADF cover when
you need to clear paper jam or clean the scanner.
4. STACKER—Keeps the paper in place. Extend it in case of longer paper.
7The scanner illustration(s) in this manual may appear different than from the actual scanner
itself.
8Extended Paper Width Slider is not included in all scanner models.

6
5. ADF (AUTOMATIC DOCUMENT FEEDER)—Automatically feeds a stack of
documents for scanning.
6. SIDE GUIDE—Holds the paper in place to be scanned through the ADF. Pull side
guides out to hold the paper.
7. PAPER CHUTE EXTENSION—Extends to hold longer paper.
8. UP BUTTON—Press to move forward the scanning task number indicated in the
function number display.
9. DOWN BUTTON—Press to move backward the scanning task number indicated in
the function number display.
10. FUNCTION NUMBER DISPLAY—Indicates the number of the predefined scanning
task selected by the up or down button.
11. SCAN BUTTON—Press to perform a predefined scanning task selected by the up
or down button.
12. POWER LED—Indicates the scanner status.
Light Status
Green The scanner is turned on, ready to scan images.
Orange The scanner is in standby mode if it is idle for 10 minutes.
Off The scanner is off, either because the power is not turned on, or because the AC adapter is not properly plugged into an AC power
outlet.

7
13. HAND HOLDER—Ergonomically designed for you to carry the scanner with ease.
14. USB PORT—Connects the scanner to a USB port on your computer by the
included USB cable.
15. POWER RECEPTOR—Connects the scanner to a standard AC power outlet by the
included AC adapter.
16. POWER SWITCH—Use this to turn the scanner ON or OFF.
ULTRASONIC SENSOR
When scanning a stack of documents by ADF, the ultrasonic sensor detects
multifeeds by checking paper overlap (i.e., 2 or more pages stuck together when being
fed through the ADF). Clean the ultrasonic sensor lightly with a dry cloth if it is
necessary.
Information
This function may or may not be available
depending on the scanner model you purchase.
Ultrasonic Senso
r
Ultrasonic Senso
r

8
CHAPTER I. INSTALLING THE SCANNER
Before installing your scanner, please verify that you have all of the proper
components. A list of the package contents is provided in the “Box Contents” section of
this guide.
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Your scanner comes with the scanner’s driver and DocAction. All of these software
applications use approximately 800 megabytes of hard disk space after they are
installed into your computer. To ensure ample room for the installation, as well as for
scanning and saving images, a minimum of 2 GB of hard disk space is recommended.
This USB scanner can only operate under the Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 /
10 operating system.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
This scanner connects to your computer through the Universal Serial Bus (USB)
which supports HOT PLUG AND PLAY. To determine whether your computer is USB-
capable, you must check the rear of your PC to locate a USB jack that looks like the
picture below. If you are having trouble in locating the USB port on your computer,
please refer to the hardware manual that came with your computer.
Upon examination, you should find one or two rectangular USB ports, which usually
appear as shown below.
If you don’t find such USB ports on your computer, then you need to purchase a
certified USB interface card to add USB capabilities to your computer.
USB Connector(s)

9
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE SCANNER
Please follow the step-by-step procedures described below to install the Plustek
scanner.
Attention
Choose a Proper Site First!
 Always place your scanner on a level,
smooth and strong surface before proceeding
the scanner setup or any scanning task.
 Tilted or uneven surface may cause paper-
feeding errors, scanner damage or personal
injury.
 Avoid using the scanner in a dusty
environment. Dust particles and other foreign
objects may damage the unit.
Step 1. Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer
Attention
Please make sure the scanner is turned OFF
before you plug or unplug the scanner power
adapter.
1. Plug the AC adapter into the scanner’s power receptor .
2. Plug the other end of the AC adapter into a standard AC power outlet.

10
3. Plug the square end of the included USB cable to the USB port at the rear of
the scanner.
4. Plug the rectangular end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your
computer.
5. If you plan to connect your scanner to a USB hub9, make sure that the hub is
connected to the USB port in your computer. Next, connect the scanner to the USB
hub.
Step 2. Installing the Software
1. Switch on the scanner power from the rear of the scanner.
2. If the USB components on your computer are functioning correctly, they will
automatically detect the scanner causing the Add New Hardware Wizard or
Found New Hardware Wizard to be launched.
Information
If your computer is off when the scanner is
connected, the “Add New Hardware Wizard”
message will not be displayed until the computer
is on and Windows starts.
3. For Windows XP:
a. Insert the Setup/Application DVD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
DVD-ROM drive.
b. Select Install the software automatically recommended and click the Next
button.
c. Click the Next button in the window that appears. Afterwards, please skip to
procedure 7.
4. For Windows Vista:
a. Select “Locate and install driver software (recommended)” when the “Found
New Hardware” window is displayed.
b. Click on the Continue button when the “User Account Control” dialog pops up.
c. Insert the Setup/Application DVD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
DVD-ROM drive when the system prompts you “Insert the disc that came with
your USB Scanner”, and click on the Next button. Afterwards, please skip to
procedure 8.
9The USB hub is not included with the scanner.

11
5. For Windows 7:
When the Setup/Application DVD is for several scanner models
a. Insert the Setup/Application DVD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
DVD-ROM drive. Click Run install.exe in the AutoPlay window.
b. Click on the Yes button if the User Account Control dialog pops up. Follow the
instructions in the pop-up installation message.
c. In the Device Manager window, right-click on this scanner under Other
devices and select Update Driver Software from the pop-up menu. Click
Browse my computer for driver software in the window that appears, and
click the Browse button.
d. In the Browse For Folder window, select the folder or the DVD-ROM drive that
contains this scanner’s driver and click the OK button to return to the previous
screen. Click the Next button and click Install this driver software anyway if
the Windows Security window appears. Afterwards, please skip to procedure
9.
When the Setup/Application DVD is for one scanner model
a. Insert the Setup/Application DVD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
DVD-ROM drive. Click Run install.exe in the AutoPlay window.
b. Click on the Yes button if the User Account Control dialog pops up.
Afterwards, please skip to procedure 9.
6. For Windows 8 & Windows 10:
a. Insert the Setup/Application DVD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
DVD-ROM drive. Click on the pop-up notification, then click Run install.exe in
the pop-up window. If you miss the pop-up notification, please eject and re-
insert the Setup/Application DVD-ROM.
b. Click on the Yes button if the User Account Control dialog pops up.
Afterwards, please skip to procedure 9.
7. During the process of the installation, a message “Windows can’t verify the
publisher of this driver software” might be prompted. Please ignore it, and click on
Install this driver software anyway to continue the installation without any
misgiving at your scanner functioning.
8. When the system completes the installation, click the Finish button.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to install all software that your new scanner
requires. If the pop-up wizard window appears click Next,and click Install this
driver software anyway in the Windows Security window then click Finish in the
wizard window.
10. After the installation is complete, close all open applications and click the Finish
button to restart your computer.

12
Attention
 Save the Setup/Application DVD in case you
need to reinstall the driver and software in
the future.
 Save the Calibration Sheet in case you need
to calibrate the scanner in the future.
Step 3. Install the Extended Paper Width Slider10
1. Open the ADF cover by pulling the lever, and get the right and left extended
paper width sliders ready.
2. Align and Insert the left extended paper width slider onto the paper width slider
on the left. Position and Insert the right extended paper width slider onto the
paper width slider on the right.
3. Close the ADF cover by pushing it back down until it snaps back into place.
Step 4. Install the Stacker
Insert the tabs on the stacker onto their slots on the scanner.
Information
The installation of stacker is optional, if you have
limited desktop space.
10 Extended Paper Width Slider is not included in all scanner models.

13
Step 5. Testing the Scanner
The following describes how you can check if the scanner is properly functioning
with your computer and the scanning software. Before testing your scanner, double
check to make sure that all connections are securely fastened.
To test the ADF scanning:
1. Load a document headfirst and face down into the ADF with the text side facing
the paper chute.
2. Double-click the icon in the Windows system tray.
3. Within the “Button Configuration” window, select a task number by clicking on
the icon. Select the desired function from the drop-down list of Button Template
and adjust button settings. Select ADF (Front Side) as the Scan Type. Click
OK to exit the “Button Configuration” window.
4. Right-click the icon in the Windows system tray, and then choose Execute
in the pop-up menu that opens. Click the desired button function item in the
pop-up menu.

14
5. The document in the ADF paper chute should be now loaded into the ADF and
scanned. The scanner starts to scan immediately and carry out the
corresponding action according to settings you have set up in the “Button
Configuration“ window.
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE
Your scanner is TWAIN compliant and functions with virtually all available TWAIN
compatible software. If you purchase additional software to be used with your scanner,
please make sure that it conforms to the TWAIN standard.

15
CHAPTER II. SCANNING
Your scanner needs to be driven by certain type of software program. Since all
documents or images (whether text or pictures) that are acquired from the scanner are
treated by your computer as images, most scanning will probably be done from an
image-editing program where you can view, edit, save and output the scanned images.
What about scanning text documents and editing them in a word processor? This is
the role of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. OCR software converts the
image files that are created from scanning text documents into text files that can be
viewed, edited and saved by word processors.
The DocAction program, seamlessly integrating the operation of your scanner with
your computer and other peripherals, provides a quick and convenient way to perform
various scanning functions. With DocAction, you don't need to adjust settings every
time you scan. Simply press any button on the scanner's front panel or click any
scanning menu item of DocAction on the screen. The scanner starts to scan your paper
documents and transfer them to your assigned destination. The destination can be a
printer, your E-mail program, files on your disk drives, an image-editing program, etc.
Please refer to the online help of each program to guide you through any questions
you may have while scanning within that program.
This chapter describes three important steps of scanner operations. Read them
thoroughly and follow the instructions to ensure correct use and optimal scanner
performance.
Step 1. Preparing Documents
Step 2. Placing Documents, Placing Business Cards, Placing Plastic Cards,
Placing Documents with the Protection Sheet1
11
Step 3. Scanning Documents
PREPARING DOCUMENTS
Proper document preparation prior to the scan can prevent paper feed errors and
damages to the scanner.

Checking Document Conditions

Loosening Documents
Checking Document Conditions
Make sure the size and ream weight of your documents are acceptable by the
scanner. Refer to “Appendix A: Specifications” of this guide for more information.
11 Protection Sheet is not included in all scanner models.

16
To scan multiple documents in a batch from the ADF can increase your work
efficiency and make large scanning tasks easier. The ADF of this scanner accepts a
variety of paper and stationery you may use in your daily work or personal life, such as:
 Normal paper whose size and ream weight meet the requirements stated in
“Appendix A: Specifications” of this guide.
 Notched paper
 Coated paper (e.g., brochure)
Attention
To prevent paper feeding errors and damages to
the ADF unit, strictly follow the instructions below:
 Remove all small objects e.g., paper clips,
pins, staples or any other fasteners attached,
before loading the paper into the ADF.
 Make sure the paper is completely flat with no
creased or curled corners.
 Avoid scanning documents with pencil lead
and newspaper clippings as they will make
the ADF exposure glass and the inner ADF
dirty. If you have to scan such paper, clean
the scanner frequently (refer to “Chapter III.
Care and Maintenance” of this guide for more
information).
 The paper for each batch scanned by ADF
can be of the same or different weights.
However, make sure the length of each scan
batch is the same.
However, don’t use the ADF to scan documents if they meet any of the following
conditions:
 Paper lighter than 50 g/m2(14 lb.) or heavier than 105 g/m2(28 lb.)
 Paper with clips or staples attached
 Paper with inconsistent thickness, e.g., envelops
 Paper with wrinkles, curls, folds, or tears
 Paper with an odd (non-rectangular) shape
 Paper with static electricity
 Tracing paper
 Carbon paper, pressure sensitive paper, carbonless paper
 Items other than paper, e.g., cloth, metal foil.