Plustek SmartOffice PS3180U User manual

Scanner User’s Guide
SmartOffice

Trademarks
© 2021Plustek Inc. All rights are reserved. No portion of this document may be
reproduced without permission.
Plustek is a registered trademark of Plustek Inc. OCR processing by ABBYY®
FineReader®, © 2021ABBYY. ABBYY and FineReader are trademarks of ABBYY
Software, Ltd. which may be registered in some jurisdictions.
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
LED Indicator .............................................................................................................. 8
Ultrasonic Sensor ....................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER I. INSTALLING THE SCANNER................................................................. 10
Software Installation Requirements .......................................................................... 10
Hardware Requirements........................................................................................... 10
Installing and Setting up the Scanner ....................................................................... 11
Step 1. Install the Paper Chute........................................................................................... 11
Step 2. Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer........................................................... 12
Step 3. Installing the Software............................................................................................ 14
Step 4. Testing the Scanner ............................................................................................... 16
Installing Additional Software.................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER II. SCANNING ..................................................................................... 18
Preparing Documents ............................................................................................... 18
Checking Document Conditions ......................................................................................... 19
Loosening Documents........................................................................................................ 21
Placing Documents................................................................................................... 22
Placing Business Cards............................................................................................ 24
Placing Plastic Cards................................................................................................ 25
Installing the Mix-Paper Scan Frame........................................................................ 26
Scanning Documents................................................................................................ 27
Scanning via TWAIN Interface ........................................................................................... 27
Scanning from the Scanner’s Front Panel.......................................................................... 29
Scanning from the On-screen DocAction’s Execute Menu ................................................ 34
Scanning from the Icon in the Left Side of the DocAction Window.................................... 35
CHAPTER III. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................... 37
Cleaning the Scanner ............................................................................................... 37
Cleaning Materials..............................................................................................................37
Cleaning the ADF ............................................................................................................... 38
Replacing Consumables........................................................................................... 40
Replacing the Friction Roller Module ................................................................................. 40
Replacing the Feed Roller .................................................................................................. 41
Calibrating the Scanner ............................................................................................ 44
Power Save .............................................................................................................. 45
CHAPTER IV. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................ 47
Scanner Connection ................................................................................................. 47
Clearing Paper Jams ................................................................................................ 48
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................ 49
APPENDIX B: CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY................................................ 50

Service & Support Information.................................................................................. 50
Statement of Limited Warranty ................................................................................. 51
FCC Radio Frequency Statement............................................................................. 52

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
A N No ot te e a ab bo ou ut t I Ic co on ns s
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. Paper Chute
5. Quick Guide
6. Setup/Application DVD-ROM
7. Calibration Sheet
8. Cleansing Cloth
9. Mix-Paper Scan Frame3(Option)
2Save the box and packing materials in case you need to transport this scanner in the future.
3The mix-paper scan frame is not included in all scanner models.

5
SCANNER OVERVIEW4
1. PAPER CHUTE—Helps keep the paper in place. Install the paper chute before
using the scanner.
2. PAPER WIDTH SLIDER—Adjusts the paper width slider for the paper size you are
using.
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.
5. ADF (AUTOMATIC DOCUMENT FEEDER)—Automatically feeds a stack of
documents for scanning.
6. PAPER CHUTE EXTENSION—Extends to hold longer paper.
4The scanner illustration(s) in this manual may appear different than from the actual scanner
itself.

6
7. POWER SAVING BUTTON—Press about 0.5 second to enter the standby mode
and you may press this button again to wake up the scanner from power saving.
8. POWER / POWER SAVING LED—Indicates the scanner status.
9. UP BUTTON—Press to move forward the scanning task number indicated in the
function number display.
10. DOWN BUTTON—Press to move backward the scanning task number indicated in
the function number display.
11. SCAN BUTTON—Press to perform a predefined scanning task selected by the up
or down button.
12. FUNCTION NUMBER DISPLAY—Indicates the number of the predefined scanning
task selected by the up or down button.
13. WARNING LED—Indicates the scanner error status.

7
14. POWER SWITCH—Use this to turn the scanner ON or OFF.
15. POWER RECEPTOR—Connects the scanner to a standard AC power outlet by the
included AC adapter.
16. USB PORT—Connects the scanner to a USB port on your computer by the
included USB cable.
17. USB HUB5—Connects the scanner to a USB port on another USB scanner by the
USB cable.
5This function may or may not be available depending on the scanner model you purchase.

8
LED INDICATOR
The Power/Power Saving LED and Warning LED indicate different scanner status.
Indicator
Warning
LED
Light
Power /
Power
Saving
LED Light
Function
Number
Display
Status
Power On Off White On
The scanner is turned on, ready to
scan images.
Power Off Off Off 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.
Cover
Open Red Blinking
White On The ADF cover is opened.
Cover
Close Off White On The ADF cover is closed.
Power
Save Off Orange Off
The scanner is in standby mode.
Simply press any scanner button on
the scanner panel and the scanner
will return back to the normal status.
On ADF missing feed.
On ADF paper jam.
Operation
Error
Blinking
Red White
On
ADF multi-feed. *Ultrasonic paper-
feeding detection function is
enabled.

9
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

10
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 400 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)

11
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.
S
St te ep p 1 1. . I In ns st ta al ll l t th he e P Pa ap pe er r C Ch hu ut te e
1. Open the ADF cover by pulling the lever, and get the paper chute ready.
2. Install the paper chute by aligning and inserting the tabs of the paper chute into
their slots on the scanner.

12
3. Close the ADF cover by pushing it back down until it snaps back into place.
S
St te ep p 2 2. . C Co on nn ne ec ct ti in ng g t th he e S Sc ca an nn ne er r t to o Y Yo ou ur r C Co om mp pu ut te er r
If your scanner does not have the USB hub function6,please follow the
below connection steps:
6This function may or may not be available depending on the scanner model you purchase.

13
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.
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 hub7, make sure that the hub is
connected to the USB port in your computer. Next, connect the scanner to the USB
hub.
If your scanner has the USB hub function 8, please follow the below
connection steps:
7The USB hub is not included with the scanner.
8This function may or may not be available depending on the scanner model you purchase.

14
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.
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.
6. Plug the rectangular end of another USB cable to the USB hub at the rear of this
scanner.
7. Plug the square end of another USB cable to the USB port of another scanner.
S
St te ep p 3 3. . I In ns st ta al ll li in ng g t th he e S So of ft tw wa ar re e
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.
9The USB hub is not included with the scanner.

15
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.
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.