UMAX Technologies Astra 6400 User manual

Astra 6400 & 6450
OWNER’S GUIDE

Trademarks
UMAX is a trademark of UMAX Technologies, Inc. Astra is a trademark of
UMAX Technologies, Inc. IBM PC/AT is a trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation. MS-Windows, Windows, and MS-DOS are trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. Presto! PageManager is a trademark of NewSoft
Technology Corporation. Other names and trademarks appearing herein are
trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyright
©1999 UMAX Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of UMAX Technologies, Inc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. GETTING STARTED...................................................5
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................5
UNPACKING THE SCANNER...................................................................5
Package Contents............................................................................5
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SCANNER.....................................................7
Astra 6400/6450 Scanner Elements..................................................7
Astra 6400/6450 Back Panel............................................................7
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................8
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE.................................................................8
Installing Adobe Photoshop LE on the PC........................................8
Installing Adobe Photoshop LE on the Macintosh ............................9
Scanner Solutions e-book...............................................................10
ABOUT THE SCANNER’S FIREWIRE/IEEE-1394 CONNECTORS.............11
SETTING UP – GENERAL INFORMATION ..............................................11
Installing the FireWire/1394 Card (for PC) ...................................11
Connecting the Cables...................................................................12
Connecting the Power Adapter ......................................................13
CHAPTER 2. YOUR FIRST SCAN...................................................14
CHAPTER 3. SCANNING BASICS...................................................17
SETTING VISTASCAN PREFERENCES....................................................17
General.........................................................................................17
Scan Destination ...........................................................................19
Scanner Information......................................................................22
VistaScan Beginner Window Features............................................23
VistaScan Advanced Features........................................................28
Using the Universal Transparency Cover (UTC)............................45
Using VistaAccess – Direct Access.................................................46
Turning the Scanner Lamp On and Off...........................................47
Using VistaShuttle.........................................................................47
Using the UMAX Copy Utility........................................................50
CHAPTER 4. PUSH BUTTON SCANNING .....................................52
Configuring the Push Buttons........................................................52
CHAPTER 5. SCANNING PROJECTS.............................................59
Using VistaScan to Scan a Photo to E-mail...................................61
Using Presto! PageManager to Scan a Form and Edit it with
PageType......................................................................................62

Converting Scanned Text to Editable Text with OmniPage .............63
Opening OmniPage LE..................................................................63
Converting Scanned Text with OmniPage LE.................................63
CHAPTER 6. HOW TO GET HELP.................................................65
USING ONLINE MANUALS ..................................................................65
Accessing the UMAX VistaScan Online Manual.............................65
Accessing the Presto! PageManager Online Manual......................66
Accessing the Caere OmniPage Online Manual.............................66
TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................67
CONTACTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT....................................................69
MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................70
CLEANING .........................................................................................71
SCANNER SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................72
FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY......................................73
WARRANTY.......................................................................................74

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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CHAPTER 1. Getting Started
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the UMAX Astra series scanner. This
manual covers both the Astra 6400 and Astra 6450. The Astra 6450
includes a Universal Transparency Cover (UTC) for scanning
transparent media. The UTC is an optional accessory on the Astra
6400.
The Astra 6400/6450 scanner is equipped with a FireWire/IEEE-
1394 connector. The FireWire/IEEE-1394 interface connectors
allow you to make a fast and easy connection to your computer.
FireWire/IEEE-1394 connectors are found on the new Macintosh
G3/G4 and iMac DV computers and PC computers equipped with
FireWire/IEEE-1394 connectivity. A FireWire/1394 card is
included for use on PC computers and your new scanner.
In addition to being easy-to-connect, this scanner is also easy-to-
use. Simply follow the instructions in this guide and you’ll be
scanning in no time. With the powerful software included with your
scanner, you can create, edit and archive scanned images, e-mail or
fax images to friends or clients, or create your own Web site
gallery. Get ready to unleash your creativity with the UMAX Astra
6400/6450 scanner.
Unpacking the Scanner
Your scanner package includes the cables and software you need to
get the scanner up and running. The scanner package should
contain all of the items listed below. If you do not find all of the
listed items, immediately contact the retailer from whom you
purchased the scanner, or contact UMAX. For information about
contacting UMAX directly, refer to Chapter 6. How to Get Help.
Package Contents
•UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Color Flatbed Scanner (built-in
Universal Transparency Cover included with Astra 6450)

•FireWire/1394 Interface Card (for PC only)
•FireWire/IEEE-1394 Interface Cable
•Owner’s Manual
•Quick Start Guide
•Power Adapter
•Slide Holder (included with Astra 6450)
•Adobe®Photoshop®LE CD-ROM
•UMAX Scanner CD-ROM. This CD-ROM contains software
for Caere®OmniPage®LE OCR, NewSoft®Presto!
PageManager (full version), NewSoft®Presto! PageType™
(full version, PC), UMAX Copy Utility (PC), Scanning
Solutions electronic book

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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Getting to Know Your Scanner
To gain a complete understanding of the information contained in
this manual, it is important that you become familiar with your
scanner. The graphics below identify the key scanner components.
Astra 6400/6450 Scanner Elements
Astra 6400/6450 Back Panel
Object Glass
Glass surface on which
documents or images are
placed.
Power Indicator
Illuminates to
indicate that the
scanner is
powered on.
Scan, Copy and
Custom (OCR or
E-Mail) Buttons
Universal
Transparency Cover
(included with 6450)
Provides top lighting
when scanning slides.
Transparency Receptacle
Power Adapter Receptacle
FireWire/IEEE-1394
Connector
Scanner Lid
Cover that protects
the object glass.

System Requirements
This section defines the minimum system requirements necessary to
operate the Astra 6400/6450 scanner. Please refer to the section
below that applies to your computer type.
PC Requirements
•An IBM-compatible PC with a Pentium processor or above
•Microsoft®Windows 98 SE/Windows 2000 or above
•Firewire/IEEE-1394 port (or available PCI slot to use included
card)
•64 MB RAM
•CD-ROM drive
•250+ MB of available hard disk space
Macintosh Requirements
•iMac DV or New Power Mac G3/G4
•Firewire/IEEE-1394 port
•64 MB RAM memory
•Macintosh OS 9.0 or higher
•CD-ROM drive
•250+ MB of available hard disk space
Installing the Software
Installing Adobe Photoshop LE on the PC
1. Insert the Adobe Photoshop LE CD-ROM into your
CD-ROM drive.
2. Click the Start button in the bottom left corner of the desktop.
3. Choose Run from the Start menu. The Run dialog box opens.
4. Click the Browse button.
5. From the pull-down menu, double click the Photosle CD-
ROM.
6. Double-click on the language you want to install.

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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7. Double click the Photosle folder to open it.
8. Click on Setup.exe to highlight it, and click the Open button.
The path to the Setup.exe file appears in the Open text box in
the Run dialog box.
9. Click OK to launch the Setup file. Follow the screen prompts.
10. When the User Information dialog box appears, enter your
personal information and the software serial number that
appears in the upper right corner of the Photoshop registration
card. You can find the registration card in the
CD-ROM case.
11. Continue with the installation process by following the
remaining screen prompts.
Installing Adobe Photoshop LE on the
Macintosh
1. Disable any virus-protection extensions and restart your
computer.
2. Insert the Adobe Photoshop LE CD-ROM into your
CD-ROM drive. The Photoshop LE CD-ROM content window
appears.
3. Double-click the Adobe Photoshop LE icon. The Photoshop
LE window appears.
4. Double-click the Install Photoshop LE icon. Follow the screen
prompts.
5. When the User Information dialog box appears, enter your
personal information and the software serial number that
appears in the upper right corner of the Photoshop registration
card. You can find the registration card in the
CD-ROM case.
6. Click the Install Now… button.
7. Continue with the installation process by following the
remaining screen prompts.

Installing VistaScan and Other Bundled Software (Presto!
PageManager, Presto! PageType, Presto! ImageFolio, OmniPage
LE and Online Manuals)
1. Insert the UMAX Scanner CD into your computer’s CD-ROM
drive after you have finished installing the software on the
Photoshop LE CD. If the Setup process begins automatically,
go to step 2. If not, please see below;
For PC Users: If your computer does not automatically start
the Setup process, click the Start button in the lower left corner
of your screen. Next, select the Run button. In the dialog box
that appears type d:/setup (where “d” is the letter for your CD-
ROM drive) and select OK. The Setup program will start
automatically.
For Mac Users: If your computer does not automatically start
the Setup process, with the UMAX VistaScan window open on
your desktop, double-click on the UMAX CD Installer icon to
launch the Setup program.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
process. Be certain to register the scanner when asked.
Registering the scanner gives you access to the password for
the e-book Scanner Solutions. See below for more information.
Scanner Solutions e-book
The Scanner Solutions e-book is a complete, full color electronic
version of the original hard copy book providing useful information
and tips on the subject of scanning.
1. Complete the product registration as instructed during the
VistaScan install. Or you can register the scanner on our Web
site at www.umax.com. During registration, you will be given a
case-sensitive password. Write it down for later reference.
2. The e-book scannersolutions.pdf can be found in the ebook
folder on the VistaScan CD. It can be viewed by using Adobe
Acrobat Reader and the password provided during registration.

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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About The Scanner’s FireWire/IEEE-1394
Connectors
Newer computers (both PC and Macintosh) may rely on
FireWire/IEEE-1394 technology as a method of communication
between the computer and its peripherals.
Checking Your Computer’s Connectors
To connect your scanner to your computer, f7irst locate the
FireWire/IEEE-1394 connection on your computer.
•A FireWire/IEEE-1394 port is a small slot approximately ½”
long and ¼” tall.
•Next to the FireWire/1394 port on a Macintosh computer, you
should find the FireWire/1394 symbol
Setting Up – General Information
NOTE: Proper scanner hardware installation depends on installing
the software first. If you have not installed the software that came
bundled with the scanner, refer to Installing the Software earlier in
this chapter for instructions.
Installing the FireWire/1394 Card (for PC)
1. Make sure computer’s power is turned off. Remove the case
according to the system manual’s directions.
2. Insert the FireWire/1394 card in an empty PCI slot. Gently but
firmly push it down until it is seated in the PCI slot.
3. Screw the bracket to the chassis to secure the card. Replace the
computer’s case and turn on the power.
4. Windows 98 SE/2000 will now detect the addition of the new
hardware and ask to search for a driver. Select Next.
5. Windows will ask, “What do you want Windows to do?” Click
on the option “Search for best driver for your device”. Select
Next.

6. Insert your Windows 98 SE/2000 CD into your CD-ROM
drive. Select the “CD-ROM drive” option and click Next.
7. Windows will search the CD for the FireWire/1394 driver.
After it finds the driver on the CD, select Next to install it.
8. After the driver installation is complete, select Finish. You’ll
be instructed to reboot your computer.
Note: The included FireWire/1394 PCI card is intended for use with
the Astra 6400 and Astra 6450 scanners. Although other
FireWire/1394 peripherals should work with the included
FireWire/1394 card, UMAX is able to support the compatibility of
the card only with the Astra 6400 and Astra 6450 scanners.
Connecting the Cables
Find a suitable location near your computer to place the scanner.
CAUTION: Make sure the surface is flat. Operating your scanner
on an uneven surface can damage the internal components.
1. Locate the FireWire cable that is provided with the Astra
6400/6450. Plug one end of the connector firmly into the
FireWire/IEEE-1394 port on the back of the computer.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the FireWire/IEEE-1394
port on back of the scanner.
Connecting the Universal Transparency Cover Cable
(included with Astra 6450 optional on Astra 6400)
1. Locate the UTC cable connected to the back end of the UTC
cover.
2. Plug the UTC cable connector into the round three-pin DIN
connector on the scanner’s back panel.
Universal
Transparency
Cover UTC Cable
UTC Connector

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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Connecting the Power Adapter
1. Plug the scanner’s power adapter into an electrical outlet.
2. Insert the other end of this cable into the power adapter
receptacle on the rear panel of the scanner. The power indicator
on the front panel of the scanner should now be illuminated.
3. Turn your computer on.

CHAPTER 2. Your First Scan
Before you begin your first scan, please install the bundled software
and hardware. Refer to Chapter 1. Getting Started, for software and
hardware installation instructions.
Using the Astra 6400/6450, there are three ways to scan an image:
1. Using third party application software to acquire your image.
Application software is Adobe Photoshop LE for example.
2. Scan directly to file or application from the VistaScan driver.
3. Use the “Scan” button on the scanner to scan your image.
Scanning with Adobe Photoshop LE application software
1. Double click on Adobe Photoshop LE icon to open it.
2. Choose Import from the File menu.
3. Choose Select Twain_32 Source
4. Choose VistaScan32 VX.XX. This will establish the Astra
6400/6450 driver as the driver Photoshop will use.
5. Choose Import, and then select TWAIN_32
6. The scanner driver “VistaScan” will be activated and appear.
The driver should display the “Beginner” interface. If not, click
7. Place the image to be scanned on the object glass.
8. Click the Preview button.
9. Using the crop features, set the desired scan area. See VistaScan
Beginner Interface below for more information on selecting the
scan area.
10. Click the icon that represents the type of media you are
scanning.
11. VistaScan closes and the scanned image appears in Photoshop.
12. Modify the image using the Photoshop tools.

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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13. Choose Save As from the File menu to save the scanned image.
Enter the file name, save location and file type (ie. JPG, TIFF,
etc)

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CHAPTER 3. Scanning Basics
VistaScan is the primary program or driver you use to scan with
your Astra 6400/6450 scanner. It is a TWAIN-compliant program,
which means that it can be run from other programs that support
scanning, like Caere OmniPage and others. It is also a stand-alone
program, which allows you to scan images for a variety of uses,
even without launching another program first.
Setting VistaScan Preferences
VistaScan “Preferences” controls the Astra 6400/6450’s default
scan settings. Generally there is no need modify the settings every
time you use the scanner.
To access the VistaScan Preferences, first launch the VistaScan
driver, click the Preferences icon in the upper right corner of the
VistaScan window. The preference icon is a scanner with a
lightning bolt.
The Preferences cover three areas:
•General
•Scan Destination
•Scanner Information
A tab at the top of the Preferences window indicates each
VistaScan preference group. To view the Preference settings for an
area, click on the associated tab.
General
The General tab contains preference settings that control color
matching and color correction, and whether to display the ruler and
tips.

Color Matching/Correction
Color Matching allows you to fine-tune the colors of scanned
images so that they emulate the colors of your original source
documents as closely as possible. This is accomplished using
MagicMatch.
When you click on the MagicMatch checkbox (so a checkmark
appears) the Profile List displays. A profile is a list of applicable
calibration profiles, which MagicMatch uses to render a final output
image. If a printer or calibration profile is not chosen, MagicMatch
will calibrate the image to optimize its display on a monitor.
MagicMatch only functions when you are scanning in color mode.
When you are using Magic Match, it automatically disables the
Level/Curve and Color Adjustment/Balance settings in the
VistaScan Advanced window.

UMAX Astra 6400/6450 Owner’s Guide
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Show Ruler
The Show Ruler command displays or hides the rulers that border
the top and left sides of the Preview window. These rulers
correspond to the rulers on your scanner's object glass. Clicking on
the Show Ruler checkbox turns off (removes the checkmark) and
hides the ruler. Clicking on the checkbox again turns the feature on
(displays a checkmark) and shows the ruler.
Tips Help
The Tips Help option determines whether tips are displayed when
you pause with your cursor over a VistaScan option. Click on the
Tips Help box to enable tips (displays a checkmark). When a
checkmark appears, clicking the checkbox disables the tips and
removes the checkmark.
Scan Destination
The options in this Preferences tab specify how scanned images are
stored, printed, faxed, transferred to another application, or
transmitted via e-mail.

File
To set the location for your stored images:
1. Click on the File icon. The file preferences appear to the right
of the Scan To icon set.
2. Enter the directory in which you want to store the scanned
image file, in the File Directory text box. If you are not sure of
the directory path, click the Browse button to locate the desired
directory.
3. Enter the file name under which you want to store the scanned
image files (such as TMP) in the File Name text box.
4. Select the file format in which you want to save scanned
images from the File Format drop down list.
Printer
To specify which printer to use when printing scanned images:
1. Click on the Printer icon. The printer currently selected as the
default appears to the right of the Scan To icon set.
2. If you want to change any of the printer settings, click on the
Properties button. The standard Print Setup dialog box opens.
Make any changes you want, and then click OK to return to the
Preference settings.