UMAX Technologies Astra MX3 User manual

UMAX
Astra MX3
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. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. MS-Windows, and
Windows, are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 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........................................7
Introduction.............................................................................................................7
Unpacking the Scanner..........................................................................................8
Package Contents .............................................................................................8
Getting to Know Your Scanner............................................................................9
Astra MX3 Back Panel.............................................................................9
System Requirements..........................................................................................10
Installing the Software.........................................................................................10
Installing Adobe Photoshop LE...................................................................10
Installing the VistaScan Software................................................................10
Installing the Hardware .......................................................................................11
About Scanner Connectors...........................................................................11
USB Connectors .....................................................................................11
SCSI Connectors.....................................................................................11
Checking Your Computer’s Connectors ....................................................12
Positioning the Scanner.................................................................................12
Connecting the Cables...................................................................................12
Connecting the USB Cable....................................................................12
Connecting the SCSI Cable...................................................................13
Changing the SCSI Address.........................................................................13
Connecting the optional UTC (Universal Transparency Cover) Cable.14
Connecting the Power Adapter....................................................................14
CHAPTER 2. SCANNING BASICS ......................................15
Your First Scan.....................................................................................................15
Make a scan with Adobe Photoshop LE.....................................................15
Setting VistaScan Preferences ...........................................................................16
General..............................................................................................................16
Color Matching/Correction...................................................................16
Show Ruler...............................................................................................17

iv
Tips Help..................................................................................................17
Scan Destination.............................................................................................17
File.............................................................................................................17
Printer.......................................................................................................19
E-mail........................................................................................................19
Fax.............................................................................................................19
Application..............................................................................................20
Scanner Information......................................................................................20
VistaScan Beginner Window Features.............................................................21
Performing the Preview Scan.......................................................................21
Preview Tools .................................................................................................22
Zoom tool.................................................................................................22
Frame tool................................................................................................22
Move tool.................................................................................................22
Selecting the Scan To Device or Application............................................23
Defining the Type of Image to Scan...........................................................23
CHAPTER 3. ADVANCED FEATURES...............................25
Making Advanced Window Changes...............................................................25
Changing the Original Document Source..................................................25
Changing the Image Mode...........................................................................26
Table 1. Resolution/File-Size Guidelines ..................................................28
Choosing the Best Resolution for Your Scanning Project......................28
Table 2. Recommended Resolutions..........................................................28
Changing the Descreen Feature...................................................................29
Changing the Filter Setting...........................................................................29
Changing the Scale Factor............................................................................30
Using the Auto Adjustment Feature............................................................30
Using the Scan Control Unit.........................................................................31
Selecting the Scan To Device or Application....................................31
Using the Multiple Scan Modes..................................................................32
Using the Color Adjustment Features ........................................................33
Adjusting Image Brightness, Contrast, Highlights and Shadows..33
Using the Brightness Bar.......................................................................33
Using the Contrast Bar...........................................................................34
Highlight Bar...........................................................................................34
Shadow Bar..............................................................................................34
Gamma Bar..............................................................................................34
Reset Button............................................................................................34
Adjusting the Image Tones...........................................................................34
Adjusting the Color Balance........................................................................35

UMAX Astra MX3 Owner’s Guide
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Rotating/Inverting an Image.........................................................................36
Using VistaAccess - Direct Access..................................................................37
Turning the Scanner Lamp On and Off.......................................................37
CHAPTER 4. PUSH BUTTON SCANNING .........................39
Configuring the Scanner Buttons......................................................................39
Setting the Scan Options...............................................................................39
Configuring the Copy Button Values..........................................................40
Configuring the Custom Button Values .....................................................42
Using the Push Buttons.................................................................................44
CHAPTER 5. SCANNING PROJECTS................................45
Scan and Print Images with VistaScan.............................................................45
Scan a Photo to E-mail Using VistaScan.........................................................46
Converting Scanned Text to Editable Text with OmniPage.........................46
Opening OmniPage LE..................................................................................46
Converting Scanned Text with OmniPage LE...........................................47
Creating an Album with Presto! PhotoAlbum.................................................47
Opening PhotoAlbum....................................................................................47
Creating a Photo Album................................................................................48
CHAPTER 6. HOW TO GET HELP......................................51
Using Online Manuals.........................................................................................51
Accessing the Presto! PageManager Online Manual................................51
Accessing the Caere OmniPage Online Manual.......................................52
Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.01........................................................52
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................52
General Problems and Solutions..................................................................52
Additional Troubleshooting Solutions........................................................55
SCSI Problems and Solutions......................................................................55
Re-Install the Software ..................................................................................57
Contacting Technical Support............................................................................58

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Maintenance.........................................................................................................59
Cleaning...........................................................................................................59
APPENDIX A. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS..................60
APPENDIX B. USING THE OPTIONAL UNIVERSAL
TRANSPARENCY COVER (UTC)........................................61
FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY............................62
WARRANTY..........................................................................64
INDEX....................................................................................65

7
Chapter 1. GETTING STARTED
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the UMAX Astra MX3 scanner. This versatile unit
is perfect for the home or office. Use this scanner to add variety and flare to
your documents, or to help you share images with others.
Before reading further, it’s important to note that this scanner is a Macintosh®
scanner. This manual is written for Macintosh users. The styling, functionality,
and ease-of-use reflect the same attention to detail that you’ve come to expect
from other Macintosh-compatible products. But your MX3 scanner will also
operate on a PC running Windows® 95, 98 or NT. We mention this because
there may be some people that want to use other operating systems with their
scanner.
You’ll note that there are a number of screenshots throughout the manual, and
that many of them are from PC systems, as opposed to Macs. Where that’s the
case, the functions are identical. In other words, it works the same way on
either Mac or PC systems.
But the MX3 is, without question, intended for Mac users. The software that is
included with the scanner is specific to the Macintosh platform. There are PC
versions of the driver software on the installation CD, but the application
software is Macintosh compatible.
The Astra MX3 scanner is equipped with two SCSI connectors and a USB
connector. Both the USB and SCSI interface connectors allow you to make a
fast and easy connection to your computer. SCSI connectors are found on
Macintosh computers and PC computers equipped with a SCSI interface card.
USB connectors are found on newer PC computers and USB-equipped
Macintosh computer (such as the iMac or blue and white G3).
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. Use the
powerful software included with your scanner to 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
MX3 scanner.

8
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, contact the retailer
where you purchased the scanner, or contact UMAX. For information about
contacting UMAX directly, refer toChapter 6. How to Get Help.
Package Contents
•UMAX Astra MX3 Color Flatbed Scanner
•USB Interface Cable
•SCSI Interface Cable
•SCSI Terminator
•Owner’sManual
•Quick Start Guide
•Power Adapter
•Adobe®Photoshop®LE CD-ROM
•UMAX Scanner CD-ROM. This CD-ROM contains software for Caere®
OmniPage®LE OCR, NewSoft®Presto! PageManager (full version).

UMAX Astra MX3 Owner’s Guide
9
Getting to Know Your Scanner
The graphics below identify the key scanner components.
Astra MX3 Back Panel
Object Glass Cover:
A UTC “transparency cover”
(shown) is an optional
accessory.
Object Glass
Glass surface on which
documents or images
are placed.
Power
Light
Illuminates
when
scanner is
plugged in.
Scan, Copy and
Custom(OCR or
E-Mail) Buttons
Power Adapter
Receptacle
USB Port
Transparency
Receptacle
SCSI ID
Indicator
Slide Illumination
Light (optional)
Provides top
lightingwhen
scanning slides.
SCSI Port

10
System Requirements
•iMac or Macintosh®Power PC or higher
•USB or SCSI port
•32 MB RAM memory
•Macintosh OS 8.1 or higher
•CD-ROM drive
•170+ MB of available hard disk space
Installing the Software
Installing Adobe Photoshop LE
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 on the Adobe Photoshop LEicon. The Photoshop LE
window appears.
4. Double-click on the Install Photoshop LEicon. 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 on the on the Install Now… button.
7. Continue with the installation process by following the remaining screen
prompts.
Installing the VistaScan Software
The VistaScan CD contains all the software you need to operate your Astra
MX3 scanner.
The CD contains:
•Presto! PageManager
•OmniPage Ltd. (including the Adobe Acrobat Reader installer)
•Presto! PhotoAlbum
•UMAX VistaScan

UMAX Astra MX3 Owner’s Guide
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To install the software:
1. Place the VistaScan CD in the CD-ROM drive and double-click on the
VistaScan CD icon.
2. Double-click on the UMAX CD Installer icon.
3. Follow the instructions to complete installation of the software.
Additional Software
Please refer to the instructions that accompany the software for information on
the installation and use of any additional software.
Installing the Hardware
After you have removed the scanner from the box and verified that all of the
package contents have been included, please check to make sure that your
computer is compatible with the scanner’s connectors.
About Scanner Connectors
USB Connectors
Newer computers (both PC and Macintosh) rely on USB technology as the
primary method of communication between the computer and its peripherals.
With this new USB “plug-and-play” technology your computer automatically
configuresperipherals.
SCSI Connectors
Some Macintosh computers ship with built-in SCSI (Small Computer System
Interface) connectors. SCSI connectors provide fast data transmission;
additionally, they give you the ability to connect up to seven peripheral
devices to your computer using just one SCSI port. PC computer users can
install a SCSI interface card to provide SCSI support.

12
Checking Your Computer’s Connectors
To use your scanner you need to understand what type of connectors you have
on your computer. To determine the connectortype, look at the back panel of
your computer:
•A USB port is a small slot ½” long and ¼” wide.
Note: If your computer has a USB port, check to make sure that your
computer's operating system supports USB. The following factory-installed
operating systems support USB: Mac OS 8.1, Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2,
98 or NT.
•A SCSI port is a 25-pin connector.
Positioning the Scanner
Find a suitable location near your computer to place the scanner. Make sure
the surface is flat.
CAUTION: Operating your scanner on an uneven surface can damage the
internal components.
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 the sectionInstalling the Software earlier in this chapter for
instructions.
Connecting the Cables
Connecting the USB Cable
If your Macintosh or PC computer has a USB port, follow these instructions to
connect the scanner to your computer.
1. Locate the USB cable that is provided. Plug the rectangular end of the
cable firmly into one of the USB ports. iMac computer ports are located
on the right side of the computer. The USB port on other Macintosh

UMAX Astra MX3 Owner’s Guide
13
computers and PCs is located on the back panel of the computer, or on a
USB interface card.
2. Plug the square connector end of this cable into the port located on the
back panel of the scanner.
Connecting the SCSI Cable
If your Macintosh computer has a SCSI port, follow these instructions to
connect the scanner to your computer.
Note: If you do not already have your SCSI interface card installed in your
computer, install it now. Refer to the installation instructions that came with
the SCSI card.
1. Turn off the computer and the scanner.
2. Connect the SCSI cable to the SCSI port on the computer.
3. Attach the other end of the SCSI cable into the first SCSI connector on
the backside of the scanner (closest to the left side).
Note:If your scanner is not chained to other SCSI devices, connect the
Terminator to the remaining SCSI port of your scanner.
Changing the SCSI Address
Changing the scanner’s SCSI address is necessary if more than one peripheral
is connected to the SCSI port and two or more of the peripherals have the
same address or ID number.
To change the scanner’s SCSI address:
1. Check the other peripherals for their SCSI address or ID number. Your
Astra MX3 SCSI address is preset to 5. If no other peripherals use 5 as a
SCSI address or ID number, you are done. If another peripheral’s address
is 5, proceed to the next steps.
2. Unplug the scanner from its power source.
3. Gently turn the dial located at the back of the scanner, on the right-hand
side, until an unused number appears.
SCSI
Connector
Port

14
Note: SCSI ID numbers 0 and 7 are used by the computer and by the hard
drive. SCSI ID numbers 8 and 9 are settings for factory-use only and could
cause damage to the scanner if used as a SCSI address for a peripheral.
Connecting the optional UTC (Universal Transparency
Cover) Cable
Note:The Universal Transparency Cover is available as an optional
accessory. With the UTC, you’ll be able to scan slides and other transmissive
media.
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.
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.
UTC Connector
Optional
Universal
Transparency
Cover
UTC Cable

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Chapter 2. SCANNING BASICS
VistaScan is the primary program or driver you use to scan with your Astra
MX3 scanner. It is a TWAIN-compliant program, which means that it can be
run from other programs that support scanning,such asAdobe Photoshop LE
or OmniPage. It is also a stand-alone program, which allows you to scan
images for a variety of uses, without launching another program first.
To open VistaScan as a stand alone program:
Double-click on the VistaScan D.A. application in the Umax VistaScan folder
or click on the VistaAccess scanner icon on the Control Strip.
Note:Refer toChapter 4. Push Button Scanning for more information on
VistaAccess.
Your First Scan
You can perform a basic scan using any of the software applications bundled
with this scanner.
Note: Before you begin your first scan, you must install the scanner and the
bundled software. Refer toChapter1.GettingStarted, for installation
instructions.
Make a scan with Adobe Photoshop LE
1. Open Adobe Photoshop LE.
2. Choose Importfrom the File menu.
3. Select UMAX VistaScan from the drop down menu. The VistaScan
program opens.
4. Place a photo to be scanned on the object glass.
5. Click on the Previewbutton.
6. Set the desired scan area by placing the cursor over the marquis lines that
appear over the preview scan. When the cursor turns into a two-headed
arrow, click and drag the marquis lines to frame the part of the image you
want included in the final scan.
7. Click on the Color Photo button to scan the photo.
8. VistaScan closes and the scanned image appears in Photoshop.
9. Modify the image using the Photoshop tools.
10. ChooseSave As from the File menu to save the scanned image.

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Setting VistaScan Preferences
Preferences control scanner settings that you generally do not modify every
time you use the scanner. The Preference settings are used as the default
settings for several of the scan settings.
To access the VistaScan Preferences:
Click on the Preferences icon in the upper right corner of the VistaScan
window.
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 they
match the colors of your original source documents as closely as possible. This
is accomplished using MagicMatch.

UMAX Astra MX3 Owner’s Guide
17
Click on the MagicMatch checkbox (so a checkmark appears) to open the
Profile List.
Note: The MagicMatch checkbox option is available only in advanced mode.
A profile contains calibration data for a specific printer, 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.
Show Ruler
The Show Rulercommand 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 theShow 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 Helpbox 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.
Note: The Scan Destination tab is only available when VistaScan is opened as
a stand-alone application.
File
To designate the file type of a scanned image and create a place to store
scanned images:
1. Click on the File icon.The file preferences appear to the right of the Scan
To icon.

18
2. Click on the pop-up menu next to File Format and select one of the file
types.

UMAX Astra MX3 Owner’s Guide
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3. Click on theSetting button. Click on the Newfolder button. Type in the
name of your new folder. Click Create.
4. Type the name of your scan in the field and click Save.
Printer
To specify whichprinter to use when printing scanned images:
1. Click on the Printer icon. Theprinter currently selected as the default
appears to the right of the Scan To icon set.
2. Click on theSettings button to open Page Setup. Make any changes you
want, and then click OKto return to the Preference settings. If you want
to make additional printer changes, click on the Chooserbutton to open
up the Mac Chooser.
E-mail
To specify which e-mail application to use when you e-mail scanned images:
1. Click on the E-mail icon. The e-mail preferences appear to the right of the
Scan To icon set.
2. Click on the pop-up menu next to Image Type and select one of the file
formats.
3. Click on theSettings button to open the dialogue box and select the E-
mail program you want to use to send scans over the Internet.
Fax
1. Click on the Fax icon. The faxdriver (or printer driver if a fax driver is
not selected) currently selected as the default appears to the right of the
Scan To icon set.

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2. Click on theSettings button to open Page Setup. Make any changes you
want, and then click OKto return to the Preference settings. Click on the
Chooser button to open the Mac Chooser.
Application
1. Click on the Application icon to open application preferences.
2. To select an application, click on the Settings button to open the dialogue
box and choose the application you want completed scans to open in.
Click on theSelectbutton to return to the preferences menu.
3. Click on the pop-up menu next to File Format and select one of the file
formats.
Scanner Information
The Scanner Information tab displays important information about your
scanner.
The information includes:
•ScannerManufacturer
•ScannerModel
•Firmware Version
•VistaScan Version
•Maximum Scan Width and Length
•Maximum Resolution