[RNLD] High-quality scanner for index cards?

[Doug Cooper]

I have had excellent experience with the Kodak i2600 (~ $800), running
100K+ pages through each of two machines, both still going strong.

I could be wrong, but I think the hardware is identical to the $1,500+
model, and the slower throughput speed is due to software limiting during
post processing and renaming.  We sidestep this by locating and taking the
scanned images from the temp directory.  Long workflows also make this
easier; i.e. insert "new directory" cards into the card stacks, and split
up the images as part of the post-check process.

The Kodak can save to non-lossy uncompressed tiff, which we convert to png.
We always scan without automatic (and inherently lossy) image brightness
or contrast correction; usually 600 gray for printed texts, or 300 color
for hand-written or annotated typed stuff.

File cards should go awfully fast. The ultrasonic double-feed detection
works fine, but the main keys to jam-free life are document prep (thoroughly
riffling all input docs), resisting the temptation to overload the hopper,
and regularly cleaning schmutz off the input path and rollers.  All scanning
is two-sided, and the thing fits into a carry-on with room for some clothes.

I'd like to hear about other folks' experience with scanners in the
$800-1,800 range, too.

   Good luck,
   Doug

On 11/19/2013 8:52 AM, Andrea L. Berez wrote:
> Dear list,
>
> We are preparing to scan about 14,000 3"x5" lexical index cards from the
> 1950s, and I am seeking recommendations for a high-quality scanner with a
> document feeder that won't jam on the cards, which are made of cardstock. We
> have about US$1800 to spend, so we don't have to get the cheapest machine out
> there.
>
> Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks,
> Andrea Berez
>
> --
> Andrea L. Berez
> Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics
> University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
> Director, Kaipuleohone UH Digital Ethnographic Archive
> Technology editor, /Language Documentation & Conservation/
> http://www2.hawaii.edu/~aberez