Microtek Scanmaker 3600 fault

  • Thread starter Thread starter Paul Murphy
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Paul Murphy

I have a Microtek Scanmaker 3600 which has probably scanned no more than 100
pages since new (usually just for the occasional fax). I'm using it with
Windows XP's native drivers and scanning program (although have also used
Scanwizard 5 in the past). Recently the light has started going dimmer and
dimmer to the point where now it looks pink and the scans are hopeless -
text isn't even viewable on pages. I have been accidentally leaving it
switched on so I suspect the cold cathode light has just faded - is this how
these usually fail or is the inverter a more likely cause. Can anyone
provide details of a supplier in Europe (preferably the UK) who deals with
these sorts of cold cathodes? Going through the agents results in a high
price for the tube and its clear they'd rather sell me a flashy new scanner.
I'd rather keep my existing one though and repair it myself as long as its
only a new tube needed. I like the fact that my current scanner is very
simple with no buttons at all (they're extras I'd rather not have).

Paul
 
Paul Murphy said:
I have a Microtek Scanmaker 3600 which has probably scanned no more than
100 pages since new (usually just for the occasional fax). I'm using it
with Windows XP's native drivers and scanning program (although have also
used Scanwizard 5 in the past). Recently the light has started going dimmer
and dimmer to the point where now it looks pink and the scans are
hopeless - text isn't even viewable on pages. I have been accidentally
leaving it switched on so I suspect the cold cathode light has just faded -
is this how these usually fail or is the inverter a more likely cause. Can
anyone provide details of a supplier in Europe (preferably the UK) who
deals with these sorts of cold cathodes? Going through the agents results
in a high price for the tube and its clear they'd rather sell me a flashy
new scanner. I'd rather keep my existing one though and repair it myself as
long as its only a new tube needed. I like the fact that my current scanner
is very simple with no buttons at all (they're extras I'd rather not have).

Paul
Click to expand...
I do not know how good technical support is for Microtek, but here is the
place to start.
It has been best to use the Phone support from most of the manufacturers, as
they do not have knowledgeable people on the Email.
http://www.support.microtek.com/contact_info.phtml
 
I do not know how good technical support is for Microtek, but here is the
place to start.
It has been best to use the Phone support from most of the manufacturers,
as they do not have knowledgeable people on the Email.
http://www.support.microtek.com/contact_info.phtml
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. I cant get that link to work (nor will plain old
www.support.microtek.com ), I even tried both yesterday and today so the UK
contact details I obtained through www.microtek.nl will need to make do. I
don't think the problem is that the person on the other end of the email
wasn't knowledgeable enough, simply that its their policy to promote
replacement rather than repair of defective "low end" scanners - and I can
understand that! Having searched around UK scanner maintenance related
websites, I've found one selling replacement tubes for Umax Astra scanners
and the one type fits just about the whole range produced around the time of
my Microtek model - the picture also looks very similar to the tube used in
mine so I think it may be suitable. I've since sent them an email and I'm
waiting to hear back from that supplier.

Paul
 
I have no trouble with the link. The page comes right up.
Maybe copy and paste the link in your browser.
 
CSM1 said:
I have no trouble with the link. The page comes right up.
Maybe copy and paste the link in your browser.
Click to expand...
It must be one of those websites that only lets in traffic from IP addresses
in/around its own because it's still not loading a page. Ping and tracert
aren't much help either. I believe there are ways of getting into such sites
anonymously (or at least with some level of stealth) but it really isn't
important enough for me to bother.

Paul
 
Paul Murphy said:
It must be one of those websites that only lets in traffic from IP
addresses
in/around its own because it's still not loading a page. Ping and tracert
aren't much help either. I believe there are ways of getting into such
sites
anonymously (or at least with some level of stealth) but it really isn't
important enough for me to bother.

Paul
Click to expand...
Try this link then. Select your Country. Then Support (at top nav bar) on
the far right side, Click Contact Information.

http://www.microtek.com/

If that does not work you do not have a internet connection. Or you are not
trying to get the information.

In the USA this is what is on the page for Customer Service.

From Microtek's Customer Service you can do the following:


1) Order original replacement CDs, lamps (certain models),
replacement parts, and product brochures.
2) Get RMA number status.
3) Get information on authorized Microtek dealers in your area.

Phone: (310) 687-5940

Hours of Operation: (Monday - Friday)
7 a.m. - 11 a.m. PST
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. PST

Email: To request information or to post sales inquiries, you
can email (e-mail address removed). Be sure to include your return e-mail address.

PLEASE NOTE: Customer Service cannot take orders for Microtek
products.
 
Try this link then. Select your Country. Then Support (at top nav bar) on
the far right side, Click Contact Information.

http://www.microtek.com/

If that does not work you do not have a internet connection. Or you are
not trying to get the information.

In the USA this is what is on the page for Customer Service.

From Microtek's Customer Service you can do the following:


1) Order original replacement CDs, lamps (certain models),
replacement parts, and product brochures.
2) Get RMA number status.
3) Get information on authorized Microtek dealers in your area.

Phone: (310) 687-5940

Hours of Operation: (Monday - Friday)
7 a.m. - 11 a.m. PST
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. PST

Email: To request information or to post sales inquiries, you
can email (e-mail address removed). Be sure to include your return e-mail
address.

PLEASE NOTE: Customer Service cannot take orders for Microtek
products.
Click to expand...
The American website won't load from there either (although all other
regions work fine) - that's how I found the contact email address to enquire
within the UK. Thanks anyway for your efforts!

Paul
 
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