A New Path for Archivist Kits

Built a scanner? Started to build a scanner? Record your progress here. Doesn't need to be a whole scanner - triggers and other parts are fine. Commercial scanners are fine too.

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duerig
Posts: 388
Joined: 01 Jun 2014, 17:04
Number of books owned: 1000
Country: United States of America

A New Path for Archivist Kits

Post by duerig »

Hi. I am Jonathon Duerig, a software engineer in Salt Lake City,
Utah. I am passionate about books, book scanning, and technology. Some
of my past work is available at http://jonathonduerig.com and you may
have seen my forum posts about researching laser bookscanning methods.

I've been part of the beta-test process of the Archivist and I know
that when it comes to this DIY book scanning, there's nothing out
there in the market that can surpass the combination of high quality
and low price in the Archivist.

As you might have read, Daniel Reetz is retiring from the DIY Book
Scanner project. He has stopped producing and delivering the
Archivist. And even though Daniel has documented the design in depth,
not everyone has the expertise to make one from scratch.

To ensure that Archivists remain available, I'll be taking the lead on
producing new Daniel-approved Archivist kits. I will bring the same
care and attention to detail to book scanner kits that Daniel did.

I am founding a new workshop called Tenrec Builders in order to
produce and develop book scanner kits. I've begun work on bringing
together a strong supply network that will let me start delivering
kits to people. I will also continue to develop new models of book
scanners and make improvements both in hardware and software.

I have been in close consultation with Daniel about what went right
and wrong with making the previous run of Archivist kits. I have
researched every detail down to the nuts and bolts. But in order to
start actually producing kits, I need your help.

I have opened a new Archivist storefront for up to 25 pre-orders. Those
pre-orders will allow me to purchase the supplies for the first batch
of kits. It will also provide me with the resources to rent a workshop
space and purchase the tools I need to get started. If you pre-order,
I will send you constant updates on the production of your
kits. Together, we can restart the production of these kits and you
will be in the loop every step of the way.

Do not pre-order if you need a kit RIGHT NOW. I don't have any
stock. The pre-order will help me build the first kits.

I need to source every part, piece and tool. I've already contacted
many suppliers and have most of the quotes I need. I have also started
searching for a workshop space in my area. But I'm starting from
scratch, which also means that there may be unexpected problems. All
my suppliers will be new and untried, and this is the biggest source
of risk, especially when it comes to delivery time.

The new Archivist kits will cost $1200 for a full kit, plus shipping.
I do not yet have the scale or experience that Daniel has, so many
things will likely cost more and take me longer. This higher price
reflects that unfortunate fact.

If there is enough interest, I will work hard to start producing kits
as soon as I can. I bring a lot of passion to the table. There will
always be a place for scanners like the Archivist, and I want to make
sure that they remain in reach for the non-expert. However, if there
isn't enough interest after a few days, I will refund any pre-orders
already made.

Now that you understand my plan and the risks, there are several
options available. If you want to support the effort and pre-order a
new Archivist kit, go to the store at http://store.diybookscanner.org
and use the password 'phoenix'.

If you want to wait until after the pre-order period is finished, you
can suscribe to the mailing list at diybookscanner.org or the front
page of the store, which is the main channel of communication right
now. I will post any updates and news about the project there.

If you're still not sure and want to make more questions, you can
write to diybookscanner [at] gmail. Please be patient if you don't get
an answer right away. If you want to wait until after the pre-order
period is finished, I will announce here when I have kits in stock and
available for order.

-Jonathon Duerig

PostScript:

It is sad to see Daniel retiring from book scanning. But I expect that
he will bring his incredible passion and insight to many future
projects. Thanks, Daniel, for founding this community, for the help
and encouragement you have offered me and others, and for designing so
many great machines to scan books on a shoestring.
dtic
Posts: 464
Joined: 06 Mar 2010, 18:03

Re: A New Path for Archivist Kits

Post by dtic »

duerig wrote:As you might have read, Daniel Reetz is retiring from the DIY Book
Scanner project. ... It is sad to see Daniel retiring from book scanning.
Wait, what? Haven't read anything about that. Is that only in regard to the Archivist kits or to the site and forum too?
duerig
Posts: 388
Joined: 01 Jun 2014, 17:04
Number of books owned: 1000
Country: United States of America

Re: A New Path for Archivist Kits

Post by duerig »

dtic, Daniel announced his retirement earlier today: http://diybookscanner.org/forum/viewtop ... =26&t=3161

The community and forums aren't going anywhere. Scann will be maintaining them and keeping the wheels turning. They will be a resource for everyone no matter where they get their scanner. I am going to focus on making sure that Archivist kits remain available and on developing new scanner designs, both of the Archivist, and using other technology like the laser scan work I've already been pursuing.
dtic
Posts: 464
Joined: 06 Mar 2010, 18:03

Re: A New Path for Archivist Kits

Post by dtic »

Thanks for the link, I posted in that thread now. Great to see you and Scann keeping things up!
duerig
Posts: 388
Joined: 01 Jun 2014, 17:04
Number of books owned: 1000
Country: United States of America

Re: A New Path for Archivist Kits

Post by duerig »

Thanks to those amazing folks who pre-ordered, the Tenrec Builders workshop is up and running. All of the preorders have been fulfilled and Archivist scanner kits are available at http://store.diybookscanner.org once again.

If you already have an Archivist, I have also posted a draft user guide at http://tenrec.builders/archivist-guide.html so take a look.

I have learned so much over the past few months. This is an incredible adventure. And there is still more to come.

-D
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