Scanner Build: "Black Iron" Twin Models A,B

[univurshul]

These twin builds are inspired versions of the original DIY builds of 2009. Although they have unique design evolutions that include, but not limited to: cable route design, non-wood construction, dedicated onboard 2x preview displays, adjustable lighting and varying platen specifications.

Sturdy/stable, and weighing-in at approx. 55 lbs, (B Model is 58 lbs [glass platen]) this rig breaks down and packs into 2 boxes in 10 minutes. 5-7 minutes to rebuild. Tools required to reassemble: 1-large flathead screwdriver, 11mm boxed wrench and your hands. Tools needed for fine-tune adjustments: your hands.

Also noted in the pictures is the 'Air Platen' option for this scanner for XL-sized books and media on this scanner.

The design is versatile and caters to high-volume/high-quality scanning production for Mac or PC

Much thanks and my respect to the founders of this site, their efforts and the dedication to this craft.

[univurshul]

6/29/10: Model A is now the property of another end-user. B model will sell summer 2010. --Best Regards.

[daniel_reetz]

I owe Daniel and the innovators some thanks and my respect.

...Time to cloud surf with the 3 tons of books I own!

Sweeeeeeet. Always glad to see another build, especially with super-dramatic photos like this. Congrats on your success!

[daniel_reetz]

Can you please post some more pics of the camera arms from your scanner?

[univurshul]

Camera post images are attached.

[univurshul]

Images and build notes revised above. We can move this thread to the correct hardware forum-- I was a noob and couldn't read when I tossed this build thread in here.

I can read now.

[daniel_reetz]

That first picture with the two scanners is SERIOUSLY INSPIRING. Great work! Your craftsmanship is excellent, too. I'll move the thread next time I make it into the admin control panel...

EDIT: YAY< IT IS IN TEH CORACT PLASE NOW

[univurshul]

That first picture with the two scanners is SERIOUSLY INSPIRING. Great work! Your craftsmanship is excellent, too.D

Thanks, Daniel. ...Doing my best, keeping my tolerances for butchered work low.

[univurshul]

I've recently completed some finishing touches to my original "B Model" build which focuses on a multi-faceted cradle that can capacitate both paperback/magazine/loose-leaf media and hardcover books. The cradle support panels are removable as shown in the attached photos; the panel removal allows for thick, hard cover-bound to rest in a deep locked-'V' while scanning. A center-line is added for easier eyeing of book placement and camera calibration prior to scanning.

[univurshul]

After 2 weeks researching materials, and a couple working days to draw upon a few ideas, I've managed to build a successful thin-guage polycarbonate platen for Black Iron-B.

This platen is 1/16th inch thick standard clear Lexan sheeting. It's very light, shatter-proof. There are aluminum torsion bars on the perimeter of the panes that double as a cabling harness. The best feature is how far it reaches into the book bind. It is extremely thin and the transmission quality is incredible. The sheer feather-weight makes you instinctively think it's vulnerable to shattering at this gauge, but it's surprisingly the opposite; it actually has a unique behavior that will seat closer to difficult books, once the platen reaches enough downward pressure.

SOLD: 08/17/10. If anyone is still looking for a DIY scanner of this type, I have enough components to build-up 1 more, complete to specification. That said, I'm moving onto to a new design, and ultimately a mobile smartphone design. I will post on the progress of these builds soon. Please visit the post on this in the Agora forum post (viewtopic.php?f=6&t=89&start=10) and send me a email/message if you are interested in a prebuilt scanner.