SOS! Epson 4180 Photo Scanner problem.

[lesged]

If anyone has the Epson Perfection 4180 photo scanner or similar Epson scanner, tell me if my problem sounds familiar.

With power on the signal light is normally green. When I use Epson Scan in PS7 it opens properly and signal light stays green. But as soon as I click Preview the scanner makes its usual starting noise that sounds like a whine, then abruptly stops and the power signal light changes to a blinking red and the following error message appears:  

"No response from the scanner. Make sure the scanner is on and properly connected. If using the Transparency Unit, remove the Reflective Document Mat."

I've checked all connection and the Reflective Document Mat is not in the scanner.

The motor begins to scan, but consistently stops at the same place and up comes the error message.

I tried importing from 4180 scanner to Picasa, instead of PS7, and got the same error message.

I can't find the operator's manual. I tried Epson's online trouble shooting, but there is nothing that comes close to my problem described

I fear the blinking light is like a death rattle . I hope I’m wrong. Any ideas, tests or suggestions?


Les Gediman

[LarryD]

Try this remove the scanner from the system. Remove all the software to it. re install all the software. re attach it to the system if that does not work then I fear you need to clean the gears... Also before you do this check for updated drivers and software from Epson.

 Remember though you still must remove all the old software before you update.. it is an Epson thing.

[xvvvz]

If you are lucky, the transport lock in the base and/or the transparency unit has become engaged either partially or fully.  Fully lock and then unlock to make sure it is out of the way.  If that isn't it, then you most likely have an internal mechanical problem.  If you aren't the type to get in and fix it yourself, don't bother sending it in for a repair to Epson.  Just put that money toward a new V500 from the EpsonStore's clearance center.

Good luck,
Doug

[lesged]

Larry and Doug,

Thanks for your tips and advice. I've uninstalled and re-installed Epson software literally a dozen times, but still the red light keeps blinking and won't complete a scan in any mode. I toggled the transport lock, but that didn't help.

I don't have the skill to do any repair work inside the scanner. I called Epson tech support and got unbelievable personal attention and help from 2 Epson techs for my 3-4 year old refurbed Epson 4180 Photo scanner long past its warranty. I was on the phone ith the second tech (level 2) who stuck with me patiently for 3 hours trying to find the software conflict including trying Claudia's laptop. Never has any technician put in anywhere near that much time on any equipment I've had trouble.

It involved much more than simple uninstall/reinstall cycles- finding hidden files associated with Epson Scan. For quite awhile Claudia's IBM ThinkPad only had the green signal light, but always presented the error message(s) and would start, but never turn over to use an auto ignition metaphor. It never made a full scan not even a partial one, just the noise, as if it were ready to start.

Then the signal went blinking red with the ThinkPad as well with error message indicating it could not "connect" to the scanner.  No 2 tech finally felt that it was more than software conflict.

I said repairing it by Epson probably would cost as much as buying another refurb on Epson's Clearance sales with shipping costs both ways. He suggested using the "loyalty" price break that offer new Epson scanners for nearly the same price as refurbs at clearance sales prics.  I ended up taking Doug's advice for the V500 as it was offered new at $127 with free ground shipping. I ordered it.  Maybe I'll get lucky and sell some camera gear to cover this unexpected new purchase of a scanner.

Anyone that wants my blinking red light Epson 4180 Photo Scanner for the cost of shipping can have it. It was working fine up till yesterday and may be a simply fix for some handy guy or gal.


Thanks again Larry and Doug for your help.

[LarryD]

Well Sorry we could not get it going for you there Les but I do think you will enjoy the V500 as it is a pretty good scanner from all the reports others have given me on it.

[Jim Evans]

$127?   Dang,  can't go wrong there!  That's a great deal.

Glad to here there is still some companies out there with great support staffs.   I had some problems with an older verison of Lightroom 2 a year or so ago and Adobe's staff sat on the phone with me for over an hour and eventually got me up and running.  Also have AT&T for home TV/Internet.  Great support staff?.................Not so much!  :mad:

[xvvvz]

I think you will be very happy with your investment.  The V500 will do so much better reproducing the dense/dark areas of your film.  It can just "see" into these areas better due to its improved light source.

Doug

[LarryD]

Welcome xvvvc. I have never seen you before here. Do you have a name?

[jamesmck]

Welcome xvvvc. I have never seen you before here. Do you have a name?

Larry - I think he's this Doug: http://www.BetterScanning.com.

[LarryD]

OK James well I am glad he is on board.

[lesged]

BUMP! An update for those who followed this thread. The 4180 may be fixable after all.

I ordered the new Epson V500 scanner. I uninstalled the 4180 software, installed the V500 software, made the electrical hook-up, put a test negative strip in 35mm holder; turned on power and the green light illuminated and then opened Epson Scan everything seemed to be going smoothly, and then my jaw dropped.

OMG! the V500 exhibited the same trouble symptoms as the 4180: green light changed to a red blinking light and the scanner wanted to start, but only grunted and the same old error message popped up--- indicating it could not functionally "connect" to the scanner. (paraphrased)

I began to believe what the original team of Epson support technicians' instincts were right: that there never was anything wrong with the 4180's hardware and it was always a software conflict. I spoke with an  Epson tech support once again and eventually found out what prevented the V500 scanner from working properly. The two things I had to change to get it to work did not exist on the 4180. There are two transport sliding locks on the V500: one the same as on the 4180 on the outside back wall that can cover the USB socket for protection in transit. That was not the culprit, it was the other sliding lock on the bottom right corner of the removable transparency light unit. The other safety feature that prevents the scanner from scanning was a surprise. It is set to block the scanning action if you put the negative holder in the wrong orientation. It has nothing to do with an electrical contact, just a mechanical location of a pin in a registration  hole. When both items were properly located, the scanner works as designed,

Because neither the two first round techs nor I could find a way to get the 4180, I bought the V500. The 4180, which may spring back to life if the right kind of DIYer or computer savy person wants to take the challenge to find out.

I'm offering it free for actual shipping cost to anyone who is daring enough to try to untie the Gordian knot of a scanner problem. It is listed as For Fee at the FS/FF/ Wanted advertisement forum.

[lesged]

NOTE: The 4180 will have a new home in Toronto.
Nancy is going to take it, wave her magic wand over it  
with some incantations mummured, it will work like a charm.

Let's all cross our fingers!

[LarryD]

crooss ay?  :p I ave them croossed.

[lesged]

Final chapter: 4180 shipped to Nancy yesterday. Lets all transmit curative vibes to Nancy so the 4180 will bring her joy and good scans in 2011.