Microtek M1 and Silverfast Ai Studio

[Ted Harris]

The other threads where this is being discussed have gotten so long that I didn't want it to be buried. It occurred to me that some may be running the M1 Pro with the version of Silverfast Ai Studio that comes packaged with the scanner as opposed to v10.5.x which can be downloaded from the website. The latest version is 10.5.r4.

Most of the initial run of M1's were manufactured and packaged and shipped with the immediate prior version of Silverfast which was not touted as being Leopard compatible. I never even tried it. I just downloaded the newer version from the web when I set my M1 up at the end of November, just after I had loaded Leopard. As noted elsewhere, I have not been able to replicate the issue with the lines that others have encountered; onder if it is the software version? Wonder if the newer online version makes a difference with Windows OS as well?

Just a thought.

[BarryS]

Ted-- Good point, but the problems have been with the current version of Silverfast AI Studio. The software does an automatic check upon install and downloads a newer version if it finds one on the Silverfast server. Silverfast has confirmed to me that the problem has been replicated and they hope to have it addressed in the next release of AI. I've asked about a timetable for the new release, but they haven't responded yet--probably because they don't know. I'm confident that Silverfast will be able to fix the problem, although we may have a bit of a wait.

[Ted Harris]

Barry I know that Microtek is also putting the pressure on them.

[BarryS]

That's good to hear. I understand that Microtek has no control over the situation with Silverfast, but they should has some leverage in terms of future and continued deals to offer bundled packages with AI. As long as the problem is on their radar screens, I'm willing to wait and see if the problem is resolved in a reasonable amount of time. If I can get a new release of AI without the bugs, I'll be happy with M1.

[Harley Goldman]

Ted,

I loaded the software that came with the M1 when I encountered my line issue. I subsequently uninstalled both the software and hardware, reloading the software from the LaserSoft website (the latest version of Ai Studio). Same problem with both versions. I am running MS XP.

[D. Bryant]

The other threads where this is being discussed have gotten so long that I didn't want it to be buried. It occurred to me that some may be running the M1 Pro with the version of Silverfast Ai Studio that comes packaged with the scanner as opposed to v10.5.x which can be downloaded from the website. The latest version is 10.5.r4.

Most of the initial run of M1's were manufactured and packaged and shipped with the immediate prior version of Silverfast which was not touted as being Leopard compatible. I never even tried it. I just downloaded the newer version from the web when I set my M1 up at the end of November, just after I had loaded Leopard. As noted elsewhere, I have not been able to replicate the issue with the lines that others have encountered; onder if it is the software version? Wonder if the newer online version makes a difference with Windows OS as well?

Just a thought.
Perhaps your unit was cherry picked by Microtek and is not represenative of the production units folks have been complaining about.

Don Bryant

[BarryS]

Don--Everything points to a software issue with Silverfast. Microtek hasn't been able to duplicate the problem, so I doubt it was an issue of cherry picking. Microtek already delayed M1 production to deal with some issues, so I think they would have continued to hold if they thought there was any problem.

[BarryS]

Silverfast let me know they're currently testing a fixed version of AI and they hope to have testing completed within the next week.

[RonNYC]

It would have been nice if LaserSoft sent out an email about this. What I can't figure out is how this software problem just sort of popped up and then got worse. A while ago, there were only a few lines (I think) and now, all over the image. The last time, I must have spent about 3 hours with the clone tool before I just gave up (I have an 1800f). I was on the verge of getting either an M1 or the V750 when I found this thread.

[Ted Harris]

Again,not everyone has the problem and I, for one, have tried and not been able to replicate it.

[marcmccalmont]

Again,not everyone has the problem and I, for one, have tried and not been able to replicate it.

I'm guessing a memory issue that only affects those of us running less RAM (2gb)
Marc

[marcmccalmont]

I received an email from silverfast stating a fix will be released next week

"Dear Mr McCalmont,

just wanted to see if you have this common Problem.
It will be fixed in the next release of SilverFast which should be out next
week.

Kind regards
Thomas Luebker
- LSI Support Specialist -"

[BarryS]

I was expecting it this week, but next week works for me. I'd rather they thoroughly test the new release than rush it out. BTW, if anyone is looking for a custom dust cover, I ordered one at a place called R&M Crafts. I had them make a cover for my Epson 3800 and they did a great job at a reasonable price. They quoted me a price of $24.95 for a custom made M1 cover, so I've got one on order.

http://www.cigarcityarts.com/catalog1.html

[John Brady]

I'm guessing a memory issue that only affects those of us running less RAM (2gb)
Marc

I have 8 gig ram on an apple 8 core and still got the bars. I had the problem on a quad core pc with 4 gig of ram too.

I have given up the fight and sent mine back today. I have ordered a creo instead.

jb

[Harley Goldman]

John,

What Creo did you order? From where?

[John Brady]

John,

What Creo did you order? From where?

I ordered the iq smart 2 from Jim at Midwest

[Harley Goldman]

Nice! I wish I could afford it.

[Rob_5419]

I received an email from silverfast stating a fix will be released next week

"Dear Mr McCalmont,

just wanted to see if you have this common Problem.
It will be fixed in the next release of SilverFast which should be out next
week.

Kind regards
Thomas Luebker
- LSI Support Specialist -"

Will this be a free update for anyone who buys a M1, or will M1 buyers have to shell out and pay for the fix?

Ted posted that the latest version of Silverfast Ai Studio which comes with the Microtek M1 Pro is the 10.5 r4.

I've checked with European suppliers of the Microtek F1, and they say that it comes with Silverfast Ai Pro Studio or version 6.xxx something.

Surely Silverfast hasn't introduced as many upgrades in the weeks of February this year?

[BarryS]

This is a free maintenance update. The new version will be 6.5.5r4a and M1 users are currently running version 6.5.5r4.

[Ted Harris]

See my post in the other thread

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=32848&page=3