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Frequently Asked Questions

KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drive FD 300

Contents

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were last updated on 8 December 2000.

Availability and General Information

  1. Is the KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drive FD 300 still available?
    The FD300 is a discontinued product and is no longer generally available for sale. However, the winning features of the film drive have extended its life. You may occasionally find it for sale, and find its features a good match for your imaging applications.

  2. What is a film drive?
    The KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drive FD 300 is a desktop scanner designed to scan film in Advanced Photo System (APS) film cassettes.

    The name "film drive" indicates a new technological concept that uses the film cassette as an image storage device. Rather than take valuable space storing image data on the computer's hard drive, Zip, Jazz drives, or floppy drives, the 'film drive' scans APS film, digitizes the image for current work, and the image data remains on the film in the cassette.

  3. What are the main features of the KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drive FD 300?
    This compact, motorized digital film scanner can scan Advanced Photo System film, such as KODAK ADVANTIX film, and display an image in under 40 seconds. The Plug-and-Play feature makes setup a snap. All the software you need to create one-of-a-kind images is included.

  4. How big is the film drive?
    The dimensions of the film drive are: Height 2.5" (6.4 cm) Width 6.875" (17.5 cm) Depth 8.875" (22.5 cm). The film drive weighs 1.6 lb. (725 grams).

  5. Which computers can be used with the film drive?
    The film drive can be used with IBM PC or compatible computers. You need a computer with a CD-ROM drive to load the software.

    System requirements:

    • MICROSOFT WINDOWS 95 Software
    • CD-ROM drive (for installation only)
    • 486 processor (66 MHz or higher)
    • Standard VGA monitor with 256-color (8-bit) display (16- or 24-bit preferred)
    • 16 MB RAM (better performance is achieved with higher memory)
    • 50 MB hard disk space for full installation

    NOTE: KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE Picture Easy Software, Version 3.0 requires a PENTIUM P90 Processor or better to install.

  6. Will Kodak offer a model that is compatible with APPLE MACINTOSH Computers?
    We have no plans at the present time to offer a model of the film drive that is compatible with MACINTOSH Computers.

  7. Can I use the film drive with WINDOWS 3.1X or WINDOWS NT 4.0 Software?
    No, the film drive is only compatible with WINDOWS 95 Systems.

  8. Do I need to buy anything else to make the film drive work with WINDOWS 95 Software?
    Everything you need is included, from hardware to software, including cables.

  9. What is the resolution of the film drive?
    The film drive scans at an optical resolution of 2400 dpi. However, the actual width of any APS film frame is less than one inch, so the maximum scan resolutions is 2625 x 1500 pixels. The film drive has three selectable resolutions to provide you with improved flexibility.

  10. What are the average scan times for scanning a full APS frame?
    The scan times and resolutions listed below refer to scanning a full APS frame. These times were noted using a PC with a P166 processor and 32 MB of RAM. Actual scan times will vary for each system.

    Resolution Pixels Scan Time
    High 2625 x 1500 65 seconds
    Medium 1750 x 1000 40 seconds
    Low 875 x 500 18 seconds



  11. What software is available for the film drive?
    Advanced software applications make it easy to get, save, and print pictures from your FD 300 Film Drive. The following applications are included on the software CD-ROM that comes with the FD 300 Film Drive.
    • PHOTODELUXE Software V2.0 from ADOBE Systems Inc. This software lets you enhance your pictures and easily drop them into personalized templates, including greeting cards, newsletters, calendars. For more information about PHOTODELUXE Software, go to the ADOBE Systems Inc. Web site at www.adobe.com.
    • PAGEMILL Software V2.0 from ADOBE Systems Inc. This software provides all the tools to create your own Web pages. For more information about PAGEMILL Software, go to the ADOBE Systems Inc. Web site at www.adobe.com.
    • Digital Learning Center . Kodak presents how-to's of digital photography.(Also available on the Kodak Web site at www.kodak.com/go/dlc.)
    • KODAK ADVANTIX Access Software allows you to access and use your scanned images.
    • KODAK ADVANTIX Launcher Software allows you to easily launch the programs that come with your film drive.
    • KODAK DIGITAL SCIENCE Picture Easy Software, Version 3.0. This software provides a quick and easy way to organize your scanned pictures.
    • TWAIN acquire module from Kodak for WINDOWS 95 Systems. This software allows you to download pictures to a TWAIN-compliant software application.


  12. Can I scan 35 mm film on the KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drive FD 300?
    No, the film drive is designed to accept only Advanced Photo System film.

  13. What is the warranty for this film drive?
    A one-year warranty comes standard from Kodak in the United States.

  14. Is there a developer's toolkit for this film drive?
    No, not at the present time.

Installation

  1. Should I hook up the film drive with the PC off or on?
    We strongly advise that the PC, film drive, and printer, if you have one, be turned OFF.

  2. Why are there two connectors on the back of the film drive?
    One connector is used to connect the film drive to the computer. The second connector is called a pass-through port. Because most PCs only have one parallel port, our film drive provides another port to connect your parallel printer or one other parallel device.

  3. Can I use a parallel switch to hook up the film drive?
    Use only a switch box that switches all 25 signals in the parallel cable. Look for switch boxes like Premium Data Switch.

  4. If I need a power source, what should I look for?
    The AC Power Adapter required to power the film drive is a dual voltage power source +5 (1.1A) and +12(1.3A) VDC provided from one universal 120/240 50/60 cycle AC adapter.

  5. Is a different power source available so I can use the film drive overseas?
    You will need to purchase an adapter cord from your local electronics store.

  6. How do I close applications for film drive software installation?
    Select: File > Exit to close each application.

    NOTE: The MICROSOFT OFFICE toolbar that appears on the desktop is an application that runs in the background and does not always appear to be active. Make sure that you exit this launcher tool as well. There are other applications that behave similarly to this toolbar, for example, video display tools, screen-savers, and others. These typically have icons that appear in the WINDOWS 95 Start bar or other desktop location which are not always thought of as active applications. In WINDOWS 95 press Ctrl-Alt-Del and refer to APPENDIX A in these FAQs for details on closing programs

General Use

  1. Why can't I scan when printing?
    Your pass-through port allows you to attach both the film drive and printer to the single parallel port on your computer. However, you cannot scan and print at the same time.

  2. Does the film have to be developed before the film drive can read it?
    Yes, the film has to be processed before you can use it with the film drive. Look at the icons on the end of the film cassette. If the rectangle shape is highlighted white, it means that the film has been processed and it may be used with the film drive.

Technical Support

  1. Where is support available for the KODAK ADVANTIX Accessx Software or film drive?
    The following resources may help you resolve a problem:
    • The retailer where you purchased the KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drive FD 300.
    • In the U.S. call toll-free 1-888-375-6325.
    • Elsewhere in the world contact your local Kodak office.


  2. Where can I find troubleshooting information for the film drive?
    Look in FAQ1043 , Troubleshooting the KODAK ADVANTIX Film Drives at http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/faqs/faq1043.shtml.

Appendix A - Modifying Computer Files and Closing Background Applications - WINDOWS 95 System

  1. Appendix A - Introduction
    Application programs such as ADOBE Systems Software, KODAK Picture Easy Software, and device drivers can start up at boot-up and run in the background without the computer user's knowledge. Some of these programs or device drivers running in the background can interfere with the installation of software and should be closed down before software installation begins. You can start these application programs and device drivers from either line entries in the Win.ini file or from the Startup folder.

    The following procedures will help you prevent these applications or drivers from starting at boot-up, and close down any item that started through the Startup folder. Usually you can use the Close Program window to close applications that start at boot-up by the Startup folder. However, you must edit the Win.ini file to prevent the applications started by the Win.ini entries from starting. We recommend that you prevent the Win.ini entries from loading first, then close down the remaining items.

    When editing a configuration file to prevent a device driver from being started, we put a semi-colon (;) to the left of that statement in the file. This semi-colon is referred to as "remarking" (commenting) out the entry. Basically what happens is the computer "sees" the semicolon and ignores everything on the line to the right of it.

  2. Before Editing a Configuration (.ini) File
    Making incorrect changes to any configuration (.ini) file can cause that application to function incorrectly. Making an improper change to the system.ini or win.ini can cause fatal errors, which could prevent your system from booting up. Therefore, it is important to make a backup copy of the file before you attempt to make any changes. If you are not comfortable with editing files, consult a computer expert for assistance.

  3. Making a Backup Copy
    In the following examples we are using the win.ini file. If you are backing up some other file, substitute its name where 'win' appears in this example.
    1. Go to the MS-DOS prompt, Start > Programs > MS-DOS Prompt
    2. At the C:\> prompt, type: cd windows and press Enter.
    3. At the C:\WINDOWS > prompt type: copy win.ini win.kod and press Enter. (In this example, we made a backup of the win.ini file and called it a .kod file.)
    4. Type: exit and press Enter to return to WINDOWS 95.


  4. Closing Down the Background Applications
    1. From the WINDOWS 95 Desktop press the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys at the same time to open the Close Program window.
    2. Highlight the desired item and select 'End Task.'
    3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until everything but the Explorer entry is closed down.
    4. A second window may appear stating that a program is not responding, etc. Go ahead and select 'End Task' on this window also.
    5. If closing out a particular entry causes your computer to shut down and reboot itself, leave that item running the next time.

    Closing down the background applications will usually correct and allow a successful installation. If you are still experiencing installation problems, perform the "Editing the Win.ini File Procedure."

  5. Editing the win.ini File
    In the following example we are using the win.ini file. If you are editing a different configuration file, substitute its name where win.ini appears.
    1. Make a backup copy of the win.ini file; refer to 'Making a Backup Copy.'
    2. From the WINDOWS 95 Desktop select Start >Run > and type: notepad c:\windows\win.ini and click on OK.
    3. Locate the [WINDOWS] section of the win.ini file.
    4. Type a semi-colon (; ) to the left of the lines that start with load= or run=
      Examples:
      Before
      [windows]
      load= C:\afterdrk\adk30.exe
      run=LXDBOXCP.EXE
      NullPort=None
      ScreenSaveActive=1
      device=HP Laserjet 4 Plus,HPPCL5MS,LPT1:
      After
      [windows]
      ; load= C:\afterdrk\adk30.exe
      ; run=LXDBOXCP.EXE
      NullPort=None
      ScreenSaveActive=1
      device=HP Laserjet 4 Plus,HPPCL5MS,LPT1:
      NOTE: One or both of the lines may be blank after the equal (=) sign; if so, you do not need to remark out that statement. If you feel that you have done something incorrectly, exit immediately without saving the changes.
    5. Select File > Save
    6. Select File > Exit
    7. To make these changes effective, you have to reboot your computer.
    8. Exit from the WINDOWS 95 Desktop, Select Start > Shutdown > Restart the Computer?
    9. Proceed to 'Closing Down the Background Applications.'


  6. Re-Starting the Background Applications or Device Drivers
    After installing the software and checking it out successfully, do the following to return your system to its normal state:
    1. Edit the win.ini file and remove any semi-colons (;) placed to the left of the Load= or Run= statements.
    2. Shut down and reboot your computer.


Kodak, Advantix, and Digital Science are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

Frequently Asked Questions provide information of limited or specific application. Responsibility for judging the applicability of the information for a specific use rests with the end user.

FAQ1035