Microtek ScanMaker 9700XL Flatbed Scanner

Our company bought this to replace the Linotype scanner we had for 5 years. We scan mainly positives, western blots, (radiograph film) as we are a non profit cancer research facility. We have had to send the scanner and Transparency Adapter (TMA) back twice for the same problem: The scanner works fine for reflective media but often is unable to communicate with the TMA when attempting to scan film, resulting in an error code and no scan. After using our third scanner/TMA set up I finally figured out, when the problem started yet again, that it was due to a design flaw. The TMA communicates via a cable fro the scanner to the TMA. The cable, from lifting open the lid repeatedly (as you tend to do when doing large numbers of scans) moves around and puts stress on the wires inside the TMA. The wires inside are not supported or reinforced, so as they move, the connection is eventually lost. This can be remedied by gently moving the cable at the TMA end. This is why, in the middle if scanning a batch of film the TMA would suddenly "get lost".