36
Chapter 6 – Serial Connection using the Twain Driver
6.1 Summary of Camera-to-PC Connectivity: Options
There are three methods by which you may move images from your V2800 camera to
your PC. The following discussion is intended to sort out some of the confusion in
selecting which method is best and easiest for you. This balance of this chapter
focuses upon the first method – Serial data connection using the Twain driver.
Serial Connection –
Connecting a digital camera to a PC using a serial data connection was the first
method used by digital camera manufacturers to download images to a PC. It remains
the most commonly used method. It can also be the most frustrating aspect of owning
a digital camera. Connecting a digital camera to a PC using a serial data connection is
perhaps the most challenging (sometimes-frustrating) aspects of consumer digital
imaging today and is a leading cause of product returns.
Note
: If your camera and PC will not connect then your serial ports must be examined. You can
inspect your computers ports using the device Manager Tab of the Windows (Start, Settings, Control
Panel, System, Device Manager.) For assistance in enabling or setting your ports, consult your PC
system manual or manufacturer. In some cases, changes may need to be made to your System BIOS.
Please consult a knowledgeable PC expert before attempting any such changes or modifications.
Note
: Serial data connections are sometimes referred to as RS-232. Serial ports are often called COM
ports in your system BIOS and operating system.
Why serial connections? Serial connections were (and continue to be) used simply
because virtually every PC in the world has a least one, and often, two serial ports.
Whether or not these serial ports are working, enabled, and free (from other devices)
is where problems arise. If your serial ports are working and free then you will most
likely have no problems. The advantage to serial connectivity is that there is no added
cost or need for any elaborate accessories, other than perhaps a simple adapter. Serial
connections are disadvantaged by interruptions, often by other software (TSRs,
communications programs, etc.) or even by electronic noise. Under all circumstances,
serial connections are relatively slow, being limited in data transfer rate.
USB Connection –
In response to serial data connection problems, digital cameras are moving to
Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections. The V2800 supports USB for PCs. The
advantages to USB are: the elimination of port conflicts (no more IRQ issues), high-
speed data transfer, hot-swap capability, reliable connections and transfers, universal
cabling, the potential to connect to iMAC platforms, and other benefits.
The disadvantage to USB is the statistical fact that not every PC has USB. USB
began shipping on some PCs in 1997 and virtually all by late 1998. Implementation
on laptop and notebook computers occurred even later. Furthermore, Windows 98 is
the first operating system to fully integrate USB functionality. Windows 95 users
may or may not be able to use USB depending upon which version of Windows 95
you have. Win95 users must have version OSR2 with the USB supplement 2.1.