Dart Scanner for DMP-Printers
A scanner from Dart Electronics for use with Amstrad's DMP2000 and DMP3000 printers.
Technical
The scanner optics are attached to the printer head. The scanner interface connects to the expansion port.
Uses port FBEFh, the port seems to be read-only.
Bit2 Carriage Returned/Parked (0=Wait/Head Parked, 1=Scan/Head Moving) Bit? Scanned Pixel Color (0=Black, 1=White)
Scanning is done in single scanlines (one pixels height). The scanning procedure waits while FBEFh.Bit2=0 (which probably indicates that the head is in the left-most position, or that it has just leaved it, or so). The horizontal "dot clock" is implemented as software delays. When scanning a black dot, one or more bits in Port FBEFh become non-zero (not sure which bit; the driver software simply checks "IF Port[FBEFh]<>FFh THEN PLOT pixel").
Caution: The scanning software may be required to be adjusted for different printer/scanner versions (eg. an extra delay for DMP3000), and, the printer DIP switches must be set up properly (see last page of manual for details).
The manual doesn't mention anything about compatibility with DMP2160/DMP3160/DMP3250di - theoretically it should be possible to attach the Scanner to them (since they have the same case as DMP2000/DMP3000). One problem is that the newer printer models do move the head at faster speed (160 CPS instead of 105 CPS), so the horizontal resolution (and position) will change; which could be fixed at software side. Apparently this was handled in later versions, an advert in Amstrad Computer User Nov 1988, page 21 states that the package does also work with DMP2000/DMP2160/DMP3000/DMP3160. Older adverts (until Amstrad Computer User Sep 1988, page 23 stated only DMP2000/DMP3000 support.
Cover
- The Dart Scanner Cover
Back Cover
Front Cover
Tape
- The Dart Scanner Tape
The Dart Scanner Tape
Pictures
- The DART scanner
The scanner attached to a CPC6128 and a DMP2000
The interface box
The scanner head
Interface and head (A new grey version?)
Reviews/Adverts
- The Dart Scanner was reviewed in Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 3, pages 8, 9, 10 (Danish)
- Dart Scanner Advert for DMP2000 in ACU Dec 1986 page 43.
- Dart Scanner Advert for DMP2000/3000 in ACU xxx...
- Dart Scanner Advert for DMP2000/2160/3000/3160 in ACU xxx...
Manual
- Dart Scanner Manual (pdf)
Download
Observe that the manual includes some patches for using the scanning software with different printers, ie. it may be required to do some small modifications before using the above drivers. And, the manual says that DIP switches on the printer must be configured properly.
Links
http://cpcrulez.fr/hardware_scannerDART.htm ( You can download the software here )
