Introduction: Turn an Old Scanner Into a New MTmini

Do you have an old flat-bed scanner that you are reluctant to get rid of because you can see the limit-less potential just sitting there going to waste (even though the eyesore makes you want to force yourself into blindness)? Well if you do you're not alone. I had been holding onto an out-dated Scanport SQ2030 (unfortunately, I don't know where you can get one, or why you'd want one for that matter) made by a company that doesn't even exist anymore and will not work with any computer newer than a Windows 95(Searching on the internet I found out that it's suppose to work with Windows XP, but I tried it and it does not). So if you're ready to turn that eyesore into a beautiful piece of equipment, read on.

This Instructable is currently being re-written

See Comments for full details and discussion


When you are done you will end up with a Mini Multi-Touch Interface. For more information on what these do click here.

You will need
a screw driver (Phillips)
some knowledge of mechanics
the patience of a saint

The scanner before I began working on it.

Step 1: Time to Harvest - Retrieving Your Parts

This step is actually big enough to fill several steps, but due to the differences in scanner models I have decided to leave the dissassembly up to you. My best advice - look for screws EVERYWHERE and when you find one take it out and see what moves. Also if this doesn't work post a comment with the model type and I'll try to find instructions for taking it apart, if one of our other outstanding members doesn't get to it first. :)

Only part from the scanner you will really NEED is the case. Also you will need a small webcam that you don't mind never seeing again (I went out and bought a $2.50 pink one at Walmart just so I wouldn't have to see it in the electronics isle anymore).

Originally I was hoping to use the scanners built-in processor to do the work so that you wouldn't need anything else, but since I don't have a Win95 handy and I don't want to program new drivers for an extinct piece of harware, it's worth the $2.50 until I get a newer scanner that I can take apart.

Note: You don't have to take your webcam apart, but I took mine apart because I wanted to add some more electronics to the circuit like a power light on the case and maybe some other fun gadgets. If you DO take it apart be careful to leave the built in lense cover on; i took mine off the first one to take pictures and had to get a new one because I couldn't get it clean after dust decided to settle on it.

Step 2: Measure, Measure, Measure!!

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of trying to tape the camera down in random places, measure your scanner and make some notes based on the size of the case and the size of the glass (mine is 8 3/4" x 12 3/4". I measured the width of the edges on the top of the printer and marked them on the inside of the bottom so that I could find the center of the glass on the bottom. I marked it with a target so that I would know exactly where I should put the camera.

Step 3: Installing the Hardware

This step is pretty self explanatory, but I needed to include it none-the-less. Secure the camera to your previously marked spot on the inside of your scanner however you want (Tape, glue, glue & tape, MORE glue & tape, etc.) I personally decided to use some styrofoam to level the camera out since it had a button on the back for the "quick shot" that made it uneven. Once I had the styrofoam cut correctly to hold the camera I aligned it to my markings and glued it down. Some scanners (like mine for example) are not tall enough to capture a wide are of the glass surface so you may need to use mirrors to reflect the image off of your marked point a track and measure a new place to attach the camera. I couldn't find a mirror the right size so I just fiddled around with some old magnifying lenses I had laying around and some how managed to get it to work, though I still don't get the entire area of the glass, but more than enough. (I marked a circle around the area so that I could tell where the image showed up)

Step 4: Customize Your New Creation!!!

Now you have the neccessary parts installed, but that scanner is still an eyesore, we used this case to keep this from looking tacky and now is where you can make this happen. Paint the outside, maybe give it some fancy decals, etc. I painted mine black with silver decals, put some stickers on it, etc. I wired the usb cable on the webcam to allow and on/off swithc and made the LED once again function as a power indicator (but added a color change for good taste). I also decide I would use some of the port holes as secret compartments to hide things in all that excess space I had inside my new toy.

Here are some pics of my baby, feel free to post your won pics below, I look forward to seeing all the unique and interesting designs.

Step 5: Install the Software

Now that your brand new creation is dolled up and ready to win the beauty pagent, you need to teach it how to work, all of this work would be useless without the proper software, unless you wanted to look at the inside of an old scanner...

So download the latest MTmini software package for Windows or Mac, or if you just have a webcam you need to work with your Mac you can go here. Mac infor courtesy of app0

Step 6: Finishing Touches

At this point (now that you have the software installed) you should go back and make final adjustments as neccessary to the camera angle to make sure that your arrangement will work properly. Tape a piece of paper down over the glass (make sure it's flat first) and then (if you want to) mark the boundary of the camera. I painted the everything outside of the camera's view black to match the paint-job I am going to use on the rest of the scanner.

Step 7: Customize Your Creation

Okay so all the hard work is finished and your MTmini, finally works (hopefully), but you still have an eyesore cluttering your computer area. Now it's time to fix that problem. Paint, design, color, light-up, and trick your creation to all out perfection. I would ellaborate more on this step, but it's supposed to be about your creativity, not your ability to read.

Step 8: Rejoice and Show Off Your Mad Skills!!

Now that your done making the worlds most beautiful, cool, or unique project, enjoy your creation. And then upload pics of it for everyone else to enjoy too! I know I'm looking forward to seeing all of your completed projects.

This is my unique spin on an instructable by cerupcat that can be found here.

Some of you may be wondering why my pictures suddenly stop, and above all else why I have no pictures of my completed project. Partially that is because i want to let a few people come up with their own ideas before I start influencing your creativity with my own, but mostly it's because my camera decided to eat through batteries while my girlfriend was borrowing and has been destroyed. I was trying to wait on the pictures, but as I am currently out of work I don't know when I'll be able to afford a new camera, and I've been working on this so long I just want to publish it. When I get a new camera I will upload more pics, my fingers are crossed for christmas.

Craftsman Workshop of the Future Contest

Participated in the
Craftsman Workshop of the Future Contest