Podcast Summary: Hands-On Tech 223: Using Older Hardware on Newer Computers

Introduction In episode 223 of Hands-On Tech, host Micah Sargent addresses a common dilemma faced by technology enthusiasts and professionals: how to continue using older hardware with newer computer systems. This episode delves into the challenges and solutions related to maintaining legacy equipment in the face of evolving software environments.

The Problem: Legacy Hardware and Software Compatibility The episode begins with a listener question from J.P., who is assisting the family of a late action sport photographer. J.P. explains:

“I work for a dear friend who passed a couple of years back... we were working prior to digital photography... running into a computer software/scanner issue.” ([00:00])

J.P. faces a significant hurdle: the Hasselblad FT646 scanner produces .FFF files, which are no longer supported by modern Apple software. The current workflow relies on macOS Mojave 10.14.6 to run 32-bit applications necessary for processing these files. With newer macOS versions exclusively supporting 64-bit applications, J.P. is concerned about the longevity and upgradeability of the existing setup.

Technical Background: macOS Shift to 64-bit Micah Sargent provides a technical overview of the issue:

“The fundamental issue that you're experiencing here is the shift in macOS away from 32-bit applications to 64-bit applications... Mojave 10.14 was the last version of macOS to support older 32-bit applications.” ([02:30])

This shift means that essential software like Flex Color, which controls the Flex T scanner, is no longer compatible with newer macOS versions. Additionally, Hasselblad has not updated their Phocus software to be 64-bit, exacerbating the compatibility problem.

Solutions Proposed

1. Dedicate an Older Mac as a Scanning Station Micah suggests repurposing the existing Mac running Mojave as a dedicated scanning station:

   “You can do something called dedicating, which is where you take your PC, in this case the Mac, and you say, this is just going to be the machine and the station that I use for being the scanner of these images.” ([04:15])

   By keeping this Mac isolated and disconnected from the internet, J.P. can continue using the Flex Color software without the risk of security breaches.

2. Creating a Bootable Clone for Longevity To safeguard against hardware failures, Micah recommends creating a bootable clone of the Mojave system drive:

   “Create a complete bootable clone of this Mojave system drive on an external SSD... using Carbon Copy Cloner or Super Duper.” ([04:45])

   This approach ensures that if the original Mac encounters issues, the system can be swiftly restored or migrated to another machine from the same era.

3. Switching to VueScan Software A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to introducing a modern software alternative:

   “There's a great third-party scanner software that has a free trial so you can check it out and see if it works in your situation. That software is called VueScan by Hamrick Software.” ([08:17])

   VueScan is a 64-bit application compatible with the latest macOS and Windows versions. It is designed to interface with a wide range of scanners, including older models like the Hasselblad FT646. Micah highlights that VueScan receives regular updates, ensuring ongoing support and functionality.

4. Additional Considerations: Phocus Software and Hybrid Workflows Micah also touches on the potential of using modern photo management programs to handle .FFF files:

   “With Phocus, it's also possible. Some of the modern photo management programs are also able to open it, like Lightroom. However, I didn't offer that as a main solution because I don't know for certain that that is the case.” ([10:30])

   He suggests verifying whether the latest Phocus software can handle the existing .FFF files, which could allow for a hybrid workflow where legacy files are converted using newer applications.

Conclusion and Community Support Micah wraps up the discussion by encouraging listeners to try the proposed solutions and stay engaged with the Hands-On Tech community:

“I implore you, reach out to let me know if one of these solutions solved your problem or if none of them did, and we can continue to try to pick away at the problem.” ([11:45])

He emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the show, where both the host and listeners contribute to troubleshooting and resolving technical challenges.

Final Thoughts This episode of Hands-On Tech offers valuable insights for anyone grappling with integrating older hardware into modern computing environments. By addressing both the technical constraints and practical solutions, Micah Sargent provides a roadmap for maintaining legacy systems without sacrificing functionality or security.