The fantastic $35 Raspberry Pi mini PC is turning out to be extremely adaptable and has been used to create a wealth of wonderful DIY projects, most of which we have featured here on Geeky Gadgets since the Raspberry Pi’s launch.
Now network and systems administrator Eduardo Luís has used the Raspberry Pi mini PC to modify an old scanner, giving it a new lease of life. Transforming it into a scan-to-email system watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
Innovative Solution for Remote Offices
“I came across this idea because there is a problem in the company that I work for. There is a remote office that has only a few people working a few hours a day. For these people, computers are still a “complicated” object. We have internet and a VPN there. We also have e-mail and a server for remote backups. However, something was missing. We need an easy way to transfer paper documents to our headquarters instantly.”
This innovative solution addresses a common issue faced by many businesses with remote offices. Often, these locations have limited staff and resources, making it challenging to manage document transfers efficiently. By repurposing an old scanner with a Raspberry Pi, Luís has created a cost-effective and user-friendly solution that simplifies the process of digitizing and emailing documents.
How to Create Your Own Scan-to-Email System
If you have an old scanner lying around and a Raspberry Pi to hand, you might like to create your very own scan-to-email system. The process involves connecting the scanner to the Raspberry Pi and configuring the software to automate the scanning and emailing process. All the details and everything you need is over on Luís’ website.
To get started, you will need the following components:
– A Raspberry Pi (any model with USB ports)
– An old USB scanner
– A power supply for the Raspberry Pi
– An SD card with the Raspberry Pi OS installed
– Internet connectivity (either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
Once you have gathered all the necessary components, follow these steps:
1. Connect the scanner to the Raspberry Pi using a USB cable.
2. Power up the Raspberry Pi and ensure it is connected to the internet.
3. Install the required software packages on the Raspberry Pi, such as SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy) for scanner support and a mail client like Mutt for sending emails.
4. Configure the software to automate the scanning process and send the scanned documents to a predefined email address.
This project not only breathes new life into old hardware but also demonstrates the versatility and power of the Raspberry Pi. By leveraging the capabilities of this mini PC, you can create practical solutions that address real-world problems.
For more detailed instructions and a step-by-step guide, visit Luís’ website. There, you will find comprehensive information on setting up the scan-to-email system, including software installation commands and configuration tips.
Source: TNW
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