Help me figure out the libsane issue for my Epson 4990 scanner

[sofasurfer]

My scanner driver iscan-bundle-2.30.4.x64.deb.tar.gz . When I try installation I get error "E: Unable to locate package libsane".
I found that I need to use libsane1 instead, which I do have installed. Next I need to go into the softwares core package and find the dependancies and edit it so it points to libsane1 instead if libsane. Problem is that I can not open the core file because is fails for "dependency libsabe not available.
Any ideas?

 

[theLegionWithin]

presumably you're using a debian distro with a tarball name like that, so:
- Epson linux drivers/documentation: https://epson.com/Support/wa00821

assuming that's not a typo in the error "dependency libsabe not available" (should be libsane), then there's always the switch --fix-broken install - as in:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

alternately, there's the equivs/equivs-build package, https://manpages.debian.org/testing/equivs/equivs-build.1.en.html - if I understand it correctly, you can use that package to correct dependency issues with the package manager.

AI slop link: https://www.google.com/search?clien...o96RAxV5IDQIHaYbJ4EQ0NsOegQIAxAB&aep=10&ntc=1

disclosure: I dont really use debian much except for a single, specialized instance. one of the debian gurus here may want to chime in on this.

good luck!

 

[bob466]

When I install my Printer/Scanner drivers...I convert the tar.gz file to a .deb file and double click to install.

You need to install alien.
1. sudo apt-get install alien
2. sudo alien -d filename.tar.gz
This creates a deb file...click on it to install.

Example...tar.gz file is in the Downloads Folder...

Hope this helps.

 

[Alexzee]

My scanner driver iscan-bundle-2.30.4.x64.deb.tar.gz . When I try installation I get error "E: Unable to locate package libsane".
I found that I need to use libsane1 instead, which I do have installed. Next I need to go into the softwares core package and find the dependancies and edit it so it points to libsane1 instead if libsane. Problem is that I can not open the core file because is fails for "dependency libsabe not available.
Any ideas?

What distribution are you running?
Ubuntu? What kernel?

Where did you download the ./install.sh from? Epson?

There is libsane-common which is the application program interface that provides the standard's for the scanner's (different types of scanners) to function. Sane-devel and Sane-epson2 are 2 very important library's to have.

sane-epson2(5) — libsane-common — Debian unstable — Debian Manpages

You should be able to go into the core file (configuration file) (devices that the backend will use) using the terminal and look at this file:

/etc/sane.d/epson2.conf

I used the cat command to see it on my system.

# SCSI
scsi EPSON
# for the GT-6500:
#scsi "EPSON SC"

# Parallel port
#pio 0x278
#pio 0x378
#pio 0x3BC

# USB
usb

# For libusb support for unknown scanners use the following command
# usb <vendor ID> <product ID>
# e.g.:
# usb 0x4b8 0x110

The other dependencies that are engines tied to the above API play a role in functionality and performance for your printer to print. IF dependencies are missing, installed twice (meaning more than one instance or similar) this can cause the device not to work. In other words, the wrong driver could be loading first.

Also, libsane1 has 12 plus dependencies.

https://debian.pkgs.org/13/debian-main-amd64/libsane1_1.3.1-3+b1_amd64.deb.html

There is something called 'dependency hell' and it's undesirable to say the least.
Installing new packages when other dependencies have not be met will not be a good experience.

I'm sure our member's @osprey and @CaffeineAddict would agree.

 

[Brickwizard]

I think this scanner is from around 2008, you may need the vintersoft package

 

[MikeWalsh]

You won't be able to open the "core package(s)" (as you refer to it) because

sane-find-scanner

...and

scanimage

...are both compiled binaries. And it's next to impossible to de-compile a binary after being compiled.....not unless you install several fairly esoteric tools, along with a full 'development environment'.

But this is not required.

You don't try to point the package at different dependencies from within its compiled state. You add a line (or a clause) to your launcher, telling it to use this different dependency immediately BEFORE launching it. This is achieved via the use of LD_LIBRARY_PATH.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

See if you can locate the .desktop file for SANE - this will usually be found within /usr/share/applications. This is what generates the Menu entry for your application.

If you can find it, open it with your favourite text editor, then copy the contents & paste them into your next reply.....between 'code tags', please (the '</>' function in the post editor; this makes them more easily readable). We should then be able to tell you just where to add the modification you need.

You may also like to try the KDE Project's 'Skanlite'. I've run Epsons since, like, FOREVER. I found out quite some time ago that Skanlite works way better than Epson's own scanner software ever did!

You can find the AppImage here:-

AppImages from aci.pangea.pub

S3 Bucket for aci.pangea.pub

s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com

Mike.

 

[bob466]

If it's as old as the hills...better to buy a new Printer/Scanner.

 

[theLegionWithin]

If it's as old as the hills...better to buy a new Printer/Scanner. View attachment 29540

oh wow I didnt even think to look up the release date. the 4990 appears to have been initially released 20 years ago (per a review dated 2005 --> https://www.silverfast.com/show/photo-i_epson-perf4990-1/en.html')

I guess there's something to be said for minimizing ewaste but this might be taking that to extremes.

 

[Alexzee]

I think this scanner is from around 2008, you may need the vintersoft package

Good read Brian! If this were my kettle of fish I would try those instructions, only convert the .rpm to a .deb and see how it fairs.

How to Convert .rpm package to .deb using alien Package Converter? - GeeksforGeeks

Your All-in-One Learning Portal: GeeksforGeeks is a comprehensive educational platform that empowers learners across domains-spanning computer science and programming, school education, upskilling, commerce, software tools, competitive exams, and more.

www.geeksforgeeks.org

 

[bob466]

oh wow I didnt even think to look up the release date. the 4990 appears to have been initially released 20 years ago (per a review dated 2005 --> https://www.silverfast.com/show/photo-i_epson-perf4990-1/en.html')

I guess there's something to be said for minimizing ewaste but this might be taking that to extremes.

I didn't know it was that old either...until I saw Brickwizard's comment.

 

[Brickwizard]

I didn't know it was that old either.

When trying to solve problems, I find it essential to garner the approximate age of equipment as we know modern updated drivers do not always work on legacy kit

 

[Brickwizard]

only convert the .rpm to a .deb

its an extra step but does simplify installation

 

[sofasurfer]

When I install my Printer/Scanner drivers...I convert the tar.gz file to a .deb file and double click to install.
View attachment 29519
You need to install alien.
1. sudo apt-get install alien
2. sudo alien -d filename.tar.gz
This creates a deb file...click on it to install.

Example...tar.gz file is in the Downloads Folder...
View attachment 29520

Hope this helps. View attachment 29521

This little tidbit will go into my Zim notebook for future reference. Never heard of this before. Thanks.