In response to a growing interest in building roll scanners, I have
put together a package of notes, diagrams and software describing my
system.

The design is the result of several years experimentation and is based
on a contact image sensor device as used in 'state of the art' fax
machines.  The system can scan any roll up to 300 mm wide and the
software can be easily modified to accommodate different standards.
The absence of lenses and optics solves many problems and results in
a compact, but highly accurate machine.

The information I am offering should not be regarded as a 'painting
by numbers' style of project description.  The issues are complex and
anyone tackling such a task must be prepared to break new ground in
some areas.  It might, however, save constructors much of the time
I have wasted navigating backwaters and blind alleys over the years.

The 'kit' is a zip file of about 750 kbytes and includes a sample scan
of a 58-note Orchestrelle roll together with fully functional software
enabling a playable MIDI file to be produced from it.  Source code in
Quick Basic is included.  It is available directly from myself:-
bonzo@globalnet.co.uk

This is a non-commercial enterprise aimed at establishing a world wide
stock of roll scans in the public domain for the benefit of our, and
future, generations.  I will provide all possible assistance to anyone
who decides to go ahead in this spirit.

Richard Stibbons
Cromer, Norfolk
England.