PCEngineFans.com - The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 Community Forum
NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Discussion => Topic started by: romanoaj on August 07, 2009, 01:19:18 PM
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Often, when I buy a lot of HuCards, I have no idea what I'm staring at. Of course, one could google the product code and usually find what game is what, but this is almost impossible when buying stuff on eBay and the games are not labeled by the seller. SO, I was thinking of creating an identification guide online. Before I scan the HuCards, however, I just wanted to make sure there were no danger in scanning the cards. I know this is probably a dumb question, but just wanted to ask opinions about whether or not scanning the cards can cause some sort of damage to them.
Being paranoid, but also safe.
--ajr
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I'm pretty sure it's perfectly safe.
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Before I scan the HuCards, however, I just wanted to make sure there were no danger in scanning the cards. I know this is probably a dumb question, but just wanted to ask opinions about whether or not scanning the cards can cause some sort of damage to them.
Being paranoid, but also safe.
--ajr
Hahahaa :). Don't worry, scanning won't have any effect on your card, just as photocopying your HuCard won't hurt it. These devices generate negligible (if any) electromagnetic radiation. They simply shine light on the HuCard and capture the returning lightwaves.
I scanned a random bunch of HuCards a few years ago and I can give you a few pointers (depending on how crazy you are):
1. I found it easier to scan a bunch at once, but see #4 (use a black background and allow a gap between HuCards).
2. Any imperfections on the surface become quite obvious in the scan, so you might dust/wipe down HuCard first.
3. Dirt on edges / grooves really became apparent.
4. There will be 'shadows" on the edges, and the corners of HuCards are rounded, so you might consider placing black matte paper / felt on top of the HuCard--I think it would provide a nice contrast so you could really see the glory of the HuCard. (White plastic on white background is annoying when editing images).
Anyway, I still have a half-finished project that used these scans, but it didn't turn out as cute and nice as I had intended.
If you are going for a more utilitarian approach, then you don't have to worry about all the things I mentioned above :).
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If it's copyright issues you're worried about, don't. If taking pictures of carts were a crime, every internet used game store and ebay seller would be in trouble.