Getting Your Dental X-Ray Machine to Communicate with Modern Computers

 
Many older dental panoramic X-ray systems—such as the Orthopantomograph 100, Orthopantomograph 200 and Cranex D—use a different method of computer communication than modern devices. When these systems stop working with newer computers or operating systems, the issue is often related to their fiber optic PCI or PCIe interface cards.

Understanding how these systems communicate can help explain why problems occur and how to solve them. We share some important things to know to successfully get your dental X-ray machine to communicate with a modern computer.

PCI Cards and Fiber Optic Cables

Older dental X-ray machines do not use USB or Ethernet connections. Instead, they rely on fiber optic cables connected to a proprietary PCI or PCIe card installed inside the computer.

PCI and PCIe cards are not generic. They contain custom firmware and use ST fiber optic connectors. PCI cards can be full size or half size. The PCIe comes as a PCIe-1, which is the smallest of slots available in the back of a computer. Since the hardware is proprietary, replacements and upgrades are limited.

Originally, fiber optic cables were hand-made and transmitted visible light. They worked very well with older systems such as Windows XP, which had fewer restrictions on drivers and hardware communication.

Modern operating systems require stricter driver support, which often creates compatibility problems with older dental X-ray equipment.

Fiber Optic Communication

These systems use a simple one-way (simplex) communication loop. One fiber line sends data, and the other receives it. The signal is transmitted as modulated infrared light.

Each interface card includes a link LED. If the light is on, the system is connected. If cables are reversed or misconnected, communication will fail. Incorrect connections do not cause damage—the system simply will not work.

TWAIN Drivers

For the dental X-ray machine to send images to the computer, the system relies on TWAIN drivers. TWAIN acts as a translator, allowing the raw data from the X-ray sensor to be converted into a usable digital X-ray image.

If the driver, operating system or interface card cannot complete this transmission, the image will not appear.

Not Plug-and-Play Systems

PCI and PCIe dental X-ray interface cards are not plug-and-play devices. Even when everything is installed correctly, troubleshooting may be required.

When they do work, these systems produce excellent image quality. However, if the computer and X-ray machine cannot communicate, replacing the PCI or PCIe card is sometimes the only effective solution.

PCI Cards & Help from TEC

If you have a faulty PCI card, we can exchange it for a replacement card. We do not sell PCI cards as spares, since there are not enough to go around. We sell full size PCI cards, half size PCI cards and PCIe cards.

To order a replacement PCI card or for troubleshooting help with your dental X-ray machine and computer, call Technical Electronic Contractors at 612-963-8337 or contact us.