Calibration Confusion

[Johnny Hardstaff]

Hello.
I recently bought a Microtek Scanmaker 9800XL. Bundled with it was Silverfast v6.2.2r1, and a calibration target (Kodak Q-60R2).
The Microtek software that was with the scanner does not work, and so I have installed the above Silverfast software.
So, firstly, what target do I need to calibrate Silverfast for this scanner?
Secondly, where can I get this from in the UK?
Thirdly, can you recommend a thorough Silverfast manual for a scanning beginner?
Lastly, do all scanners continue to scan at a default calibration setting for their lifetime, or do they need to be constantly adjusted to faithfully scan what is there on the glass?
My apologies for the naieve questions, but you have to start somewhere.
Thank you.
Johnny.[/b]

[degrub]

purchase IT-8 option if it was not included with the SF version with the scanner. Look for the IT8 calibration button. Look in the pdf manual for directions.


start here for basics:

www.scantips.com

then for SF:

www.computer-darkroom.com

then here:

www.luminous-landscape.com



THere is a book on Silverfast , see website.

Frank