Brother DCP-120C Manual

The Brother DCP-120C is a multifunction printer offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. It features a flatbed scanner, monochrome laser printing, USB connectivity, and a compact design suitable for home or small office use. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Computer 7. Printing Documents 8. Scanning and Copying 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Flatbed scanner, Laser print engine, Control panel, Paper tray, USB port, Power connector.

FeatureDescription
Print TechnologyMonochrome laser
Print SpeedUp to 20 pages per minute
Scanner TypeFlatbed color scanner
Copy SpeedUp to 12 copies per minute
ConnectivityUSB 2.0
Paper CapacityUp to 150 sheets
Control PanelLCD display, buttons for copy, scan, menu
Power ConsumptionEnergy-saving mode supported
Supported MediaPlain paper, envelopes, labels, transparencies
DimensionsCompact design for desktop use

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface near power outlet.

  1. Remove all packaging materials and tapes from inside and outside the unit.
  2. Install the toner cartridge: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridge, insert until it clicks.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load paper (face down), do not exceed maximum line.
  4. Connect power cable to rear of printer and to AC outlet.
  5. Connect USB cable to computer (for initial setup).

WARNING! Do not touch the green drum surface of the toner cartridge. Avoid placing in direct sunlight or humid areas.

First-Time Setup

Power on the printer; follow on-screen prompts on computer.

  1. Install software: Insert provided CD or download drivers from Brother website. Follow installation wizard.
  2. Select connection type: Choose USB during installation.
  3. Test print: Print a test page from driver properties to confirm installation.
  4. Configure default settings: Set paper size, print quality, and energy saver mode via control panel or software.

CAUTION! Ensure printer is on a stable surface with adequate ventilation. Keep away from heat sources.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD display.

Control Panel: POWER, COPY (with number pad for copies), SCAN, MENU, UP/DOWN arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT.

Menu Settings: Paper size, Copy density (Light/Dark), Scan settings (Resolution, File format), Printer settings (Toner save, Timeout), Network settings (if applicable), Factory reset. Use arrows to navigate, OK to select.

Connecting to Computer

USB: Use provided cable to connect to computer USB port.

  1. Ensure printer is off before connecting USB cable.
  2. Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
  3. Power on printer; computer should detect new hardware.
  4. Install drivers if prompted, or run installation software.

Tip: For best performance, connect directly to computer USB port, not through a hub.

Printing Documents

Supports printing from various applications.

  1. Ensure printer is on and paper is loaded.
  2. Open document, select File > Print.
  3. Choose Brother DCP-120C as printer.
  4. Adjust properties as needed (e.g., paper size, quality, duplex if supported).
  5. Click Print.
  6. For multiple copies, use number pad on control panel in copy mode, or set in print dialog.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing. Allow printed pages to cool before handling.

Scanning and Copying

Flatbed scanner for documents and photos.

Copying: 1. Place original face down on scanner glass. 2. Use number pad to enter number of copies. 3. Press COPY button. Adjust density with arrows if needed. 4. Press START (or OK) to begin.

Scanning to Computer: 1. Install scanning software (e.g., Brother ControlCenter). 2. Place original on glass. 3. Press SCAN button on printer, or launch software on computer. 4. Select destination (e.g., image file, email, application). 5. Adjust settings (resolution, format) and start scan.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.

  1. Exterior: Wipe with dry cloth.
  2. Scanner glass: Clean with soft cloth slightly dampened with water, then dry.
  3. Paper path: Remove paper jams carefully following manual instructions.
  4. Toner: Replace when print quality fades or low toner message appears.

CAUTION! Do not touch the transfer roller or laser scanner unit. Keep toner cartridge out of reach of children.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437. Energy Star qualified model.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not powering onPower connectionCheck power cable is securely plugged into outlet and printer.
Poor print qualityToner low/dirtyReplace toner cartridge; clean inside of printer (corona wire).
Paper jamsPaper loaded incorrectlyTurn off, open covers, remove jammed paper carefully in direction of paper path.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner drivers; ensure USB cable is connected securely.
Computer not detecting printerUSB cable/driverTry different USB port/cable; reinstall drivers; restart computer.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings (if needed).

Service: 1-877-276-8437; support.brother.com

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