Brother DCP-383C Manual

The Brother DCP-383C is a compact, all-in-one monochrome laser printer, scanner, and copier designed for home and small office use. It features high-speed printing, flatbed scanning, PC-FAX capability (when connected to a computer with a modem), and energy-saving functions. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Indicators 5. Loading Paper & Toner 6. Printing Documents 7. Scanning & Copying 8. PC-FAX Function 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Monochrome Laser Printer, Flatbed Scanner, Copier, Control Panel, Paper Tray, Toner Cartridge compartment.

FeatureDescription
Print SpeedUp to 20 pages per minute (ppm)
Print ResolutionUp to 2400 x 600 dpi
Scanner TypeFlatbed, Color
Copy SpeedUp to 19 copies per minute (cpm)
Paper CapacityUp to 150 sheets (standard tray)
ConnectivityUSB 2.0
PC-FAXSend and receive faxes via connected computer (modem required)
Energy Save ModeReduces power consumption when idle
Toner Save ModeReduces toner usage for draft quality prints
CompatibilityWindows, macOS

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Install Toner Cartridge: Open front cover, remove packing material from new toner, insert cartridge until it clicks.
  2. Load Paper: Pull out paper tray, adjust guides, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper print-side down.
  3. Connect Power: Plug power cord into unit and wall outlet.
  4. Connect to Computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to your computer.
  5. Install Software: Insert Brother software CD or download drivers from Brother website. Follow on-screen instructions.

WARNING! Do not touch the green drum surface of the toner cartridge. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high humidity.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Access functions via the Control Panel on the front of the device.

Control Panel Buttons: POWER, COPY (Black/Color, Number of Copies), SCAN, FAX (Start, Stop/Exit), MENU, UP/DOWN arrows, OK.

Indicator Lights (LEDs): POWER (Green), ERROR (Red/Orange), DATA (Green), TONER (Orange).

Menu Settings: Device settings, Report printing, Default settings, Maintenance (Cleaning, Drum reset).

Loading Paper & Toner

Paper: Use plain paper (75 g/m²). Pull tray out fully, adjust side guides, fan paper, load print-side down. Do not exceed maximum mark.

Toner Cartridge (TN-450): Power on device. Open front cover. Remove old cartridge. Unpack new cartridge, shake gently. Insert new cartridge firmly until it clicks. Close cover. The device will initialize.

Tip: For best print quality, use genuine Brother consumables.

Printing Documents

Ensure printer is powered on and connected.

  1. From your software application (e.g., Word), select File > Print.
  2. Select "Brother DCP-383C" as the printer.
  3. Adjust print settings as needed (e.g., number of copies, page range, quality).
  4. Click Print or OK.
  5. For a test page, print the Printer Configuration Report from the device menu.

WARNING! Do not open covers or paper tray during printing.

Scanning & Copying

Copying:

  1. Place original face down on scanner glass and align to corner marks.
  2. Press COPY button.
  3. Use arrow keys to select Black or Color copy.
  4. Use number keys or arrows to set number of copies (1-99).
  5. Press START.

Scanning to Computer:

  1. Install Brother software (ControlCenter).
  2. Place document on glass.
  3. Press SCAN button on device or use ControlCenter software on PC to select profile and destination.

PC-FAX Function

Requirements: Computer with modem, connected phone line, Brother FAX software installed.

  1. Connect telephone line from wall to LINE port on printer's rear. Connect phone to EXT port if desired.
  2. Use Brother FAX software on your computer to send and receive faxes.
  3. To send: Create document, select "Print" and choose Brother PC-FAX driver, enter recipient number.
  4. To receive: Software must be running in background to answer calls.

Note: This function does not work as a standalone fax machine without a connected computer.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug power cord before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth slightly with water. Do not use alcohol, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning Scanner Glass: Open scanner lid. Gently wipe glass with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not spray cleaner directly on glass.

CAUTION! Never touch the transfer roller or drum inside the machine. Keep paper path free of staples and paper clips.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Energy Star® qualified. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer does not power onPower connectionEnsure power cord is securely plugged into unit and wall outlet.
Poor print quality (faded, streaks)Toner low/dirty drumReplace toner cartridge. Run Drum Cleaning utility from Maintenance menu.
Paper jamsPaper loaded incorrectly, worn rollersOpen rear cover/paper tray, gently remove jammed paper. Ensure paper guides are set correctly.
Scanner not workingSoftware/driver issueReinstall Brother software and drivers. Check USB connection.
PC-FAX not sending/receivingPhone line, softwareCheck phone line connections. Ensure FAX software is running and configured correctly.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset > OK.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; support.brother.com

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