Brother HL-1230 Manual

The Brother HL-1230 is a compact, monochrome laser printer designed for home and small office use. It features fast printing speeds, reliable performance, and easy setup. 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. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Printer unit, Power cord, Starter toner cartridge, User manual, CD-ROM with drivers and software.

FeatureDescription
Print TechnologyLaser
Print SpeedUp to 20 pages per minute
ResolutionUp to 600 x 600 dpi
Paper Capacity150-sheet input tray
InterfaceUSB 2.0
Memory2 MB standard
CompatibilityWindows, Mac OS
Duty CycleUp to 10,000 pages per month
Dimensions14.2" x 9.8" x 7.7" (W x D x H)
WeightApprox. 13.2 lbs

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and tapes from printer.
  2. Install toner cartridge: Open front cover, remove cartridge from packaging, shake gently, insert into printer until it clicks.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in input tray, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper.
  4. Connect power cord to printer and wall outlet.

WARNING! Do not touch the green drum surface of the toner cartridge. Keep printer away from heat and moisture.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; install software.

  1. Turn on printer using power switch; wait for READY light.
  2. Install driver: Insert CD-ROM, follow on-screen instructions, or download latest driver from Brother website.
  3. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer.
  4. Test print: Print a test page from driver software or printer menu.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER button, READY light, ERROR light, PAPER light, TONER light.

Menu Navigation: Use GO button to print configuration page, network settings (if applicable), and reset menu.

Software Settings: Access via printer properties in computer's Control Panel or System Preferences. Adjust print quality (Economy, Normal, Best), paper size, orientation, duplex (manual).

Connecting to Computer

USB: Standard connection. Network: Optional network adapter (purchased separately).

  1. Ensure printer and computer are off.
  2. Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
  3. Turn on printer, then computer.
  4. Install driver if not automatically detected.

Tip: Use high-quality USB cable for reliable connection.

Printing Documents

Supports various document types from applications.

  1. Open document to print.
  2. Select File > Print, choose Brother HL-1230 as printer.
  3. Adjust settings as needed (copies, pages, quality).
  4. Click Print; wait for job to complete.
  5. Cancel job: Press GO button for 2 seconds if needed.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing. Allow printer to cool if used extensively.

Maintenance

Replace toner cartridge when TONER light flashes or print quality fades. Clean exterior with dry cloth; clean interior with lint-free cloth if needed.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Use only Brother-approved consumables.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not powering onPower connectionCheck power cord connections; ensure outlet works.
No print outputDriver/connectionReinstall driver; check USB cable; ensure printer is selected.
Poor print qualityToner/low cartridgeReplace toner cartridge; clean corona wire inside cartridge.
Paper jamsPaper loadingTurn off printer, remove jammed paper carefully, reload paper correctly.
ERROR light onCover open/jamEnsure all covers are closed; clear any paper jams.

Reset: Turn printer off and on to clear temporary errors.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother-usa.com

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