Brother HL-1850 Windows Manual

The Brother HL-1850 is a monochrome laser printer designed for home and small office use, offering fast printing speeds up to 20 ppm, 600 x 600 dpi resolution, and a 250-sheet input capacity. Compatible with Windows operating systems, it features easy setup, reliable performance, and low-cost printing. Below are key sections for installation, driver setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Printer unit, power cord, toner cartridge, installation CD, USB cable, user manual.

System Requirements

Ensure your computer meets the following requirements before installation.

• Operating System: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 1 GB or more
• Hard Disk Space: 500 MB free space
• Interface: USB port
• CD-ROM Drive: Required for driver installation (or download from website)
• Internet Connection: Recommended for driver updates

NOTE: Driver software is included on CD or available from Brother support website.

Installation & Setup

Follow these steps to install the printer and driver software.

1. Unpack the printer: Remove all packaging materials and tapes.
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 tray, load up to 250 sheets of plain paper.
4. Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
5. Turn on printer: Press power button; wait for READY light.
6. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer.
7. Install driver: Insert CD and follow on-screen instructions, or download from Brother website.
8. Test print: Print a test page from driver or Windows printer settings.

WARNING! Do not touch the green drum surface of the toner cartridge. Keep printer on a stable, flat surface.

Specifications

• Printer Type: Monochrome laser
• Print Speed: Up to 20 ppm
• First Print Out Time: Less than 10 seconds
• Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
• Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, B5, envelopes
• Paper Weight: 16-28 lb (60-105 g/m²)
• Input Capacity: 250 sheets
• Output Capacity: 100 sheets face-down
• Noise Level: Approx. 53 dB (printing)
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Emulations: Brother, HP PCL6

Printer Controls & Functions

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

Indicator Lights:

• READY (green): Steady when printer is ready; blinking during data processing.
• ERROR (red): Steady when paper jam, open cover, or other error occurs.
• TONER (orange): Steady when toner is low; blinking when toner is empty.

Buttons:

• POWER: Turns printer on/off.
• GO (if equipped): Press to resume printing after error cleared.

Driver Settings: Access via Windows Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Printer Properties. Adjust print quality, paper size, orientation, duplex (if supported), and toner save mode.

Connecting to Computer

USB connection is standard for this model.

1. Ensure printer and computer are turned off.
2. Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
3. Turn on printer, then start computer.
4. Windows should detect new hardware; follow prompts to install driver if not already installed.
5. Verify connection: Print a test page from printer properties.

Tip: Use a high-quality USB cable no longer than 10 feet for reliable connection.

Printing Documents

After installation, printing is straightforward.

1. Open document in any application (Word, Excel, PDF viewer, etc.).
2. Select File > Print or press Ctrl+P.
3. Choose "Brother HL-1850" as printer.
4. Adjust settings as needed (copies, pages, quality).
5. Click Print.
6. Monitor printer lights: READY should blink during processing, then steady when done.

Special Functions:

• Multiple Copies: Set in print dialog.
• Page Range: Print specific pages.
• Print Quality: Select Draft, Normal, or Best in driver settings.
• Toner Save Mode: Reduces toner usage for draft prints.

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

Driver Settings & Preferences

Access printer properties to customize settings.

• General Tab: Set default preferences, print test page.
• Sharing Tab: Share printer on network (requires additional setup).
• Ports Tab: View USB port assignment.
• Advanced Tab: Spool settings, driver update.
• Device Settings: Paper size, tray configuration.
• Printing Preferences: Layout (portrait/landscape), pages per sheet, watermark, toner save.

NOTE: Changes in Printing Preferences apply to all documents unless overridden in application.

Maintenance & Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Cleaning: Unplug printer. Wipe exterior with dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquids or aerosols.
2. Paper Jam Clearing: Turn off printer. Open rear cover and gently remove jammed paper. Avoid tearing.
3. Toner Replacement: When TONER light blinks, replace cartridge. Order genuine Brother TN-450 cartridge.
4. Drum Cleaning: Printer automatically cleans drum during operation.
5. Firmware Updates: Check Brother website periodically for updates.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Do not touch internal electrical components.

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 1-877-276-8437. Warranty: 1-year limited warranty from date of purchase.

Troubleshooting

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

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