Brother MFC-3100C Manual

The Brother MFC-3100C is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports color printing with individual ink cartridges, PC-Fax, and has a built-in flatbed scanner. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet printhead, Flatbed scanner, Control panel with LCD, Paper tray, Phone line connector, USB port.

Feature	Description
Print Resolution	Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi optimized
Print Speed	Up to 20 ppm black, 15 ppm color
Scanner Type	Flatbed color scanner
Fax Modem Speed	33.6 kbps
Paper Capacity	Up to 100 sheets (plain paper)
Ink Cartridges	Individual CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Control Panel	LCD display, navigation buttons, numeric keypad
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Phone line for fax
Copy Features	Reduce/Enlarge, Photo copy, Multiple copies
Supported Media	Plain paper, envelopes, photo paper, labels

Installation

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

1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots.
2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 100 sheets of plain paper.
3. Connect power: Plug AC adapter into printer and wall outlet.
4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer USB port.
5. Connect phone line: For fax function, connect phone line to LINE port.

WARNING! Do not touch printhead or ink contacts. Keep printer away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; install software from included CD or download from Brother website.

1. Install drivers: Run setup program, follow on-screen instructions for USB connection.
2. Align printhead: Printer will prompt for alignment after ink installation; follow on-screen steps.
3. Test print: Print test page from printer driver to verify installation.
4. Configure fax settings: Set date/time, station ID, and answer mode if using fax.

CAUTION! Do not disconnect power during software installation or printhead alignment.

Specifications

• Printer Type: Color inkjet multifunction.
• Print Technology: Ink drop on demand.
• Scanner Resolution: Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi optical.
• Copy Resolution: Up to 600 x 300 dpi.
• Fax Memory: Up to 100 pages.
• Operating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS X.
• Power Consumption: Approx. 25W (printing), 3W (standby).
• Dimensions: 18.5" W x 15.7" D x 10.2" H.
• Weight: Approx. 13.2 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Control Panel: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, SET, Up/Down arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT, numeric keypad.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper type, Color mode. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge (25%-400%). Scan Settings: Resolution, Scan size, File format. Fax Settings: Station ID, Answer mode (Manual/Auto/Tel/Fax), Redial. Maintenance: Printhead cleaning, Nozzle check, Align printhead.

Connecting Devices

Computer: USB connection. Phone line: For fax function. Additional phone: Connect to EXT port for handset.

1. Ensure printer and computer are off before connecting USB cable.
2. Use standard RJ11 phone cable for line connection.
3. Select correct port in printer driver settings (USB001 typically).

Tip: For network sharing, install printer on host computer and enable printer sharing in OS settings.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

1. Printing: Select print from application, choose MFC-3100C as printer, adjust settings as needed.
2. Copying: Place document face down on scanner glass, press COPY, set number of copies and options, press START.
3. Photo printing: Use photo paper, select "Photo Paper" in paper type settings for best quality.
4. Envelope printing: Load envelope in manual feed slot, select "Envelope" in paper settings.
5. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad to set copy count (1-99).

WARNING! Do not touch scanner glass with fingers; use clean, dry cloth if needed. Ensure paper guides are properly adjusted.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer or memory card (if supported). Send/receive faxes.

1. Scanning: Press SCAN button, select scan type, press START. Use Brother software for PC scanning.
2. Faxing: Load document face down, dial number using keypad, press START. For auto-receive, set answer mode to FAX.
3. Memory fax: Stores received faxes in memory when out of paper or ink.
4. Broadcast fax: Send same fax to multiple numbers.

Fax settings accessible via MENU > FAX SETTINGS.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Clean exterior: Unplug printer, use dry, soft cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.
2. Clean scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water, wipe gently.
3. Printhead cleaning: Run cleaning cycle from maintenance menu or driver when print quality declines.
4. Replace ink: When ink low message appears, replace appropriate cartridge.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Do not touch ink nozzles or electrical contacts.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential installation. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. ENERGY STAR®: Qualified product. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not responding	Connection/power	Check USB cable and power connection; restart printer and computer.
Poor print quality	Clogged nozzles/low ink	Run printhead cleaning utility; check ink levels; align printhead.
Paper jam	Paper loaded incorrectly	Turn off printer, remove jammed paper carefully, reload paper properly.
Scanner not working	Driver/connection	Reinstall scanner driver; ensure USB connection is secure.
Fax not sending/receiving	Phone line/ settings	Check phone line connection; verify answer mode settings; listen for dial tone.
Ink cartridge error	Cartridge not installed properly	Remove and reinstall cartridge; ensure protective tape removed.

Reset: Turn printer off and on to reset. For factory reset: MENU > MAINTENANCE > RESET.

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