Brother MFC-3200C Manual

The Brother MFC-3200C is a multifunction color inkjet printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It features a built-in flatbed scanner, color LCD display, automatic document feeder (ADF), PC-FAX functionality, USB and parallel connectivity, and a 250-sheet paper capacity. Below are key sections covering 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 & Copying 8. Scanning & Faxing 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Flatbed scanner, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD control panel, Paper trays, USB/Parallel ports, Handset for faxing.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 1200 x 600 dpi (black), 4800 x 1200 dpi (color)
Scan ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400 dpi optical
Copy SpeedUp to 15 ppm (black), 12 ppm (color)
Fax Modem Speed33.6 Kbps
Paper Capacity250 sheets (standard)
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Parallel port
DisplayColor LCD with navigation buttons
Ink Cartridges4 separate color cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Automatic Document FeederUp to 30 sheets for scanning/copying/faxing
PC-FAXSend and receive faxes directly from computer

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging tape and protective materials from inside and outside the unit.
  2. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges into their respective slots until they click.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load plain paper face down.
  4. Connect power cord to rear of unit and plug into AC outlet.
  5. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect to computer's USB port.

WARNING! Do not touch ink cartridge nozzles or copper contacts. Keep unit away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

Power on the MFC-3200C; follow on-screen prompts on LCD display.

  1. Initial ink charging: Allow several minutes for printer to prepare ink system.
  2. Install software: Insert driver CD, follow installation wizard for printer, scanner, and fax drivers.
  3. Align print heads: Print alignment page when prompted and follow on-screen instructions.
  4. Set fax parameters: Enter date, time, station ID, and telephone line settings.
  5. Test functions: Print test page, make a copy, and scan a document to verify operation.

CAUTION! Do not unplug or turn off during initial setup process.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu system.

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

LCD Menu Structure: - Copy: Copies, Quality, Darkness, Paper, Reduce/Enlarge - Fax: Send, Receive, Settings, Phonebook, Reports - Scan: Scan To, File Type, Resolution, Settings - Setup: Printer, Fax, System, Maintenance - Reports: Print Configuration, Fax Journal, Phonebook

Key Settings: Paper size, Print quality (Draft/Normal/Fine), Scan destination, Fax header information, Sleep timer, LCD contrast.

Connecting to Computer

USB connection for printing and scanning; Parallel port for legacy printing.

  1. Ensure printer is powered off before connecting cables.
  2. Connect USB cable to printer's USB port and computer's USB port.
  3. For parallel connection: Use IEEE-1284 compliant cable to computer's parallel port.
  4. Power on printer, then install drivers from CD or download from Brother website.
  5. Select connection type during driver installation (USB or LPT1).

Tip: For best performance, use the USB cable provided or a high-quality shielded USB 2.0 cable.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types: plain, photo, envelopes, labels, transparencies.

  1. Printing from computer: Select Brother MFC-3200C as printer in application's print dialog.
  2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press COPY, adjust settings, press START.
  3. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad to enter quantity (1-99).
  4. Photo copying: Use Photo mode for better quality on photo paper.
  5. Enlarge/Reduce: Press PAPER key during copy setup to adjust percentage.
  6. Collate: Available when making multiple copies of multi-page documents via ADF.

WARNING! Use only Brother genuine ink cartridges. Do not use paper that is curled, torn, or too thick.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer, email, or file; Send and receive faxes with 100-page memory.

Scanning: 1. Place document face down on glass or in ADF face up. 2. Press SCAN button, select destination (PC, File, Email). 3. Adjust resolution and file type if needed. 4. Press START to begin scanning.

Faxing: 1. Load document in ADF or place on scanner glass. 2. Dial number using keypad or select from phonebook. 3. Adjust resolution (Standard/Fine/Super Fine). 4. Press START to send. 5. For reception: Set mode to FAX, TEL/FAX, or ANSWER.

PC-FAX: Send faxes directly from computer using Brother software; receive faxes to computer.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and print quality.

  1. Clean exterior with soft, dry cloth; dampen cloth slightly if needed.
  2. Clean scanner glass with lint-free cloth and glass cleaner (spray on cloth, not glass).
  3. Run nozzle check and print head cleaning from Maintenance menu if print quality declines.
  4. Replace ink cartridges when low or empty (indicator on LCD).
  5. Clean paper feed rollers with soft cloth if paper feeding issues occur.

CAUTION! Unplug power cord before cleaning. Do not use alcohol, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Industry Canada ICES-003: Class B digital apparatus. Copyright © 2004-2006 Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not respondingConnection/powerCheck USB/parallel cable; ensure power is on; restart printer and computer.
Poor print qualityInk/low headsRun nozzle check; clean print heads; replace low ink cartridges.
Paper jamsPaper loadingTurn off, remove jammed paper carefully; reload paper properly.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner driver; check USB connection; restart devices.
Fax transmission failsLine/numbersCheck telephone line connection; verify recipient number; try lower resolution.
Error messages on LCDVarious issuesRefer to error code in manual; check ink, paper, covers; restart unit.

Reset: Menu > Setup > System > Reset Settings to return to factory defaults.

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

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