Brother MFC-3420C Manual

The Brother MFC-3420C is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. It supports PC and Mac connectivity via USB, offers color scanning up to 600 x 1200 dpi, color copying with reduction/enlargement, and a 33.6 Kbps super G3 fax with a 100-page memory. Below are key sections covering setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet printhead, Flatbed scanner, Document feeder, Control panel with LCD, Paper tray, Handset for fax/phone.

Feature	Description
Printing	Color inkjet, up to 600 x 1200 dpi
Copying	Color copy, reduction/enlargement (25-400%)
Scanning	Flatbed, up to 600 x 1200 dpi optical
Fax	33.6 Kbps super G3, 100-page memory
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (PC/Mac)
Paper Handling	150-sheet input capacity
Control Panel	LCD display, navigation keys, function buttons
Ink Cartridges	Individual color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Document Feeder	Automatic (ADF) for multi-page copying/scanning
Power Supply	AC 120V, 60Hz

Installation & Setup

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

1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges in correct slots, close cover.
2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into unit and wall outlet.
4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to PC or Mac.
5. Install software: Insert CD-ROM, follow on-screen instructions to install drivers and utilities.

WARNING! Do not touch printhead or ink contacts. Ensure all protective tapes are removed.

Specifications

• Print Technology: Color inkjet.
• Print Resolution: Up to 600 x 1200 dpi.
• Print Speed: Up to 17 ppm black, 12 ppm color.
• Copy Resolution: Up to 600 x 1200 dpi.
• Copy Speed: Up to 12 cpm black, 10 cpm color.
• Scan Resolution: 600 x 1200 dpi optical.
• Fax Transmission Speed: Approx. 3 seconds per page.
• Fax Memory: Up to 100 pages.
• Paper Size: Letter, Legal, A4, Executive.
• Power Consumption: Approx. 35W (operating), 5W (standby).
• Operating Environment: 50-90°F, 20-80% humidity.

Control Panel & Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Buttons: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, SET, UP/DOWN arrows, START/STOP, Black/Color Copy.

LCD Menu: Navigate using arrows, SET to confirm. Settings include: Fax setup (number, ring time), Copy settings (quality, number of copies), Scan settings (resolution, destination), Printer settings (defaults, maintenance).

Initial Setup: Set date/time, fax header, dial mode (tone/pulse), answer mode.

Printing Documents

Ensure printer is on, connected, and has paper/ink.

1. From computer: Open document, select File > Print, choose Brother MFC-3420C, adjust settings (color, quality, paper size), click Print.
2. Cancel print job: Press STOP on control panel or cancel from computer print queue.
3. Print test page: Use printer software or hold down COPY button while turning power on.

Tip: For best color quality, use Brother genuine ink and appropriate paper type settings.

Copying Functions

Place original on scanner glass or in ADF.

1. Basic copy: Press COPY, use arrows to set number of copies (1-99), press Black or Color button to start.
2. Adjust settings: Press MENU, navigate to Copy Setup for quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), reduction/enlargement, darkness.
3. Special copies: ID Copy (two-sided card to single page), Poster Copy (enlarge across multiple pages).

Note: Close scanner lid for flatbed copies. ADF supports multi-page originals.

Scanning Functions

Scan to computer via USB using included software.

1. Place original on glass or in ADF.
2. On computer: Open scanning software (e.g., ControlCenter), select scan type (color, grayscale), resolution, destination (file, email, OCR).
3. Press SCAN on control panel or click Scan in software.
4. For standalone scan to memory: Use control panel to scan to USB flash drive (if supported).

Supported formats: PDF, JPEG, TIFF, BMP.

Fax Operations

Connect phone line to LINE port on rear. Ensure date/time set.

1. Send fax: Place document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press START/STOP.
2. Receive fax: Set answer mode (Auto, Manual, Fax/Tel). Auto mode answers after set rings.
3. Memory fax: Stores received faxes if out of paper/ink. Print later via menu.
4. Speed dial: Program frequently used numbers (up to 100 locations).

Fax header: Set your name/number in setup so it appears on sent faxes.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug power before cleaning exterior. Use soft, dry cloth; avoid liquids.

1. Clean scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water, wipe gently.
2. Clean printhead: Use printer software utility or press MENU to access maintenance menu.
3. Replace ink: When LCD indicates low ink, open cover, replace cartridge, run cleaning cycle.
4. Clear paper jams: Open rear cover, gently remove paper, ensure no scraps remain.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol or abrasive cleaners on scanner glass.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Energy Star compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, outlet	Ensure power cord plugged in securely; try different outlet.
Poor print quality	Ink low, printhead clogged	Replace ink cartridge; run printhead cleaning utility.
Paper jam	Paper misloaded, debris	Open covers, remove jammed paper; reload paper correctly.
Scanner not working	Software, connection	Reinstall scanner drivers; ensure USB cable connected.
Fax not sending/receiving	Phone line, settings	Check phone line connection; verify fax setup (date/time, header).
Computer not detecting printer	USB cable, drivers	Try different USB port; reinstall printer software.

Reset: Turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn on. For factory reset: Hold MENU while powering on.

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