Brother MFC-3820CN Manual

The Brother MFC-3820CN is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports USB and network connectivity, offers automatic document feeding, color LCD display, and includes PC-FAX functionality. Below are key sections covering setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Control Panel & Menus 5. Printing Documents 6. Copying Documents 7. Scanning Documents 8. Fax Operation 9. Maintenance & Ink Replacement 10. Network Setup 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Flatbed scanner, Color LCD display, Control panel with numeric keypad, USB and Ethernet ports.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 6000 x 1200 dpi
Print SpeedUp to 31 ppm black, 25 ppm color
Paper Handling250-sheet input tray, 50-sheet ADF
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100 Base-TX
Display2.5-inch color LCD
Fax Capability33.6 Kbps modem, 100-speed dialing
Copy FeaturesReduce/Enlarge, ID Copy, 2-in-1
Scan ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400 dpi
Ink CartridgesIndividual LC-51 color cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Supported MediaPlain paper, envelopes, labels, transparencies

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots.
  2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in input tray, load plain paper face down.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into rear port and wall outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable for direct connection or Ethernet cable for network.
  5. Install software: Insert CD-ROM, follow on-screen instructions for driver installation.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink cartridge contacts. Keep device away from heat sources.

Specifications

Control Panel & Menus

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Control Panel Buttons: Power, Copy, Scan, Fax, Menu, Set, Up/Down arrows, Numeric keypad, Start, Stop/Exit.

LCD Menu Navigation: Use Menu button to access: Report, Fax Settings, System Settings, Network, Maintenance. Use arrows to select, Set to confirm.

Common Settings: Paper Size, Print Quality, Fax Header, Scan Destination, Default Settings, Language (default English).

Printing Documents

Ensure printer is powered on and connected.

  1. From computer: Open document, select Print, choose "Brother MFC-3820CN" as printer.
  2. Adjust settings: Select paper size, orientation, quality (Draft/Normal/High).
  3. Print: Click OK to send job. Monitor status via LCD.
  4. Cancel job: Press Stop/Exit on control panel.

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

Copying Documents

  1. Place document: On flatbed glass or into ADF face up.
  2. Press Copy button on control panel.
  3. Set options: Use arrows to select copies (1-99), darkness, reduce/enlarge (25%-400%).
  4. Start: Press Start button. For multiple copies, press Start repeatedly.
  5. Special modes: ID Copy (combines two sides), 2-in-1 (two pages on one sheet).

CAUTION! Do not force thick or wrinkled documents into ADF to avoid jams.

Scanning Documents

Supports scanning to computer or memory device.

  1. Place document: On glass or in ADF.
  2. Press Scan button.
  3. Select destination: Computer (via USB/Network) or Memory Card (if inserted).
  4. Set options: Resolution (up to 1200 dpi), file format (PDF, JPEG).
  5. Start scan: Press Start. File saves to specified folder.

Note: Install Brother software for full scanning functionality.

Fax Operation

Requires connection to analog telephone line.

  1. Connect phone line: Plug line cord into LINE port on rear.
  2. Set fax header: Menu > Fax Settings > Header, enter name/number.
  3. Send fax: Place document, dial number using keypad, press Start.
  4. Receive fax: Set to Auto mode for automatic reception.
  5. PC-Fax: Send fax directly from computer using installed software.

WARNING! Do not connect to digital phone lines (PBX) without proper adapter.

Maintenance & Ink Replacement

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Replace ink: When LCD shows "Ink Low" or print quality fades. Open front cover, press cartridge latch, replace with LC-51 cartridge.
  2. Clean print head: Use Maintenance menu > Print Head Cleaning.
  3. Align print head: Maintenance menu > Print Head Alignment.
  4. Clean exterior: Unplug, use dry soft cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.

CAUTION! Dispose of used cartridges according to local regulations.

Network Setup

For Ethernet network connection.

  1. Connect Ethernet cable to router and printer rear port.
  2. Obtain IP address: Menu > Network > TCP/IP > DHCP to enable automatic IP.
  3. Check connection: Print Network Configuration Report (Menu > Report).
  4. Install network driver on computers using CD or download from Brother website.

Tip: Use Brother Web BRAdmin tool for advanced network management.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord looseEnsure cord securely plugged into outlet and printer.
Poor print qualityClogged nozzles/low inkRun Print Head Cleaning; replace ink cartridges.
Paper jamPaper misloaded/damagedOpen rear cover, gently remove jammed paper; reload correctly.
Scanner not workingDriver/connection issueReinstall scanner driver; check USB/network connection.
Fax not sendingLine connection/headerCheck phone line; verify fax header is set.
PC not detecting printerDriver/USB cableReinstall driver; try different USB port/cable.

Reset: Menu > System Settings > Reset to restore factory defaults.

Support: Brother International Corporation: 1-877-276-8437; support.brother.com

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