Brother MFC-5490CN Manual

The Brother MFC-5490CN is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports color printing with individual ink cartridges, PC and Mac connectivity via USB 2.0, built-in color scanner with flatbed and ADF, color fax with 33.6 Kbps modem, and a 2.5-inch color LCD for operation. Below are key sections for 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 Devices 7. Printing & Copying 8. Scanning & Faxing 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Flatbed scanner with Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD control panel, Fax modem, USB 2.0 port, Paper trays.

Feature	Description
Print Technology	4-color individual inkjet cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Print Resolution	Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi optimized
Copy Resolution	Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
Scan Resolution	Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi optical
Fax Modem Speed	33.6 Kbps with color fax support
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)
Paper Handling	150-sheet input capacity, 20-sheet ADF
Display	2.5-inch color LCD with navigation keys
Supported Media	Plain paper, photo paper, envelopes, labels, transparencies
Power Source	120V AC, 60Hz

Installation

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

Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots until they click.
Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper.
Connect power: Plug power cord into rear of printer and into AC outlet.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer USB port.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink cartridge contacts. Keep printer upright during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts on LCD and computer.

Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website, follow installation wizard.
Align print head: Use printer control panel or software utility to align cartridges for best print quality.
Configure fax settings: Set date/time, enter fax number, and adjust ring settings if using fax.
Test functions: Print a test page, make a copy, and scan a document to verify operation.

CAUTION! Ensure protective materials are removed from inside printer before first use.

Specifications

Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax.
Print Speed: Up to 31 ppm black, 25 ppm color (draft mode).
Copy Speed: Up to 25 cpm black, 20 cpm color.
Scanner Type: Color flatbed CIS with 20-sheet ADF.
Fax Memory: Up to 256 pages.
Operating Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later.
Dimensions (W x D x H): Approx. 18.1" x 16.3" x 10.6".
Weight: Approx. 20.7 lbs.
Power Consumption: Approx. 30W operating, 2.5W standby.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and 2.5-inch color LCD. Front Panel: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT.

LCD Menu Navigation: Use arrows to navigate, OK to select. Main menus: COPY, SCAN, FAX, SETUP, MAINTENANCE.

Copy Settings: Number of copies, darkness, reduce/enlarge, paper type. Scan Settings: Resolution, file format, destination. Fax Settings: Dial mode, resolution, redial. Setup: Language (ENGLISH default), paper size, buzzer volume, report settings. Maintenance: Print head cleaning, alignment, nozzle check.

Connecting Devices

Computer: USB 2.0 cable. Telephone line: Connect to LINE port for fax.

Turn off printer and computer before connecting USB cable.
Connect telephone line from wall jack to LINE port on printer rear.
If using telephone, connect handset to TEL port.
Power on devices; computer should detect new hardware.

Tip: Use a surge protector for power and telephone connections.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

Print from computer: Select document, choose Brother MFC-5490CN as printer, adjust properties as needed.
Copy using control panel: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press COPY, adjust settings on LCD, press START.
Adjust copy settings: Use DARKNESS button for lighter/darker copies, SIZE button for reduce/enlarge.
Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad on LCD to enter number of copies (1-99).
Stop job: Press STOP/EXIT button.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing/copying. Allow prints to dry before handling.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer or memory device. Send/receive color or black & white faxes.

Scanning: Place document, press SCAN, select destination (PC, File, Email), adjust settings, press START. Use Brother software for advanced scanning.

Faxing: Enter number via keypad, press START to send. For automatic reception, set FAX MODE to FAX. Use phonebook to store numbers. Adjust resolution (Standard/Fine/Superfine) for clearer faxes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning exterior. Use soft, dry cloth; do not use alcohol or solvents.

Clean scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth and glass cleaner if needed; dry thoroughly.
Replace ink cartridges: When ink low message appears, open front cover, press cartridge latch, replace with new Brother cartridges.
Clean print head: Use MAINTENANCE menu on LCD or printer software utility.
Clear paper jams: Open rear cover and paper path, gently remove jammed paper.

CAUTION! Do not refill ink cartridges; use only genuine Brother supplies.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437. This product may be protected by one or more U.S. patents.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not responding	Power/connections	Check power cord and outlet; ensure USB cable is securely connected.
Poor print quality	Ink/alignment	Run print head cleaning utility; align print head; replace low ink cartridges.
Paper jam	Paper loaded incorrectly	Turn off printer, open covers, remove jammed paper carefully, reload paper correctly.
Scanner not working	Software/driver	Reinstall scanner driver; ensure Brother software is running.
Fax transmission fails	Line connection/busy signal	Check telephone line connection; ensure receiving fax machine is on and not busy.

Reset: MENU > INITIAL SETTINGS > RESET to restore factory defaults if needed.

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