Brother MFC-685CW Manual

The Brother MFC-685CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless and wired network connectivity, has a built-in color scanner, automatic document feeder (ADF), PC-FAX functionality, and a 2.5-inch color LCD screen. It uses individual ink cartridges (LC-51 series) and supports various media types. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Multifunction color inkjet system, Control Panel with LCD, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Paper trays, Network ports (Ethernet & Wireless), Handset for fax/phone, USB and memory card slots.

Feature	Description
Print Resolution	Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi (color)
Print Speed	Up to 31 ppm (black), up to 25 ppm (color)
Copy Resolution	Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
Scanner Type	Color flatbed with ADF
Fax Modem Speed	33.6 kbps
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11b/g
Display	2.5-inch color LCD
Paper Handling	250-sheet input capacity, ADF holds up to 35 sheets
Ink Cartridges	Individual LC-51 Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Supported Media	Plain paper, envelopes, labels, photo paper, transparencies

Installation & Setup

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

1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots until they click.
2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load plain paper print-side down.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect to PC, or set up network/wireless connection.
5. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website, follow on-screen instructions.

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

Control Panel Overview

Access functions via buttons and LCD menu.

Main Buttons: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, UP/DOWN arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT, Black Start, Color Start.

LCD Menu Navigation: Use arrows to select functions (Setup, Report, Maintenance, Network).

Key Settings: Copy (number of copies, darkness, resize), Scan (destination, resolution, file format), Fax (speed dial, redial, resolution), Setup (language, paper size, network settings).

Specifications

• Printer Type: 4-color inkjet.
• Print Technology: Drop-on-demand piezoelectric.
• Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Ethernet 10/100 Base-TX, Wireless 802.11b/g.
• Memory: 32 MB (standard).
• Operating Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X.
• Dimensions (W x D x H): Approx. 18.7" x 16.1" x 11.8".
• Weight: Approx. 20.9 lbs.
• Power Consumption: Approx. 30W (printing), 4.5W (standby).
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Supported Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, A4, envelopes, photo sizes up to 8" x 10".

Printing Functions

Print from computer, memory card, or directly via USB flash drive.

1. Ensure printer is on and connected (USB/network).
2. From computer: Select file > Print, choose Brother MFC-685CW as printer.
3. Adjust settings: Paper size, type, quality (Draft, Normal, Best), color options.
4. Print from memory card: Insert card into slot, use LCD to browse and select images.
5. Cancel print job: Press STOP/EXIT button.

Tip: For best photo quality, use Brother photo paper and select "Best" quality in driver settings.

Copying Functions

Make black & white or color copies.

1. Place original on scanner glass or in ADF.
2. Press COPY button on control panel.
3. Use arrows to set number of copies (1-99).
4. Press Black Start for B&W copies, Color Start for color copies.
5. Adjust darkness, paper size, or zoom via MENU settings if needed.

Note: For multiple copies using ADF, ensure originals are aligned and not stapled.

Scanning Functions

Scan to computer, email, USB flash drive, or memory card.

1. Place original on scanner glass or in ADF.
2. Press SCAN button.
3. Select destination (PC, USB, Memory Card) using arrows and OK.
4. Choose scan settings: Resolution (up to 1200 dpi), file format (PDF, JPEG).
5. Press Black Start or Color Start to begin scanning.

For PC scanning: Ensure Brother software is installed; scanning can also be initiated from computer.

Fax Functions

Send and receive faxes manually or automatically.

1. Connect phone line: Plug line cord from wall into LINE port on printer.
2. Place original in ADF or on scanner glass.
3. Press FAX button.
4. Dial number using keypad or speed dial.
5. Press Black Start or Color Start to send.
6. Receive fax: Set to AUTO mode for automatic reception; TEL mode for manual answer.
7. PC-FAX: Send fax directly from computer using installed software.

WARNING! Use only analog phone lines; not compatible with digital/VoIP lines without adapter.

Network & Wireless Setup

Connect printer to wired or wireless network for shared access.

1. Wired (Ethernet): Connect Ethernet cable from router to printer's LAN port.
2. Wireless: Press MENU > Network > WLAN > Enable. Select your SSID, enter password using keypad.
3. Install network drivers on computers from CD or Brother website.
4. Verify connection: Print Network Configuration Report from MENU > Report.

Tip: For wireless setup, have your network name (SSID) and password ready. Ensure printer is within router range.

Maintenance & Ink Replacement

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Replace ink cartridges when LCD indicates low ink or print quality declines.
   • Open front cover, wait for carriage to move to center.
   • Press down on cartridge to release, remove old cartridge.
   • Remove protective tape from new LC-51 cartridge, insert until it clicks.
   • Close cover; printer will align print heads automatically.
2. Clean print heads: Use MENU > Maintenance > Print Head Cleaning.
3. Clean scanner glass: Use soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water.
4. Clear paper jams: Turn off printer, remove jammed paper gently from trays or rear.

CAUTION! Use only Brother LC-51 cartridges. Do not refill cartridges as this may damage printer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not printing	No power/connection/ink	Check power, cables, network; ensure ink cartridges installed.
Poor print quality	Clogged heads/low ink	Run Print Head Cleaning; replace low cartridges; align print heads.
Paper jams	Misloaded paper	Turn off, gently remove jammed paper; reload paper correctly.
Scanner not working	Driver/connection issue	Reinstall scanner driver; check USB/network connection.
Fax not sending/receiving	Phone line issue	Check line connection; ensure mode is set correctly (AUTO/TEL).
Wireless connection fails	Incorrect settings/range	Verify SSID/password; move printer closer to router; reset network settings.

Reset: MENU > Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings (if needed).

Support: Visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.