Brother MFC-8480DN Manual

The Brother MFC-8480DN is a monochrome laser Multi-Function Center featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It offers high-speed printing up to 31ppm, automatic duplex printing, a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), network connectivity (Ethernet), PC-Fax functionality, and a 250-sheet paper tray. Ideal for small office environments, it supports various paper sizes and types, includes security features, and comes with a one-year limited warranty. Below are key sections covering setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Control Panel Overview 4. Specifications 5. Printing Functions 6. Copying Functions 7. Scanning Functions 8. Fax Functions 9. Network Setup 10. Maintenance & Care 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit, toner cartridge, paper tray, power cord, telephone cable, software CD, quick setup guide.

FeatureDescription
Print SpeedUp to 31 pages per minute (monochrome)
Automatic DuplexTwo-sided printing standard
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)50-sheet capacity for multi-page copy/scan/fax
Paper Capacity250-sheet main tray, plus single-sheet bypass
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Ethernet (10/100Base-TX)
Fax CapabilitySuper G3, up to 33.6 Kbps, 100-speed dialing
Copy FeaturesReduce/Enlarge (25-400%), N-in-1, ID Copy
Scan ResolutionUp to 1200 x 1200 dpi (optical)
Display2-line LCD with navigation buttons
CompatibilityWindows, macOS, Linux

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on a stable, level surface near power outlet and network connection.

  1. Install toner: Open front cover, remove seal from toner cartridge, insert until click.
  2. Load paper: Adjust guides in 250-sheet tray, load paper print-side down.
  3. Connect cables: Attach power cord, USB or Ethernet cable, telephone line for fax.
  4. Power on: Press power button, follow prompts to set language, date/time.
  5. Install software: Run CD or download drivers from Brother website.

WARNING! Do not touch the green drum surface of the toner cartridge. Avoid placing in direct sunlight or humid areas.

Control Panel Overview

Front panel includes LCD, navigation arrows, keypad, function buttons.

Buttons: POWER, START (copy/scan), STOP/EXIT, MENU, UP/DOWN arrows, OK, FAX START, # (dial), MONITOR, SPEED DIAL.

LCD Messages: Display status, error codes, menu options.

Menu Navigation: Use MENU button to access: Copy settings, Fax setup, Scan settings, Network config, Reports, Maintenance.

Specifications

Printing Functions

Supports driver-based printing from PC/Mac, network printing, and direct USB printing.

  1. Ensure printer is on and connected (USB/network).
  2. Select document, choose "Brother MFC-8480DN" as printer.
  3. Adjust settings: Duplex, paper size, quality, number of copies.
  4. Click Print; job appears in queue, prints automatically.
  5. For manual duplex: Follow on-screen prompts to reinsert paper.

Tip: Use Brother driver utilities for advanced settings like watermark, booklet printing.

Copying Functions

Copy from flatbed or ADF.

  1. Place original face down on glass or in ADF.
  2. Press COPY on control panel.
  3. Adjust settings using arrows: Number of copies (1-99), darkness, reduce/enlarge, N-in-1, ID Copy (for two-sided cards).
  4. Press START to begin copying.
  5. For multiple copies with ADF, load up to 50 sheets.

Note: Use STOP/EXIT to cancel job. Reduce/Enrange range: 25% to 400%.

Scanning Functions

Scan to PC, network folder, email, or USB memory (if supported).

  1. Install Brother software (ControlCenter) for one-touch scanning.
  2. Place document on flatbed or in ADF.
  3. On PC, launch scanning software or press SCAN button on device.
  4. Select destination: File, OCR, Email, Image, etc.
  5. Choose format (PDF, JPEG, TIFF), resolution, color mode (black/white, grayscale).
  6. Press START to scan; file saves to specified location.

Network Scan: Configure via Web Based Management (http://device IP).

Fax Functions

Send/receive faxes manually or automatically.

  1. Connect telephone line to LINE port on back.
  2. Set date/time, station ID (your fax number/name) in FAX menu.
  3. To send: Place document in ADF or on flatbed, dial number using keypad, press FAX START.
  4. To receive: Ensure machine is in FAX mode (auto answer). For manual, lift handset (if connected), press START when hearing fax tone.
  5. Speed dial: Store up to 100 numbers for quick dialing.

PC-Fax: Send faxes directly from computer using Brother software.

Network Setup

Configure Ethernet for shared printing/scanning.

  1. Connect Ethernet cable to router/switch and device.
  2. Power on; device obtains IP automatically (DHCP) by default.
  3. Print Network Configuration Report (MENU > Report > Network Config).
  4. On PC, install drivers via CD or download, select network connection during setup.
  5. Access Web Based Management by entering device IP in browser for advanced settings.

Wireless: Not supported on this model; use Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi adapter if needed.

Maintenance & Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Do not use alcohol or abrasive cleaners on glass.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord loose, outlet issueEnsure cord plugged securely; try different outlet.
Paper jams frequentlyPaper loaded incorrectly, worn rollersReload paper properly; clean rollers; use supported paper.
Poor print qualityLow toner, dirty drumReplace toner; clean corona wire inside toner area.
Not printing from networkIP conflict, driver issueCheck IP settings; reinstall driver; restart device/router.
Fax not sending/receivingPhone line issue, settingsCheck line connection; verify station ID; ensure correct mode.
Scanner not workingSoftware not installed, connectionInstall Brother software; ensure USB/network connection active.

Reset: MENU > General Setup > Reset > Reset All Settings (caution: erases stored data).

Support: Brother Customer Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com

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