Brother MFC-8500 Manual

The Brother MFC-8500 is a multifunction laser printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine designed for office use. It features high-speed printing, automatic document feeder (ADF), duplex printing, network connectivity, PC-FAX capability, and a large paper capacity. 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. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Laser printer engine, Flatbed scanner with ADF, Fax modem, Control panel with LCD display, Paper trays, Network interface.

Feature	Description
Print Speed	Up to 30 pages per minute (ppm)
Print Resolution	Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)	Holds up to 50 sheets for scanning/copying/faxing
Duplex Printing	Automatic two-sided printing
Paper Capacity	Standard 500 sheets (2 x 250-sheet trays)
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Ethernet (10/100Base-TX), Parallel port
Fax Capability	33.6 Kbps modem, PC-FAX, 100-page memory
Copy Functions	Reduce/Enlarge, N-in-1, Toner Save mode
Scanner Type	Flatbed + ADF, Color, up to 600 dpi
Control Panel	LCD with navigation keys, numeric keypad, function buttons

Installation

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

Install toner cartridge: Open front cover, remove packing material, insert cartridge until it clicks.
Load paper: Pull out paper tray, adjust guides, load paper (letter or A4), reinsert tray.
Connect power: Plug power cord into rear of device and into AC outlet.
Connect to computer/network: Use USB cable for direct PC connection or Ethernet cable for network.

WARNING! Device is heavy; lift with care using handles. Ensure all packing materials are removed before powering on.

First-Time Setup

Power on the device; follow on-screen prompts on the LCD panel.

Initial startup: The device will perform a self-test and warm-up cycle.
Set language/region: Use the control panel menu to select language, date, and time.
Install drivers: Insert the software CD or download drivers from Brother website; follow installation wizard.
Configure network (if applicable): Use control panel menu or BRAdmin software to set IP address.
Test print: Print a configuration report from the menu to verify operation.

CAUTION! Do not touch the fuser unit inside; it may be hot after use.

Specifications

Type: Monochrome Laser Multifunction.
Print Speed: Up to 30 ppm.
First Print Out Time: Less than 10 seconds.
Recommended Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 30,000 pages.
Scanner Resolution: Up to 600 x 600 dpi (optical).
Fax Transmission Speed: Approx. 3 seconds per page (standard mode).
Modem Speed: 33.6 Kbps.
Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, A4, Executive, envelopes, labels, transparencies.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (W x D x H): Approx. 18.5" x 20.5" x 17.7".
Weight: Approx. 55 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via the control panel LCD and menu keys.

Control Panel: POWER, START (for copy/fax), STOP/EXIT, numeric keypad, MENU, SET, arrows, OK, COPY, FAX, SCAN.

Menu Structure:

Copy: Copies, Reduce/Enlarge, Darkness, Quality, N-in-1.

Fax: Dial, Mode (Text/Photo), Resolution, Redial.

Scan: Scan to Email, Scan to File, Scan to OCR.

Setup: Machine Settings, Network, Reports, Maintenance.

Printer: Toner Save, Duplex, Paper Type, Density.

Default Admin Password for network settings: "access".

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect directly to a computer. Network: Connect via Ethernet to a router/switch. Phone Line: Connect to wall jack for fax.

Turn off device before making connections.

For USB: Use standard USB 2.0 cable (Type B to A).

For Network: Use CAT5e or higher Ethernet cable.

For Fax: Use the supplied phone cable to connect LINE port to wall jack.

Power on device and install drivers as prompted.

Tip: For network setup, print a network configuration report from the menu to verify IP address.

Printing & Copying

Supports printing from computer applications and standalone copying.

Printing: Select "Brother MFC-8500" as printer in application, set properties (duplex, quality), and print.

Copying:

Place original on scanner glass or in ADF.

Use control panel to set number of copies, darkness, reduce/enlarge, etc.

Press START.

Special Modes: N-in-1 (multiple pages on one sheet), Toner Save, Duplex Copy.

Interrupt Mode: Press COPY/FAX during a print job to temporarily pause and make copies.

WARNING! Do not look directly at the laser beam inside the printer. Allow device to cool before clearing paper jams.

Scanning & Faxing

Scanning: To scan to a computer, ensure drivers/software are installed. Place document, press SCAN button or use software interface. Select destination (Email, File, OCR).

Faxing:

Load document in ADF or on glass.

Dial number using keypad or speed dial.

Press START to send.

Use PC-FAX to send/receive faxes directly from a computer.

Fax Memory: Stores up to 100 pages if paper runs out. Broadcast fax and delayed transmission are supported.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug device before cleaning. Use a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners.

Exterior: Wipe with dry cloth.

Scanner Glass/ADF Rollers: Clean with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water.

Paper Path: Clear any dust or debris if paper jams occur.

Toner Cartridge: Replace when toner low message appears. Recycle used cartridges.

Drum Unit: Replace as per maintenance message (typical life: approx. 25,000 pages).

CAUTION! Do not touch the green surface of the drum unit; avoid exposure to light.

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 support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

No power Power cord not connected Ensure power cord is securely plugged into device and outlet.

Paper jams Misloaded paper, worn rollers Open covers, carefully remove jammed paper, reload paper correctly.

Poor print quality Low toner, dirty drum Replace toner cartridge; clean corona wire inside drum unit.

Scanner not working Driver/connection issue Reinstall scanner drivers; check USB/network connection.

Fax not sending/receiving Phone line, settings Check phone line connection; verify fax mode and resolution settings.

Network connection lost IP conflict, cable Print network config report; renew IP address; check Ethernet cable.

"Toner Low" message Toner nearly empty Prepare a replacement toner cartridge; you can continue printing temporarily.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset Settings (if needed).

Service: 1-877-267-8437; support.brother.com

Brother MFC-8500 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord not connected	Ensure power cord is securely plugged into device and outlet.
Paper jams	Misloaded paper, worn rollers	Open covers, carefully remove jammed paper, reload paper correctly.
Poor print quality	Low toner, dirty drum	Replace toner cartridge; clean corona wire inside drum unit.
Scanner not working	Driver/connection issue	Reinstall scanner drivers; check USB/network connection.
Fax not sending/receiving	Phone line, settings	Check phone line connection; verify fax mode and resolution settings.
Network connection lost	IP conflict, cable	Print network config report; renew IP address; check Ethernet cable.
"Toner Low" message	Toner nearly empty	Prepare a replacement toner cartridge; you can continue printing temporarily.