Brother MFC-J280W Advanced Manual

The Brother MFC-J280W is a multifunction color inkjet all-in-one printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless and wired network connectivity, automatic duplex printing, a 100-sheet paper tray, 1.8-inch color LCD display, and Brother's INKvestment Tank high-yield ink system. This advanced manual covers setup, network configuration, advanced features, maintenance, and troubleshooting for optimal operation.

Key Features Overview

Core components: Print/Scan/Copy/Fax unit, control panel with LCD, INKvestment Tank ink system, paper tray, network interfaces.

Initial Setup & Installation

Unpack and remove all protective materials. Place on stable, level surface near power outlet.

1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert BK, C, M, Y tanks until they click.
2. Load paper: Adjust tray guides, load up to 100 sheets of plain paper.
3. Power connection: Connect AC adapter, plug into outlet, press POWER button.
4. Initial startup: Follow LCD prompts to align printhead and initialize system.
5. Driver installation: Install software from CD or download from Brother website.

WARNING! Do not touch printhead or ink contacts. Keep printer horizontal during setup.

Network Configuration

Connect printer to your network for wireless/wired printing and scanning.

1. Wireless setup: Use WPS (press button on router) or manual setup via LCD menu.
2. Wired Ethernet: Connect Ethernet cable from router to printer's LAN port.
3. Wi-Fi Direct: Enable from network menu for direct device-to-printer connection.
4. Verify connection: Print network configuration report from menu.
5. Install network drivers: Select network printer during software installation.

NOTE: Network name (SSID) and password required for manual wireless setup.

Technical Specifications

• Print Resolution: Up to 1200 x 6000 dpi (black), 4800 x 1200 dpi (color).
• Copy Resolution: 600 x 300 dpi (black), 600 x 600 dpi (color).
• Scan Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi (optical).
• Fax Transmission: Approx. 3 seconds per page (standard mode).
• Ink Yields: BK: ~1,200 pages, Color: ~1,000 pages (ISO/IEC 24711).
• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
• Dimensions: 17.7" W x 12.6" D x 7.9" H.
• Weight: 13.2 lbs.
• Power Consumption: Approx. 0.9W (standby), 12W (printing).
• Power Source: 100-120V AC, 50/60Hz.

Control Panel & Menus

Front panel: POWER, STOP/EXIT, numeric keypad, color/black start buttons, navigation arrows, OK, MENU.

LCD Menus: Setup, Network, Fax, Report, Maintenance.

Setup: Language, paper size, default settings, restore defaults. Network: WLAN, LAN, Wi-Fi Direct, WPS. Fax: TX settings, phonebook, ring delay. Report: Print configuration, fax journal, page count. Maintenance: Clean printhead, align head, nozzle check, ink levels.

Advanced Printing Features

Beyond basic printing, utilize these functions for enhanced productivity.

1. Duplex printing: Enable in printer properties for automatic two-sided printing.
2. Borderless printing: Select in paper settings for photos up to 8.5" x 11".
3. Watermark: Add text or image watermark from driver settings.
4. Booklet printing: Print multi-page documents as folded booklets.
5. Poster printing: Scale single page across multiple sheets.
6. Custom paper sizes: Define up to 5 custom sizes via driver.
7. Print from cloud: Use Google Cloud Print for remote printing.
8. Mobile printing: Print via Brother iPrint&Scan app or AirPrint.

Tip: Access advanced features through printer properties in your application.

Scanning & Fax Functions

Scan to computer, email, cloud, or USB; send/receive faxes.

1. Scan to computer: Use Brother software or Windows/macOS built-in tools.
2. Scan to email: Configure SMTP settings in network menu.
3. Scan to cloud: Direct to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive via iPrint&Scan.
4. Fax setup: Connect phone line to LINE port, set date/time, station ID.
5. Send fax: Place document, dial number, press black or color start.
6. Receive fax: Set mode to FAX ONLY, AUTO, or TEL/FAX.
7. Fax memory: Stores up to 100 pages if paper runs out.
8. Speed dial: Program up to 99 numbers for quick dialing.

NOTE: For scanning, ensure Brother software is installed and printer is connected.

Maintenance & Ink System

Regular maintenance ensures print quality and extends printer life.

1. Check ink levels: Via LCD menu or Brother software.
2. Replace ink: Open front cover, press old cartridge down, insert new until click.
3. Clean printhead: Use maintenance menu option if print quality declines.
4. Align printhead: Run alignment from menu after ink change or cleaning.
5. Nozzle check: Print test pattern to identify clogged nozzles.
6. Clean exterior: Use soft, dry cloth; avoid liquids on controls.
7. Clear paper jams: Open rear cover, gently remove paper in direction of path.
8. Reset page counter: Menu > Maintenance > Reset > Drum reset (if applicable).

CAUTION! Use only genuine Brother ink cartridges. Do not refill or remanufacture.

Compliance Information

FCC Part 15 Class B: Complies with limits for digital devices. Energy Star® certified for energy efficiency. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. Brother, INKvestment Tank are trademarks of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting Guide

Reset: Menu > Setup > Reset > All Settings (caution: erases network/config).

Support: support.brother.com | 1-877-276-8437