Brother TN241 - User Manual

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Summary

Toner Reset Procedure

Accessing Reset Menu

Open printer front cover and simultaneously press Secure and Cancel buttons to access reset menu.

Navigating Reset Menu

Scroll through LCD to select color/yield for reset, then confirm 'Accepted'.

Cartridge Refilling Process

Disassembly and Preparation

Remove screws, plastic cover, and hopper cap from the toner cartridge.

Toner Preparation and Dumping

Dump old toner, shake new toner bottle, attach spout, and secure with tape.

Toner Refill Methods

Refill cartridge directly via the small hole or use a paper funnel.

Reassembly and Final Steps

Replace cover and screws, then rock cartridge to distribute toner.

Color Fade Identification Guide

Interpreting Fading Patterns

Print a color fade page to determine low toner colors based on print fading.

Safety Precautions

Handling Toner Powder

Treat toner as nuisance dust; avoid inhalation, eye/skin contact, and ingestion.

Product Usage Disclaimer

Information is a guide; user responsibility for safe use and local regulations.

Summary

Toner Reset Procedure

Accessing Reset Menu

Open printer front cover and simultaneously press Secure and Cancel buttons to access reset menu.

Navigating Reset Menu

Scroll through LCD to select color/yield for reset, then confirm 'Accepted'.

Cartridge Refilling Process

Disassembly and Preparation

Remove screws, plastic cover, and hopper cap from the toner cartridge.

Toner Preparation and Dumping

Dump old toner, shake new toner bottle, attach spout, and secure with tape.

Toner Refill Methods

Refill cartridge directly via the small hole or use a paper funnel.

Reassembly and Final Steps

Replace cover and screws, then rock cartridge to distribute toner.

Color Fade Identification Guide

Interpreting Fading Patterns

Print a color fade page to determine low toner colors based on print fading.

Safety Precautions

Handling Toner Powder

Treat toner as nuisance dust; avoid inhalation, eye/skin contact, and ingestion.

Product Usage Disclaimer

Information is a guide; user responsibility for safe use and local regulations.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications (implied by the guide)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document provides comprehensive instructions for refilling Brother TN241/TN245 toner cartridges, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility by using refilled cartridges and recycled paper. It targets users of Brother HL-3140CW, HL-3150CDN, HL-3150CDW, and HL-3170CDW printers.

Function Description:

The primary function of this guide is to enable users to manually refill their Brother TN241/TN245 toner cartridges, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new cartridge purchases. This process involves a crucial "reset" procedure for the printer's page counter, followed by the physical refilling of the toner. The guide aims to empower users to decide when to replace toner based on print quality rather than relying solely on the printer's automated "toner low" warnings.

Important Technical Specifications (implied by the guide):

Cartridge Compatibility: Brother TN241/TN245 series toner cartridges.
Printer Compatibility: Brother HL-3140CW, HL-3150CDN, HL-3150CDW, HL-3170CDW.
Toner Type: Specific toner powder designed for Brother TN241/TN245 cartridges. The guide stresses the importance of using new toner and avoiding mixing old and new toner to prevent print defects.
Refill Method: Manual, involving the removal of a hopper cap, emptying old toner, and pouring in new toner. Two methods are described for pouring: direct spout insertion or using a paper funnel.
Safety Information: Toner powder is treated as a nuisance dust. Users are advised to avoid inhalation, eye, and skin contact, and not to ingest it. Inhalation may cause slight irritation, and eye contact may cause irritation by mechanical abrasion. Skin contact requires washing with soap and cold water. Ingestion is noted as having no known hazard. The toner is not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic.

Usage Features:

Pre-Refill Reset Procedure: A critical step before refilling is to reset the printer's page counter. This is achieved by accessing a hidden menu on the printer's LCD display.
- Accessing the Reset Menu: Open the front cover of the printer, then simultaneously press the "Secure" and "Cancel" buttons.
- Navigation: The LCD will display "Select ▲▼ or OK." Users scroll through the menu to select the specific color and yield (e.g., "BK.TNR-STD" for Black Toner Standard) to reset.
- Confirmation: The LCD will show "▲ Reset ▼ Exit." Select "Reset."
- Completion: The LCD will read "Accepted" once the reset is complete.
Extended Cartridge Life: By resetting the page counter, users can continue printing until the color visibly fades, making full use of the toner and avoiding premature cartridge replacement. This also eliminates the need to reset the cartridge's flag gear or install one on starter cartridges.
Print Quality Monitoring: Users are encouraged to print until the color fades from their prints, indicating the actual need for a refill, rather than relying on the printer's "Replace Toner" message.
Color Fade Document: A dedicated "Colour Fade document" is provided to help users identify which specific color cartridge is low on toner when the page counter has been reset. This document shows solid blocks of black, blue, orange, and yellow, allowing users to visually assess fading:
- Black fading = Black is low
- Blue fading = Cyan is low
- Blue and Orange fading = Magenta is low
- Yellow and Orange = Yellow is low
Refill Process Overview:
1. Preparation: Read all instructions thoroughly. Avoid touching the developer roller during the process.
2. Disassembly: Remove two screws and a plastic cover from the cartridge.
3. Hopper Cap Removal: Locate and remove the hopper cap using needle-nose pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver.
4. Emptying Old Toner: Crucially, all old toner must be dumped from the cartridge before refilling to prevent print defects from mixing new and old toner. If the reset procedure was followed, there should be minimal old toner to dump. This should be done in an area that can tolerate spills, such as a garage, directly into a large bin bag.
5. Toner Preparation: Shake the new toner bottle vigorously for 30 seconds. Remove the cap and seal.
6. Spout Attachment: Fit the pouring spout securely to the bottle, screwing it down tightly. Wrap tape around the base of the spout and neck to prevent powder leakage.
7. Refilling:
  - Direct Refill: Hold the cartridge at 45 degrees. Carefully insert the spout into the refill hole, avoiding the plastic post. Slowly "upend" the cartridge to pour toner. The toner flows like water, so care is needed to avoid spills.
  - Funnel Refill: Create a paper funnel, taping the tapered end to prevent unravelling. Insert the funnel into the refill hole. Hold the cartridge at 45 degrees and carefully insert the spout into the funnel. Slowly pour the toner.
8. Reassembly: Replace the hopper cap securely into the refill hole. Replace the plastic cover and screws.
9. Distribution: Gently rock the cartridge from side to side to distribute the toner.
10. Cleanup: Wipe away any excess toner from around the plug.

Maintenance Features:

Self-Maintenance: The guide promotes user-led maintenance by providing detailed steps for refilling, reducing reliance on professional services or new cartridge purchases.
Troubleshooting (implied): The "Colour Fade document" acts as a diagnostic tool for identifying which specific color cartridge needs refilling based on print output.
Environmental Benefit: By refilling cartridges, users contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability, aligning with Zinetic's ethos of "Toner that doesn't cost the earth" and use of recycled paper.
Cost Savings: The ability to refill cartridges and maximize toner usage through the reset procedure offers significant cost savings compared to continually buying new OEM cartridges.