Brother MP-21CDX, MP-21C Service Manual

SERVICE MANUAL

MODEL: MP-21C / 21CDX

© Copyright Brother 1999
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in
writing from the publisher.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks:
The brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENT---------------------------------------------------I-1

2. FEATURES ----------------------------------------------------------------------I-1

3. CONFIGURATION-------------------------------------------------------------I-3

3.1 Mechanics------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-3

3.2 Electronics -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-4

4. SPECIFICATIONS------------------------------------------------------------- I-5

4.1 Printing----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5

4.2 Functions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5

4.3 Electrical and Mechanical ----------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.4 Environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.5 Dimensions and Weight ------------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.6 Recommended Paper --------------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.7 Paper Specifications ----------------------------------------------------------------------I-7

4.8 Printable Area ------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-8

4.9 Control Panel (LED and Buttons) ---------------------------------------------------- I-10

4.10 How To Clean the Print Head - Purge -------------------------------------------- I-14

4.11 Replacing The Ink Cartridges ------------------------------------------------------- I-15

4.12 Recovery Function - Purge----------------------------------------------------------- I-16

5. SAFETY INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------- I-19

5.1 Ink Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19

6. CONSUMABLES AND SERVICE ACCESSORIES ---------------- I-19

6.1 Brother Special Paper ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-19

6.2 Ink Cartridges ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19

6.3 ACSF and Parallel I/F Cable ---------------------------------------------------------- I-20

CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION

1. GENERAL----------------------------------------------------------------------- II-1

1.1 Normal Interlace Processing (360dpi) ----------------------------------------------- II-1

1.2 Super Fine Interlace Processing (720dpi) ------------------------------------------II-2

2. ELECTRONICS---------------------------------------------------------------- II-3

2.1 General Block Diagram (MP-21C/MP-21CDX) ------------------------------------ II-3

2.2 Electric Cofiguration ---------------------------------------------------------------------- II-4

2.3 Main PCB -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------II-5

2.4 Head PCB ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-9

2.5 Carriage PCB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------II-9

2.6 Carriage Sensor PCB -------------------------------------------------------------------- II-9

2.7 Power Supply ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-10

3. MECHANICS -----------------------------------------------------------------II-11

3.1 Overview of Printing Mechanism ---------------------------------------------------- II-11

3.2 Print Head -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-12

3.3 Ink Cartridge ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-14

3.4 Head Maintenance Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------- II-15

3.5 Sensors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-16

3.6 Carriage Drive Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------------- II-20

3.7 Paper Feed Mechanism --------------------------------------------------------------- II-21

CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY

1. PRECAUTIONS -------------------------------------------------------------- III-1

1.1 Safe Precautions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III-1

1.2 Attention ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III-1

2. TIGHTENING TORQUE LIST--------------------------------------------- III-2

3. DISASSEMBLY ORDER FLOW ----------------------------------------- III-3

PR99052

4. DISASSEMBLING AND REASSEMBLING PROCEDURE ------- III-4

4.1 Ink Cartridge, ACSF --------------------------------------------------------------------- III-4

4.2 Top Cover, Paper Guide, Front Cover, Release Plate, Rear Cover --------- III-5

4.3 Head PCB ASSY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III-8

4.4 Ink Head Base Unit, Print Head------------------------------------------------------- III-9

4.5 Bottom Cover ----------------------------------------------------------------------------III-12

4.6 Main PCB, Power Supply PCB ASSY ---------------------------------------------III-14

4.7 Paper Feed Motor ASSY -------------------------------------------------------------III-16

4.8 Purge Unit ASSY -----------------------------------------------------------------------III-18

4.9 Paper Feed Frame ASSY ------------------------------------------------------------III-22

4.10 ACSF ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------III-34

5. LUBRICATION---------------------------------------------------------------III-38

6. CLEANING THE PRINTER ----------------------------------------------III-43

6.1 Cleaning The Platen Cover -----------------------------------------------------------III-43

6.2 Cleaning The Edge Of The Head Cap ---------------------------------------------III-43

6.3 Cleaning The Pick-up Roller On The ACSF --------------------------------------III-44

7. PACKING ---------------------------------------------------------------------III-45

CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING

1. INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------IV-1

1.1 Initial Check -------------------------------------------------------------------------------IV-1

1.2 Basic Procedure -------------------------------------------------------------------------IV-2

2. TROUBLESHOOTING -----------------------------------------------------IV-3

2.1 Troubleshooting Procedure ------------------------------------------------------ IV-3

3. INSPECTION MODE ----------------------------------------------------- IV-10

3.1 Extended Functions ------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-10

3.2 Hidden Functions ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-11

3.3 Error Codes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-13

APPENDIX A

Appendix A1 Head PCB Circuit Diagram ------------------------------------------------A-1
Appendix A2 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (1/3) ------------------------------------------A-2
Appendix A3 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (2/3) ------------------------------------------A-3
Appendix A4 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (3/3) ------------------------------------------A-4
Appendix A5 Cartridge Sensor Circuit Diagram ----------------------------------------A-5

PR99065

APPENDIX B

Appendix B Head Cleaning -----------------------------------------------------------------B-1

Chapter I

FEATURES AND

SPECIFICATIONS

CONTENTS

1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS------------------------------------------------I-1

2. FEATURES----------------------------------------------------------------------I-1

3. CONFIGURATION ------------------------------------------------------------ I-3

3.1 Mechanics------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-3

3.2 Electronics -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-4

4. SPECIFICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ I-5

4.1 Printing----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5

4.2 Functions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-5

4.3 Electrical and Mechanical ----------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.4 Environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.5 Dimensions and Weight ------------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.6 Recommended Paper --------------------------------------------------------------------I-6

4.7 Paper Specifications ----------------------------------------------------------------------I-7

4.8 Printable Area ------------------------------------------------------------------------------I-8

4.9 Control Panel (LED and Buttons) ---------------------------------------------------- I-10

4.9.1 Power LED --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-10

4.9.2 Alarm LED ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-10

4.9.3 Ink LEDs (BC LED and MY LED) ----------------------------------------------- I-11

4.9.4

4.9.5 Clean Button ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-11

4.9.6 Printer Status ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I-12

4.9.7 Control Panel ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I-12

4.9.8 LEDs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-13

4.9.9 Printer Status ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I-14

4.10 How to clean the Print Head - Purge ---------------------------------------------- I-14

4.11 Replacing the Ink Cartridges -------------------------------------------------------- I-15

4.12 Recovery Function - Purge ---------------------------------------------------------- I-16

4.12.1 Definition of Terms --------------------------------------------------------------- I-16

4.12.2 Automatic Purge ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-17

4.12.3 Manual Purge ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I-17

4.12.4 Automatic Purge Frequency ---------------------------------------------------- I-17

4.12.5 Purge Sequence ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-18

(On/Off) / Retry Button --------------------------------------------------------- I-11

PR99052

5. SAFETY INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------- I-19

5.1 Ink Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19

6. CONSUMABLES AND SERVICE ACCESSORIES --------------- I-19

6.1 Brother Special Paper ------------------------------------------------------------------ I-19

6.2 Ink Cartridges ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I-19

6.3 ACSF and Parallel I/F Cable ---------------------------------------------------------- I-20

CHAPTER I FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum operation environment

• IBM PC or compatible with i486DX 66 Mhz or higher

• Parallel interface port

• PCMCIA card slot supporting PCMCIA 2.1 / JEIDA 4.2 or higher

• 8 MB or more memory on PC

• 40 MB free space available on your hard disk

• Microsoft Windows 3.1x/ 95/98/NT4.0

2. FEATURES

This printer has the following features:

Small and Light InkJet Printer

This printer weights about 1kg (2.2 lbs.) and the footprint is very small.
You can take the printer with you anywhere, any time you want.

Lowest Power Consumption in the World

Power consumption is so small that it is possible to take power from a notebook PC
through the Printer Interface Card. Even if you use the AC adapter (MP-21CDX or
optional PA-21MP users only), it’s also easy to carry around.

Quietest InkJet Printer in the World

The printer is so quiet (less than 40dB A during printing), that the printer never disturbs
you while you are working.

No need for an AC adapter or Printer Cable

The printer can take power from the notebook PC through the Printer Interface Card.
Therefore you do not have to carry an AC adapter and a printer cable with you all the
time.

Brilliant 4 Color Output at 720dpi

You can get wonderful output at 720 by 720dpi resolution. When you print on Brother
special coated paper and glossy paper, you can get excellent high resolution output.

Two Color Print Mode

When you select this mode through the printer driver, you can print the color output in two
colors. You can select from Black/Cyan, Black/Magenta or Black/Yellow.

I-1

Low Running Cost

You don't have to throw the print head of your printer away every time you have emptied
an ink cartridge. When you run out of ink, you have to change only the ink cartridges.

Straight Paper Path

The printer can print on various types of paper - plain paper, coated paper, glossy paper,
transparencies and envelopes with fewer paper jams.

Auto Cut Sheet Feeder (MP-21CDX or SF-21MP users only)

When using the Feeder, you can easily load up to 30 sheets of paper.
When carried with the printer it fits on the top of the printer and the total size including the
printer is about A4 size.

AC Adapter and Parallel Interface Connector (MP-21CDX or PA-21MP users only)

When you want to print faster, use the AC Adapter. It will take half the printing time
compared to when you are using the Printer Interface Card.

When you cannot print using the PC card slot, use the Parallel Interface Connector
instead. You need to use the AC Adapter to print using the Parallel Interface Connector.

I-2

3. CONFIGURATION

3.1 Mechanics

< Overview >

MP-21C

MP-21CDX

Fig. 1.1

I-3

3.2 Electronics

The configuration diagram is as shown below.

Head

sensor

Linear encoder

Head driver

DC

motor

Stepping

driver

Stepping motor

motor

driver

DC motor

I/F

PCMCIA

controller

PCMCIA

controller

IEEE1284

PC card

EEPROM

Print buffer

SRAM

EEPROM

sensor

PE sensor

Paper eject

sensor

Purge unit

sensor

Ink cartridge

+ CR motor control

+ Encoder operation

G/A (upd99250GJ)

CPU (H8S)

ACSF sensor

+ LF motor control

+ IRQ

+ I/O

+ ROM

+ A/D

temperature

Head driver

Cover sensor

+ Head control

+ I/F control

+ Memory control

+ RAM

Power SW

Clean SW

Logic 1 (+3.3V)

Logic 2 (+5V)

DC/DC

LED (POWER)

LED (INK)

LED (ALARM)

+5V

Motor (+12V)

Head (13-30V)

AC adapter

Fig. 1.2

I-4

4. SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 Printing

Print Method Piezotronic dot matrix ink jet

Head Nozzle 32 x 4 nozzles
Print Quality Super Fine / Normal / Draft

Resolution (V x H) 720 x 720 dots/inch (Super Fine)

Print Speed With Printer Interface Card:

PR99052, PR99062

360 x 360 dots/inch (Normal)
180 x 360 dots/inch (Draft)

Up to 107 cps at 10 cpi in normal or super fine print mode
Up to 1.3 PPM in normal or super fine print mode
Up to 1.7 PPM in draft print mode
Up to 2.1 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (A4)
Up to 2.2 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (Ltr)

With AC Adapter:
Up to 180 cps at 10 cpi
Up to 1.3 PPM in normal print mode
Up to 2.0 PPM in draft print mode
Up to 2.4 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (A4)
Up to 2.5 PPM in Blue-Black draft print mode (Ltr)

Print Width 203.2 mm (8 inches)

Print Media Liquid ink in cartridges

Life Expectancy of Printer 5 years or 10,000 pages

Ink Twin cartridge system: separate from the print head

Life Expectancy of Ink Black/Cyan (LC03BC): 250 pages/cartridge

4.2 Functions

Printer Driver Windows 3.1x/ 95/98/NT4.0

Emulation Windows GDI

Interface PCMCIA interface card

Control Panel 2 buttons and 4 LEDs

Diagnostics Self-diagnostics program at power on

Magenta/Yellow (LC03MY): 150 pages/cartridge
(When printing A4 or letter size at 5% coverage.)

Parallel interface (IEEE1284 compliant)

I-5

4.3 Electrical and Mechanical

AC Adapter Power Source 100V model: AC 100 to 120 V, 60 Hz

Power Consumption Printer interface card Stand-by (Max.) 1.0 W

Noise Stand-by: 35 dB A or less

4.4 Environment

Temperature Operating: 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F)

Humidity Operating: 20 to 80% (without condensation)

4.5 Dimensions and Weight

200V model: AC 220 to 240 V, 50 Hz

Printing (Max.) 4.2 W
Printing (Ave.) 2.5 W
Power save mode 0.6W

AC adapter Stand-by (Max.) 1.1 W

Printing (Max.) 4.5 W
Printing (Ave.) 3.2 W
Power save mode 0.7W

Printing: 40 dB A or less

Storage: -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)

Storage: 5 to 95% (without condensation)

Dimensions (WxDxH) MP-21C: 50.8 x 300 x 106 mm (Without ACSF)

Weight MP-21C: Approx. 1,000g (2.2 lbs)

4.6 Recommended Paper

• Plain paper USA: Xerox 4200

• Special paper Brother Quality Coated Paper for 360dpi printing

Brother High Quality Coated Paper for 720dpi printing

Brother Color Inkjet Glossy Paper

Transparencies Brother Transparencies BPTRL (Letter)

MP-21CDX: 90 x 305 x 140 mm (With ACSF)

MP-21CDX: Approx. 1,460g (3.21 lbs)

Europe: Xerox Premier 80g/m

2

or equivalent

BP36CL (Letter), BP36CA (A4)

BP72CL (Letter), BP72CA (A4)

BPGLL (Letter), BPGLA (A4)

3M CG3410
3M CG3460 (For super fine mode)

I-6

4.7 Paper Specification

The printer can handle plain paper, transparencies and envelopes that meet the following
specifications.

Feeder Paper Size Capacity

Manual
feed

ACSF
(MP-21CDX only)

Straight
paper
path slot

Paper
feeding
guide

Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Legal, Executive,
Envelope: DL, C5, B5, COM-10, Monarch, User defined

Coated paper: A4, Letter
Transparencies: A4, Letter
Organizer: K, L

(95.25 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~

14.02 inches, 60 ~ 157 g/m2, 16 ~ 42 lbs)
Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Legal, Executive
Transparencies: A4, Letter
Organizer: K, L

(95.25 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~

14.02 inches, 60 ~ 105 g/m2, 16 ~ 28 lbs)
Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Custom size
(100 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~14.02
inches, 60 ~ 105g/m2, 16 ~ 28 lbs)

* It is recommended to feed transparencies from the
straight paper path slot or the paper feeding guide.

Sheet by sheet

Sheet by sheet

Approx. 20 sheets of 75 g/m

•

~ 105g/m2 (20 lbs ~ 28 lbs)
plain paper (A4/Letter)

Approx. 30 sheets of 60 ~ 75

•

g/m2 (16 ~ 20 lbs) plain
paper (A4/Letter)

Approx. 20 sheets of Brother

•

coated paper (A4/Letter)

2

Cut Sheet Envelope

Caliper ± 0.03~± 0.08 in. (0.09 ~ 0.2mm) 0.0033 to 0.0058 in.

(0.084 to 0.14mm)
single thickness

Moisture 4% to 6% by weight 4% to 6% by weight

Smoothness 100 to 250 (Sheffield) 100 to 250 (Sheffield)

Remarks:

Avoid feeding labels. If the label jammed, glue may stick on the rollers
positioned on the way of the paper transportation pass and it may cause
further problems.

DO NOT

use ordinary transparencies designed for photocopiers or laser
printers. Use the recommended transparencies for the MP-21C/CDX
printers to obtain optimum print quality

If the paper will not feed from the ACSF, try the manual feed.

I-7

4.8 Printable Area

The table below shows the effective printable areas.

Plain paper

SIZE A B C D E F G H

A4 210.0

Letter 215.9

Legal 215.9

Executive 184.2

A5 148.5

Special paper

SIZE A B C D E F G H

Organizer K 95.25

Organizer L 139.7

B5* 176

C5* 162

MONARCH* 98.43

COM-10* 104.78

DL* 110

USER
DEFINED*

(8.2”)

(8.5")

(8.5")

(7.25")

(5.8”)

(3.75")

(5.5")

(6.9“)

(6.3“)

(3.8")

(4.1")

(4.3“)

215.9
(8.5“)

(Max.)

297.0

(11.5”)

279.4

(11.0")

355.6

(14.0")

266.7

(10.5")

210.0
(8.2”)

171.45
(6.75")

215.9
(8.5")

250

(9.8“)

229

(9.0“)

190.5
(7.5")

241.3
(9.5")

220

(8.6“)

355.6

(14.0“)

(Max.)

203.2
(8.0”)

203.2
(8.0”)

203.2
(8.0”)

177.4
(7.2”)

141.7
(5.5”)

88.45
(3.4“)

132.9
(5.2“)

169.2
(6.6“)

155.2
(6.1“)

91.63
(3.6“)

84.65
(3.3“)

103.2
(4.0“)

203.2
(8.0“)

282.5

(11.1”)

264.9

(10.4”)

341.1

(13.4”)

252.2
(9.9”)

195.5
(7.6”)

156.95
(6.1“)

201.4
(7.9“)

210

(9.2“)

180

(8.4“)

150.5
(6.9“)

201.3
(8.6“)

180

(7.0“)

341.1

(13.4“)

3.4

(0.13”)3(0.11”)

6.35

(0.25”)3(0.11”)

6.35

(0.25”)3(0.11”)

3.4

(0.13”)3(0.11”)

3.4

(0.13”)3(0.11”)

* : Envelope,

3.4

(0.13”)3(0.11”)

3.4

(0.13”)3(0.11”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.39”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)3(0.12”)

(Unit = mm)

3.4

(0.13”)

6.35

(0.25”)

6.35

(0.25”)

3.4

(0.13”)

3.4

(0.13”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

(Unit = mm)

3.4

(0.13”)

3.4

(0.13”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

10.0

(0.39”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

A

EG

F

C

Effective

printable area

E

F

A
C

Effective

printable area

G

A: Paper width
B: Paper length
C: Width

D

B

D

B

D: Length
E: Left margin
F: Top margin
G: Right margin

H

H

Fig. 1.3

H: Bottom margin

I-8

The table below shows the recommended printable areas.

Plain paper

SIZE A’ B’ C’ D’ E’ F’ G’ H’

A4 210.0

(8.2”)

Letter 215.9

(8.5")

Legal 215.9

(8.5")

Executive 184.2

(7.25")

A5 148.5

(5.8”)

297.0

(11.5”)

279.4

(11.0")

341.1

(14.0")

266.7

(10.5")

210.0
(8.2”)

203.2
(8.0”)

203.2
(8.0”)

203.2
(8.0”)

177.4
(7.2”)

141.7
(5.5”)

265.5

(10.4”)

247.9
(9.7”)

324.1

(12.7”)

235.2
(9.2”)

178.5
(7.0”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

6.35

(0.25”)20(0.78”)

6.35

(0.25”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

(0.13”)

(0.25”)

(0.25”)

(0.13”)

(0.13”)

Special paper

* : Envelope,

SIZE A B C D E F G H

Organizer K 95.25

(3.75")

Organizer L 139.7

(5.5")

B5* 176

(6.9“)

C5* 162

(6.3“)

MONARCH* 98.43

(3.8")

COM-10* 104.78

(4.1")

DL* 110

(4.3“)

USER
DEFINED*

215.9
(8.5“)

(Max.)

171.45
(6.75")

215.9
(8.5")

250

(9.8“)

229

(9.0“)

190.5
(7.5")

241.3
(9.5")

220

(8.6“)

355.6

(14.0“)

(Max.)

88.45
(3.4“)

132.9
(5.2“)

169.2
(6.6“)

155.2
(6.1“)

91.63
(3.6“)

84.65
(3.3“)

103.2
(4.0“)

203.2
(8.0“)

139.95
(5.4“)

184.4
(7.2“)

210

(8.2“)

180

(7.08“)

150.5
(5.9“)

201.3
(7.9“)

180

(7.08“)

324.1

(12.7“)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.39”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

3.4

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

(0.13”)

(0.13”)

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

(0.39”)20(0.78”)

(0.13”)20(0.78”)

(0.13”)

(Unit = mm)

3.4

6.35

6.35

3.4

3.4

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

(Unit = mm)

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

3.4

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

11.5

(0.45”)

A'

E' G'

F'

C'

A’: Paper width
B’: Paper length
C’: Width

Recommended

printable area

D'

B'

D’: Length
E’: Left margin
F’: Top margin
G’: Right margin
H’: Bottom margin

H'

Fig. 1.4

I-9

4.9 Control Panel (LEDs and Buttons)

This printer is equipped with a minimal control panel. Settings and status indication are
available on the printer driver status monitor.

The control panel includes the following LEDs and buttons.

< LEDs >

4.9.1 Power LED

The Power LED indicates the current power status of the printer.

LED Printer status

On

●

Off

❍

Blinking

❍↔●

Fast

Blinking

❍↔●

Power LED

Alarm LED

Ink (MY) LED

Ink (BC) LED

< Buttons >

Clean button

(On/Off) button

Fig. 1.5

The printer is turned on and ready to print.
The printer is turned off.
The printer is receiving data.
The printer is ready to feed paper.

(Only for manual paper feed)

4.9.2 Alarm LED

The Alarm LED indicates a printer error status.

LED Printer status
On

●

Blinking

❍↔●

When the Alarm LED is on or blinking and the printer has detected an error
condition,

problem to make the printer ready to print.

When Power LED + Alarm LED and Ink LEDs (BC LED+MY LED) Blink in Turn

The printer is making itself ready to print.
The printer is cleaning the print head.

When All the LEDs Blink at the Same Time

Service call occurred. Refer to Section 3.3.2 Service Calls in Chapter 4.

Paper empty, paper jam or mis-feeding. If a
paper jam occurs.
The Top cover of the printer is open and
should be closed so that the printer can print.

refer to Section 3.3 Error codes in Chapter 4 and clear the

I-10

4.9.3 Ink LEDs (BC LED and MY LED)

Each Ink LED indicates when the ink is low or empty with the Alarm LED on.

LED Printer status

Blinking

❍↔●

On

●

The color ink cartridge is running out of ink. You
should prepare a new ink cartridge for that
color.
The color ink cartridge is empty. You should
replace it with a new one immediately for
optimum print quality. See Section 4.11
Replacing the ink cartridge in Chapter 1.
This may also indicate that one or more ink
cartridges may not be installed correctly.

4.9.4

4.9.5 Clean Button

(On/Off) / Retry Button

When you press this button and when the Power LED is on, the printer becomes ready to
operate.
When the Alarm LED is on with Power LED blinking, pressing this button will resume
printing. A paper jam or mis-feed will be cleared.
Make sure that the Power LED is on after you press this button.

When you want to clean the print head, press this button.

Note: Even if you turn the

(On/Off) button off, power is not completely shut off.
In case of emergency, you must remove the Printer Interface Card from the
computer and remove the AC Adapter from the mains if connected (MP­21CDX or PA-21MP users only) in order to shut off power completely.

I-11

4.9.6 Printer Status

The table below shows the details of the various printer status conditions.

Status Description
Not energized Power is not supplied.
Power off Power is turned off (low power consumption mode).
Online Ready to receive data.
Operator call An operator call has occurred. It can be recovered by users
Cleaning The print head is cleaning.
Service call A service call has occurred.

The printer is energized up when you:

Insert the Printer Interface card in the PCMCIA slot with the PC powered on.

➀

Turn on the PC with the Printer Interface card inserted in the PCMCIA slot.

➁

Plug in the AC adapter jack to the printer.

➂

All the four LEDs flash once and they turned OFF, however the power is supplied to the
printer.

Any status indication that occurs when the printer is powered up with the power button
pressed is a hidden status.

The printer operates in the following 3 modes.

Mode Description
Normal mode After initialization and error detection are carried out,

Hidden
function mode

4.9.7 Control Panel

The control panel monitors the switches and sensors, as well as indicating the status on
the LEDs.

Switch status is detected after noise cancellation and switch debouncing. Data read for
two successive times detects the switch status (noise cancellation), then the current
status is defined after a further confirmation of three more switch reads.

LEDs turn off, light, or blink to indicate the printer status. Blinking includes 3 patterns:
4 LEDs blink at the same time,

Inspection
mode

PCB check
mode

the printer goes into normal print mode.
Initialization is not carried out on the mechanical

parts; mechanical operation is controlled using
commands and switches.

Mechanical operation is not performed; hardware
operation is checked.

4 LEDs blink alternately,

➁

* For factory use only *

* For factory use only *

3 LEDs blink successively.

➂

➀

I-12

4.9.8 LEDs

The table below shows the LED indications.

Status

Not energized
Energized/Power OFF
Being initialized/Device being busy

Online No alarm

Receiving No alarm
data/Printing Ink near empty

Operator call Ink near empty

Cover open No alarm

Purging
Service call

Ink near empty
Ink empty

Ink empty

Ink empty

Ink near empty
Ink empty

(Power) (Alarm) (Ink BC) (Ink MY)

{{{{

zzzz



z
z
z






{
{

z
z
z





{{{
{
{
{{{
{
{

z

✩



/

{{

z



z

/

{{



zzz







{{



zz

✩



/

z

z

/



 

z

: Indicates an LED is ON

{

: Indicates an LED is OFF



,

When a service call has occurred, its error type and error code are indicated using 4 bits
(LED1 to LED4).

Refer to service codes for details. LED1 does not turn off during mechanical operation.

, ✩: Indicate an LED is blinking

, 

(LEDs with the same symbol means that they blink at the same speed)

I-13

4.9.9 Printer Status

(1) Not energized

This status means that power is not supplied to the printer.
The table below shows the printer operation when power is supplied.

Condition Printer operation Status
Power applied

Clean button pressed
then power applied

(On/Off) button
and Clean button
pressed
simultaneously, then
power applied

(On/Off) button
and Clean button
pressed
simultaneously with
the cover open, then
power applied

All the LEDs light, then turn off.

➀

Initializing for energizing

➁

Status

➂

All the LEDs light, then turn off.

➀

Initializing for energizing

➁

Initializing for turning on power

➂

Status

➃

All the LEDs light, then turn off.

➀

Initializing for energizing

➁

Initializing for turning on power

➂

Status

➃

All the LEDs light, then turn off.

➀

Initializing for energizing

➁

Initializing for turning on power

➂

Status

➃

Normal mode
Ready for power to be applied.

Preparing for printing test
Ready for power to be applied

Preparing for EEPROM reset
Ready for power to be applied

Process support mode

(2) Power off

This status is the power consumption save mode where only the control panel
operates.

<Buttons>
Power/Online button

Pressing this button allows the printer to become online and offline. When in
manual feed mode and there is no paper, the printer becomes offline and does not
print. If this happens when using the manual feed slot, load a sheet of paper, the
printer will detect the paper and start printing. If this happens when using the
ACSF, press this button after loading paper. The printer will then start printing.

4.10 How to Clean the Print Head - Purge

When you get white lines in text or graphics on your printed document, clean the print
head.

You can clean the 2 print heads by pressing the Clean button on the control panel.

1. Make sure the printer is Online with the Top cover closed.

2. Push the Clean button.

3. The printer starts cleaning the print head automatically. When the cleaning is
finished, the printer becomes online automatically.

Note: You can clean the print head from the printer driver. Select

[Control/Maintenance] tab from the MP-21C/MP-21CDX Windows printer
driver and click the [Maintenance] button.

I-14

4.11 Replacing the Ink Cartridges

When the LED(s) shows an ink empty or an ink near empty status, replace the indicated
ink cartridge(s) with a new one. We strongly recommend you use Brother original ink
cartridges for the best print quality. Using other ink may void the warranty for this printer.

Black and Cyan No. LC03BC
Magenta and Yellow No. LC03MY

<How to replace the cartridges>

1. Make sure the

Power

LED is on.

2. Open the Top cover. Make sure the carriage is resting in the home position at the
right hand side of the printer.

3. Pull out the empty ink cartridge in the direction of the arrow.

Note: Make sure that the Power LED is ON, otherwise the ink used counter will not

be cleared.

Fig. 1.6

Caution:DO NOT remove ink cartridges when you do not need to replace them.

Insert a new ink cartridge within a few seconds of taking out the empty ink
cartridge.

Once you have removed a cartridge, DO NOT attempt to re-use it.

4. Open the new ink cartridge box and take the cartridge out of the bag.

5. Insert the new cartridge, making sure to put it the correct position and push it until
it stops.

Fig. 1.7

I-15

6. Close the Top cover. The printer will automatically start initial purge. When the
initial purge is done, the Power LED comes on.

Warning: If ink stains your body or clothing, wash with soap or detergent

immediately.
If ink gets in your eyes, irrigate them with water immediately and consult a

doctor if you are concerned.

Caution:Once you have installed the cartridge, DO NOT take it out until the ink empty

status is indicated as this may reduce the print quality.
Once you have opened an ink cartridge, use it up within 6 months.

Note: If an ink empty status still remain after you have installed the ink cartridges,

check that the ink cartridges are installed correctly.
Both the ink cartridge BC and the ink cartridge YM should be installed. A

printer with only one ink cartridge installed cannot perform printing
operations.

PR99052

4.12 Recovery Function - Purge

The purge operation is carried out just before the first print job when more than a certain
number of days have passed(see below) since the last purge was carried out. The printer
memorizes the time when the last purge was conducted in the EEPROM. When the
printer has been left with power off, the time and date is sent from the PC just before
printing by the printer driver. The printer conducts the designated purge by comparing
this date with the date of the last purge. To operate the automatic recovery function
correctly, the date of the PC needs be correct.

4.12.1 Definition of Terms

Purge type Abbrieviation Description

Single purge SP This is a normal purge. All colors are

Initial purge IP Single purge x 7 times
Double purge WP Single purge x 2 times
Triple purge TP Single purge x 3 times
Cartridge purge CP Single purge x 5 times
Power purge PP Single purge x 5 times
Manual purge MP The single purge begins by pressing the

purged.

Clean button on the control pane.
The single or power purge can be

executed from the printer driver.

I-16

4.12.2 Automatic Purge

PR99052

Date condition Condition

First ink cartridges are
installed into a brand­new printer.

First automatic purge
after a new cartridge
installed and the
specified time has
passed with no print
operations.

Date defined purge 3-1

Only after the empty
cartridges are replaced
with new ones.

4.12.3 Manual Purge

Purge

type

1 IP Just after the ink cartridges

2-1
2-2
2-3

3-2
3-3
4CP

SP
WP
TP

SP
WP
TP

type

installation. The IP is carried out
only one time in the whole printer
life.

3 days
6 days
9 days

5 days
7 days
9 days

Time condition

Pressing the Clean button on the printer control panel or clicking the [Clean button on the
[Maintenance] of the Windows driver executes the purge.

How to execute Purge type Remark
Pressing the Clean button on the printer SP Only SP is available.
Clicking the [Clean] button in the Windows

printer driver

4.12.4 Automatic Purge Frequency

In case the manual purge was carried out 3 times by pressing the Clean button on the
control panel, the PP begins automatically and continuously after the 3rd single purge
finishes. The 3rd purge operation performs the single purge 6 times in total.

The special purge sequence starts when the two conditions below are achieved.

- The printer is powered ON, in the Ready status and is connected to a PC.

- Pressing the Clean button on the control panel 3 times within 1 hour.

Note: As the Windows printer driver sends a command to execute the PP, the

printer must be connected to a PC.

SP
PP

You can select SP or PP.

The number of manual purges executed by the Windows printer driver is not
counted.

I-17

The number of automatic purges such as the date defined and cartridge

purge are ignored.

When the printer is in the following condition, the printer cannot detect that
the Clean button is pressed.

- The power is OFF.

- The printer is in a printing operation.

- The printer is performing a purge operation.

4.12.5 Purge Sequence

Print operations are performed everyday.

IP

SP SP SP

CP

SP

PR99052

SP

MP is performed before an automatic purge is carried out.

IP

MP

MP is performed after an automatic purge is carried out.

IP

SP

MP

In case no print operations are not performed in 6 days.

IP

SP

SP

WP SP

SP

In case no print operations
are not performed in 7 days.

CP

In case no print operations
are not performed in 9 days.

CP

WP

TP

SP

SP

I-18

5. SAFETY INFORMATION

5.1 Ink Safety
Potential Health Effects

EYE CONTACT: May cause slight irritation.

SKIN CONTACT: Prolonged exposure may cause skin irritation.

INGESTION: Small amounts swallowed during normal handling operations are

not likely to cause injury; swallowing larger amounts may cause
injury.

INHALATION: Excessive vapor concentrations may cause irritation of respiratory

tract.

First Aid Measures

EYE CONTACT: Flash immediately with running water for at least 15 min.

If necessary, get medical attention.

SKIN CONTACT: Wash with water and soap or detergent.

INGESTION: Dilute with water and if necessary get medical attention.

(Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person)

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air area.

Help with breathing and if necessary get medical attention.

6. CONSUMABLES AND ACCESSORIES

6.1 Brother Special Paper

• Quality Coated Paper for 360 dpi printing
Letter size No. BP36CL
A4 size No. BP36CA

• High Quality Coated Paper for 720 dpi printing
Letter size No. BP72CL
A4 size No. BP72CA

• Color Inkjet Glossy Paper for 720 dpi fine mode
Letter size No. BPGLL
A4 size No. BPGLA

6.2 Ink Cartridge

Black & Cyan ink cartridge No. LC03BC
Magenta & Yellow ink cartridge No. LC03MY

I-19

6.3 AC Adapter, ACSF and Parallel I/F Cable

AC Adapter and Parallel I/F cable No. PA21MP
ASCF only No. SF21MP

PR99052

I-20

Chapter II

THEORY OF OPERATION

CONTENTS

1. GENERAL----------------------------------------------------------------------II-1

1.1 Normal Interlace Processing (360dpi) -----------------------------------------------II-1

1.2 Super Fine Interlace Processing (720dpi) ------------------------------------------II-2

2. ELECTRONICS -------------------------------------------------------------- II-3

2.1 General Block Diagram (MP-21C/MP-21CDX) ------------------------------------II-3

2.2 Electrical Configuration ------------------------------------------------------------------ II-4

2.3 Main PCB -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------II-5

2.3.1 Data Reception --------------------------------------------------------------------II-5

2.3.2 Control Panel -----------------------------------------------------------------------II-5

2.3.3 Paper Feed and Carriage Motor Drive Circuit ------------------------------ II-6

2.3.4 Paper Sensor -----------------------------------------------------------------------II-7

2.3.5 Cartridge Detection --------------------------------------------------------------- II-8

2.3.6 Head Voltage Control ------------------------------------------------------------ II-9

2.3.7 Home Position Detection of the Maintenance Mechanism -------------- II-9

2.3.8 Memory Circuit --------------------------------------------------------------------- II-9

2.4 Head PCB ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-9

2.5 Carriage PCB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------II-9

2.6 Carriage Sensor PCB -------------------------------------------------------------------- II-9

2.7 Power Supply ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-10

PR99052

3. MECHANICS ---------------------------------------------------------------- II-11

3.1 Overview of Printing Mechanism ---------------------------------------------------- II-11

3.2 Print Head -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-12

3.3 Ink Cartridge ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-14

3.4 Head Maintenance Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------- II-15

3.4.1 Components and Functions -------------------------------------------------- II-15

3.4.2 Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------------------------- II-15

3.5 Sensors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II-16

3.5.1 Top Cover Sensor --------------------------------------------------------------- II-16

3.5.2 Paper Feed Sensor, Paper Eject Sensor ---------------------------------- II-17

3.5.3 Maintenance Sensor (Purge Unit) ------------------------------------------- II-19

3.6 Carriage Drive Mechanism ----------------------------------------------------------- II-20

3.7 Paper Feed Mechanism --------------------------------------------------------------- II-21