MP-21C, MP-21CDX User, Parts, and 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
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
3.5 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
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
PR99065
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 A5 Cartridge Sensor Circuit Diagram ---------------------------------------- A-5
APPENDIX B
Appendix B Head Cleaning ----------------------------------------------------------------- B-1
Chapter I
FEATURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
PR99052
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 (On/Off) / Retry Button --------------------------------------------------------- I-11
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
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
Paper eject SRAM

sensor
EEPROM
Electronics
PE sensor Print buffer
Purge unit
sensor
Ink cartridge
sensor Linear encoder
CPU (H8S) G/A (upd99250GJ) sensor
ACSF sensor
Cover sensor Head driver

+ IRQ Head
+ CR motor control
+ A/D + LF motor control
I-4
Head driver + I/O + Encoder operation
temperature Stepping motor Stepping
+ ROM + I/F control
Fig. 1.2
+ RAM driver motor
+ Memory control
The configuration diagram is as shown below.
Power SW + Head control

DC motor DC
Clean SW driver motor
LED (POWER)
DC/DC
LED (ALARM) IEEE1284
controller
Logic 1 (+3.3V) PCMCIA PCMCIA
LED (INK) Logic 2 (+5V) controller I/F
Motor (+12V) EEPROM
AC adapter Head (13-30V)
+5V
PC card
PR99052, PR99062
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)

360 x 360 dots/inch (Normal)
180 x 360 dots/inch (Draft)
Print Speed With Printer Interface Card:

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

Magenta/Yellow (LC03MY): 150 pages/cartridge
(When printing A4 or letter size at 5% coverage.)
4.2 Functions
Printer Driver Windows 3.1x/ 95/98/NT4.0
Emulation Windows GDI
Interface PCMCIA interface card

Parallel interface (IEEE1284 compliant)
Control Panel 2 buttons and 4 LEDs
Diagnostics Self-diagnostics program at power on
I-5
4.3 Electrical and Mechanical
AC Adapter Power Source 100V model: AC 100 to 120 V, 60 Hz
200V model: AC 220 to 240 V, 50 Hz
Power Consumption Printer interface card Stand-by (Max.) 1.0 W

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
Noise Stand-by: 35 dB A or less

Printing: 40 dB A or less
4.4 Environment
Temperature Operating: 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F)
Storage: -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)
Humidity Operating: 20 to 80% (without condensation)

Storage: 5 to 95% (without condensation)
4.5 Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (WxDxH) MP-21C: 50.8 x 300 x 106 mm (Without ACSF)
MP-21CDX: 90 x 305 x 140 mm (With ACSF)
Weight MP-21C: Approx. 1,000g (2.2 lbs)

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

• Plain paper USA: Xerox 4200
2
Europe: Xerox Premier 80g/m or equivalent
• Special paper Brother Quality Coated Paper for 360dpi printing

BP36CL (Letter), BP36CA (A4)
Brother High Quality Coated Paper for 720dpi printing
Brother Color Inkjet Glossy Paper
BPGLL (Letter), BPGLA (A4)
Transparencies Brother Transparencies BPTRL (Letter)

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 Straight Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Legal, Executive, Sheet by sheet
feed paper Envelope: DL, C5, B5, COM-10, Monarch, User defined
path slot 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)
Paper Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Legal, Executive Sheet by sheet
feeding Transparencies: A4, Letter
guide
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)
ACSF Plain paper: A4, Letter, A5, Custom size • Approx. 20 sheets of 75 g/m2
(MP-21CDX only) (100 ~ 216 x 100 ~ 356 mm, 3.94 ~ 8.5 x 3.94 ~14.02 ~ 105g/m2 (20 lbs ~ 28 lbs)
inches, 60 ~ 105g/m2, 16 ~ 28 lbs) plain paper (A4/Letter)
• Approx. 30 sheets of 60 ~ 75
* It is recommended to feed transparencies from the g/m2 (16 ~ 20 lbs) plain
straight paper path slot or the paper feeding guide. paper (A4/Letter)
• Approx. 20 sheets of Brother
coated paper (A4/Letter)
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
(Unit = mm)
SIZE A B C D E F G H
A4 210.0 297.0 203.2 282.5 3.4 3 3.4 11.5
(8.2”) (11.5”) (8.0”) (11.1”) (0.13”) (0.11”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
Letter 215.9 279.4 203.2 264.9 6.35 3 6.35 11.5
(8.5") (11.0") (8.0”) (10.4”) (0.25”) (0.11”) (0.25”) (0.45”)
Legal 215.9 355.6 203.2 341.1 6.35 3 6.35 11.5
(8.5") (14.0") (8.0”) (13.4”) (0.25”) (0.11”) (0.25”) (0.45”)
Executive 184.2 266.7 177.4 252.2 3.4 3 3.4 11.5
(7.25") (10.5") (7.2”) (9.9”) (0.13”) (0.11”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
A5 148.5 210.0 141.7 195.5 3.4 3 3.4 11.5
(5.8”) (8.2”) (5.5”) (7.6”) (0.13”) (0.11”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
Special paper
* : Envelope, (Unit = mm)
Organizer K 95.25 171.45 88.45 156.95 3.4 3 3.4 11.5
(3.75") (6.75") (3.4“) (6.1“) (0.13”) (0.11”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
Organizer L 139.7 215.9 132.9 201.4 3.4 3 3.4 11.5
(5.5") (8.5") (5.2“) (7.9“) (0.13”) (0.11”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
B5* 176 250 169.2 210 3.4 20 3.4 20
(6.9“) (9.8“) (6.6“) (9.2“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
C5* 162 229 155.2 180 3.4 20 3.4 20
(6.3“) (9.0“) (6.1“) (8.4“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
MONARCH* 98.43 190.5 91.63 150.5 3.4 20 3.4 20
(3.8") (7.5") (3.6“) (6.9“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
COM-10* 104.78 241.3 84.65 201.3 3.4 20 10.0 20
(4.1") (9.5") (3.3“) (8.6“) (0.39”) (0.78”) (0.39”) (0.78”)
DL* 110 220 103.2 180 3.4 20 3.4 20
(4.3“) (8.6“) (4.0“) (7.0“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
USER 215.9 355.6 203.2 341.1 3.4 3 3.4 11.5
DEFINED* (8.5“) (14.0“) (8.0“) (13.4“) (0.13”) (0.12”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
(Max.) (Max.)
A A
F E C G E C G
F
Effective Effective A: Paper width

printable area printable area B: Paper length
C: Width
B D B D
D: Length
E: Left margin
F: Top margin
G: Right margin
H: Bottom margin
H H
Fig. 1.3
I-8
The table below shows the recommended printable areas.
Plain paper
(Unit = mm)
SIZE A’ B’ C’ D’ E’ F’ G’ H’
A4 210.0 297.0 203.2 265.5 3.4 20 3.4 11.5
(8.2”) (11.5”) (8.0”) (10.4”) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
Letter 215.9 279.4 203.2 247.9 6.35 20 6.35 11.5
(8.5") (11.0") (8.0”) (9.7”) (0.25”) (0.78”) (0.25”) (0.45”)
Legal 215.9 341.1 203.2 324.1 6.35 20 6.35 11.5
(8.5") (14.0") (8.0”) (12.7”) (0.25”) (0.78”) (0.25”) (0.45”)
Executive 184.2 266.7 177.4 235.2 3.4 20 3.4 11.5
(7.25") (10.5") (7.2”) (9.2”) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
A5 148.5 210.0 141.7 178.5 3.4 20 3.4 11.5
(5.8”) (8.2”) (5.5”) (7.0”) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
Special paper
* : Envelope, (Unit = mm)
Organizer K 95.25 171.45 88.45 139.95 3.4 20 3.4 11.5
(3.75") (6.75") (3.4“) (5.4“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
Organizer L 139.7 215.9 132.9 184.4 3.4 20 3.4 11.5
(5.5") (8.5") (5.2“) (7.2“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
B5* 176 250 169.2 210 3.4 20 3.4 20
(6.9“) (9.8“) (6.6“) (8.2“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
C5* 162 229 155.2 180 3.4 20 3.4 20
(6.3“) (9.0“) (6.1“) (7.08“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
MONARCH* 98.43 190.5 91.63 150.5 3.4 20 3.4 20
(3.8") (7.5") (3.6“) (5.9“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
COM-10* 104.78 241.3 84.65 201.3 3.4 20 3.4 20
(4.1") (9.5") (3.3“) (7.9“) (0.39”) (0.78”) (0.39”) (0.78”)
DL* 110 220 103.2 180 3.4 20 3.4 20
(4.3“) (8.6“) (4.0“) (7.08“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.78”)
USER 215.9 355.6 203.2 324.1 3.4 20 3.4 11.5
DEFINED* (8.5“) (14.0“) (8.0“) (12.7“) (0.13”) (0.78”) (0.13”) (0.45”)
(Max.) (Max.)
A'
E' C' G'
F' A’: Paper width
B’: Paper length
C’: Width
Recommended D’: Length
printable area
E’: Left margin
B' D' 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 > Power LED < Buttons >

Alarm LED
Clean button
Ink (MY) LED (On/Off) button
Ink (BC) LED
Fig. 1.5
4.9.1 Power LED
The Power LED indicates the current power status of the printer.
LED Printer status

On The printer is turned on and ready to print.
●
Off The printer is turned off.
❍
Blinking The printer is receiving data.
❍↔●
Fast The printer is ready to feed paper.
Blinking (Only for manual paper feed)
❍↔●
4.9.2 Alarm LED

The Alarm LED indicates a printer error status.
LED Printer status

On Paper empty, paper jam or mis-feeding. If a
● paper jam occurs.
Blinking The Top cover of the printer is open and
❍↔● should be closed so that the printer can print.
When the Alarm LED is on or blinking and the printer has detected an error
condition, refer to Section 3.3 Error codes in Chapter 4 and clear the
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.
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 The color ink cartridge is running out of ink. You
❍↔● should prepare a new ink cartridge for that
color.
On 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 (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.
4.9.5 Clean 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 (MP-
21CDX 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:

➀ Insert the Printer Interface card in the PCMCIA slot with the PC powered on.
➁ Turn on the PC with the Printer Interface card inserted in the PCMCIA slot.
➂ Plug in the AC adapter jack to the printer.
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,
the printer goes into normal print mode.
Hidden Inspection Initialization is not carried out on the mechanical
function mode mode parts; mechanical operation is controlled using
commands and switches. * For factory use only *
PCB check Mechanical operation is not performed; hardware
mode operation is checked. * For factory use only *
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: ➀
4 LEDs blink at the same time, ➁ 4 LEDs blink alternately, ➂ 3 LEDs blink successively.
I-12
4.9.8 LEDs
The table below shows the LED indications.
Status
(Power) (Alarm) (Ink BC) (Ink MY)
Not energized { { { {
Energized/Power OFF z z z z
Being initialized/Device being busy ✩
Online No alarm z { { {
Ink near empty z {
Ink empty z { z/{ {/z
Receiving No alarm { { {
data/Printing Ink near empty {
Ink empty { z/{ {/z
Operator call Ink near empty { z
Ink empty { z z z
Cover open No alarm z { {
Ink near empty z
Ink empty z z z
Purging ✩
Service call
z: Indicates an LED is ON
{: Indicates an LED is OFF
, , , ✩: Indicate an LED is blinking
(LEDs with the same symbol means that they blink at the same speed)
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.
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 ➀ All the LEDs light, then turn off.
➁ Initializing for energizing Normal mode
➂ Status Ready for power to be applied.
Clean button pressed ➀ All the LEDs light, then turn off.
then power applied ➁ Initializing for energizing
➂ Initializing for turning on power Preparing for printing test
➃ Status Ready for power to be applied
(On/Off) button ➀ All the LEDs light, then turn off.
and Clean button ➁ Initializing for energizing Preparing for EEPROM reset
pressed
➂ Initializing for turning on power Ready for power to be applied
simultaneously, then
power applied ➃ Status
(On/Off) button ➀ All the LEDs light, then turn off.
and Clean button ➁ Initializing for energizing
pressed
➂ Initializing for turning on power
simultaneously with
the cover open, then ➃ Status Process support mode
power applied
(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
PR99052
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.
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
purged.
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
Clean button on the control pane.
The single or power purge can be
executed from the printer driver.
I-16
PR99052
4.12.2 Automatic Purge
Date condition Condition Purge Time condition

type type
First ink cartridges are 1 IP Just after the ink cartridges
installed into a brand- installation. The IP is carried out
new printer. only one time in the whole printer
life.
First automatic purge 2-1 SP 3 days
after a new cartridge 2-2 WP 6 days
installed and the 9 days
2-3 TP
specified time has
passed with no print
operations.
Date defined purge 3-1 SP 5 days
3-2 WP 7 days
3-3 TP 9 days
Only after the empty 4 CP
cartridges are replaced
with new ones.
4.12.3 Manual Purge
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 SP You can select SP or PP.
printer driver PP
4.12.4 Automatic Purge Frequency
In case the manua l 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.
The number of manual purges executed by the Windows printer driver is not
counted.
I-17
PR99052
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 SP
In case no print operations

MP is performed before an automatic purge is carried out. are not performed in 7 days.
IP MP SP SP CP WP SP
MP is performed after an automatic purge is carried out.

In case no print operations
IP SP MP SP CP are not performed in 9 days. TP SP
In case no print operations are not performed in 6 days.

IP WP 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
PR99052
6.3 AC Adapter, ACSF and Parallel I/F Cable
AC Adapter and Parallel I/F cable No. PA21MP

ASCF only No. SF21MP
I-20
Chapter II
THEORY OF OPERATION
PR99052
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
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
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
1. GENERAL
1.1 Normal Interlace Processing (360dpi)
Fig. 2.1 below shows the relationship between the printing area and the line feed amount
for each print head pass.
pass 4
pass 1 (Position to start printing)
pass 2
(Line feed amount)
pass 3 Interlace table 1 124/1440
Area covered by
the printing head
Fig. 2.1
The printing operation is performed by repeating the following sequence:-

(120/1440 line feeding + 32 nozzle printing + 124/1440 line feeding + 32 nozzle printing +
124/1440 line feeding + 32 nozzle printing + 124/1440 line feeding + 62 nozzle printing +).
A buffer stores the data for each pass and interlace tables indicating how to allocate the
raster data for each pass are used for the printing operation.
To which pass (storing buffer) the binary raster data is loaded sequentially is allocated
and is initially determined according to the interlace table.
4 rasters of color print data and 1 raster of monochrome print data are converted to raster
graphics transfer commands (G/Z) and stored in the buffer. After the above conversion,
TIFF compression or mirroring is performed if necessary.
The number of rasters handled by each interlace table corresponds to the line feed
amount. Rasters are handled sequentially and the buffer store for sending commands for
1 pass is generated when the last raster of each table (the 1st raster of the next table in
normal and draft modes) is reached. Therefore, once data in the buffer is sent to the
printer with the line feed command (F), the buffer is initialized so that it will be ready for
use for later passes and processing of the next raster starts in the same manner.
II-1
1.2 Super Fine Interlace Processing (720dpi)
This is a method to perform printing using nozzles moved at 4/360 inch pitch using
nozzles spaced at 2/360 inch pitch. Fig. 2.2 below shows the relationship between the
printing area and the line feed amount for each head print pass.
pass2
pass1 (Position to start to printing) (Line feed amount)

pass2 Interlace table 1 62/1440
pass3 pass5 Interlace table 4 62/1440
Interlace table 2 62/1440
Area covered by
the printing head Interlace table 8 62/1440
Fig. 2.2
The printing operation is performed by repeating the following sequence:-

(30/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing + 30/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing +
30/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing + 33/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing +
30/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing + 30/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing +
30/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing + 27/720 line feeding + 30 nozzle printing +).
Detailed operations in the fine interlace processing are the same as those in the normal
interlace processing.
II-2
2.1
Paper eject SRAM

sensor
2. ELECTRONICS
PE sensor EEPROM Print buffer
Purge unit
sensor
Ink cartridge
sensor Linear encoder
CPU (H8S) G/A (upd99250GJ) sensor
ACSF sensor
Cover sensor Head driver

Head
II-3
+ IRQ + CR motor control
+ A/D + LF motor control
Fig. 2.3
Head driver + I/O + Encoder operation
temperature Stepping motor Stepping
+ ROM + I/F control
General Block Diagram (MP-21C/MP-21CDX)
+ RAM driver motor

+ Memory control
Power SW + Head control
DC motor DC
Clean SW driver motor
LED (POWER)
DC/DC
LED (ALARM) IEEE1284
controller
Logic 1 (+3.3V) PCMCIA PCMCIA
LED (INK) Logic 2 (+5V) controller I/F
Motor (+12V) EEPROM
AC adapter Head (13-30V)
+5V
PC card
PR99052
2.2 Electrical Configuration

(1) Main PCB
• The Main PCB controls the following functions :
Data reception, Control panel control, Paper feed and carriage motor control,
Paper sensing, Cartridge detection, Head voltage control, Data transmission to
the head driver
• A one chip type CPU with a program of 128 KB is used.
• 2 buttons (the (On/Off) button and the Clean button) are on the Main PCB.
(2) Head PCB

• The Head PCB has the following components
4 LEDs, 1 cover sensor
The head drive IC is on the Head PCB and is connected via 4 FPC cables from the
head unit.
The Head PCB is connected to the Head FFC cable.
(3) Carriage PCB

• The Carriage PCB has 1 linear encoder sensor.
• The Carriage PCB has a head temperature detect sensor.
(4) DC/DC unit

• The power supply unit has the following functions :
3.3V or 5V power supply for the logic, 12V for the motor, 13 - 30V for the print
head.
(5) Cartridge sensor PCB

• The Cartridge sensor PCB has 2 cartridge sensors.
• This PCB is connected to the Head PCB via a harness.
II-4
2.3 Main PCB
2.3.1 Data Reception
IEEE1284 bi-directional nibble mode is supported. The data reception operation is
performed by the gate array. The CINT-N signal from the gate array indicates the
reception of data to the CPU and control data is processed by the CPU. The printing
data is transmitted directly to the memory without being transmitted to the CPU.
#4 #7 #8 P8
Parallel
SRAM I/F connector
CPU G/A
19 SELECT IN-N
IPINT-N INPUTPRIME-N
18
CINT-N
Fig. 2.4
2.3.2 Control Panel

The control panel controls two switch signal inputs and four LEDs. Two out of four LEDs
correspond to each of the ink cartridges. The cover switch is contained in the switch
panel. When this switch is OFF, the cover is open and printing is disabled. However,
operations associated with cartridge replacement with the cover open are allowed.
SW 1 on the Main PCB functions as the (On/Off) button and stops all the operations
and turns off the LEDs, but does not turn the power off.
P7
ONLINE / Power SW
5 COVER SW
Purge SW
CPU
11 LED POWER
10 LED ALARM
P2
9 LED INKBC
MHP Sensor
8 LED INKMY
Maintenance
unit
Fig. 2.5
II-5
2.3.3 Paper Feed and Carriage Motor Drive Circuit
A PM-type stepper motor is used to feed paper and is driven at a constant voltage. A DC
motor is used for the carriage. It uses the feedback signal (EINT-P) from the linear
encoder and its speed is controlled via the gate array by the CPU using the PWM control
method. The paper feed driving circuit is turned on and off by the M5VCNT signal from
the CPU.
12V
#4
P1
M5VCNT
#1
#7 To LF Motor
LF Driver
M54676
CPU STPM0
STPM1
G/A STPM0N
STPM1N
STPPWM0
STPPWM1
Fig. 2.6
#4 #7 P6
ENC 2-P To
EINT-P
Encoder sensor on
ENC 1-P the carriage PCB
DCM0
CPU G/A #2
P4
DCM1
To CR Motor
DCM0N
DCM1N
#3 CR Drive motor
Fig. 2.7
II-6
2.3.4 Paper Sensor
The photo type sensor is contained on the Main PCB. The movable part of the
mechanism detects if there is paper or not and turns the sensor on and off. When light is
transmitted, there is no paper.
The CH1 level of the sensor output is less than 2.5V without paper and 2.5V or more with
paper present.
CPU Pin
( )
Pin
( CPU )
Fig. 2.8
<Without paper> <With paper>
Movable tip
Movable tip
PH1 PH1
Main PCB Main PCB
Fig. 2.9
II-7
2.3.5 Cartridge Detection
The detection switch is on the Cartridge PCB and detects the placement of each
cartridge separately. The detection signal is at a low level when a cartridge is fitted.
Fig. 2.10
• ACTRG and BCTRG are signals indicating the cartridges are fitted.
• SIN0-P, SIN1-P, SIN2-P, and SIN3-P are drive data (serial data) signals to the head
driver.
• HCLK-P and HSTB-P are the clock and shift signals of the drive data signals.
• HVDD is a head driving power supply voltage and is variable according to the output
of the thermistor (HDTHM-P signal) on the Head PCB.
• FIRE0-N, FIRE1-N, FIRE2-N, and FIRE3-N are signals setting the timing to apply the
head driving voltage to the head actuator. VDD1 is a signal indicating 5V to the head
driver and its state is controlled by the CPU according to the H5VCNT signal.
II-8
2.3.6 Head Voltage Control
The head voltage varies with temperature and head ranks. The VSEL signal from the
CPU generates the HVDSEL signal indicating the analogue value which is transmitted
back to the power supply unit. The power supply unit outputs the head voltage (HVDD)
corresponding to the voltage of the HVDSEL signal.
Pin
#4 CPU Pin
( )
Fig. 2.11
2.3.7 Home Position Detection of the Maintenance Mechanism

MHPSENSOR is the position detection sensor of the maintenance mechanism. The
Home position of the mechanism is used during the purge sequence and is detected
when the power is turned on. (Refer to Fig. 2.5)
2.3.8 Memory Circuit

Location #7 is the LSI which is the gate array to control printing.
Location #8 is the static RAM of 1Mb.
Location #5 is the EEPROM.
Location #6 is the reset IC.
Location #5 and #6 are connected to the CPU.
2.4 Head PCB

4 LEDs, a cover switch, the head drive IC, 4 head FPC connectors and 2 cartridge
sensor connectors are contained on the Head PCB.
The connector CNI is connected to the Main PCB by an FFC cable.
Refer to the Head PCB circuit diagram.
2.5 Carriage PCB

The HEDR-8100 is the linear encoder sensor.
The PCB is connected to the Main PCB by an FPC cable.
Refer to the Carriage PCB circuit diagram.
2.6 Carriage sensor PCB

The connector is connected to the Head PCB.
II-9
2.7 Power Supply
The power supply uses the switching regulation system to generate the regulated DC
power (+3.3V, +5V, +12V and HVDD), which are converted from the DC input.
(When HVDSEL is open)

Connector pin #1: NC
Connector pin #2 - #4: PCM5V
Connector pin #5 - #7: PCM5V RET
Connector pin #8: +5V
Connector pin #9: +3.3V
Connector pin #10, #11: SGND
Connector pin #12: HVDCUTOUT
Connector pin #13: ADPT
Connector pin #14: HVDSEL
Connector pin #15 - #16: P-RET
II-10
3. MECHANICS
3.1 Overview of Printing Mechanism
Extension guide
ACSF
Pick-up roller ASSY
Carriage ASSY
Separation pad ASSY

Paper eject roller
ASSY
Power supply PCB Main roller ASSY

Bottom cover
Fig. 2.12
II-11
3.2 Print Head
This is an on-demand ink jet printer and ejects ink by the firing of a piezoelectric ceramic
actuator. Refer to Fig. 2.13 for the print head structure. A narrow channel filled with ink is
sandwiched between two actuators. When a voltage is applied to an electrode formed on
the surface of the actuator, ink is pulled into the channel from the manifold with the
actuator deformed as shown in the Fig. 2.13. When the voltage becomes 0, the actuator
returns to the previous position and pressure is generated in the ink in the channel. Thus,
the nozzle ejects ink drops. Ink drops are propelled forwards by this action and are fired
onto the paper held by the platen and form dots of the respective color. This printer
incorporates thirty-two ink firing mechanisms per color as explained above, 2 colors per
head with 2 print heads, 126 in total.
Ink
Piezo
,,,,,,
,,,,,,
,,
,,,,
, ,
Ceramic Dummy channel
,
,,,

Channel
,,
,
,

Nozzle plate
, Piezo
Fig. 2.13
Manifold
< Head Specifications >
(1) Method PZT(Xaar) method with the dummy channel
(2) Driving frequency 3.85 KHz, 6.5 KHz, 7.7 Khz
(3) Injection droplet amount Normal mode :40 ± 5pl
Super fine mode :25 ± 2.5pl
(4) Composition Separate color type
(5) Number of ink 4 colors (Y/M/C/K)
(6) Number of nozzles 128 nozzles (32 nozzles x 4 colors)
II-12
PR99052
(7) Nozzle layout

160/360"
30/360" 30/360"
31 31
31 31
30 30
Head
30 30
2 2
2 2
1 1
1 1
0 0
1/90"
0 0
1/180"
Black Cyan Magenta Yellow
FWD PRINT
FWD FEED
Fig. 2.14
(8) Driving voltage 13 V - 30 V

(The driving voltage is controlled according to the
head temperature see 2.3.6 Head Voltage
Control.)
(9) Driving pulse SP, SPT or SPIT
(No droplet gradation control)
Fire 3
Fire 2
Fire 1
Fire 0
2 2 2
µs µs µs
Overall cycle change ± 5 % or less
<When printing in the REV direction.>

(When printing is in the FWD is direction, the order of the Fire 3 to Fire 0 signals is
reversed.)
Fig. 2.15
II-13
PR99052
3.3 Ink Cartridge
Ink Cartridge BC
A liquid ink bag is placed inside the ink cartridge. By inserting the ink cartridge into the
printer, an ink needle punctures the seal and is inserted into the ink bag. Ink is supplied to
the print head through the ink needle and the ink tube. 3 needles in total stick into the Ink
cartridge BC. 2 of them are for the ink supply of Black and Cyan and the other one is for
the waste ink.
The spring plate which is placed over and under the ink bag applies pressure to the ink
bag in order to keep the most suitable internal pressure for printing.
When operating the purge system, the waste ink of all 4 colors is delivered from the
Purge unit ASSY to the waste ink absorber through the waste ink tube and needle.
Ink Cartridge MY
The basic structure of the Ink cartridge MY is the same as the Ink cartridge BC but there
is no waste ink absorber. The Magenta and Yellow waste ink is delivered to the waste
ink absorber inside the Ink cartridge BC, the ink cartridge MY does not have a waste ink
absorber. Therefore, only 2 needles stick into this cartridge.
Liquid ink bag
Spring plate Spring plate

Cap Sealing
Sealing
Cap
Rib Spring plate Rib
Spring plate
Waste ink absorber
Rib
Ink cartridge BC Ink cartridge MY
Fig. 2.16
II-14
3.4 Head Maintenance Mechanism
3.4.1 Components and Functions
(1) Suction Mechanism
Components : Suction cap, Pump, Maintenance cam
Functions : Guides ink to the head channel.
Removes dry ink from around the nozzle.
Removes air and waste in the head channel.
Ejects sucked ink towards the ink absorber.
(2) Storage Mechanism
Components : Storage cap
Functions : Prevents the nozzle tip from drying out when it is
not printing.
(3) Wiper Mechanism
Components : Wiper, Maintenance cam
Functions : Removes ink deposited on the nozzle surface
after the ink has been purged by the suction
mechanism.
(4) Carriage Lock Mechanism
Components : Carriage locker, Maintenance cam
Functions : Aligns the suction cap and the head for the
cleaning of each color.
Prevents carriage movement so that the head will
not move away from the storage cap when the
power is off.
(5) Sensor
Components : Photo detector
Functions : Detects the Maintenance cam position.
3.4.2 Mechanisms
• The Maintenance cam connects the drive from the Paper feed motor to the Purge unit
ASSY and rotates it.
• The up-and-down movements of the suction cap, the cap, the wiper and the carriage
locker and suction and ejection operations of the pump are performed by one rotation of
the Maintenance cam.
(1) Suction Mechanism :

The suction cap is pressed on the nozzle plate by rotating the Maintenance cam.
After the cap is pressed onto the nozzle face, the piston in the pump is activated to
generate negative pressure in the pump. The negative pressure is sent to the
suction cap and ink is sucked from the head nozzle. The pump ejects the sucked
ink and feeds it into the waste ink foam of the Ink cartridge BC.
(2) Wiping Mechanism :

The wiper goes up after the suction mechanism has ejected the ink. When it
reaches the upper limit, the Maintenance cam stops rotating and the carriage
moves one head width and the wiper wipes the nozzle surface. After the wiping
operation, the carriage moves another head width distance and the wiper goes
down.
II-15
(3) Storage mechanism :
The suction cap and the cap are pressed onto the nozzle plate by rotating the
Maintenance cam.
(4) Carriage Lock Mechanism :

The Maintenance cam rotates and the carriage lock pin goes up before the suction
operation to lock the carriage and goes down again before the wiping operation.
(5) Sensor :
The sensor is on during stand-by. It goes off when it detects the home position to
start the suction operation after the Maintenance cam rotates. The sensor goes on
after the suction, ejection and wiping operations.
3.5 Sensors
3.5.1 Top Cover Sensor
Cover sensor
Top cover
Fig. 2.17
II-16
3.5.2 Paper Feed Sensor, Paper Eject sensor
The Paper feed/eject sensor actuator and a photo sensor detect whether there is paper
or not. The Paper feed/eject sensor actuator has a paper a sensing arm and the photo
sensor operating arm. When paper hits the paper sensing part as paper is ejected the
photo actuator arm goes up and detects the paper.
When the paper has ejected out of the printer, the Paper eject sensor actuator returns to
the former status and detects that there is no paper.
The Paper feed sensor detects;

• If a paper is inserted into the Straight paper path slot or the Paper feeding guide.
• The top edge of the paper which is fed from the ACSF
• The bottom edge of the paper
The Paper eject sensor detects;

• The top edge of the paper which is fed from the Straight paper path slot or the Paper
feeding guide
• The bottom edge of the paper
Pressure roller ASSY Paper

Paper feed sensor
Paper hold ASSY
Platen cover
Paper eject
sensor actuator
Paper eject sensor

Main PCB
Fig. 2.18
Paper feeding can be from the Straight paper path slot or the Paper feeding guide. (Manual
feeding)
Paper feeding starts when the Paper feed sensor turns into ON. In a manual feeding, the paper is
fed until it hits the sensing point of the Paper eject sensor. If the Paper eject sensor turns ON, the
paper is continuously fed further to the print starting position. If not, a paper mis-pick error will be
detected.
Paper feeding from the ACSF

After the ACSF starts to pick-up the paper and the Paper feed sensor turns ON, the printer starts
the feeding operation. If the Paper eject sensor does not turn ON, the ACSF repeats the paper
pick-up operation twice more. If the Paper eject sensor stays in the OFF status after theses
additional retries, a paper miss-pick error will be detected.
II-17
During printing
If the Paper feed sensor OFF states is detected (In case that a paper of different size from the one
selected on the printer driver is fed.), the printer stops printing and ejects the paper. The remaining
print data will be printed out on the next sheet.
Ejecting the paper

Upon finishing the print, the printer keeps the paper eject operation running until both the Paper
feed sensor and the Paper eject sensor go into the OFF status. During the paper eject operation, if
the Paper eject sensor does not turn OFF after the specified amount of paper feeding performed
after the Paper feed sensor returns to the OFF status, the printer feeds the paper intermittently. If
the Paper eject sensor still does not returns to OFF, a paper jam will be detected. When both the
Paper feed sensor and the Paper eject sensor do not returns the OFF condition in 30 sec. of the
paper feeding operation, the printer detects a paper jam has occurred.
II-18
3.5.3 Maintenance Sensor (Purge Unit)
The Maintenance sensor uses a photo sensor to detect the home position of the
Maintenance cam.
The sensor is on during stand-by ( home position ) and goes off when the Maintenance
cam rotates and detects the Maintenance cam's position to start the suction operation.
The sensor goes on after the purge, ejection, wiping and capping operations are
completed.
Flushing foam R2
Maintenance cam Head cap Flushing foam R1
Cylinder ASSY
Maintenance gear 10
Purge unit FFC
Maintenance sensor
Fig. 2.19
II-19
3.6 Carriage Drive Mechanism
The carriage motor controls horizontal movement of the carriage unit.
The motor rotation is transmitted to the timing belt via the motor pulley.
The guide shaft supports the carriage.
The carriage holds the timing belt.
The direction of the carriage motor rotation corresponds to the direction of the carriage
movement.
The position of the carriage is controlled by the encoder strip.
Carriage motor ASSY
Timing belt Print head

Guide bar
Drive pulley
Idle pulley
Encoder strip
Carriage ASSY Carriage guide
Fig. 2.20
II-20
3.7 Paper Feed Mechanism
ACSF (MP-21C option)
When the line feed motor is driven in the reverse direction (reverse rotation) to the normal
paper feeding direction, the change-over 1 frame moves to engage the separation roller
gear via the idler gear. The separation roller rotates in the paper separation direction
(normal rotation) and separates a sheet of paper. The separation roller rotates with the
paper feeding operation and returns to the initial position and is registered by the paper
feed pressure spring behind the separation roller gear.
Separated paper is fed to the contact point of the Main roller and the Pressure roller by
the Pick-up roller where the top of the paper is registered.
After the paper is registered, the Paper feed motor is driven in the paper feeding direction
(normal rotation) and paper is fed by the Main roller and the Pressure roller.
After printing, paper is ejected by the Paper eject roller and the Star wheels.
Paper
Pick-up roller ASSY
Separation pad ASSY
Fig. 2.21
II-21
Chapter III
DISASSEMBLY AND
REASSEMBLY
CONTENTS
1. PRECAUTIONS-------------------------------------------------------------- III-1
1.1 Safety Precautions --------------------------------------------------------------------- III-1
1.2 Attention ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III-1
2. TIGHTENING TORQUE LIST -------------------------------------------- III-2
3. DISASSEMBLY ORDER FLOW ---------------------------------------- III-3
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
4.2.1 Top Cover ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III-5
4.2.2 Paper Guide --------------------------------------------------------------------- III-5
4.2.3 Front Cover ---------------------------------------------------------------------- III-6
4.2.4 Release Plate ------------------------------------------------------------------- III-7
4.2.5 Rear Cover ----------------------------------------------------------------------- III-7
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
4.8.1 Flushing Foam R1 and R2 ---------------------------------------------------III-20
4.9 Paper Feed Frame ASSY -----------------------------------------------------------III-22
4.9.1 Paper Feed Motor Holder ---------------------------------------------------III-22
4.9.2 Arm Stopper --------------------------------------------------------------------III-23
4.9.3 Paper Eject Idle Gear 25 ----------------------------------------------------III-24
4.9.4 Carriage Guide -----------------------------------------------------------------III-24
4.9.5 Paper Eject Roller ASSY ----------------------------------------------------III-25
4.9.6 Platen Cover, Flushing Foam L1 and L2 ---------------------------------III-26
4.9.7 Main Roller ASSY -------------------------------------------------------------III-29
4.9.8 Encoder Strip -------------------------------------------------------------------III-33
4.10 ACSF -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------III-34
4.10.1 ACSF Support ----------------------------------------------------------------III-34
4.10.2 Pick-Up Roller Cover --------------------------------------------------------III-34
4.10.3 ACSF Front Cover, Pick-Up Roller ASSY, Gear Frame R ---------III-35
4.10.4 Separation Pad ASSY ------------------------------------------------------III-36
4.10.5 Extension Guide L and R --------------------------------------------------III-37
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 III DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
1. PRECAUTIONS
1.1 Safety Precautions
(1) Always turn off the (On/Off and Online) button and unplug the power cord before
accessing any parts inside the printer.
Note: Even if you turn the (On/Off) button off, the power is not completely shut
off.
(2) The ink contains no harmful substances.
a. If the ink stains your body or clothes, wash with soap or detergent immediately.
b. If the ink gets in your eyes, irrigate them with water immediately and consult a
c. If you swallow the ink by accident, drink plenty of water and consult a doctor if
you are concerned.
(3) Do not put your hands into the printer while it is printing in order to avoid getting
hurt.
1.2 Attention
(1) Be careful not to lose screws, washers or other parts removed during the following
operations.
(2) Be sure to apply grease to the gears and applicable positions specified in this
chapter.
(3) When using soldering irons or other heat-generating tools, take care not to
damage parts such as cables, PCBs and covers.
(4) Before handling the PCBs, touch a metal portion of the equipment to discharge any
static electric charge in your body, or the electronic parts or components may be
damaged.
(5) When transporting PCBs, be sure to wrap them in the correct protective packaging.
(6) Be sure to replace self-tapping screws correctly, if removed. Unless otherwise
specified, tighten screws to the torque values listed in Section 2 below.
(7) When connecting or disconnecting cable connectors, hold the connector body, not
the cables. If the connector has a lock, release the connector lock first to unlock it.
(8) After a repair, check not only the repaired portion but also that the connectors and
other related portions are functioning properly before an operational check.
(9) Make sure the printer has the ink cartridge filter cover fitted before shipping.
(10) Make sure the print head has the filter cover and the nozzle protector fitted when
shipping the print head separately
(11) Special precautions are necessary when handling the print head.
a. Do not touch the nozzle plate, the manifold and the dimple contact of the Head PCB
ASSY.
b. Do not leave the print head with the nozzle plate and the manifold uncovered.
III-1
2. TIGHTENING TORQUE LIST
Location Screw type Q’ty Tightening Loosing torque

torque (kgf•cm) (kgf•cm)
Front cover Screw, bind M2.6x4 1 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2.5
(Black)
Rear cover Screw, bind M2.6x4 1 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2.5
(Black)
Bottom cover Screw, bind M2.6x4 4 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2.5
(Black)
I/F connector Precision screw, M16x4 2 0.7 ± 0.1 Min. 0.5
Waste ink needle Screw, bind B M2x6 1 1.5 ± 0.5 Min. 0.5
Ink head base unit Taptite, bind M26x4 2 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2.5
Print head Screw, bind B M2x8 2 2±1 Min. 1
Paper feed motor ASSY Taptite, bind M26x4 2 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2
Purge unit ASSY Taptite, bind B M3x6 4 4±1 Min. 1.5
Paper feed motor holder Taptite, bind M26x4 1 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2
Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY Taptite, bind M26x4 1 4.5 ± 1 Min. 2
Gear frame R (ACSF) Taptite, bind B M3x8 2 4±1 Min. 1.5
Extension guide L (ACSF) Taptite, bind B M3x8 2 4±1 Min. 1.5
Extension guide R (ACSF) Taptite, bind B M3x8 2 4±1 Min. 1.5
III-2
3. DISASSEMBLY ORDER FLOW
4.1 ACSF 4.2 Top Cover 4.1 Ink Cartridge BC

Paper Guide Ink Cartridge MY
Front Cover
Rear Cover
4.10.1 ACSF Support Release Plate
4.3 Head PCB ASSY

4.10.2 Pick-up Roller Cover Cover Sensor Actuator
4.10.3 ACSF Front Cover 4.4 Ink Head Base Unit

Pick-up Roller ASSY Print Head
Gear Frame R
4.10.4 Separation Pad ASSY 4.5 Bottom Cover
4.10.5 Extension Guide L and R

4.7 Paper Feed Motor ASSY 4.6 Main PCB ASSY
Power Supply PCB ASSY
4.8 Purge Unit ASSY

4.8.1 Flushing Foam R1 and R2
4.9.1 Paper Feed Motor Holder

4.9.2 Arm Stopper
4.9.3 Paper Eject Idle Gear 25
4.9.4 Carriage Guide
4.9.5 Paper Eject Roller ASSY
4.9.6 Platen Cover

Flushing Foam L1 and L2
4.9.7 Main Roller ASSY
4.9.8 Encoder Strip
III-3
4. DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
Note: Reassembly is the reverse of Disassembly unless otherwise stated.

Please refer to the Notes relating to Reassembly information.
4.1 Ink Cartridge, ACSF (For MP-21CDX Only)

<Disassembly>
(1) For MP-21CDX, remove the ACSF.
(2) Connect the power cord to the printer, then turn the power on. Release the
Carriage ASSY from the sealing cap using the Service software tool.
(3) Remove the Ink cartridges BC and MY from the printer.
Note: After removing the Ink cartridges, DO NOT apply any vibration to the printer
in order to prevent ink from leaking out of the Print head.
Carriage ASSY
Front cover
Ink cartridge MY
Ink cartridge BC
Fig. 3.1
III-4
4.2 Top Cover, Paper Guide, Front Cover, Release Plate, Rear Cover
4.2.1 Top Cover
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Top cover from the Front cover.
Note: This is only necessary if the Top cover requires replacement, otherwise it
should be removed with the Front cover as described in section 4.2.3.
Front cover
Top cover
Fig. 3.2
4.2.2 Paper Guide

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Paper guide from the Platen cover.
Rear cover
Paper guide
Fig. 3.3
III-5
4.2.3 Front Cover
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the screw securing the Front cover.
(2) Press the Front cover hook to release the lock, then remove the Front cover.
Note: Check that the Top cover sensor lever is attached to the Front cover.
Hook
Rear cover
Screw, bind M2.6x4 (Black)
Front cover
Hook
Front cover
Hook
Top cover sensor lever

Fig. 3.4
III-6
4.2.4 Release Plate
<Disassembly>
(1) Lower the Release plate, then remove it by pulling it to the right.
Release plate
Fig. 3.5
4.2.5 Rear Cover

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the screw.
(2) Remove the Rear cover by releasing the two hooks by which the Rear cover is
assembled onto the Bottom cover and then release the hook at the top of the Rear
cover.
Shutter frame Hook
Hook
Screw, bind M2x4

(Black)
Rear cover
Hook
Fig. 3.6
III-7
4.3 Head PCB ASSY
<Disassembly>
(1) Unlock and remove the Head FFC cable (the other end is connected to the Main
PCB ASSY) from the connector on the Head PCB ASSY.
(2) Unlock and remove the four Head FPC cables from the connectors one at a time.
(3) Remove the Cartridge sensor connector 3P from the connector on the Head PCB
ASSY.
Head FPC
Cartridge sensor connector 3P
Head FFC
Head PCB ASSY
Chassis L
Fig. 3.7
(4) Lifting the outer edge of the PCB, remove the Head PCB ASSY while pulling the
hook securing the Head PCB ASSY outwards.
Ink head base unit
Hook
Head PCB ASSY
Fig. 3.8
III-8
(5) Remove the Cover sensor actuator from the Ink head base unit.
Cover sensor actuator
Cover sensor
actuator spring
Ink head base unit
Fig. 3.9
4.4 Ink Head Base unit, Print Head

Note: After replacing Print head, adjustment is need by using the Service
software tool.
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the screw securing the Waste ink needle. (It is fitted nearest to the
removed Head PCB ASSY position.) Release the Waste ink tube from the three
hooks.
Note: Use caution when handling the Waste ink needle; it may cause you injury.
Screw, bind B 2X6
Waste ink needle
Fig. 3.10
III-9
(2) Remove the two screws securing the Ink head base unit. Remove the Ink head
base unit from the Chassis center ASSY by lifting the left hand end of the Ink head
base unit then moving it to the left to release the hooks at the right hand end.
Screw, bind M26x4

Ink head base unit
Shutter
Hook
Boss
Fig. 3.11
<Reassembly>
Note: When replacing the Ink head base unit, be sure to remove the four
protective parts fitted on the Ink needles, which are positioned behind the
shutters.
(3) Supporting the Ink head base unit, move the Carriage ASSY to the position
indicated in the illustration below. Remove the two screws, then remove the Print
head and the Ink head base unit together from the Carriage ASSY.
Screw, bind M2x8
Print head
Chassis center ASSY
Carriage ASSY
Carriage guide
Carriage ASSY
Fig. 3.12
III-10
PR99066
<Reassembly>
Note: Be sure to slightly push the Print head towards the front of the printer, when
securing the Print head with the screws.
< Back of the printer >

PUSH
< Front of the printer >
Print head
(4) Insert the Print head into the Nozzle protector.
Note: Check that the Print head is fitted correctly in the Nozzle protector.
Print head
Nozzle protector
Fig. 3.13
<Reassembly>
Note: Check that the Carriage guide is fitted in the groove of the Carriage ASSY.
Refer to Fig. 3.12.
III-11
4.5 Bottom Cover
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the two screws from the Interface connector using a precision
screwdriver.
Bottom cover
Interface connector
Precise screw, M16x4
Fig. 3.14
(2) Turn the printer upside down. Remove the four screws.
Screw, bind M2.6x4 (Black)
Bottom cover
Screw, bind M2.6x4

(Black)
Fig. 3.15
III-12
(3) Lift up the Bottom cover. Turn it over, then place it down next to the Paper feed
frame ASSY
Note: DO NOT apply any stress to the harnesses connected to the Main PCB
ASSY.
Bottom cover
Main PCB ASSY

Fig. 3.16
(4) Remove the Carriage motor harness 2P, Paper feed motor harness 4P,
Maintenance sensor FFC 3P, and Encoder FFC 5P from the Main PCB ASSY.
Encoder FFC 5P
Paper feed motor harness 4P
Carriage motor harness 2P
Main PCB ASSY

Maintenance sensor FFC 3P
Bottom cover
Head FFC
Fig. 3.17
<Reassembly>
Note: When attaching the Bottom cover to the printer, check that the Carriage
motor harness 2P is not caught between the Chassis R and the Bottom
cover.
III-13
4.6 Main PCB ASSY, Power Supply PCB ASSY
Note: After replacing Main PCB ASSY, adjustment is need by using the
Service software tool.
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Power supply FFC cable (which is connecting the Main PCB ASSY
and Power supply PCB ASSY) from the connector on the Main PCB ASSY.
(2) Remove the Main PCB ASSY from the Bottom cover by releasing the four hooks.
(3) Release the lock of the Head FFC cable connector (which is connecting the Main
PCB ASSY and Head PCB ASSY), then remove it from the connector on the Main
PCB ASSY.
Head FFC
Power supply PCB ASSY

Hook
Power supply FFC

Head PCB ASSY
Hook
Hook
Main PCB ASSY
Hook
Bottom cover
Head FFC
Fig. 3.18
III-14
(4) Remove the Power supply PCB ASSY from the Bottom cover by releasing the four
hooks.
(5) Unlock and remove the Power supply FFC from the connector on the Power
supply PCB ASSY.
Power supply PCB ASSY

Hook
Hook
Bottom cover
Power supply FFC

Hook
Hook
Fig. 3.19
<Reassembly>
Note: Insert the Power supply FFC into the connector on the Main PCB ASSY,
with the terminals facing upwards.
After inserting the Head FFC into the connector on the Main PCB ASSY,
lock the connector.
III-15
4.7 Paper Feed Motor ASSY
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Carriage motor harness 2P and Paper feed motor harness 4P from
the two hooks of the Purge unit ASSY, then carefully unstick the harnesses from
the double-sided adhesive tape.
Carriage motor harness 2P
Hook
Double-sided adhesive Tape
Paper feed motor harness 4P
Hook
Purge unit ASSY
Purge unit FFC
Fig. 3.20
<Reassembly>
Note: After attaching the Carriage motor harness 2P and Paper feed motor
harness 4P to the double-sided adhesive tape, secure the Purge unit FFC
cable with the hook .
Attach the Carriage motor harness 2P and Paper feed motor harness 4P to
the double-sided adhesive tape so that they DO NOT overlap each other.
DO NOT fold the Purge unit FFC cable.
When attaching the Bottom cover to the printer, check that the Carriage
motor harness 2P is not caught between the Chassis R and the Bottom
cover.
III-16
(2) Remove the two screws, then remove the Paper feed motor ASSY from the Paper
feed motor holder.
Chassis R
Paper feed motor connector
Taptite, bind M26x4

Paper feed motor ASSY
Fig. 3.21
<Reassembly>
Note: Mount the Paper feed motor ASSY on the Paper feed motor holder, with the
Paper feed motor connector to the right.
(3) Remove the Paper feed motor ASSY from the Paper feed motor holder.
III-17
4.8 Purge Unit ASSY, Flushing Form R1 and R2
<Disassembly>
(1) Unstick the Encoder FFC cable 5P from the double-sided adhesive tape attached
to the Purge unit ASSY.
(2) Remove the four screws and the Support plate from the Purge unit ASSY.
Taptite, bind B M3X6
Encoder FFC 5P
Support plate
Purge unit ASSY
Fig. 3.22
(3) Remove the Waste ink tube from the two hooks.
Caution: Use caution when handling the Waste ink tube; the Waste ink needle at the
end of the Waste ink tube may cause you injury.
(4) While lifting the Purge unit ASSY, remove the Maintenance gear 10 from the
Bearing in the Chassis R.
Note: Place the removed Purge unit ASSY with the Waste ink absorber face up.
Use caution when handling the Purge unit ASSY to prevent ink leakage.
Purge unit ASSY
Bearing
Waste ink tube
Waste ink needle Boss
Maintenance gear 10
ACSF sensor actuator
Fig. 3.23
III-18
<Reassembly>
Important: Check that the Waste ink tube is fitted correctly in the guides and goes
into the hole on the Purge unit ASSY
Purge unit ASSY

Purge unit ASSY
Waste ink tube

Waste ink tube
Fig. 3.25
Important: Check that the Waste ink tube is fitted correctly into the three guides and
two hooks on the Platen cover.
Waste ink tube Two hooks Three guides

The Waste ink tube is not fitted in any of the guides and hooks.
The Waste ink tube is across the ACSF sensor actuator.

Platen cover
The Waste ink tube is caught between the Platen cover and
Chassis center ASSY.
Fig. 3.26
III-19
Important: Before reassembling the Purge unit ASSY to the Platen cover, be sure to;
- Align the notches of the Purge cam and Purge unit frame.
- Fit the protrusion of the Maintenance gear 10 in the notch of the
Maintenance idle gear 20.
- Insert the boss of the Maintenance gear 10 into the bearing of the
Chassis R. (Refer to Fig. 3.23.)
Protrusion
Notch
Maintenance idle gear 20

Maintenance gear 10
Purge unit ASSY
Purge unit frame
Purge cam
Platen cover
Fig. 3.27
4.8.1 Flushing Foam R1 and R2

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Flushing foam R1 and R2 from the Purge unit ASSY.
Flushing foam R2
Flushing foam R1
Purge unit ASSY
Fig. 3.24
III-20
<Reassembly>
Note: When you replace the Flushing foam R1 and R2, the Flushing foam L1 and
L2 must be replaced too. After replacing, the ink counter for these forms
must be reset by using the Service software tool.
III-21
4.9 Paper Feed Frame ASSY
Note: The carriage speed adjustment must be done when the Paper feed
frame ASSY is replaced. See 3.2.5 Carriage Control Parameter
Adjustment Mode in Chapter 4.
4.9.1 Paper Feed Motor Holder

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the screw, then the Earth plate and Paper feed motor holder from the
Chassis R.
Chassis R
Paper feed motor holder
Earth plate
Taptite, bind M26x4
Fig. 3.28
Note: The Release plate, Gear 10/30, and Gear 10/20 are assembled on the
Paper feed motor holder. Handle the Paper feed motor holder assembly
carefully so as not to lose these three parts.
Gear 10/30
Gear 10/20
Release plate
Paper feed motor holder
Fig. 3.29
III-22
4.9.2 Arm Stopper
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Arm stopper from the Connection switching arms.
Chassis R
Connection switching arm
Arm stopper
Fig. 3.30
<Reassembly>
Note: Fit the Arm stopper over the Connection switching arms, with its wider
opening to the left.
Narrower opening
Arm stopper
Wider opening
Fig. 3.31
III-23
4.9.3 Paper Eject Idle Gear 25
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Paper eject idle gear 25 from the shaft on the Chassis R.
Chassis R
Paper eject idle gear 25
Fig. 3.32
4.9.4 Carriage Guide

Note: The carriage speed auto-adjustment must be done when the Carriage
guide is replaced. See 3.2.5 Carriage Control Parameter Adjustment
Mode in Chapter 4.
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the screws from Chassis L and Chassis R.
(2) Remove the Carriage guide.
Taptite, bind M26x4
Boss
Carriage guide
Taptite, bind M26x4 Boss

Fig. 3.33
III-24
<Reassembly>
Note: Fit the square holes of the Carriage guide onto the Platen cover, then secure
it using the two screws.
(3) Release the two hooks securing the Star wheel roller ASSY to the Carriage guide,
by rotating the Star wheel roller ASSY through 45 degrees.
Star wheel roller ASSY
Carriage guide
Fig. 3.34
4.9.5 Paper Eject Roller ASSY

Note: After replacing Paper eject roller ASSY, adjustment is need by using
the Service software tool.
<Disassembly>
(1) Pull the Bearing L forward to 225 degrees in order to remove the Paper eject roller
ASSY from the Chassis L.
(2) Pull the Bearing R to 225 degrees and remove the Paper eject roller ASSY from
the Chassis R and the Chassis L.
Platen cover
Bearing L
Paper eject roller ASSY Bearing R

Fig. 3.35
III-25
<Reassembly>
(1) Fit the Bearing L in the Chassis L.
(2) Insert the left end of the Paper eject roller ASSY into the Bearing L. Fit the Bearing
R to the right end of the Paper eject roller ASSY. Insert the right end of the
Bearing R into the Chassis R.
(3) Turn the Bearings L and R until the Paper eject roller ASSY is secured.
4.9.6 Platen Cover, Flushing Foam L1 and L2

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Paper eject sensor actuator from the Platen cover, taking care not to
damage the two hooks holding the actuator.
Caution: Use caution when handling the thin, metal actuator; its sharp edges may
hurt you.
Note: DO NOT bend the Paper eject sensor actuator; it is thin and care is needed
to avoid damaging this part
Paper eject sensor actuator
Platen cover
Hook
Fig. 3.36
<Reassembly>
Note: Attach the Paper eject sensor actuator to the Platen cover so that the
protrusion at the end of the Paper eject sensor actuator fits in the notch of
the Platen cover.
III-26
(2) Turn the Platen cover upside down. While releasing the catches at the right end of
the Chassis center ASSY using your fingers, move the Platen cover to the left then
remove it.
Boss
Platen cover
Boss
Chassis center ASSY
Fig. 3.37
(3) Remove the PE sensor actuator from the Platen cover.

Note: DO NOT bend the PE sensor actuator; it is thin and care is needed to avoid
damaging this part.
PE sensor actuator
PE sensor
actuator arm
Platen cover
Fig. 3.38
III-27
(4) Remove the Flushing foam L case from the bottom of the Platen cover by releasing
the hook .
(5) Turn the Flushing foam L case upside down, remove the Flushing foam L1 and L2
from the Flushing foam L case.
Flushing foam L1 Flushing foam L case
Flushing foam L2
Flushing foam L case
Platen cover
Hook
Fig. 3.39
<Reassembly>
Note: When you replace the Flushing form L1 and L2, the Flushing form R1 and
R2 must be replaced too. After replacing, the ink counter for these forms
must be reset by using the Service software tool.
Insert the PE sensor actuator arm into the hole of the Platen cover.
Care not to bend the PE sensor actuator arm when attaching the Platen
cover to the Chassis ASSY.
Check that the Main roller gear teeth are engaged with the gear teeth of the
gear in the Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY otherwise the Platen cover will not fit
correctly.
Notch (Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY)

Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY
Notch
Chassis R
Maintenance driving gear 16
Fig. 3.40
III-28
(5) Remove the ACSF sensor actuator by spreading the hooks.
<Bottom view of the Platen cover>
Platen cover
Fig. 3.41
4.9.7 Main Roller ASSY

Note: After replacing Main roller ASSY and Main roller gear 40, adjustment is
need by using the Service software tool.
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the screw, then Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY from the Chassis R.
Taptite, bind M26x4

Two grooves
Chassis R
Fig. 3.42
III-29
<Reassembly>
Note: Attach the Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY to the Chassis R, with the two grooves
of the Gear shaft 4 calking ASSY fitting over the Chassis R. Secure it using
the screw.
Two grooves
Chassis R
Fig. 3.43
(2) Separate the Connection switching arm from the Chassis R by pressing the end of
the Connection switching arm from the other side of the Chassis R.
Main roller ASSY

Chassis R

Fig. 3.44
III-30
(3) Remove the Retaining ring from the Main roller ASSY using a slotted screwdriver.
(4) Remove the Main roller gear 40 and Spring pin.
(5) Remove the Paper eject idle gear 25 from the Chassis R.
Chassis R
Main roller gear 40 (Black)
Retaining ring
Spring pin 1x5
Fig. 3.45
<Reassembly>
Note: Refit the Retaining ring to the Main roller ASSY using a slotted screwdriver,
while holding the shaft end of the Main roller ASSY.
(6) Turn the Bearing L main clockwise until its catch fits in the detented portion of the
Chassis L, then remove the Bearing L main.
Bearing L main
Chassis L
Fig. 3.46
III-31
(7) Remove the Main roller ASSY from the Chassis R, with the Bearing R main
attached.
Note: DO NOT touch the rubber portion of the Main roller ASSY.
Bearing R main
Main roller ASSY
Chassis R
Chassis center ASSY
Fig. 3.47
(8) Turn the Release cam counterclockwise until its catch fits in the detented portion of
the Chassis R, then remove the Release cam.
Note: Gear 10 is assembled on the Release cam. Be careful not to lose the Gear
10.
(9) Remove Gear 10 from the Release cam.
Chassis R
Gear 10
Release cam
Fig. 3.48
<Reassembly>
Note: Fit the catch of the Bearing R main in the detented portion of the Chassis R,
then turn the Bearing R main.
III-32
4.9.8 Encoder Strip
Note: The carriage speed adjustment must be done when Encoder strip is
replaced. See 3.2.5 Carriage Control Parameter Adjustment Mode in
Chapter 4.
<Disassembly>
(1) Push the Encoder hook using a precision screwdriver to unhook the Encoder strip.
Encoder strip
Chassis L
Encoder hook
Push
Fig. 3.49
(2) Lift up the right end of the Encoder strip using a pair of tweezers and pull it toward
the right hand side to remove the Encoder strip.
Caution: Use caution when removing the Encoder strip; its sharp edges may hurt you.
Note: DO NOT fold the Encoder strip.

DO NOT touch the Encoder strip surface; if you touch the Encoder strip
surface by accident, replace it.
Ensure the Encoder strip is clean prior to reassembly.
<Reassembly>
(1) Hook the right end of the Encoder strip on the Encoder hook.
(2) Run the encoder strip under the Carriage ASSY and hook the left end of the
Encoder strip on the Encoder hook.
Note: Make sure that the Encoder strip runs over the Encoder FFC cable presser
foot. If it runs under the presser foot, there will be a carriage error (Service
1).
III-33
4.10 ACSF
4.10.1 ACSF Support
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the ACSF support from the ACSF while pulling both ends of the ACSF
support outwards.
ACSF
ACSF support
Fig. 3.50
4.10.2 Pick-Up Roller Cover

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Pick-up roller cover from the ACSF by releasing the two hooks.
Note: Use a slotted screwdriver to release the two hooks.
Hook
Pick-up roller cover
Hook
ACSF front cover
Fig. 3.50
III-34
4.10.3 ACSF Front Cover, Pick-Up Roller ASSY, Gear Frame R
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the ACSF front cover from the ACSF.
ACSF front cover
Fig. 3.52
(2) Remove the two screws, then the Gear frame R and Pick-up roller ASSY together.
Taptite, bind B M3x8
Pick-up roller ASSY
Gear frame R
Fig. 3.53
III-35
(3) Remove the left hand end of the Pick-up roller ASSY from the Bearing by moving it
to the right.
(4) Remove the Gear frame R from the Pick-up roller ASSY.
Gear frame R
Pick-up roller ASSY
Fig. 3.54
4.10.4 Separation Pad ASSY

<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the Separation pad ASSY from the ACSF.
Separation pad ASSY
Fig. 3.55
III-36
4.10.5 Extension Guide L and R
<Disassembly>
(1) Remove the two screws, then Extension guide R and L from the ACSF .
Tatptite, bind M3x8
Tatptite, bind M3x8
Extension guide L
Extension guide R
Fig. 3.56
III-37
5. LUBRICATION
Apply the following lubricants to the lubrication points as illustrated below.
Lubricant amount
Lubricant type Sesame-sized pinch of Rice-sized pinch of grease
(Manufacturer) grease (6 mm )
3
3
(0.5 - 1 mm )
Molykote
EM-30L EM1 EM2
(Dow Corming)
Floil 946P
P1
(Kanto Kasei) ----------
Floil GE676
GE1
(Kanto Kasei) ----------
G501
---------- G1
(Shinetsu Silicone)
[1] Paper feed related gears
Release plate
Release cam
Main roller gear 40
EM2
EM2
EM2
EM2 Paper eject idle gear 25
Fig. 3.57
III-38
[2] Gears attached to the Paper feed motor holder
Gear 10/30
EM1 Release plate
EM1
EM2
EM2
Gear 10/20
Fig. 3.58
[3] Purge unit ASSY
Maintenace gear 10 Maintenace idle gear 20 Maintenace driving gear 16

EM2
Maintenace gear 10 EM2
Maintenace idle gear 20

EM2
Fig. 3.60
Fig. 3.59
III-39
Maintenace driving gear 40
Main roller gear 40 (Black)
Maintenace driving gear 16
Shaft of the Main roller ASSY
GE1
Paper guide EM2

Main roller ASSY EM1 EM2
* Appy with a blush
EM2 EM2
III-40
Fig. 3.61
[4] Main roller ASSY, Paper eject roller ASSY
EM2
Bearing L main
EM2
Bearing L
Paper eject roller ASSY Bearing R
EM2 GE1
Shaft of the Paper eject roller ASSY Paper eject roller gear 15
PR99061
[5] Carriage guide
< Left >

G1
19 mm
35 mm
Carriage guide
G1
12 mm
< Right >

35 mm
Fig. 3.62
[6] ACSF
Gear frame R
Gear 35
EM2
On the teeth of
the Paper feed gear 35
EM2
EM2
EM2
On the teeth of
the Gear 12/30
Fig. 3.63
III-41
Pick-up roller ASSY
EM2 EM2
Fig. 3.64
III-42
6. CLEANING THE PRINTER
Note: Before cleaning the printer or printer platen, be sure to turn off the printer
and remove the PC Card Cable from your computer and remove the AC
Adapter (MP-21CDX or PA21MP users only) if connected and make sure
that all the LEDs are off.
6.1 Cleaning the Platen cover

(1) Open the top cover.
(2) Wipe the Platen cover with a cotton swab.
Fig. 3.65
6.2 Cleaning the edge of the Head cap

(1) Open the Top cover , then insert a small clip into the hole for the cover sensor.
Plug the power cord to the printer, then turn the power on.
(2) Unplug the power cord when the print head has moved from the capping position.
(3) Clean the edge of the Head cap with the Head cleaner stick ASSY (ZA0310001).
Head cleaner stick ASSY
Print head
Head cap
Fig. 3.66
III-43
6.3 Cleaning the Pick-up roller on the ACSF
(1) Remove the Pick-up roller cover.
(2) Clean the Pick-up rollers with a cloth dampen with alcohol.
Pick-up roller cover
Pick-up roller
Fig. 3.67
III-44
7. PACKING
• MP-21C
PC interface card cable
Partition containerboard
Carton
Ink cartridge
User's manual
Quick setup guide
Floppy disks
PC interface card
Styrofoam
Spacer containerboard
Styrofoam
Carton
Fig. 3.68
III-45
• MP-21CDX
PC interface card cable

Printer interface cable
Partition containerboard
AC adapter
Ink cartridge
Carton
User's manual
Quick setup guide
Floppy disks
PC interface card
Styrofoam
Carton, SF-21
Spacer containerboard
ACSF cushioning material

Styrofoam
SF-21 (ACSF)
Carton
Fig. 3.69
III-46
Chapter IV
TROUBLESHOOTING
CONTENTS
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
2.1.1 Malfunctions ----------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-3
2.1.2 Print-image Related ------------------------------------------------------------- IV-7
3. INSPECTION MODE ----------------------------------------------------- IV-10

3.1 Extended Functions ------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-10
3.1.1 EEPROM Reset Mode -------------------------------------------------------- IV-10
3.2 Hidden Functions (Inspection Mode) --------------------------------------------- IV-11
3.2.1 EEPROM All Area Reset Mode --------------------------------------------- IV-11
3.2.2 Sensor Check Mode 1 -------------------------------------------------------- IV-12
3.2.3 Sensor Check Mode 2 -------------------------------------------------------- IV-12
3.2.4 Head Stopper Height Check Mode ---------------------------------------- IV-12
3.2.5 Carriage Control Parameter Adjustment Mode ------------------------- IV-12
3.2.6 Purge Air Pressure Measure Mode----------------------------------------- IV-12
3.2.7 Printer Setting Mode ----------------------------------------------------------- IV-12
3.3 Error Codes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-13
3.3.1 Operator Calls ------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-13
3.3.2 Service Calls --------------------------------------------------------------------- IV-14
CHAPTER IV TROUBLE SHOOTING
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Initial Check
If a malfunction or incorrect print appears, make an initial check, then follow the basic
procedure below:
(1) Operating environment
Check if:
1) The source voltage stays within ±10% from the rating voltage shown on the
rating plate.
2) The printer is installed on a solid, level surface.
3) The room temperature is maintained between 10οC and 35οC (50οF and
95οF). The relative humidity is maintained between 20% and 80%.
4) The printer is not exposed to ammonia fumes or other harmful gases.
5) The printer is not located in a hot or humid area (such as near water or a
humidifier).
6) The printer is not exposed to direct sunlight.
7) The room is well-ventilated.
(2) Paper
Check if:
1) A recommended type of print paper is used. (If the paper is too thin, or
tends to curl, paper jams or paper feed problems may occur, or prints may be
blurred.)
2) The print paper is damp.

[If so, use fresh paper and check whether the print quality improves or not.]
(3) Ink cartridge
Check if:
1) Both of the ink cartridges are loaded correctly.
2) If there is ink remaining, the LED which indicates ink empty is not on.
(If the LED is on, install the indicated color ink.)
IV-1
(4) Print head
Check if:
1) The print head is installed on the carriage correctly.
2) Repeat the head purging operation several times.
1.2 Basic Procedure
(1) Check the error lamps according to the procedures in the inspection mode as
described later in this section.
(2) If any incorrect image is found, refer to the image defect description in this section.
IV-2
2. TROUBLESHOOTING
2.1 Troubleshooting procedure
2.1.1 Malfunctions
When carrying out the countermeasures for malfunctions described in this section, check
connectors for contact failure before measuring the voltage at specified connector pins.
(1) No DC power supplied from PCMCIA

No AC power supplied from the AC adapter
Possible cause Step Check Result Remedy

Supply voltage 1 Is the correct voltage NO Inform the user that the
present at the outlet? correct voltage is not
supplied at the outlet.
Is the PC card cable NO Connect the cable securely.
connected securely?
Power plug 2 Is the AC adapter power NO Plug the power cord
cord securely plugged into securely into the outlet.
the outlet?
Is the Printer interface card NO Install the Printer interface
securely inserted into the card securely.
PCMCA card slot on the
PC.
Wiring 3 Unplug the power supply YES Replace the AC adapter.
plug.
Is there a broken wire
between the AC input
connector of the power
supply and the power plug?
IV-3
(2) No DC power generated
Possible Step Check Result Remedy

cause
AC power 1 Is DC power supplied between the NO Follow the same check
supply DC jack (+ / -)when the power plug is procedure of 1) “No DC
plugged into the outlet? power supplied from
PCMCIA” and “No AC
power supplied from the
AC adapter”.
Power 2 Is the Power supply FFC cable NO Connect it to the both
supply connected to the Main PCB ASSY PCBs securely.
FFC and the Power supply PCB ASSY?
Power 3 Measure the voltage between the NO Replace the power
supply unit terminals. Do the measured supply unit.
voltages satisfy the value in the table
below?
PCB + lead - lead Voltage
Driver P3-9 P3-10 +3.3V
PCB P3-8 P3-10 +5V
P3-17 P3-15 +12V
P3-18* P3-15 +13 - 30V
* The voltage for P3-18 depends on

the operating temperature.
IV-4
(3) The carriage motor does not rotate.

Connection 1 Is the Carriage motor harness NO Connect it securely.
failure of the P4 securely connected on the
Carriage motor Main PCB?
harness P4
Carriage motor 2 Disconnect the Carriage motor NO Replace the Carriage

harness P4 from the Main PCB. motor ASSY.
Driver circuit Measure the resistance between YES
the connector pins of the Replace the Main
carriage motor with a circuit PCB.
tester.
Does the measured resistance
satisfy the value in the table
below?
P4-1 and P4-2 Approx.12
(4) CR error

Connection 2 Is the Encoder FPC cable P6 NO Connect it securely.
failure of the securely connected to the Main
Encoder FPC PCB?
P6 harness P4
Encoder strip 1 Encoder strip is contaminated YES Blow the dust out with
with dust. an air brush.
Encoder strip is contaminated YES Clean it with alcohol,
with oil or ink. then reassemble it. If
the problem still
remains, replace it with
a new one.
Carriage motor 2 Check the Carriage motor
operation referring to (3) if the
carriage motor does not rotate.
(5) No paper supplied from ACSF

ACSF attached 1 Is the ACSF attached correctly? NO Attach it correctly.
incorrectly
Pick-up roller 2 Rotate the gears with your finger. NO Replace the Pick-
ASSY Does the Pick-up roller ASSY up roller ASSY.
rotate?
Separation pad 3 Is there any damage on the Yes Replace the

Separation pad? Separation pad
ASSY.
IV-5
(6) No paper supplied from the paper feeding slot or the straight paper path slot

Foreign materials 1 Are there any foreign materials in YES Remove it.
on the paper path. the paper feed path?
Film rib 2 Is the Film rib correctly stuck to Yes Unstick the Film rib
the Rear cover? and re-stick
correctly.
Is the Film rib damaged? Replace it with a
new one.
(7) Print paper jam

Printer Feeding 1 Is the Paper feeding slot guide NO Attach it correctly.
paper correctly attached?
2 Are all gears related to feeding NO Replace all gears
paper in place? correctly.
3 Is the Main PCB broken? YES Replace the Main
PCB.
4 Is the paper guide film YES Replace the Paper
incorrectly stuck to the paper holder ASSY.
holder ASSY?
Is the paper guide film bent?
Is the Paper holder ASSY bent?
Ejecting 1 Is the Paper eject sensor NO Refit it correctly.
paper actuator fitted correctly?
2 Is the Paper eject sensor YES Replace it.
actuator bent?
3 Is the Paper eject sensor NO Replace the Main
working? PCB.
ACSF Feeding 1 Is the ACSF attached correctly? NO Attach it securely.
paper
2 Are the rubber rollers on the YES Wipe the paper
Pick-up roller ASSY covered dust off with a cloth
with paper dust? dampened with
IPA.
3 Is the ACSF sensor actuator NO Check the routing
working correctly? of the Waste ink
tube. Refer to Fig.
3.26 in Chapter 3.
4 Is the ACSF set in the correct NO Fit it in the correct
position to feed paper? position.
(If it is in a straight position, the
printer cannot detect the ACSF
attached.)
IV-6
2.1.2 Print-image Related
Trouble Action to be taken

Completely blank Check the following:
- If any cartridge have run out of ink.
- The connection of the Head FFC cable between the Head
PCB and Main PCB.
- If there is any damage on the Head FFC CABLE.
- The connection of the four Head FPC cables on the Head
PCB.
- If the Waste ink tube is routed correctly.
Random color Check the following components:

- Ink cartridge
- Head FFC CABLE
- Main PCB
- Head PCB
Light Check the following:

- If any cartridge is running out of ink.
- Try purging several times.
- The correct media setting is selected on the printer driver for
the paper to be printed.
- If the Purge unit is assembled correctly.
Check the following components:

- Ink cartridge
- Main PCB
- Head PCB
- Power supply PCB
Dark Check the following:
- Monitor calibration has been carried out.
- Try purging several times.
- Check the paper feed related rollers.
- If the Purge unit is assembled correctly.
(If not, colors are mixed and a dark color is generated.)

- Main PCB
- Power supply PCB
- Purge unit
Black or blurred vertical stripes Check the following:
- The printer is installed on a flat surface.
- Fresh paper is used.
- If paper is catching any other components during paper
eject.
- If ink has dropped down onto the Platen cover.
(If yes, clean the Platen cover.)

- Purge unit (Wipe the Maintenance cap with the Head cleaner
stick ASSY (tool # ZA0310001) dampened with IPA.
IV-7
Print edges not aligned Check the following:
- The alignment of vertical print lines.
(Use the Service software tool software to check this.)

- Encoder strip
* If the Encoder strip is not hooked onto the mounting clips
properly, correct it.
- Print head
* If the Print head is not installed securely, correct it.
Ink splash - Perform purging several times to remove dust or air bubbles
from the nozzles.
- If any cartridges have run out of ink.
- Replace the Print head.
- Replace the Main PCB.
- Replace the Power supply PCB.
- Replace the Head PCB.
Random missing dots - Perform the head cleaning operation several times to
remove dust or air bubbles from the nozzles.
- If any cartridges have run out of ink.
- Replace the carriage PCB.
- Check the connection of the Head FFC CABLE and the
Head FPC cable.
- Replace the Main PCB.
- Check if the Purge unit is attached properly.
- Check the routing of the Waste ink tube.
White horizontal streaks - Perform the head cleaning operation several times to
remove dust or air bubbles from the nozzles.
- Check the paper feed-related rollers.
- Check the connection of the Head FPC cable.
- Adjust the amount of line feeding with the Service software
tool software.

- Head PCB
Stained leading edge of print - Check if paper is catching any other components during
paper paper eject.
- Clean the nozzle ends of the Print head with a cotton stick,
being carefully not to touch the print head surface.
IV-8
Banding - Adjust the horizontal alignment from the printer driver.
- Check the correct media setting is selected in the printer
driver for the paper to be printed.
- Adjust the amount of line feeding with the Service software
tool software.
- Replace the carriage ASSY.

- Head PCB
- Power supply PCB
Vertical lines exist - Check the correct media setting is selected in the printer
driver.
2.1.3 PC-driven printing

Trouble Check
PC-driven printing is Check the following:
impossible. - Connection of the Parallel interface cable to the printer and
the host PC.
- Connection of the AC adapter.
- If the Printer interface card is inserted securely.
- If the PC card cable connecting the Printer interface card
(CI-100) and the printer is connected securely.
- If a suitable port setting is selected on the printer driver.
Set LPT1 when the Parallel Interface cable is used.
Set LPT2 when the Printer interface card is used.
IV-9
3. INSPECTION MODE
3.1 Extended Functions
The following two extended functions will be available by holding down the specified
button(s) until the all LEDs turn off while plugging in the AC adapter.
3.1.1 EEPROM User Area Reset Mode (Not necessary for service)
The printer performs a reset of the user area by holding down the Power and Clean
button for 3 seconds or more with the Top cover closed. Immediately after entering this
mode, the all LEDs blink. By pressing the Power button, EEPROM user area reset will
be executed. Although it will return to the ready status after reset, it is necessary to press
the Power button.
The following information is stored in the user area.
The carriage speed settings

The counter for the amount of the ink consumed and the waste ink.
The time when the latest purge was carried out.
The amount of the paper feeding
The amount of the line feed
The vertical alignment settings
Note: The EEPROM user area reset does not clear the page counter.
IV-10
3.2 Hidden Functions (Inspection Mode)
The printer goes into the inspection mode by plug in while holding down the Power and
Clean button for 3 seconds or more with the Top cover open. Immediately after entering
this mode, the all LEDs blink. By pressing the Power button, the below 7 inspection sub
modes will be available. By pressing the Clean button, you can select the inspection sub
mode.
• EEPROM All Area Reset Mode

• Sensor Check Mode 1
• Sensor Check Mode 2
• Head Stopper Height Check Mode
• Carriage Control Parameter Adjustment Mode
• Purge Air Pressure Measure Mode
• Printer Setting Mode
Power
All LEDs blink once Enter the inspection mode
Clean
Power
Ink MY LED lights EEPROM All Area Reset Mode
Clean
Power
Ink BC LED lights Sensor Check Mode 1
Clean
Ink BC & MY LED light Power

Sensor Check Mode 2
Clean
Power
Alarm LED lights Head Stopper Height Check Mode
Clean
Power Carriage Control Parameter Adjustment Mode
Alarm & Ink MY LED light
Clean
Power
Alarm & Ink BC LED light Purge Air Pressure Measure Mode
Clean
Power
Alarm, Ink BC & MY LED light Printer Setting Mode
3.2.1 EEPROM All Area Reset Mode [ DO NOT USE! ]
Initializes the all area of the EEPROM. If all areas are cleared, the printer will not work.
IV-11
3.2.2 Sensor Check Mode 1
After entering this mode, the functioning of the following sensors can be checked.
The respective LED indicates the status of the following sensors.
Sensor LED
ACSF sensor This LED will be on when the ACSF is attached.
Cover sensor This LED will be on when the Top cover is closed.
Ink cartridge BC sensor This LED will be on when the Ink cartridge BC is
installed.
Ink cartridge MY sensor This LED will be on when the Ink cartridge MY is
installed
3.2.3 Sensor Check Mode 2
After entering this mode, the functioning of the following sensors can be checked.
The respective LED indicates the status of the following sensors.
Sensor LED
Paper eject sensor The LED will be on when there is no paper.
Paper feed sensor The LED will be on when there is no paper.
3.2.4 Head Stopper Height Check Mode (Not necessary for service, Factory use only)
This mode is used to measure and check the height of the head stopper, which is
attached to the head cap on the Purge unit ASSY.
3.2.5 Carriage Control Parameter Adjustment Mode
Immediately after entering this mode, the carriage speed auto-adjustment will be
executed and correct parameters will be set automatically. If any abnormal (too slow or
too fast)speed is detected, there will be a carriage speed auto-adjustment error indicated
by LED indication. Refer to section 3.3.2 Service Calls.
This adjustment must be carried out when the parts related to the carriage portion (listed
below) are replaced.
Ink head base unit, Print head, Carriage guide, Encoder strip
3.2.6 Purge Air Pressure Measure Mode (Not necessary for service, Factory use only)
The air pressure for rhe purge operation is measured in this mode.
This mode is used at the factory only and will not be necessary for the service.
3.2.7 Printer Setting Mode
The printer in this mode does not carry out the printer initialization and ignores any errors
occurring on the printer in order to keep the I/F communication alive.
The printer must enter this mode when you use the Service software tool utility. Before
you run the utility, make sure to put the printer in this mode.
IV-12
3.3 Error Codes
There are 2 kinds of error code.

Operator calls: Alarm LED and specific LED(s) blink alternately.
Service calls: All the LEDs and specific LED(s) go ON alternately.
The specific combination of ON or blinking indicates the type of the error.
3.3.1 Operator Calls

{ : ON ✸ : Blink : OFF
Operator calls LED Action
• Cause
Paper jam { Remove the jammed paper.
Paper empty { Load paper in the printer.
Paper feeding error { Load paper on the ACSF and press the
• No paper in ACSF. Power button to make the printer online.
Ink cartridge BC unloaded { {
error
• Ink cartridge BC is not Install the Ink cartridge BC.

installed.
• Ink cartridge sensor Replace the Ink head base unit.
failure.
Ink cartridge MY { {
unloaded error
• Ink cartridge MY is not Install the Ink cartridge MY.
installed.
• Ink cartridge sensor Replace the Ink head base unit.
failure.
Ink cartridge BC near ✸
empty
Ink cartridge MY near ✸
empty
Ink cartridge BC empty { Replace the empty ink cartridge with a new
• The Ink cartridge BC is one.
empty.
Ink cartridge MY empty { Replace the empty ink cartridge with a new
• The Ink cartridge MY is one.
empty.
Cover Open { ✸ The Top cover is open.
IV-13
3.3.2 Service Calls
You may need the Service software tool, which is a software utility that allows you to read
out the service call information written on the EEPROM in order to find out the details of
the service error.
{ : ON : OFF
Service calls
Code Error LED Action
• Cause
01 01 Carriage time out error { • Check if there is any foreign

• The carriage moves material inside -the printer.
slowly and it takes a • Adjust the mechanical portion
long time to move. related to the carriage ASSY.
• Clean or replace the Encoder strip.
• Replace the Main PCB.
01 02 Incorrect carriage { • Replace the Main PCB.
movement command
• A command to move
the carriage was
issued when the
carriage is moving.
01 03 Incorrect carriage { Replace the Main PCB.
interrupt command
• Carriage interrupt
command was issued
when the Carriage
ASSY is in a stop
position.
01 04 Carriage movement { Adjust the mechanical portion related
error to the Carriage ASSY.
• The carriage moves Replace the Main PCB
only less than 1/2
inch.
01 05 Low carriage speed { Adjust the mechanical portion related
• The speed is not Replace the Encoder strip.
stable due to foreign
material inside the
printer.
• The Carriage ASSY
cannot move
smoothly.
• The Encoder strip is
contaminated by dust.
01 06 Fast carriage speed { Adjust the mechanical portion related
• The speed is not Replace the Encoder strip.
stable due to foreign
material inside the
printer.
cannot move
smoothly.
IV-14
01 07 Carriage stop position { Adjust the mechanical portion related
• There is foreign Replace the Encoder strip.
material inside the
printer.
cannot move
smoothly.
01 08 Incorrect chassis width { Adjust the mechanical portion related
• There is foreign Replace the Encoder strip.
material inside the
printer.
cannot move
smoothly.
01 09 Carriage rebound error { Adjust the mechanical portion related
• Carriage rebounded to the Carriage ASSY.
due to foreign material Replace the Encoder strip.
inside the printer.
cannot move
smoothly.
• Counter brake too
strong.
01 0A Carriage speed error { Adjust the mechanical portion related
• The carriage ASSY to the Carriage ASSY.
cannot gain enough Replace the Encoder strip.
speed due to foreign
material.
cannot move
smoothly.
01 0B Carriage auto- { Adjust the mechanical portion related
adjustment error to the Carriage ASSY.
• When the carriage Replace the Encoder strip.
auto-adjustment is
carried out.
cannot move
smoothly.
01 0C Encoder strip error { Clean the Encoder strip
• The Encoder strip is Replace the Encoder strip.
contaminated by oil or
dust.
damaged.
IV-15
02 01 Maintenance sensor ON { Check the Maintenance gear 10 is
error assembled correctly. Refer to Fig.
• The gears related to 3.27 in Chapter 3.
paper feeding are out Replace the Purge unit ASSY.
of step with the
Maintenance sensor
OFF position.
• Maintenance LED is
not ON.
• The Maintenance gear
10 is not assembled
correctly.
02 02 Maintenance sensor { Check the Maintenance gear 10 is
OFF error assembled correctly. Refer to Fig.
• The gears related to 3.27 in Chapter 3.
paper feeding are out Replace the Purge unit ASSY.
of step with the
Maintenance sensor
ON position.
• Maintenance LED
does not go OFF.
• The Maintenance gear
10 is not assembled
correctly.
02 05 Maintenance protrusion { Check the Maintenance gear 10 is
• The Maintenance gear assembled correctly. Refer to Fig.
10 is not assembled 3.27.
correctly. Adjust the mechanical portion related
• The Print head is not to the chassis.
installed correctly to
the Carriage ASSY.
03 01 Head power supply { { Replace the Head PCB or the Main

error PCB.
(At power on or in sleep Replace the Power supply PCB.
mode)
• Head voltage is
detected when the
Print head should not
be energized.
03 02 Head power supply { { Replace the Head PCB or the Main
error PCB.
(When replacing the Replace the Power supply PCB.
Print head)
• Head voltage is
detected when
replacing the Print
head.
03 03 Head power supply ON { { Replace the Head PCB or the Main
error PCB.
• Head voltage is not Replace the Power supply PCB.
detected when the
power is supplied.
IV-16
03 04 Head thermistor { { Replace the Print head, Head PCB
03 05 open/short error or the Main PCB.
• Hardware failure
related to the head
thermistor.
04 01 Flushing form L ink full { Replace the Flushing form L1 & L2

error and the Flushing form R1 & R2.
• The ink counter After replacing, reset the ink counter
detects the ink full for them by using the Service
status. software tool.
04 02 Flushing form R ink full { Replace the Flushing form L1 & L2
error and the Flushing form R 1 & R 2.
• The ink counter After replacing, reset the ink counter
detects the ink full for them by using the Service
status. software tool.
05 01 External RAM error { { Replace the Main PCB.

• There is a RAM
Read/Write error at
power on.
05 02 Internal ROM error { { Replace the Main PCB.
• There is a ROM
Check sum error.
05 03 EEPROM error { { Replace the Main PCB.
• There is a Read/Write
error.
05 04 Internal RAM error { { Replace the Main PCB.
• There is a RAM
Read/Write error at
power on.
05 05 Abnormal head { Check the operating temperature.
temperature error Replace the Print head.
• The head thermistor
value is out of the
specified range.
IV-17
LED INDICATING THE ERROR
Example: ROM error
Power LED { {
Alarm LED { { {
Ink BC LED { {
Ink MY LED { { {
A lapse of time
{ : ON : OFF
IV-18
Appendix
PR99065
CONTENTS
1. Appendix A
Appendix A1 Head PCB Circuit Diagram ------------------------------------------------ A-1
Appendix A2 Main PCB Circuit Diagram (1/3) ----------------------------------------- A-2
Appendix A5 Cartridge Sensor Circuit Diagram --------------------------------------- A-5
2. Appendix B
Appendix B Head Cleaning ----------------------------------------------------------------- B-1
Appendix 1. Head PCB Circuit Diagram
CODE UJ7041000
NAME MPHEAD-SCH01
A-1
Appendix 2. Main PCB Circuit Diagram (1/3)
CODE UJ7040000
NAME MPMAIN-SCH01P1
A-2
CODE UJ7067000
NAME MPMAIN-SCH01P2
A-3
CODE UJ7068000
NAME MPMAIN-SCH01P3
A-4
Appendix 5. Cartridge Sensor Circuit Diagram
CODE UJ7061000
NAME MPCTRG-SCH01
A-5
PR99065
Appendix B . Head Cleaning

The procedure of the Head cleaning might change later.
Note: When refurbishing the MP-21C/CDX, please note that the print
head should be cleaned in accordance with the following
procedure.
The preparation for this refurbishing procedure needs another 1
unit of the MP printer.
This procedure needs 2 sets of each the IL cartridges BC and MY.
The printer having this refurbishing needs to be connected to a
PC running MOBILEPAD.
Preparation
(1) Make sure that the power is off on the printer for preparation.
(2) Remove the Ink cartridges BC and MY from the printer.
Ink cartridge MY
Ink cartridge BC
Fig. B.1
(3) Install the cleaning cartridges IL cartridge BC and MY. Connect the power
cord and the parallel I/F cable to the printer. Then insert a small clip into the
hole for the cover sensor and turn the power on.
Clip
IL cartridge MY
IL cartridge BC
Fig. B.2
B-1
(4) Put the IL tubes into the bottle containing the Initial liquid. Put the Waste ink
tube into the Waste ink bottle.
(5) Run the MOBILEPAD on the PC. Click [Tool] > [Control]. Tick the check box
for each 4 color and click [P-Purge] button in order to bring the Initial liquid up
to the Seal rubber.
IL cartridge MY
IL cartridge BC
Printer to be cleaned IL tube
0 - 50 mm
IL tube
Initial liquid bottle
Waste ink tube
Waste ink bottle
Fig. B.3
Note: The difference in height between the Print head nozzles and the
surface of the Initial liquid must be in the range 0 - 50 mm.
It may needs an additional [N-Purge] several times more after carrying
out the [P-Purge].
Cleaning the Print Head
(6) Make sure that the power is off on the printer to be cleaned.
(7) Remove the IL cartridges from the printer for the preparation.
Printer for the preparation
Fig. B.4
B-2
(8) Reinstall them into the printer to be cleaned. Connect the power cord and the
parallel I/F cable to the printer.
(9) Turn the power on while holding down the Power and Clean button for 3
seconds or more to go into the Printer setting mode.
Note: See 3.2 Hidden Functions (Inspection Mode) for details of the Printer
setting mode.
(10) Run the MOBILEPAD on the PC. Click [Tool] > [Control] > [Initial Liquid]
button in order to take all remaining ink out of the printer and circulate the
Initial liquid for the print head cleaning.
IL cartridge MY
IL cartridge BC
Printer to be cleaned IL tube
0 - 50 mm
IL tube
Initial liquid bottle
Waste ink tube
Waste ink bottle
Fig. B.5
Note: The difference in height between the Print head nozzles and the
surface of the Initial liquid must be in the range 0 - 50 mm.
B-3
(11) MOBLEPAD instructs you to replace the IL cartridges BC and MY with the Ink
ejection cartridges BC and MY. Then click the OK button on the MOBLEPAD
in order to drain the Initial liquid out of the printer.
Ink ejection cartridge MY
Ink ejection cartridge BC
Waste ink tube

Waste ink bottle
Fig. B.6
(12) Upon finishing above operation, the Print head moves fully to the right hand
side of the printer automatically. Check if the Encoder strip is contaminated
with ink, oil or dust. If the Encoder strip is contaminated, clean it with the
Head cleaner stick.
(13)Place a Clean wiper head next to the ink suction cap as shown below.
Head protector cap

Print head
Ink suction cap
Cleaner
Fig. B.7
B-4
(14) Move the Print head by hand towards the left hand side.
Clean wiper head Carriage
Print head
Clean wiper head Print head

Clean wiper head
Fig. B.8 Fig. B.9
Note: When the carriage runs over the Clean wiper head, it is likely to push
the Clean wiper head out of its position. Please move the carriage while
holding the Clean wiper head in position with tweezers.
Print head
Clean wiper head
Tweezers
Fig. B.10
B-5
(15) Remove the Clean wiper head from the printer. Wipe the ink around the ribs
on the Platen cover and the rib which is placed between the Ink suction cap
and the Head protector cap with a Head cleaner stick.
Note: Slightly damp the Head cleaner, which is a white sponge portion of the
Head cleaner stick with water. (Do not use alcohol.)
Head cleaner stick
Print head
Rib
Fig. B.11
(16) MOBILEPAD asks you if the cleaning finished. Click the OK button on the
MOBILEPAD. Then automatically the Print head returns to the capping
position. Remove the clip from the Cover sensor and close the Top cover.
Note: The Seal rubber fitted in the adapter at the end of the IL tube should be
replaced with new one after it has been used 3 times. The Seal rubber
is supplied as a spare part with the number ZA0726001.
[ Procedure for replacing the Seal rubber ]
(1) Remove the IL cartridge BC and MY from the printer. Open the cover and
take the adapters out.
(2) Pull the Seal rubber out of the adapter using a needle or similar sharp
instrument.
Cover
Adapters
Seal rubber
Fig. B.12
B-6
Note: Do not touch the Seal rubbers.
Use rubber globes when you handle them.
(3) Insert a new Seal rubber into the adapter and refit the adapter into position in
the IL cartridge.
Note: To avoid unnecessary air bubble, replacement should be done below
the level of the Initial liquid so that initial liquid comes up to the position
of the Seal rubber.
(4) Close the cover.
B-7
R
Mar. ’99
5H1002BE0
Mobile Full Color Inkjet Printer MP-21C/CDX
Quick Setup Guide

Read this guidebook first to set up your printer and
prepare your computer for the printer.
Be sure to save all packing materials and the outer
carton.
The steps required for setting up the printer varies by model. Follow the order of setting up as
shown in the chart below.
MP-21CDX
MP-21C Printer Interface Card Parallel Cable Optional Page
PA-21MP
A: Printer Interface Card 1 1 4
B: PC Card Cable 2 2 7
C: Parallel Cable 1 1 8
D: Ink 3 3 2 2 10
E: Printer Driver 4 4 3 3 13
The product names in this guidebook are trademarks or registered trademarks of each manufacturer. The specifications are
subject to change without notice.
©1998 Brother Industries Ltd.
UJ5394001 A
Printed in Japan
SETTING UP THE PRINTER
UNPACKING YOUR PRINTER
Setting Up
✒ Note
After you have unpacked your printer, save the carton box and packing
materials in case you want to move or ship the printer.
1. After unpacking the printer, remove the protective parts.
Fig. 1 Removing the Protective Parts
2. Check and see that you have all the items shown below.
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder
Printer (MP-21CDX only)
PC Card Cable
Ink Cartridges
Printer Interface Card
(LC03BC, LC03MY)
(CI-100-PC Card)
AC adapter -100V
(MP-21CDX only)
AC adapter -200V
(MP-21CDX only)
Parallel Interface Cable
(MP-21CDX only)
User’s Guide
Quick Setup Guide
Floppy Disks
Fig. 2 Components in the Printer Carton Box
1
✒ Note
You may have some additional parts not listed above depending on which
country you live in.
Parts supplied with your printer
Model MP-21 C MP-21CDX

Printer
Ink Cartridges
PC Card Cable
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder × (Option)
AC Adapter × (Option)
Parallel Interface Cable × (Option)
! Caution
Be sure to follow the steps below in the correct order to ensure correct
printer operation.
The steps required for setting up the printer varies by model. Follow the order of
setting up as shown in the chart below.
MP-21CDX
MP-21C Printer Interface Card Parallel Cable Optional Page
PA-21MP
A: Printer Interface Card 1 1 4
B: PC Card Cable 2 2 7
C: Parallel Cable 1 1 8
D: Ink 3 3 2 2 10
E: Printer Driver 4 4 3 3 13
Computer Requirements
The following are the minimum computer requirements to setup and

operate the printer.
CPU: i486DX4 66MHz or higher

RAM: 8MB or more (16MB recommended)
Hard Disk Drive: 40Mbyte free space available
OS: Windows 3.1x/95/98
2
ABOUT YOUR PRINTER
Printer Overview
Top Cover
PC Card Cable

(CI-100)
Fig. 3 Front View
AC Adapter Connector
Straight Paper Path Slot
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder -1 Paper Feeding Slot Guide
Parallel Interface Cable -2
Printer Stand
AC Adapter- 2
Fig. 4 Rear View
Print Head
Release Lever
Ink Cartridges
(LC03BC, LC03MY) Fig. 5 Inside the Printer
1) MP-21CDX or optional SF-21MP users only
2) MP-21CDX or optional PA-21MP users only
3
A: INSTALLING THE PRINTER INTERFACE CARD
If you are not going to use the printer through the Printer Interface Card,
skip sections ‘A’and ‘B’ and go straight to section ‘C’.
However, we recommend that you install the Printer Interface Card
Driver at this point whether or not you intend to use the printer through
the Printer Interface Card.
! Caution
DO NOT remove the Printer Interface Card and the PC Card Cable when
LEDs are on or blinking. Before you remove them, press the (On/Off)
button and wait until all the LEDs are off.
✒ Note
• Before installing the Printer Interface Card Driver, check that your
computer is connected to a live power source or your computer has
enough battery power left.
• If you remove the printer cable or turn the printer off while you are
inserting the Printer Interface Card into the PC Card slot, and the
printer does not work correctly after that, remove the Printer Interface
Card from the slot and insert the card again and re-start the Printer
Interface Card Driver installation.
• Before you install the PC Card Driver, be sure to set the Power Save
mode of your computer off. For details, see your computer's manual.
Installing the Printer Interface Card Driver in Windows 3.1

1. Make sure that the computer is turned off.
2. Connect the PC Card Cable to the Printer Interface Card. Insert the
Printer Interface Card into the PC Card slot of your computer with the
label side face up. Be sure to insert the card fully into the slot.
Fig. 6 Inserting the Printer Interface Card
3. Turn your computer on and start Windows 3.1.
4
4. Insert the supplied disk (Printer/PC Card Driver disk1) into your
floppy disk drive A (or drive B).
5. Choose Run from the File menu in the Program Manager.
6. Type A:\CARDINST (or B:\CARDINST for drive B) in the Command
Line box.
7. Choose the OK button or press the Enter key.
8. Follow the installation instructions that appear on the display monitor.
9. When the installation is complete, remove the disk from your floppy
disk drive.
10. Restart your computer.
11. Turn off your computer.
✒ Note
The ‘Config.sys’ file and ‘Autoexec.bat’ file in your system have been
changed. The originals are saved as ‘Config.up1’ and ‘Autoexec.up1’.
5
Installing the Printer Interface Card Driver in Windows 95 / 98
1. Make sure that the computer is turned off.
2. Connect the PC Card Cable to the Printer Interface Card. Insert the
Printer Interface Card into your computer’s PC Card slot with the label
side face up. Be sure to insert the card fully into the slot.
3. Turn your computer on.
4. When the ‘New Hardware Found’ screen appears, select the second
option “Driver from disk provided by hardware manufacture” and
press ‘OK’.
5. Insert the supplied disk (Printer/PC Card Driver disk1) into your
floppy disk drive: (drive A in most cases) and press ‘OK’.
✒ Note
If the following screen appears, type "A:" (Or your floppy disk drive
name) and press the 'OK' button.
6. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

✒ Note
If you have only one PC card slot in your PC, you will need to copy the
contents of the Printer Interface Card Driver onto your hard disk.
✒ Note
If the Printer Interface Card is not detected by the PC, open "Device
Manager" in the "System" folder in "Control Panel". Find "Unknown
Device" and delete it.
✒ Note
If you are using a type of computer that allows you to connect a Floppy
Disk Drive to the printer port, remove the Floppy Disk Drive before you
restart your computer.
6
B: CONNECTING THE CABLES - PC Card Cable
Connect Your Printer To Your Computer
You can connect the printer through the Printer Interface Card or through
the Parallel Interface cable (MP-21CDX or PA-21MP users only).
How to connect the PC card cable to your computer and

printer
1. Connect the PC Card Cable to the printer.
Fig. 7 Connecting the PC Card Cable
7
C: CONNECTING THE CABLES - Parallel Interface Cable
How to connect the AC Adapter and Parallel Interface Cable to

your computer and printer (MP-21CDX or optional PA-21MP
users only)
✒ Note
Only the MP-21CDX model is shipped with an AC Adapter and Parallel
Interface Cable. If you would like to purchase them as an option, the
order number is PA-21MP.
1. Connect the AC Adapter to your printer and plug it into the mains.
Fig. 8 Connecting the AC Adapter
2. Connect the Parallel Interface Cable to the printer.
Fig. 9 Connecting the Parallel Interface Cable
8
3. Connect the Parallel Interface Cable to your computer.
Fig. 10 Connecting the Parallel Interface Cable
✒ Note
You need to use the AC adapter when you connect using the parallel
interface cable.
✒ Note
This printer does not support ECP mode.
If the printer port is set as an ECP port, change it to be a bi-directional
port. See your PC’s manual for how to change the printer port.
1. Click 'Start' and select 'Printer' from the 'Setting' tab.
2. Click the right mouse button on the 'MP-21C' icon and click
'Properties'.
3. Click the 'Details' tab and select 'LPT1' from the 'Print to the
following port' drop down list.
9
D: INSTALLING THE INK CARTRIDGES
Installation
How to install the ink cartridges
! Caution
When you connect the printer through the Printer Interface Card, make
sure that the PC Card Cable is connected securely and your PC is on.
1. Turn the Printer Stand at the bottom of the printer outwards so that the
printer will be stable.
2. Make sure that the LEDs are on. If the LEDs are off, press the
(On/Off) button to turn the printer on. Open the top cover.
Fig. 11 Open the Top Cover
Warning
DO NOT push the shutter with your fingers.
Sharp pins are in the Ink Cartridge Slot. If you touch them, it might
cause injury.
✒ Note
If the LEDs do not come on, even after you pressed the (On/Off)
button, go back to ‘A’ and ‘B’ and repeat these operations again.
3. Open an ink cartridge bag and take the cartridge out of the bag.
10
4. Insert the new LC03BC ink cartridge, making sure it is inserted in the
correct position referring to the indications on the label. Push it fully
into the slot using both hands. Make sure that the (BC)LED turns
off.
Fig. 12 Install BC Ink Cartridge
! Caution
• Be sure to insert the ink cartridge securely.
• Do not push down on the printer when you install the ink cartridges.
5. Repeat actions 3 to 4 and install the LC03MY ink cartridge into your
printer and make sure that the (MY)LED goes off.
Fig. 13 Install MY Ink Cartridge
11
6. Close the top cover. Your printer will automatically carry out head
cleaning and become ready to print. When the printer is carrying out
head cleaning, all the LEDs blink alternately. It takes about 8 minutes
to finish the head cleaning, wait until the LEDs stop blinking.
! Caution
• Once you have installed a cartridge, DO NOT take it out until you
need to replace it with a new one, otherwise the print quality may be
reduced.
• If the Ink LEDs ( (BC)LED and (MY)LED) and the
(Alarm) LED are on after you have installed the ink cartridges,
• If you take an ink cartridge out, do not re-use it.
• The print head may be damaged if you install ink cartridges other than
Brother original or if you use refilled ink cartridges. You might void
your warranty.
• Do not insert or remove ink cartridges while the printer is doing the
following;
*printing
*cleaning the print head (when all the LEDs are blinking in turn.)
*feeding or ejecting paper
• When you insert ink cartridges, place the printer on a flat surface and
take care not to insert the ink cartridges upside down.
• Use the ink cartridge up within 6 months after you installed it into the
printer.
• It takes several minutes for the printer to clean its print head. DO
NOT turn off the printer when all the LEDs are blinking in turn.
• After carried out head cleaning, sometimes ink stains the first print
page. We recommend you print a test page right after you have carried
out head cleaning.
12
E: INSTALLING THE PRINTER DRIVER
Installing the Windows  95/98 Printer Driver
You need to configure Windows 95/98 for the printer by installing the
printer driver from the supplied disks into Windows 95/98.
1. Make sure that your computer is on.
2. Make sure that your printer is on.
✒ Note
If the "New Hardware Found" screen appears, press the 'Cancel' button.
3. Click the Start button and choose Run.
4. Insert the supplied disk for Windows 95/98 (Printer/PC Card Driver
disk 1) into your floppy disk drive: (drive A in most cases).
13
5. Type A:\SETUP and choose the OK button or press the Enter key.
✒ Note
If you use a drive other than drive A, type the drive name in the “Copy
manufacturers files from” box on the screen.
6. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
7. When installation is complete, remove the disk from the drive.
14
Installing the Windows 3.1 Printer Driver
You need to set up this printer by installing the printer driver into
Windows 3.1. Since the supplied printer driver is compressed on the disks,
be sure to use the supplied Setup program to install them as follows :
1. Start Windows 3.1.
2. Insert the supplied disk (Printer/PC Card Driver disk 1) into your
floppy disk drive A (or drive B).
3. Choose Run from the File menu in the Program Manager.
4. Type A:\SETUP (drive A in most cases ) in the Command Line box.
Fig. 14 Windows 3.1 screen
5. Choose the OK button or press the Enter key.
6. Follow the instructions that appear on the display monitor.
7. When the installation is complete, remove the disk from your floppy
disk drive.
15
After Installing the Printer Drivers
Monitor Calibration procedure
The printer driver needs to know the color settings of your monitor in
order to be able to correctly reproduce colors that you see on your monitor
screen.
1. Run the Monitor Calibration program.
2. Select the Advanced button.
3. Carry out the adjustment for the color level and balance for all three
colors following the instructions on the screen.
4. Click OK to save the settings.
After you have installed the printer drivers, try the ‘Test Print’ from the
printer driver as follows.
✒ Note
When the color level and balance does not match exactly, select the ones
that are the closest.
Test Print
1. Select ‘Maintenance’ from the MP-21C series group in Windows.
2. Click ‘Test Print’.
✒ Note
• When you do the Test Print, insert A4 or Letter size plain paper into
the printer.
• After you have printed out a test page and if you find white lines in
the printout, press the Clean button to clean the print head or do so
from the maintenance tool of the printer driver.
16
Adjusting Vertical Lines
If the vertical lines are not straight, carry out the Vertical Alignment
adjustment from the printer driver.
When you do this, load A4 or Letter size plain paper. For how to load
paper, see Chapter 2 in the User’s Guide.
1. Select ‘Maintenance’ from the MP-21C series group in Windows.
2. Click 'Vertical Alignment.'.
If you are using the printer through the Printer Interface Card, the printer
will carry out adjustment for slow speed mode.
If you are using the printer with the AC adapter, the printer will carry out
adjustment for fast speed mode.
See Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 below. From the adjustment pattern page which
the machine has just printed out, select the pattern number which looks
most like Fig. 15 for both slow speed mode and fast speed mode.
Fig. 15 Good Sample
Fig.16 Bad Sample
✒ Note
• If you are not sure which number pattern is the right one, select the
one where the short and long vertical lines on the adjustment pattern
are matched or the closest.
• If you can find more than one pattern in which the short and long
vertical lines are matched, compare the gray shaded part and select the
number pattern in which all the check patterns look the same.
• When the AC Adapter is not connected, the printer carries out only
slow speed mode vertical lines adjustment. When you use the AC
Adapter, connect the AC Adapter and try adjusting the vertical lines
again from the driver.
• If you cannot correct the vertical alignment at the first setting, you can
repeat the alignment procedure through the printer driver.
17
Brother Mobile Full Color Inkjet Printer
MP-21C/CDX
User’s Guide
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the printer.

Keep this manual in a convenient place for quick and easy reference at all times.
Shipment of the Printer
If for any reason you must ship your Printer, carefully package the
Printer to avoid any damage during transit. It is recommended that you
save and use the original packaging. The Printer should also be
adequately insured with the carrier.
Warning
When shipping the Printer, DO NOT remove the INK CARTRIDGES
from the Printer. Failure to fit the ink cartridges into the Printer
during shipping will cause severe damage to the Printer and will
VOID THE WARRANTY.
1 DO NOT remove the ink cartridges. 2 Turn your computer off and remove the
Push the (On/Off) button to turn Printer Interface Card from the
the printer off. computer. Remove the PC Card cable
from the printer and from the Printer
Interface Card. Remove the AC Adapter
and Parallel Interface Cable if connected
(MP-21CDX or PA-21MP user only).
Fig. 0-1 Turning the Printer off

Fig. 0-2 Remove the Cable
3 Pack the printer in the original carton

box and tape it securely closed.
! Caution
• Make sure the printer has the ink
cartridges fitted when shipping.
• DO NOT turn the printer upside down
while shipping.
• If the print quality reduces after you
have shipped the printer, clean the print
head. (See ‘Cleaning the Print Head’ in
Chapter 4)
Fig. 0-3 Repacking

(For USA & CANADA Only)
For technical and operational assistance, please call:
In USA 1-877-284-3238 (outside California)

949-859-9700 Ext. 329 (within California)
In Canada 1-800-853-6660
514-685-6464 (within Montreal)
If you have comments or suggestions, please write us at:
In USA Printer Customer Support

Brother International Corporation
15 Musick
Irvine, CA 92618
In Canada Brother International Corporation, Ltd.
1, Rue Hôtel De Ville
Dollard-des-Ormeaux P.Q.
Canada H9B3H6
BBS
For downloading drivers from our Bulletin Board Service, call:
In USA 1-888-298-3616
In Canada 1-514-685-2040
Please log on to our BBS with your first name, last name and a four digit
number for your password. Our BBS supports modem speeds up to 14,400,
8 bits no parity, 1 stop bit.
Fax-Back System
Brother Customer Service has installed an easy to use Fax-Back System so
you can get instant answers to common technical questions and product
information for all Brother products. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. You can use the system to send the information to any fax machine,
not just the one you are calling from.
Please call 1-800-521-2846 (USA) or 1-800-681-9838 (Canada) and follow
the voice prompts to receive faxed instructions on how to use the system and
your index of Fax-Back subjects.
DEALERS/SERVICE CENTERS (USA only)

For the name of an authorized dealer or service center, call 1-800-284-4357.
SERVICE CENTERS (Canada only)

For service center address in Canada, call 1-800-853-6660
INTERNET ADDRESS
For technical questions and downloading drivers:http://www.brother.com
UJ5351001
Printed in Japan
Mobile Full Color Inkjet Printer
MP-21C/CDX
USER’S GUIDE


In CANADA 1-800-853-6660

15 Musick
Irvine, CA 92718
In CANADA Brother International Corporation (Canada), Ltd.
- Marketing Dept.
1, rue Hôtel de Ville
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, PQ, Canada H9B 3H6
BBS
In USA 1-888- 298-3616
In CANADA 1-514-685-2040
Please log on to our BBS with your first name, last name and a four digit number for your
password. Our BBS supports modem speeds up to 14,400, 8 bits no parity, 1 stop bit.
Fax-Back System
Brother Customer Service has installed an easy to use Fax-Back System so you can get
instant answers to common technical questions and product information for all Brother
products. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can use the system to send the
information to any fax machine, not just the one you are calling from.
Please call 1-800-521-2846 (USA) or 1-800-681-9838 (Canada) and follow the voice prompts to
receive faxed instructions on how to use the system and your index of Fax-Back subjects.


For service center addresses in Canada, call 1-800-853-6660
INTERNET ADDRESS
For technical questions and downloading drivers: http://www.brother.com
i
Trademarks
The brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other brand and product names mentioned in this User’s Guide are
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Compilation and Publication Notice
Under the supervision of Brother Industries Ltd., this manual has been
compiled and published, covering the latest product’s descriptions and
specifications.
The contents of this manual and the specifications of this product are
subject to change without notice.
Brother reserves the right to make changes without notice in the

specifications and materials contained herein and shall not be responsible
for any damages (including consequential) caused by reliance on the
materials presented, including but not limited to typographical and other
errors relating to the publication.
©1998 Brother Industries Ltd.
ii
Definitions of Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The following conventions are used in this User’s Guide:
Warning
Indicates warnings that must be observed to prevent possible
personal injury.
! Caution
Indicates cautions that must be observed to use the printer properly or
prevent damage to the printer.
✒ Note
Indicates notes and useful tips to remember when using the printer.
To Use the Printer Safely
Warning
DO NOT put your hands into the printer while it is printing to avoid
causing injury.
Fig. 0-1 Inside the Printer
Warning
Keep the ink cartridges away from children. If ink is swallowed,
drink plenty of water. The ink contains no harmful substances, but if
you are concerned you should consult a doctor.
iii
Warning
Before cleaning the printer platen, be sure to turn off the (On/Off)
button and make sure that all the LEDs are off. Remove the Printer
Interface Card Cable and AC Adapter if connected (MP-21CDX or
optional PA-21MP users only) from the printer.
Warning
DO NOT put your hands into the printer or move the carriage by
hand. The printer may move the carriage by itself and cause injury.
Warning
DO NOT push the shutters in the ink cartridge slot with your fingers.
There are sharp pins inside the Ink Cartridge Slot. If you touch them,
it might cause injury.
Printer Do's and Don't for Optimum Print Quality
! Caution
DO NOT touch the nozzles and the print head. DO NOT move the print
head by hand or remove the print head from the printer.
! Caution
During thunderstorms, push the (On/Off) button to turn off the printer
and make sure that all the LEDs are off. Remove the Printer Interface
Card Cable and AC Adapter if connected (MP-21CDX or optional PA-
21MP users only ).
iv
! Caution
DO NOT touch the flat cable and Ink Tube.
Fig. 0-2 The Flat Cable and Ink Tube
! Caution
Keep the printer on a flat surface.
! Caution
DO NOT move or shake the printer while it is printing.
! Caution
Do not disassemble the printer.
! Caution
DO NOT remove the Printer Interface Card, PC card cable or AC Adapter
if connected (MP-21CDX or optional PA-21MP users only) while the
printer LEDs are on or blinking.
! Caution
When you carry the printer in your car, put the printer in a protective bag
or wrap the printer in a cloth.
! Caution
When you carry the printer , put the printer in a plastic bag .
v
! Caution
If the printer get wet, wait until it dries out completely before attempting
to print.
! Caution
If you drop the printer, check that there are no broken parts. If you find
some parts broken, consult your dealer or our authorized service
representative.
✒ Note
We recommend you select the status monitor ON when you use the
printer.
vi
Printer Do's and Don't When Traveling
! Caution
DO NOT leave the printer inside your car.
! Caution
DO NOT shake or damage the printer.
! Caution
When you carry the printer keep it upright.
! Caution
When you travel by air, do not put the printer in your suitcase. Carry the
printer onto the aircraft as hand baggage.
! Caution
When you carry the printer, keep the ink cartridges installed.
✒ Note
If you take the printer and AC adapter abroad, make sure that the power
plug and the voltage requirements of the printer are correctly matched.
✒ Note
It is recommended that you carry spare Brother Ink Cartridges when you
travel with your printer.
vii
USER’S GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THE GUIDEBOOKS 1-1
ABOUT YOUR PRINTER 1-2

Printer Overview 1-2
Features 1-3
Operating and Storage Environment 1-4
CHAPTER 2 PAPER HANDLING

PAPER SPECIFICATIONS 2-1
ABOUT BROTHER SPECIAL PAPER 2-4

About Brother Special Coated Paper 2-4
About Brother Special Glossy Paper 2-5
LOADING PAPER 2-6

How to Load Paper in the Paper Feeding Slot 2-6
How to Load Paper in the Straight Paper Path Slot 2-7
How to Load Envelopes in the Straight Paper Path Slot 2-8
How to Load Paper in the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder (MP-21CDX or optional SF-21MP
users only) 2-9
CHAPTER 3 CONTROL PANEL

LED AND BUTTONS 3-1
LEDs 3-1
Buttons 3-3
CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD 4-1
REPLACING THE INK CARTRIDGES 4-1
CLEANING THE PRINTER 4-5
REPACKING THE PRINTER 4-6
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLE SHOOTING

ALARM INDICATIONS AT A GLANCE 5-1
Operator Calls 5-1
Service Calls 5-2
PAPER JAMS 5-3

How to clear paper jams 5-3
Q&A 5-5
Setting Up the Printer Hardware 5-5
Setting Up the Printer for Windows 5-6
Paper Handling 5-7
Printing 5-8
Print Quality 5-9
APPENDIX
PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS Appendix-1
Printing Appendix-1
Controller Appemdix-1
Electrical and Mechanical Appendix-2
Print Media Appendix-2
ix
USER’S GUIDE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: REGULATIONS
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity

(For U.S.A. only)
Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation

100 Somerset Corporate Boulvard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911, USA
TEL : (908) 704-1700
declares, that the products
Product Name: Brother Mobile Inkjet Printer MP-21C/CDX,

Printer Interface Card CI-100
AC Adapter AD-100MP, AD-200MP (for MP-
21CDX or optional PA-21MP user)
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Important
A shielded interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance
with the limits for a Class B digital device.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries,
Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
x
REGULATIONS
Industry Canada Compliance Statement (For Canada only)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003

du Canada.
Radio Interference (220-240 V model only)
This printer complies with EN55022(CISPR Publication 22)/Class B.
Before this product is used, ensure that you use a double-shielded

interface cable with twisted-pair conductors and that is marked
“IEEE1284 compliant”. The cable must not exceed 1.8 metres in length.
IMPORTANT - For Your Safety
When you use an AC Adapter with this printer, be sure to use only the
Brother option part number AD-100MP(100V), or AD-200MP(200V) .
Geräuschemission / Acoustic Noise Emission (For Germany Only)
Lpa < 70 dB(A) DIN 45635-19-01-KL2
xi
USER’S GUIDE
IMPORTANT - Wiring Information (For U.K. only)
If the power cord supplied with the AC Adapter (for MP-21CDX or option) is not
suitable for your electrical outlet, remove the plug from the mains cord and fit an
appropriate three pin plug. If the replacement plug is intended to take a fuse then fit
the same fuse as the original.
If a moulded plug is severed from the power cord then it should be destroyed
because a plug with cut wires is dangerous if plugged into a live socket outlet. Do
not leave it where a child might find it.
In the event of replacing the plug fuse, fit a fuse approved by ASTA to BS1362 with
the same rating as the original fuse.
Always replace the fuse cover. Never use a plug with the cover omitted.
WARNING - DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL

WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER ‘E’, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL
OR COLOURED GREEN OR YELLOW.
The wires in the mains cord are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live
The colours of the wiring in the power lead of this AC Adapter may not correspond
with the markings which identify the terminals in your plug. If you need to fit a
different plug, proceed as follows.
Remove a length of the cord outer sheath, taking care not to damage the coloured
insulation of the wires inside.
Cut each of the wires to the appropriate length.
Remove a short section of the coloured insulation to expose the wires.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter “N” or coloured black or blue.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter “L” or coloured red or brown.
The outer sheath of the cord must be secured inside the plug. The coloured wires
should not hang out of the plug.
xii
REGULATIONS
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (EUROPE)
We, Brother International Europe Ltd.,

Brother House 1 Tame Street, Guide Bridge,
Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5JE, UK.
declare that this product is in conformity with the following normative

documents:
EMC: EN 55022 Class B, EN 50082-1
following the provisions of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive

89/336/EEC (as amended by 91/263/EEC and 92/31/EEC) and that the
AC Adapter, as supplied with this system, conforms with EN 60950.
This system also follows the provisions of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC.
Issued by:
Brother International Europe Ltd.

European Technical Services Division
xiii
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THE GUIDEBOOKS
You have two guidebooks for this printer. Read each guidebook in the
following order:
1. Read the Quick Setup Guide to set up your printer and connect it to
your computer. It also contains information about setting up your
computer for your printer by installing the printer driver.
2. Read the Users Guide to obtain information about the following.
CHAPTER 1 - Introduction
CHAPTER 2 - Paper Handling
CHAPTER 3 - Control Panel
CHAPTER 4 - Maintenance
CHAPTER 5 - Troubleshooting
APPENDIX
INDEX
1-1
USER’S GUIDE
ABOUT YOUR PRINTER

Printer Overview
Top Cover
PC Card Cable

(CI-100)
Fig. 1-1 Front View
AC Adapter Connector
Straight Paper Path Slot
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder -1 Paper Feeding Slot Guide
Parallel Interface
Cable -2
Printer Stand
AC Adapter -2
Fig. 1-2 Rear View
Ink Cartridges
(LC03BC, LC03MY)
Paper Release Lever
Print Head
Fig. 1-3 Inside the Printer
1-(MP-21CDX or optional SF-21MP users only)
2-(MP-21CDX or optional PA-21MP users only)
1-2
Features
This printer has the following features:
❏ Small and Light InkJet Printer
This printer weighs 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 (2.5-3.0 W: printing, 0.5 W: waiting )
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 40dBA), 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 720 dpi
You can get wonderful output at 720 by 720 dpi 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 Black/Cyan,
Black/Magenta or Black/Yellow.
❏ 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 ink cartridges.
❏ Straight Paper Path
The printer can print on various types of paper - plain paper, coated
paper, glossy paper, transparencies, envelopes and organizers - with
fewer paper jams.
❏ Auto Cut Sheet Feeder (MP-21CDX or SF-21MP users only)
The Feeder is detachable.When using the Feeder, you can easily load
up to 30 sheets of paper. When carried with the printer it fits on the
bottom 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.
When you cannot print using the PC Card slot, use the Parallel
Interface Cable and AC adapter instead.
1-3
USER’S GUIDE
Operating and Storage Environment

Please take note of the following before using the printer.
Power Supply
Use the printer within the specified power range.
AC power: ±10% of the rated power voltage

Frequency: 50/60 Hz (100-120V or 220-240 V)
The power cord, including extensions, should not exceed 5 meters (16.5 feet).
Do not share the same power circuit with other high-power appliances,
particularly an air conditioner, copier, shredder, etc. If it is unavoidable that
you must use the printer with these appliances, we recommend you use a
voltage transformer or a high-frequency noise filter.
Use a voltage regulator if the power source is not stable.
Environment
Use the printer only within the following ranges of temperature and humidity.
Ambient temperature: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)

Ambient humidity: 20% to 80% (without condensation)
Use the printer in a ventilated room.
Place the printer on a flat, horizontal surface.
Keep the printer clean. Do not place the printer in a dusty place.
Do not place the printer where it is exposed to direct sunlight. Use a blind or
a heavy curtain to protect the printer from direct sunlight when the printer is
unavoidably set up near a window.
Do not place the printer near devices that contain magnets or generate
magnetic fields.
Do not subject the printer to strong physical shocks or vibrations.
Do not expose the printer to open flames or salty or corrosive gasses.
Do not place objects on top of the printer.
Do not place the printer near an air conditioner.
Keep the printer horizontal when carrying it.
If you have kept the printer in temperatures over 35°C or under 10°C for
some time, place the printer in an environment where the temperature is
between 10°C and 35°C for 30 minutes before using the printer.
1-4
CHAPTER 2
PAPER HANDLING
PAPER SPECIFICATIONS
The output quality of Inkjet printers depends on the paper type being
used. Before you print, be sure to check the information below.
✒ Note
It is recommended that you test paper, especially special sizes and types
of paper, on this printer before purchasing large quantities.
The printer can handle paper that has the following specifications. With
this printer, you can print on plain paper, coated paper, transparencies,
glossy paper and envelopes.
Paper Type Paper Size Feeder Capacity

(MP-21CDX or SF-21MP
users only)
Cut sheet, Coated Paper for A4, Letter, Executive, 30 sheets of 75 g/m2
360 dpi printing Legal (*1), B5
Coated Paper for 720 dpi A4, Letter, Executive, 20
printing Legal (*1), B5
Transparencies A4, Letter (*3) ×
Glossy paper A4, Letter ×
Envelopes DL, COM-10, ×
Monarch, B5, C5 (*2)
Organizer K, L ×
Paper Weight Range

2
From Paper Support: 60 to 105 g/m (16 to 28 lb.)
2
From Straight Paper Path: 60 to 157 g/m (16 to 42 lb.)
2
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder: 60 to 105 g/m (16 to 28 lb.)
Paper Size
User Defined: 100-216 x 100-356 mm
(3.94-8.5 x 3.94-14 inches)
*1 - Legal size paper can only be used in the Paper Feeding Slot and
the Straight Paper Path Slot, it cannot be used in the Auto Cut
Sheet Feeder.
*2 - Envelopes can only be used in the Straight Paper Path Slot.
*3 - After finishing printing a page, remove each sheet of paper.
2-1
USER’S GUIDE
✒ Note
To get the best output quality and to avoid any damage, use Brother special
coated paper and glossy paper.
Quality Coated Paper for 360 dpi Color InkJet printing
High Quality Coated Paper for 720 dpi Color InkJet printing
Color InkJet Glossy Paper (Super Fine mode)
BPGLL (Letter), BPGLA (A4)
Recommended paper
Cut sheet: Xerox 4200 (in USA)
Xerox Premier 80g/m2 (in Europe) or equivalent
Transparencies: 3M CG3460, 3M CG3410-BPTRL (in USA)
3M CG3460, 3M CG3410 (in Europe)
! Caution
When you print on transparencies, it is possible to stain your hands or
clothes if you touch the surface of the transparency immediately after it is
printed out.
We recommend you load transparencies from the paper feeding slot.
Remarks
Use a recommended type of paper, especially plain paper, for optimum

printing. For more information on paper specifications, consult your
nearest authorized sales representative or the place you purchased the
printer.
You cannot use transparencies designed for laser-based copier use.
You can use recycled paper in this printer.
! Caution
Before using any paper, make sure that it is not curled. If it is, you should
straighten the paper as much as possible by rolling it in the opposite
direction of the curl. Feeding curled or damaged paper may cause paper
jams and mis-feeds.
2-2
Printable area
The Printable area depends on the settings in your application. The figure
below shows the physically printable area and non guaranteed print area
of various paper types with this printer.
Cut Sheet
3.4mm(0.13"):A4, A5 3.4mm(0.13"):A4, A5 User Defined
6.4mm(0.25"):Let, Leg 6.4mm(0.25"):Let, Leg
6.4mm(0.25") 6.4mm(0.25")
3mm(0.12")
20mm(0.78")
3mm(0.12")
20mm(0.78")
11.5mm(0.45") 11.5mm(0.45")
Envelopes
3.4mm(0.13")
3.4mm(0.13")
20mm(0.78") 20mm(0.78")
Unprintable Area
Non Guaranteed Print Area

Fig. 2-1 Printable Area
The following types of paper and envelopes are not recommended for
use.
• Damaged, curled, wrinkled, or irregularly shaped paper and envelopes

• Extremely shiny or highly textured paper and envelopes
• Envelopes with clasps
• Envelopes of baggy construction
• Envelopes not sharply creased
• Embossed envelopes
• Paper and envelopes already printed with a laser printer
• Envelopes pre-printed on the inside
• Paper and envelopes that cannot be arranged uniformly when placed
in a pile
2-3
USER’S GUIDE
ABOUT BROTHER SPECIAL PAPER
! Caution
When you print on coated paper, transparencies and glossy paper, be sure
to select the correct media in the ‘Quality/Color’ tab in the printer driver.
About Brother Special Coated Paper
We recommend you use Brother special coated paper, depending on the

resolution you are using, for you to get the brilliant color output you
expect.
For Fine quality:

Quality Coated Paper for 360 dpi Color InkJet printing
NO. BP36CL (letter)
BP36CA (A4)
For Super Fine quality:

High Quality Coated Paper for 720 dpi Color InkJet printing
NO. BP72CL (letter)
BP72CA (A4)
These papers are manufactured specifically for this printer to provide

optimum print quality. When using these papers please follow the notes
below:
• There is a surfaced side and non-surfaced side to the paper, and it is

specially coated only on the surfaced side. Therefore, when loading
paper in the printer, make sure that the whiter side (the coated
surface) is facing up.
• DO NOT touch the coated side of the paper, as it will absorb water
and perspiration easily and might cause decreased output quality.
• Be sure to use the most suitable coated paper, according to the
resolution you are using. If you do not use the most suitable paper
you may not get good print output quality.
• When storing paper, keep it in the original bag and seal the bag.
Make sure you keep the paper flat. Keep paper away from moisture
and out of the direct rays of the sun.
• Printing resolution (Set from the printer driver):
Select Normal mode for 360 dpi printing
Select Super Fine mode for 720 dpi printing
2-4
About Brother Special Glossy Paper
When you print on glossy paper, you can get a very clear and crisp
output.
We recommend you use Brother special glossy paper for you to get the
best output, as the paper is especially designed to be used for Brother
Inkjet printing.
For 720 dpi:

Color InkJet Glossy Paper
NO BPGLL (letter)
BPGLA (A4)
• DO NOT touch the surface of the glossy paper, as water or

perspiration will stain the surface. DO NOT touch the printing side of
the paper.
• You should use the glossy paper in normal office environmental
conditions:
Temperature: 1525°C (5977°F) Humidity: 40 60%
• After finishing printing a page, remove each sheet of paper
immediately and place it face up on a flat surface until it is completely
dry. DO NOT place anything on the printed side of the paper.
• When storing a stack of printed glossy paper, place a sheet of paper
between each sheet of printed glossy paper.
• Printing resolution (Set from the printer driver): Super Fine mode
2-5
USER’S GUIDE
LOADING PAPER
How to Load Paper in the Paper Feeding Slot
1. Open the Paper Feeding Slot Guide.
Fig. 2-2 Open the Paper Feeding Slot Guide
2. Make sure that the (On/Off) LED is on. Take a sheet of paper and
insert it into the Paper Feeding Slot. Be sure to insert the paper to the
right hand side of the Paper Feeding Slot Guide looking at the printer
from the front.
Fig. 2-3 Loading Paper
✒ Note
• About 2 seconds after you insert the paper, the printer feeds the paper
and then reverse feeds the paper a little, the printer is now ready to
print.
• Hold the paper until the printer picks up the paper correctly.
• If the paper does not load straight, open the top cover and pull the
release lever. Pull the paper out, close the top cover and try again .
• When you print on transparencies, remove each sheet immediately
after it is printed out.
2-6
How to Load Paper in the Straight Paper Path Slot
1. Make sure that the (On/Off) LED is on. Take a sheet of paper and
insert it into the Straight Paper Path Slot. Be sure to insert the paper
to the right hand side of the Paper Feeding Slot Guide looking at the
printer from the front. Be sure to adjust the paper to the mark below.
Fig. 2-4 Loading Paper in the Straight Paper Path Slot
! Caution
• Make sure you insert paper into the Paper Feeding Slot straight so that
the paper does not skew.
• Be sure to adjust the paper setting in the printer driver.
• Load thick paper and envelopes from the straight paper path slot.
• When the printer is in Auto-Power off mode, the paper will be ejected
automatically. Turn the printer on and load the paper again.
2-7
USER’S GUIDE
How to Load Envelopes in the Straight Paper Path Slot

1. Take an envelope and insert it into the Straight Paper Path slot. Be
sure to adjust the paper to the mark below.
Fig. 2-5 Loading Envelopes
✒ Note
• When you load envelopes, insert the envelope carefully so that it won't
skew.
• Do not print on the rear of envelopes. If you do, it might damage the
printer.
• When loading envelopes, load them with the print side face up.
• When you print on envelopes, be sure to load them with the short edge
downwards with the flap to the left hand side when you view the printer
from the front.
• When an envelope is curled, straighten it before printing.
Fig. 2-6 Straighten the Envelopes

• Fold the flap securely with a pen or with your finger before loading
envelopes.
Fig. 2-7 Fold the flap

• Make sure that the amount of curl of the envelope is less than 5 mm
when you load envelopes. Curl at the edge of envelopes must be less than
1 mm. If you print on these envelopes, it might damage the printer.
1mm
5mm(0.195")
Fig. 2-8 curl height Curl at the edge
2-8
How to Load Paper in the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder (MP-21CDX or

optional SF-21MP users only)
1. Make sure that the Latches on both sides of the Auto Cut Sheet
Feeder are closed.
2. Fit the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder onto the printer. Push the latches
securely until you hear them click into the lock position.
Fig. 2-9 Fit the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder onto the Printer
3. Tilt the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder fully (1). Press the center of the Feeder
cover a little and open the Feeder Cover(2).
Fig. 2-10 Tilt the Feeder and Open the Cover
2-9
USER’S GUIDE
4. Pull the wire up.
Fig. 2-11 Pull the Wire up
5. Fan the stack of paper before loading.
6. Load the paper stack with the printing (coated) side upwards. Align the
right side of the paper against the right hand side of the Auto Cut Sheet
Feeder. Make sure that the paper is stacked below the mark. You can
load up to approx. 30 sheets of plain paper (75g / m2).
7. Adjust the Paper Guide to the left hand side of the paper and close the
Feeder Cover.
1 2
Fig. 2-12 Loading Paper
2-10
! Caution
• You can load glossy paper only from the Paper Feeding Slot or from the
Straight Paper Path Slot.
• When you load glossy paper, load only one sheet at a time.
• Make sure the paper loaded in the Feeder is all the same type.
• When adding paper, first remove any remaining paper from the Feeder
and stack it with the new paper, then insert the new paper stack into the
Feeder.
• Be sure to adjust the paper setting in the printer driver.
• Do not tilt the printer forwards.
• When you carry the printer, move the printer and Feeder carefully as
shown below.
Do not hold only the Feeder when carrying the printer.
Do not turn the printer upside down.
Be sure to set the Printer Stand in the original position before removing
the Feeder.
Fig. 2-13 The Printer and the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder
✒ Note
If the paper will not load from the Feeder, use the Paper Feeding Slot and try
again. Ensure that the latches are connected securely and tilt the Feeder fully.
2-11
USER’S GUIDE
How to Remove the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder from the Printer
1. Open the Feeder Cover and remove the paper.
2. Move the Paper Guide to the left.
3. Fold the wire back in the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder, and close the Feeder
Cover and then tilt the Feeder forwards.
! Caution
Ensure you move the Paper Guide to the left, otherwise it will cause
damage to the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder.
4. Open the Latches(①) on the rear of the Cut Sheet Feeder by them
forwards and push the Latches(②) on both sides inwards into the sheet
feeder. Remove the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder from the Printer.
Fig. 2-14 Latches
5. Set the Latches on both sides of the Cut Sheet Feeder to the normal
position.
Fig. 2-15 Latches
! Caution
Treat the Latches carefully so that they do not break.
2-12
CHAPTER 3
CONTROL PANEL
LED AND BUTTONS

This section refers to the following LEDs and buttons on the printer
control panel.
Fig. 3-1 Control Panel
LEDs
The (On/Off) LED
The (On/Off) LED indicates the current power status of the printer.
LED Printer status

On The printer is turned on and ready to print.
●
Off The printer is turned off.
❍ Error status with the (Alarm) LED on.
Blinking The printer is receiving data.
❍↔●
3-1
USER’S GUIDE
Ink LEDs ( (BC) LED and (MY) LED)
Each Cartridge LED indicates when the ink is low or empty.
LED Printer status

Blinking The color ink cartridge is running out of ink. You
❍↔● should prepare a new ink cartridge for that color.
On The color ink cartridge is empty. You should
● replace it with a new one immediately for optimum
print quality. See ‘Replacing the Ink Cartridges’
section in Chapter 4.
This may also indicate that one or more ink
cartridges may not be installed correctly or there is
no cartridge installed if the (Alarm) LED is on.
(Alarm) LED
The (Alarm) LED indicates a printer error status.
LED Printer status

On Paper empty, paper jam or mis-feeding. If a paper
● jam occurs, refer to ‘Paper Jams’ in Chapter 5.
There is no ink cartridge installed or the ink
cartridge(s) is not installed correctly when an ink
LED(s) is also on.
Blinking The top cover of the printer is open and should be
❍↔● closed so that the printer can print.
When the (Alarm) LED is on or blinking and the printer has detected
an error condition, refer to the ‘Alarm Indications at a Glance’ section in
Chapter 5 and clear the problem to make the printer ready to print.
When (On/Off) 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
System error occurred. Refer to the ‘Service Calls’ section in Chapter 5.
3-2
Buttons
The (On/Off) Button (Retry)
When you press this button and the (On/Off) LED comes on, the
printer becomes ready to operate.
When you press this button and the (On/Off) LED goes off, the
printer is turned off.
When the (Alarm) LED is on and the (On/Off) LED is off,

pressing this button will resume printing and the mis-feed will be cleared.
Make sure that the (On/Off) LED comes on after you press this
button.
Clean Button
When you want to clean the print head, press this button.
Warning
Even if you turn the (On/Off) button off, power is not completely
shut off. In case of emergencies, you must remove the Printer
Interface Card from the computer and remove the AC Adapter from
the mains if connected (MP-21CDX or PA-21MP users only) in order
to shut off power completely.
3-3
CHAPTER 4
MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD

Clean the print head if you get white lines in text or graphics on your
printed document.
You can clean the 4 color (black, cyan, yellow, magenta) print heads by
control panel button operation.
✒ Note
When the printer is performing print head cleaning, all the LEDs blink
alternately.
How to clean the print head

Press the Clean button and the printer cleans the print head
automatically. Wait until all the LEDs stop blinking.
! Caution
Do not remove cables when the printer is cleaning its print head.
✒ Note
You can also clean the print head from the printer driver. Select
‘Maintenance’ from the ‘MP-21C series’ group in Windows.
REPLACING THE INK CARTRIDGES

When the Ink LED(s) ( (BC) LED and/or (MY) LED) blink or
come on, replace the indicated color ink cartridge with a new one.
We strongly recommend you only use Brother original ink cartridges for
the printer as these will provide the best print quality. Using other ink
may void the warranty for this printer.
Black & Cyan LC03BC
Magenta & Yellow LC03MY
! Caution
• Make sure that the (On/Off) LED is on when you replace the ink
cartridges.
• When the ink has run out, the Ink LED(s) ( (BC) LED and/or
(MY) LED) turn on. When you find this, replace the ink cartridges
immediately.
• DO NOT replace the Ink Cartridges while the printer is working.
• Use the ink cartridge up within 6 months of installation.
4-1
USER’S GUIDE
How to replace the ink cartridges
1. Make sure that the (On/Off) LED is on. Open the top cover.
2. Remove the ink cartridge you need to replace.
Fig. 4-1 Removing the Cartridge
Warning
DO NOT push the shutters in the ink cartridge slot. There are sharp
pins inside the Ink Cartridge Slot. If you touch them, it might cause
injury.
! Caution
DO NOT remove ink cartridges if you do not need to replace them. Once
you remove a cartridge, you cannot re-use it.
! Caution
Throw away the removed ink cartridges immediately so that you do not
re-install the old one by mistake.
3. Open the new ink cartridge box and take the cartridge out of the bag.
✒ Note
You can recognize whether the cartridge is used or new by the white gum
on the rear of the cartridge. If it is stained with ink, it is a used ink
cartridge.
4-2
4. Insert the new cartridge, making sure to insert it into the correct
position. Push it in until you hear a click as it locks into position.
Make sure that the Ink LED(s) ( (BC) LED and/or (MY)
LED) turn off.
Fig. 4-2 Install a New Ink Cartridge
5. Close the top cover. The printer will automatically start cleaning the
print head. Wait until all the LEDs stop blinking.
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
LED( (BC) LED and/or (MY) LED) blinks or comes on or until
the ink runs out. Once you have removed an ink cartridge, DO NOT re-
install it.
4-3
USER’S GUIDE
! Caution
Once you install an ink cartridge, use it up within 6 months. Use ink
cartridges within 2 years of the production date.
! Caution
DO NOT remove the Ink Cartridges when the printer is off. If you have
replaced ink cartridges while the printer is turned off, reset the ink
counter from the maintenance tool in the printer driver. If you do not
reset the counter the inside of the printer or the printouts may get stained
with ink.
! Caution
Be sure to replace ink cartridges when the printer indicates ink empty or
nearly empty.
! Caution
DO NOT shake the ink cartridges.
! Caution
DO NOT leave the printer with empty ink cartridges or with the ink
cartridges removed.
! Caution
DO NOT re-use ink cartridges you have removed from the printer.
✒ Note
If either of the Ink LEDs ( (BC) LED and/or (MY) LED) and the
(Alarm) LED is on after you have installed the ink cartridges, check
that the ink cartridges are installed correctly.
✒ Note
Every 5 days, the printer will clean its print head automatically when you
send the first print job.
4-4
CLEANING THE PRINTER
Cleaning the Printer
1. Before cleaning the printer or printer platen, be sure to turn off the
printer and remove the PC Card Cable from your computer and
remove the AC Adapter (MP-21CDX or PA-21MP users only) if
connected and make sure that all the LEDs are off.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Wipe the printer platen with a cotton swab.
Fig. 4-3 Cleaning the Printer Platen
! Caution
DO NOT touch the Flat Cable, Rollers, Print Head and the Encoder Strip
when cleaning.
Fig.4-4 The Flat Cable and the Encoder Strip
4-5
USER’S GUIDE
REPACKING THE PRINTER
! Caution
Whenever you transport the printer, use the packing materials which are
provided with your printer. Also, follow the steps below to repack the
printer, or the printer may be damaged. This will void the printer’s
warranty.
1. Turn off the (On/Off) button and turn the printer off. Make sure
that the (On/Off) LED is off.
2. Remove the Printer Interface Card from your computer. Remove the
PC Card Cable from the printer and Printer Interface Card. Remove
the AC Adapter, Parallel Interface Cable and Auto Cut Sheet Feeder
if connected.(MP-21CDX, PA-21MP and SF-21MP users only)
Fig. 4-5 Remove the Cable
3. Wrap the printer in the plastic bag and place it in the original
carton box with the original packing material.
4-6
4. Place any documents (manual and any documentation describing the

reason for returning the printer) in the carton box as shown below.
Fig. 4-6 Repacking the printer
5. Close the carton box and tape it securely.
! Caution
• Make sure that the printer has the ink cartridges fitted to it when
shipping.
• Do not turn the printer upside down while shipping.
4-7
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 5
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ALARM INDICATIONS AT A GLANCE

Operator Calls
If a recoverable error occurs, the printer indicates an ‘operator call’ by
blinking or turning on the (Alarm) LED.
Find the error and take the appropriate action to correct it. The printer
automatically recovers from most errors, but you may need to reset the
printer with the button as described below.
LEDs Error Action

(Alarm) ● Paper jam Clear the paper jam by referring to the next section
(On/Off) ❍ “PAPER JAMS”.
Paper empty Load paper in the printer by referring to Chapter 2.
Mis-feed Reinstall the paper. When using the Auto Cut Sheet
Feeder (MP-21CDX or SF-21MP users only), press
the (On/Off) button after reinstalling the paper
stack into the Feeder.
(Alarm) ❍↔● Cover Open The Top Cover of the printer is open. Close it to
(On/Off) ● resume printing.
(Alarm) ● No Cartridge One or more ink cartridges are not installed
Ink ● correctly or are missing.
( (BC) and/or
(MY))
Ink ● Ink Empty Replace the ink cartridge with a new one.
( (BC) and/or
(MY))
Ink ❍↔● Ink Nearly Indicates that the indicated ink cartridge will run out
( (BC) and/or Empty soon. You should purchase a new ink cartridge
ready for when Ink Empty is indicated.
(MY))
All ❍↔● Service call See the Service Calls section on the next page.
✒ Note
If the printer does not operate as you expect it to, it is recommended that
you unplug the printer, then plug it in and try printing again. If you still
have problems, consult your dealer or our authorized service
representative before returning this product.
5-1
USER’S GUIDE
Service Calls
If an unrecoverable error occurs, the printer indicates the need for a

service call by lighting all the LEDs and then the following combination
of lamps alternately:
Service Call Service 1 Service 2 Service 3 Service 4

(On/Off) ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍
(Alarm) ❍ ❍ ❍ ●
(BC) ❍ ● ● ❍
(MY) ● ❍ ● ❍

(On/Off) ❍ ❍ ❍ ●
(Alarm) ● ● ● ❍
(BC) ❍ ● ● ❍
(MY) ● ❍ ● ❍

(On/Off) ● ● ● ●
(Alarm) ❍ ❍ ❍ ●
(BC) ❍ ● ● ❍
(MY) ● ❍ ● ❍
Service Call Service 13 Service 14

(On/Off) ● ●
(Alarm) ● ●
(BC) ❍ ● ● ON
(MY) ● ❍ ❍ OFF
If you see any of these service call indications, turn the (On/Off)
button off and on and then try to print again.
If you cannot clear the error and see the same service call indication after
turning on the printer, make sure that the status monitor of the printer is
on and consult your dealer or our authorized service representative.
Report the error status and situation referring to the table above.
5-2
PAPER JAMS
How to clear paper jams
1. Open the Top Cover and pull the Release Lever.
Fig. 5-1 Pulling the Release Lever
2. Pull out the jammed paper carefully with the top cover open.
Fig. 5-2 Pulling the Jammed Paper Out
3. Push back the Release Lever and close the Top Cover.
✒ Note
• When the printer platen gets stained, clean the platen referring to the
‘Cleaning the Printer’ section in Chapter 4.
• Ensure you leave the top cover open when you are removing jammed
paper.
5-3
USER’S GUIDE
How to clear a paper jam when using the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder (MP-21CDX
or SF-21MP users only)
If a paper jam occurs when you are using the Feeder, try to remove the
jammed paper as shown in ‘How to clear paper jams’ section of this
chapter.
If you cannot remove it, even after following the instructions, do the
following.
1. Open the top cover and pull the Release Lever.
2. Tilt the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder forwards.
3. Pull the jammed paper from the Feeder side.
Fig. 5-3 Pulling the Jammed Paper Out
4. Tilt the Feeder back.
5. Push back the Release Lever and close the top cover.
5-4
Q&A
This section contains commonly asked questions and the answers
concerning your printer. If you have encountered a problem, try to find
the question relating to your problem and take the steps recommended to
correct the problem.
Setting Up the Printer Hardware
Question Recommendation
The printer does not work. All The printer may not be turned on. Check to see if the
LEDs are off. AC adapter (MP-21CDX or PA-21MP users only) is
plugged into a live power source or the Printer
Interface Card is connected to the computer and the
(On/Off) button is on.
Check that both ends of the PC Card Cable are
connected securely to the printer and your PC/ Printer
interface Card.
The printer does not print. Check the following:
• The printer is turned on.
• The (On/Off) LED is on.
• All of the protective parts have been removed.
• The top cover of the printer is closed.
• The ink cartridges are installed properly.
• The Ink LEDs ( (BC) LED and/or (MY)
LED) are not on. If one or more are on, replace
the ink cartridge(s).
• The Printer Interface Card and the cable is
securely connected between the printer and
computer or the printer is connected to the AC
Adapter and parallel Interface Cable.
• The (Alarm) LED is off. If the (Alarm)
LED is blinking or on, refer to the Operator Call
section of this manual.
• In Windows, the MP-21C/CDX printer is selected
in the printer settings in your application.
• The host is configured correctly: check printer
port, print manager etc. (clear stored job or ‘use
print manager’ is selected off)
• Printer port you select is the correct one for using
the Printer Interface Card or Parallel Interface
Connector.
Try cleaning the print head.
5-5
USER’S GUIDE
Setting Up the Printer for Windows
I cannot print from my Make sure the supplied Windows printer driver is
application software. installed correctly and selected in your application
software.
I cannot print the entire page. Check to see if the size of paper in the feeder is the
same as the one that you have selected in your
application or the printer driver
Computer indicates a device • If the (Alarm) LED is blinking, clear it
time-out. referring to the ‘Alarm Indications at a Glance’
section in this chapter and try to print again.
• If the (Alarm) LED is off, wait a short while
and then click on the Retry button on the PC
screen dialog box.
• If the (On/Off) LED is blinking, press the
cancel button on your PC and retry printing.
• If all the LEDs are blinking alternately, the printer
is cleaning its print head. Wait until they stop
blinking.
Check to see if the (On/Off) LED is on.
Computer indicates Paper Paper is empty. Load paper and press the (On/Off)
Empty. button if the (Alarm) LED is on with the
(On/Off) LED blinking to recover from the error
status..
Computer indicates Off Line. Press the (On/Off) button to make the printer
ready. Check the (On/Off) LED is on.
Computer indicates Power Off. Check if the printer is securely plugged into the AC
outlet or the Printer Interface Card is connected to the
computer and the (On/Off) LED is on.
Computer indicates an error Check the following;
message other than above. • The printer is connected directly to the computer.
• The computer is set to work in bi-directional
mode.
• The printer port is correct.
• Selection of the printer is correct.
• Recommended interface cable is being used.
• If the printer port is set as an ECP port, change it
to be a bi-directional port. See your PC’s manual
for how to change the printer port.
5-6
Paper Handling
The printer does not load • When you feed paper from the Paper Feeding
paper. Slot, make sure to push the paper fully down into
the slot with the paper straight.
(For MP-21CDX and optional SF-21MP users only)
• Check to see if the (Alarm) LED is on. If so,
the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder may be out of paper or
not properly installed. If it is empty, load a new
stack of paper into the feeder.
• Check to see if the paper loaded meets the
specification of the paper described in Chapter 2.
• If there is paper in the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder,
make sure that it is straight. If the paper is curled,
you should straighten it before printing.
Sometimes it is helpful to remove the paper, turn
the stack over and replace it in the paper tray.
• Reduce the stack of paper in the Auto Cut Sheet
Feeder, then try again.
How can I load envelopes? You can load envelopes from the Straight Paper Path
Slot. Your application software also must be set up
correctly to print on the envelope size you are using.
This is usually done in the page setup or document
setup menu of your software. Refer to your
applications manual for further information.
See Chapter 2 for details.
What paper can I use? You can use plain paper, coated paper, glossy paper,
envelopes and transparencies. For information on
loading paper, see “Paper Handling” in Chapter 2.
How can I clear paper jams? See the “PAPER JAMS”section in this chapter.
The printer loads more than Check to see if:
one sheet at a time when using • The paper loaded is all the same type.
the Auto Cut Sheet Feeder • Paper that meets the specifications is loaded.
(MP-21CDX or optional SF- • Papers were fanned before loading.
21MP users only). • The stack of paper is not too high.
• The side guide is not set too tight.
The printer doesn’t eject paper. Turn the printer off and on.
Paper loads skewed when Check the following;
using the Auto Cut Sheet • The side guide is adjusted correctly.
Feeder (MP-21CDX or • The amount of paper you have loaded is correct.
optional SF-21MP users only). Refer to ‘Paper Handling’ section in Chapter 2.
Mis-picking up paper when Check to see if :
using the Feeder. • The Feeder is installed correctly.
• The Feeder has been tilted backwards.
For details, see Chapter 2.
5-7
USER’S GUIDE
Printing
The printer prints unexpectedly • Cancel the print job from your computer. Then,
or it prints incorrect images. turn the printer off and on.
• Make sure your application software is correctly
set up to use this printer and check the printer
driver settings or printer settings in your
application software.
• If the printer port is set as an ECP port, change it
to be a bi-directional port. See your PC’s manual
for how to change the printer port.
The computer hangs up when Check to see if the system resources are enough (PC
the printer starts printing, or an memory, etc). When you have many applications
application error occurs. open, the system resources of your PC will not be
enough and your PC will hang up. Close applications
you are not using and try again.
My headers or footers appear Most Inkjet printers have a restricted area that cannot
when I view my document on be printed on. Adjust the top and bottom margins in
screen but do not show up your document to allow for this. Check by using the
when I print them. preview screen in the application.
Printing takes too long. • When you print color graphic images, there is a
large amount of data and the printer will take a
relatively long time to complete printing.
• When all the LEDs are blinking alternately, the
printer is making itself ready to print. Wait till the
(On/Off) LED comes on. Printing speed
depends on the memory size and performance of
your PC.
• Super Fine mode takes a long time to complete
printing, set the mode to Normal mode or Draft
mode.
The printer doesn’t print in • The printer may be set in monochrome mode.
color. Check the setting of the printer driver.
• Check that the ink has not run out.
The printer will not turn on • Make sure that the PC is on. Remove the Printer
again or is unable to print after Interface Card and re-insert it into the PC.
the PC goes into sleep mode • Contact the vendor of the PC you are using and
(Suspend or Hibernation) when get the latest PC card service software from them.
using Windows 3.1x. • Restart your computer.
5-8
Print Quality
✒ Note
You can clear a print quality problem by replacing an ink cartridge with a
new one if the Ink LED ( (BC) LED or (MY) LED) is on or
blinking.
Printed pages contain white • You may clear the problem by cleaning the print
horizontal lines or the image is head several times. (See “Cleaning the print head”
faint. in Chapter 4).
• If the same problem occurs after cleaning, print the
ABCDE
test print to identify the cartridge that is causing the
problem and replace the ink cartridge. (See
“Replacing the ink cartridges” section in Chapter 4).
Fig. 5-4 White Horizontal Lines
If the same problem still occurs, contact your dealer or
or Faint Images
our authorized service representative.
Nothing is printed on the page. • Clean the print head several times. (See “Cleaning
the print head” section in Chapter 4).
• Make sure that the ink cartridges are not empty. If
they are, replace the ink cartridges. (See “Replacing
the ink cartridges” section in Chapter 4).
Fig. 5-5 White Page
• If the same problem occurs, contact your dealer or
our authorized service representative.
The colors of your print output • Carry out print head cleaning.
are not what you expected. • Try test printing from the maintenance program in
the printer driver.
• Check to see if the ink cartridges are installed
correctly and are not empty.
• You can adjust the color by using the custom setting
in the driver. Colors which printers can express and
colors you see on monitors are somewhat different.
The printer may not be able to express exactly some
colors on your monitor.
Check if the printer driver settings are correct.
Vertical lines are not aligned or In Bi-Directional Printing, the printer prints from right
the outline of characters is to left and left to right. Therefore, sometimes vertical
faint. lines may not be aligned. Adjust the alignment through
the printer driver after carrying out a test print or select
uni-directional printing in the printer driver.
Envelopes are stained with ink. When the printer platen gets stained, clean the printer
platen referring to ‘Cleaning the Printer’ section in
Chapter 4.
The printout is not clear or the • Use Brother special papers or very white papers.
color is not vivid. • Check to see that you are not printing on the reverse
side of special paper.
• Check if the ink cartridges are installed correctly.
5-9
USER’S GUIDE
Colors are light. You may have printed in Draft mode. Set to Normal
mode or Super Fine mode in the printer driver.
Some colors are missing. • Clean the print head several times.
• Ink may have run out. Check to see if you have run
out of certain ink colors.
Check if the printer driver settings are correct.
Printed paper is damaged by Select the correct resolution for the media you are
excessive ink. using.
Printout is fuzzy. • Clean the print head.
• Use Brother genuine ink and cartridges.
The space between lines of text Check to see if there is an obstacle in the paper path.
is narrower than you have set. Open the top cover and check.
Black lines appears.
Banding appears. • Check to see if the media setting is correct in the
printer driver.
• You can carry out horizontal line alignment from
the printer driver. For details, see Help.
If the same problem still occurs, contact your dealer or our authorized service
representative.
5-10
! Caution
Operation of the printer outside the specifications shall be deemed abuse
and all repairs thereafter shall be the sole liability of the end user
/purchaser.


In CANADA 1-800-853-6660

15 Musick
Irvine, CA 92718
In CANADA Brother International Corporation (Canada), Ltd.
- Marketing Dept.
1, rue Hôtel de Ville
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, PQ, Canada H9B 3H6
BBS
In USA 1-888-298-3616
In CANADA 1-514-685-2040
Please log on to our BBS with your first name, last name and a four digit number for
your password. Our BBS supports modem speeds up to 14,400, 8 bits no parity, 1
stop bit.
Fax-Back System
Brother Customer Service has installed an easy to use Fax-Back System so you can
get instant answers to common technical questions and product information for all
Brother products. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can use the
system to send the information to any fax machine, not just the one you are calling
from.
Please call 1-800-521-2846 (USA) or 1-800-681-9838 (Canada) and follow the voice
prompts to receive faxed instructions on how to use the system and your index of
Fax-Back subjects.


For service center addresses in Canada, call 1-800-853-6660
INTERNET ADDRESS
For technical questions and downloading drivers: http://www.brother.com
5-11
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS
Printing
Print Method Piezo with 32 X 4 nozzles
Resolution 720 X 720 dots per inch (DPI) - Super Fine

360 X 360 dots per inch (DPI) - Normal
180 X 360 dots per inch (DPI) - Draft
Print Speed (with Printer Interface Card)

107 cps at 10 cpi
Up to 1.7 PPM in full color

(Brother Standard Test Sheet)
(with AC Adapter)
180 cps at 10 cpi
Up to 2.5(Letter)/2.4(A4) PPM in Blue/Black mode with AC
Adapter (Brother Standard Test Sheet)
Up to 2 PPM in full color

(Brother Standard Test Sheet)
Print Width 203.2 mm (8 inches )
Controller
Interface PCMCIA interface
Parallel interface
Control panel 2 buttons and 4 LEDs
Diagnostics Self-diagnostic program
Appendix-1
USER’S GUIDE
Electrical and Mechanical
Power Source <Printer Interface Card mode>

Power Save Mode: 0.6 W
Stand-by: 1.0 W
Printing-average: 2.5 W or less
<AC Adapter mode>

Power Save Mode: 0.7 W
Stand-by: 1.1 W
Printing-average: 3.2 W or less
Noise Printing: 40 dB A or less
Temperature Operating: 10 to 35°C (50 to 95°F )

Storage: -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F )
Humidity Operating: 20 to 80% (without condensation)

Storage: 5 to 95% (without condensation)
Dimensions (D X W X H) 50.8 X 300 X 106 mm (2.0 X 11.8 X 4.2 inches )
Weight Approx. 1,000 g. (2.2 lb )
Print Media
Paper input Manual loading from the Paper Feeding Slot or Automatic
loading from the Optional Feeder
• Paper Type
Plain paper, coated paper, glossy paper, transparencies,
envelopes and organizer sheets
• Paper size: A4,Letter Executive, B5,A5, Legal

Envelopes: commercial No.10 DL, B5, C5, Monarch
Organizer: K, L
Width 100-215.9 mm
(3.94-8.5”)
Length 100-355.6 mm
(3.94-14”)
2
Weight 60-157 g/m .
(16-42 lb)
• Maximum optional feeder capacity: Approx. 30 sheets

2
of 75 g/m plain paper.
Appendix-2
APPENDIX
Paper Output 1 sheet, face up

It is recommended that printed sheets are taken from the
paper output slot immediately after printing.
Ink Twin cartridge system: separate from the print head
Service Life of Ink Cartridge Approx. 250 page / LC03BC at 5% coverage

Approx. 150 page / LC03MY at 5% coverage
Appendix-3
ININDEX
INDEX
—A— —M—
(Alarm) LED 3-2, 5-1 misfeed 5-1
Auto Cut Sheet Feeder 2-9 (MY) LED 3-2
—B— —N—
(BC) LED 3-2 No Cartridge 5-1
—C— —O—
Clean Button 3-3 (On/Off) Button 3-3
clean the print head 4-1 (On/Off)LED 3-1
Coated paper 2-1 operator call 5-1
Color InkJet Glossy Paper 2-2, 2-5 Organizer 2-1
Cover Open 5-1
Cut sheet 2-1
—P—
—E— Paper
Size 2-1
Envelopes 2-1, 2-8 Type 2-1
error Paper empty 5-1
recoverable 5-1 Paper Feeding Slot 2-6
unrecoverable 5-2 Paper Feeding Slot Guide 2-6
paper guide 2-10
—F— Paper jam 5-1, 5-3
Paper Weight Range 2-1
Feeder Capacity 2-1 printable area 2-3
—G— —Q—
Glossy paper 2-1 Quality Coated Paper
for 360 dpi Color Inkjet printing 2-2, 2-4
—H—
—R—
High Quality Coated Paper
for 720 dpi Color InkJet printing 2-2, 2-4 Recommended paper 2-2
Release Lever 5-3
replacing the ink cartridges 4-1
—I— Retry 3-3
ink cartridges 4-1
Ink Empty 5-1 —S—
Ink LEDs 3-2
Ink nearly empty 5-1 service call 5-2
Straight Paper Path Slot 2-7, 2-8
Index-1
USER’S GUIDE
—W—
—T— Windows 5-6
Transparencies 2-1
Index-2
R
COLOR INKJET PRINTER

PARTS REFERENCE LIST
MODEL:MP-21C/21CDX
NOTE FOR USING THIS PARTS REFERENCE LIST
1. In the case of ordering parts, it needs mentioning the following items:
(1) Code
(2) Q'ty
(3) Description
(4) Symbol ( PCB No., Revision , and Parts location mounted on the PCB.)
Note : No orders without Parts Code or Tool No. can be accepted.
< Example >
(1) (2) (3) (4)
REF.NO. CODE Q’TY DESCRIPTION SYMBOL REMARK
Revision No.: marked on the printed circuit board.
B48K056 - 201A
Design change indication
Specification No .
Pattern alteration No.
Circuit board No.
2. Design-changed parts :
If the parts are changed, any one of the following symbols is indicated in the REMARKS
column.
#A : compatible between old and new

#B : replaceable from old to new
#D : incompatible
# : newly established
3. The original of this list was made based on the information available in November, 1997.
4. Parts are subject to change in design without prior notice.

CONTENTS
1. CARRIAGE / FRAME ATTACHMENT / CHASSIS / CR DRIVE /
PAPER FEED DRIVE............................................................................ 1
2. PURGE UNIT ........................................................................................ 3
3. PCB & HARNESS ................................................................................. 3
4. INK HEAD BASE................................................................................... 5
5. ACSF..................................................................................................... 5
6. COVERS ............................................................................................... 7
7. PACKING MATERIALS......................................................................... 7
8. ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................... 9
9. LUBRICANT & TOOLS ....................................................................... 11
1 . CARRIAGE / FRAME ATTACHMENT / CHASSIS / CR DRIVE / PAPER FEED DRIVE
11
12
4
8
9
10
2
3
1-12
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002/004/011/020
-1-
1. CARRIAGE / FRAME ATTACHMENT / CHASSIS / CR DRIVE / PAPER FEED DRIVE PR99060
REF.NO. CODE Q'TY DESCRIPTION REMARK
1-12 UJ5551001 1 PAPER FEED FRAME ASSY (SP)
1 LK2008001 1 ENCODER STRIP (SP) CHNG PACKAGING
2 UJ5100001 1 PLATEN COVER
3 UJ5101001 1 ACSF SENSOR ACTUATOR
4 UJ5149001 1 PAPER HOLDER ASSY
5 LK2011001 1 MAIN ROLLER ASSY (SP) CHNG PACKAGING
6 UJ5114001 1 MAIN ROLLER GEAR 40
7 UJ5122001 1 PAPER EJECT ROLLER ASSY
8 UJ5124001 1 PAPER EJECT SENSOR ACTUATOR
9 UJ5141001 1 PAPER FEED MOTOR ASSY
10 060260416 1 SCREW, BIND M26X4
11 UJ5145000 1 ARM STOPPER
12 UJ5150000 1 PAPER BOTTOM SUPPORT
T/I No. PR99060 MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002/004/011/020
-2-
2 . PURGE UNIT
2 1-2
3 3
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-025
3 . PCB & HARNESS
4
3
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-450
-3-
2. PURGE UNIT PR99060
1-2 UJ5562001 1 PURGE UNIT ASSY (SP) CHNG PACKAGING
1 UJ5187001 1 FLUSHING FOAM R1
2 UJ5188001 1 FLUSHING FOAM R2
3 085310616 1 TAPTITE, BIND B M3X6
4 UJ5190001 1 FLUSHING FOAM L1
5 UJ5191001 1 FLUSHING FOAM L2
T/I No. PR99060 MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-025
3. PCB & HARNESS

REF.NO. CODE Q'TY DESCRIPTION SYMBOL REMARK
1 UJ7002001 1 MAIN PCB ASSY B55L035
2 UJ7016001 1 HEAD PCB ASSY B55L032
3 UJ7551000 1 POWER SUPPLY FFC
4 UJ7552001 1 HEAD FFC
5 UJ7024001 1 POWER SUPPLY PCB ASSY
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-450
-4-
4 . INK HEAD BASE
5 4
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-520
5 . ACSF (MP-21CDX only)
6
5
4
2
2
MODEL MP-21CDX 5H1-002-5911
-5-
4. INK HEAD BASE PR99060
1 UJ5550001 1 INK HEAD BASE UNIT (SP)
2 085210816 2 SCREW, BIND M2X8
3 060260416 2 SCREW, BIND M26X4
4 UJ5303001 1 COVER SENSOR ACTUATOR
5 UJ5304001 1 COVER SENSOR SPRING
TI No. PR99060 MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-520
5. ACSF (MP-21CDX only)

1 UJ5511001 1 PICK-UP ROLLER ASSY
2 UJ5517001 1 SEPARATION PAD ASSY
3 UJ5528001 1 EXTENSION GUIDE R
5 UJ5529001 1 EXTENSION GUIDE L
MODEL MP-21CDX 5H1-002-911
-6-
6 . COVERS
19 5 16
2 1
17
10
13 18
15
14
4
9 7
11
12 9
8 9
12
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-025
7 . PACKING MATERIALS
3
9
7 10
8
1
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-930
-7-
6. COVERS
1 UJ5301001 1 FRONT COVER
2 UJ5302000 1 LED GUIDE
3 UJ5326001 1 LED BLIND SHEET
4 060260417 1 SCREW, BIND M2.6X4
5 UJ5306001 1 REAR COVER
6 060260417 1 SCREW, BIND M2.6X4
7 UJ5310001 1 BOTTOM COVER
8 UJ5311001 1 SUPPORT PLATE
9 UJ5312001 3 RUBBER FOOT
10 UJ5313001 1 SWITCH KEY
11 UJ5319001 1 COLOR LOGO MARK
12 060260417 4 SCREW, BIND M2.6X4
13 UJ5314001 1 TOP COVER
14 UJ5307001 1 SLIDE LEVER
15 UJ5308001 1 LEVER SPRING
16 UJ5315001 1 PAPER GUIDE
17 UJ5335001 1 FILM RIB
18 UJ5317001 2 PRECISE SCREW, M16X4
19 UJ5321001 1 PANEL CARTRIDGE INSTRUCT
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-680
7. PACKING MATERIALS
1 UJ5475001 1 CARRYING HANDLE
2 UJ5426001 1 CARTON, MP-21C US
2 UJ5446001 1 CARTON, MP-21CDX US
2 UJ5427001 1 CARTON, MP-21C EU
2 UJ5447001 1 CARTON, MP-21CDX EU
2 UJ5492001 1 CARTON, MP-21C CANADA
2 UJ5491001 1 CARTON, MP-21CDX CANADA
3 UJ5430000 2 STYROFOAM, MP-21
4 UJ5432001 1 CARTON, C (MP-21C only)
5 UJ5433001 1 PARTITION CONTAINERBOARD (MP-21C only)
5 UJ5486001 1 PARTITION CONTAINERBOARD (MP-21CDX only)
6 UJ5476001 1 CARTON, CDX (MP-21CDX only)
7 UJ5478001 1 CARTON, SF-21 (MP-21CDX only)
8 UJ5480001 1 ACSF CUSHIONING MATERIAL (MP-21CDX only)
9 UJ5434001 2 PE. BAG, 400X185
10 UJ5444001 1 SPACER CONTAINERBOARD
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-930
-8-
8 . ATTACHMENTS
6 1
7A 7D
7B 7E
7C
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-910
-9-
8. ATTACHMENT
1 UJ5356001 1 PRINTER DRIVER DISK WIN95
2 UJ5358001 1 PRINTER DRIVER DISK WIN31
3 UJ5351001 1 USER'S GUIDE, ENG
3 UJ5361001 1 USER'S GUIDE, FRE
3 UJ5366001 1 USER'S GUIDE, GER
3 UJ5372001 1 USER'S GUIDE, NOR
3 UJ5374001 1 USER'S GUIDE, DUT
3 UJ5379001 1 USER'S GUIDE, DAN
3 UJ5381001 1 USER'S GUIDE, SPA
3 UJ5383001 1 USER'S GUIDE, ITA
3 UJ5385001 1 USER'S GUIDE, SWE
4 UJ5394001 1 SETUP GUIDE, ENG
4 UJ5395001 1 SETUP GUIDE, FRE
4 UJ5396001 1 SETUP GUIDE, GER
4 UJ5397001 1 SETUP GUIDE, NOR
4 UJ5398001 1 SETUP GUIDE, DUT
4 UJ5399001 1 SETUP GUIDE, DAN
4 UJ5400001 1 SETUP GUIDE, SPA
4 UJ5401001 1 SETUP GUIDE, ITA
4 UJ5402001 1 SETUP GUIDE, SWE
5 UJ7042001 1 IF CABLE, MP-21 PCMCIA
6 UJ7045001 1 PCMCIA CARD, MBH2PR01
7A UJ7048001 1 POWER CORD, VDE
7B UJ7049001 1 POWER CORD, BS
7C UJ7050001 1 POWER CORD, SAA
7D UJ7053001 1 POWER CORD, ZAF
7E UJ7054001 1 POWER CORD, ISRAEL
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-910
- 10 -
9. LUBRICANT & TOOLS PR99060
TOOL NO. TOOL NAME

PRT-001a LUBRICATING GREASE Molykote EM-30L 1kg
PRT-001c LUBRICATING GREASE G501
PRT-002b LUBRICATING OIL Floil 946P
ZA0310001 HEAD CLEANER STICK ASSY
ZA0543001 NOZZLE PROTECTOR ASSY (4 PCS)
ZA0546001 INITIAL LIQUID ASSY (100ML)
ZA0726001 SEAL RUBBER ASSY (20 PCS)
ZA0728001 IL CARTRIDGE BC ASSY
ZA0737001 IL CARTRIDGE MY ASSY
LK2024001 CLEAN WIPER HEAD (500 PCS/1 BAG)
PRT-001a,c PRT-002b ZA0310001 ZA0543001
ZA0546001 ZA0726001 ZA0728001 ZA0737001
LK2024001
T/I No. PR99060 MODEL MP-21C/21CDX 5H1-001/002-99A
- 11 -
R
Mar. '99
54H1002BE0
PR99052, PR99072
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
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,
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.
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
purged.
Initial purge IP Single purge x 8 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
Clean button on the control pane.
The single or power purge can be
executed from the printer driver.
I-16
PR99072
4.8 Purge Unit ASSY, Flushing Foam R1 and R2

<Disassembly>
(1) Unstick the Encoder FFC cable 5P from the double-sided adhesive tape attached
to the Purge unit ASSY.
(2) Remove the four screws in the instructed order and the Support plate from the
Purge unit ASSY.

➀
Encoder FFC 5P
➂
➃ ➁
Support plate
Purge unit ASSY
Fig. 3.22
(3) Remove the Waste ink tube from the two hooks.
Caution: Use caution when handling the Waste ink tube; the Waste ink needle at the
end of the Waste ink tube may cause you injury.
(4) While lifting the Purge unit ASSY, remove the Maintenance gear 10 from the
Bearing in the Chassis R.
Note: Place the removed Purge unit ASSY with the Waste ink absorber face up.
Use caution when handling the Purge unit ASSY to prevent ink leakage.
Purge unit ASSY
Bearing
Waste ink tube
Waste ink needle Boss
Maintenance gear 10
Fig. 3.23
III-18
PR99072
<Reassembly>
Note: Secure the four screws in the reverse order to attach the Purge unit ASSY
and the Support plate.
Important: Check that the Waste ink tube is fitted correctly in the guides and goes
into the hole on the Purge unit ASSY
Purge unit ASSY Purge unit ASSY
Waste ink tube

Waste ink tube
Fig. 3.25
Important: Check that the Waste ink tube is fitted correctly into the three guides and
two hooks on the Platen cover.
Waste ink tube Two hooks Three guides

The Waste ink tube is not fitted in any of the guides and hooks.
The Waste ink tube is across the ACSF sensor actuator.
ACSF sensor actuator Platen cover
The Waste ink tube is caught between the Platen cover and
Chassis center ASSY.
Fig. 3.26
III-19
9. LUBRICANT & TOOLS PR99080
TOOL NO. TOOL NAME

PRT-001a LUBRICATING GREASE Molykote EM-30L 1kg
PRT-001c LUBRICATING GREASE G501
PRT-001d LUBRICATING OIL Floil GE676
PRT-002b LUBRICATING OIL Floil 946P
ZA0310001 HEAD CLEANER STICK ASSY
ZA0543001 NOZZLE PROTECTOR ASSY (4 PCS)
ZA0546001 INITIAL LIQUID ASSY (100ML)
ZA0726001 SEAL RUBBER ASSY (20 PCS)
ZA0728001 IL CARTRIDGE BC ASSY
ZA0737001 IL CARTRIDGE MY ASSY
LK2024001 CLEAN WIPER HEAD (500 PCS/1 BAG)
PRT-001a,c,d PRT-002b ZA0310001 ZA0543001
ZA0546001 ZA0726001 ZA0728001 ZA0737001
LK2024001
T/I No. PR99060, PR99080 MODEL MP-21C/21CDX 5H1-001/002-99A
www.rtv-horvat-dj.hr
- 11 -
1 . CARRIAGE / FRAME ATTACHMENT / CHASSIS / CR DRIVE / PAPER FEED DRIVE
11
12
4
8
9
10
2
3
1-12
T/I NO. PR99082 MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002/004/011/020
-1-
6. COVERS
1 UJ5301001 1 FRONT COVER
2 UJ5302000 1 LED GUIDE
3 UJ5326001 1 LED BLIND SHEET
4 060260417 1 SCREW, BIND M2.6X4
5 UJ5306001 1 REAR COVER
6 060260417 1 SCREW, BIND M2.6X4
7 UJ5310001 1 BOTTOM COVER
8 UJ5311001 1 SUPPORT PLATE
9 UJ5312001 3 RUBBER FOOT
10 UJ5313001 1 SWITCH KEY
11 UJ5319001 1 COLOR LOGO MARK
12 060260417 4 SCREW, BIND M2.6X4
13 UJ5314001 1 TOP COVER
14 UJ5307001 1 SLIDE LEVER
15 UJ5308001 1 LEVER SPRING
16 UJ5315001 1 PAPER GUIDE
17 UJ5335001 1 FILM RIB
18 UJ5317001 2 PRECISE SCREW, M16X4
19 UJ5321001 1 PANEL CARTRIDGE INSTRUCT
MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-680
7. PACKING MATERIALS PR99084

1 UJ5475001 1 CARRYING HANDLE
2 UJ5426001 1 CARTON, MP-21C US REV. CHNG
2 UJ5446001 1 CARTON, MP-21CDX US REV. CHNG
2 UJ5427001 1 CARTON, MP-21C EU
2 UJ5447001 1 CARTON, MP-21CDX EU REV. CHNG
2 UJ5492001 1 CARTON, MP-21C CANADA REV. CHNG
2 UJ5491001 1 CARTON, MP-21CDX CANADA REV. CHNG
3 UJ5430000 2 STYROFOAM, MP-21
4 UJ5432001 1 CARTON, C (MP-21C only)
5 UJ5433001 1 PARTITION CONTAINERBOARD (MP-21C only)
5 UJ5486001 1 PARTITION CONTAINERBOARD (MP-21CDX only)
6 UJ5476001 1 CARTON, CDX (MP-21CDX only)
7 UJ5478001 1 CARTON, SF-21 (MP-21CDX only)
8 UJ5480001 1 ACSF CUSHIONING MATERIAL (MP-21CDX only)
9 UJ5434001 2 PE. BAG, 400X185
10 UJ5444001 1 SPACER CONTAINERBOARD
No. PR99084 MODEL MP-21C/CDX 5H1-001/002-930
-8-

MP-21C, MP-21CDX User, Parts, and Service Manual

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SERVICE MANUAL

MODEL: MP-21C / 21CDX

CHAPTER I FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION

CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minimum operation environment

• IBM PC or compatible with i486DX 66 Mhz or higher

Small and Light InkJet Printer

Lowest Power Consumption in the World

Quietest InkJet Printer in the World

No need for an AC adapter or Printer Cable

Brilliant 4 Color Output at 720dpi

Two Color Print Mode

Straight Paper Path

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

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

Paper eject SRAM

PE sensor Print buffer

Cover sensor Head driver

Power SW + Head control

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:

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

Emulation Windows GDI

Interface PCMCIA interface card

Control Panel 2 buttons and 4 LEDs

Diagnostics Self-diagnostics program at power on

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

AC adapter Stand-by (Max.) 1.1 W

Noise Stand-by: 35 dB A or less

Humidity Operating: 20 to 80% (without condensation)

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

4.6 Recommended Paper

• Special paper Brother Quality Coated Paper for 360dpi printing

Transparencies Brother Transparencies BPTRL (Letter)

Feeder Paper Size Capacity

Cut Sheet Envelope