| Masking Tape Gives TN-350 Toner a Second Life |
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I get 800 to 1100 extra copies from each cartridge.
After the "Toner Life End" message appears, it refuses to print even one more copy. Offensive...until you show it who's in charge.
Remove the cartridge and find 2 clear plastic port holes, one on each side. The printer shines a light through these to decide when to shut you off. But it's too sudden and too early.
Cover one or both windows with a small piece of masking tape. I get about 3400 copies per cartridge instead of 2400.
I really like Brother printers now that I have taught them some manners.
To save even more money try 4 Pack Brother TN-350 TN350 Toner Refill Kit by Laser Tek Services.
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| Necessary Supply; Replacement Can be Delayed |
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I had this rushed a few weeks ago because my HL-2070N kept refusing to operate every ~20 pages due to a low toner error. However, unlike on most laser printers, the print quality was still perfect at this point -- no streaking or blank spots. The problem is that the printer senses that it is nearing the end of the cartridge and refuses to continue, even with toner remaining.
Based on some web searching, it seems that the sensor is based on shining light into a ~1/4" hole on the side that goes through the entire length of the cartridge. Covering this hole with black electrician's tape has let me print a few hundred more pages, with no problems so far and still no sign that the toner is running out.
So, it's good to have a spare on hand, but it hasn't yet been necessary to install it.
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| Very Low Capacity toner cartridge. |
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I am a fan of brother DCPs and MFCs because they have excellent scanning and come with PaperPort scanning document managment software. I have a brother multifunction at every one of the 7 workstations in my law firm.
I purchased several DCP 7020s because the price was under $200 each. But they use these TN 350s which are a total rip off. Here are the specs. These TN-350s cost $43 and claim a capacity of 2500 pages.
Other Brother printers use higher capacity toners, such as the TN-580, which is rated at 7,000 pages and cost $63. Do the math. The cheap printer turns out much more expensive very quickly because you go through toners so fast. With a claimed capacity of 2500, in reality you're lucky to get 2000 pages. Imagine buying a new toner for every 4 reams of paper you go through! SO, I as soon as I get my first "change drum" message, I am going to trash these little Brothers and get one of their higher speed larger models. The extra couple hundred on the equipment will be paid off in toner savings in no time.
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Amazon has the best price on Toners. This one is 15$ cheaper than the store down the street. + no shipping + no tax
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| Fits other devices as well,, including 7820N |
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This is the cartridge for the popular MFC 7820N. See:
http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/mfc_detail.aspx?AREA=MFC_1&PRODUCTID=MFC7820N
and check supplies. Odd that it's not described fully here.
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