Brother HL-4070CDW will not set up to print on my network

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Level 1

8 points

Brother HL-4070CDW will not set up to print on my network

It would appear that the printer drivers for Brother HL-4070CDW color laser are not installing. Either that, or the computer is failing to acknowledge they're there. I followed the instructions to install drivers from the Brother CD and then also installed the "optional installs" from the Leopard 10.5.1 original disc. I then attempted the Apple Hardware Test, both with the Leopard install disc in and then without it. I had all the peripherals, included my Airport Express, disconnected, but it would not bring up the test at "restart."

No devices appear in "Available Wireless Devices" in BRADmin for Mac (think that's a Brother deal). Also, in "About this Mac," the printers list is empty, and I'm unable to find any when I click the "+" button to set up in System Preferences. Hard drive library reveals Brother printer files, but nothing that looks like a driver. Address of the Brother print server is 192.0.0.192.

I'm pretty well stumped for where to go next. I have tried to install printer with USB cable (that seemed most straightforward) and as wireless setup. The only way it will print is directly from the printer. It has printed a test page and a jpg file from my thumb drive.

Any ideas/suggestions will be gratefully accepted.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11), virtual windows xp with vm fusionware

Posted on Apr 30, 2009 8:06 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 5, 2009 9:59 PM in response to jayelyn

...I cannot find an IP address (on 10.5.6) just for the Mac and not the Express.

No problem. Try this link: How do I find my Mac OS X Leopard 10.5's IP address?

Also, I came across this KB article with a general description of how to add a wireless printer. It might be helpful: Mac OS X 10.5: How to connect a wireless-capable printer to your AirPort network

"Method 2" describes the ad-hoc network you apparently need to create to install this printer.

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Answer 2

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 30, 2009 3:20 PM in response to jayelyn

The results of the "ping" from Network Utility:

Ping has started ...

PING 192.0.0.192 (192.0.0.192): 56 data bytes

--- 192.0.0.192 ping statistics ---
10 packets transmitted, 0 packets received, 100% packet loss

Would it be helpful to know what the printer printed out for "printer settings network configuration?"

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 1, 2009 3:32 PM in response to jayelyn

jayelyn, since your Cradlepoint router is issuing addresses in the 192.168.x.x range, can you manually assign the Brother an IP address of, say, 192.168.0.100?

Try that from the Brother's front panel, and run the ping command again. At present it's obvious your Brother is not appearing on your network at all.

Once you've given it that address, try the Brother print installer again.

Sorry this is taking so long to figure out... 😟

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Answer 4

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 1, 2009 8:59 PM in response to John Galt

Hi,
I've been about ready to throw something big (probably not the printer, though!) as this afternoon turned into evening, and I wasn't finding even the simplest sounding tasks easy with this printer thing.

I've finally managed to figure out how to set the printer's IP address on its front panel (I knew I was in trouble when it was described as "intuitive"). So I changed it to 192.168.0.100 as you suggested (that was in the range allowed by Cradlepoint). I was hopeful, then, with the pinging, but its message was "no route to host" and then repeatedly "host is down."

Looking around this afternoon I discovered that Cradlepoint had a setting to disable "Require User Login." Apparently this is something that some electronic devices have trouble handling, and one of those devices is wireless printers.

If I could talk my husband into physically hauling the Brother to another location, I have a friend who uses an Actiontec router that I could try to hook up to, but he's not real excited about that option, understandably. And I'm not really, either, because I'd have to pack it all up very carefully.

However...I'll do what I need to do. This just doesn't seem like it should be so complicated; I keep wondering if there's some basic, simple detail that I'm completely missing because I don't understand the process.

Any more ideas on that end?

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 1, 2009 9:17 PM in response to jayelyn

I've been about ready to throw something big (probably not the printer, though!)

Hope it's not me...

The one common component in this sad tale is the Cradlepoint router, and I'm wondering what addresses it's issuing. I know what its configuration address is, but what are your computer's IP addresses? How about the Express?

The idea is to make sure the Brother is on the same subnet. You should get results like this:

Ping has started ...

PING 10.0.1.100 (10.0.1.100): 56 data bytes
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=0 ttl=255 time=2.904 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=1 ttl=255 time=3.073 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=2 ttl=255 time=2.615 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=3 ttl=255 time=2.526 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=4 ttl=255 time=2.290 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=5 ttl=255 time=3.018 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=6 ttl=255 time=2.822 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=7 ttl=255 time=2.572 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=8 ttl=255 time=2.848 ms
64 bytes from 10.0.1.100: icmp_seq=9 ttl=255 time=2.476 ms

--- 10.0.1.100 ping statistics ---
10 packets transmitted, 10 packets received, 0% packet loss
round-trip min/avg/max/stddev = 2.290/2.714/3.073/0.243 ms

10.0.1.100 happens to be the address of my printer. Until we get something like this we're nowhere.

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Answer 6

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 2, 2009 7:59 AM in response to John Galt

No, it's not you! You've been very helpful in leading me into new understanding here, and I'm grateful.

I'm about out of time to work on this this morning, but I can tell you the Express IPv4 address is 192.168.0.197 (configured using DHCP). Its subnet mask is 255.255.255.0. It's possible the computer's IP address is 70.192.144.206, but I had to google that to find an address, and I'm not sure I trust the source yet.

However, I did find something that seemed interesting to me: in the tab "DNS" of System Preferences/Network there are two grayed out IPs, 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2. I'm not sure how they got there, but that second one is outside Cradlepoint's allowed range of 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.199.

The other discovery was that printer sharing was "off" in System Pref/Sharing; when I turned it "on" the old Epson printer showed up when I pressed the "+" button (where before there had been nothing). I thought that printer was eliminated, but guess not.

Is that helpful, and can you tell me the best way to identify the computer's IP addresses?

Thanks again--it's the hope of a solution that keeps me going!

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Answer 7

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 2, 2009 6:18 PM in response to jayelyn

in the tab "DNS" of System Preferences/Network there are two grayed out IPs, 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2.

That's OK; if you didn't have valid DNS addresses, you wouldn't be able to load any web pages.

You find out your computer's IP address in the same place. System Preferences > Network > show Airport > TCP/IP tab. It looks like this:

What does yours show for "IP address", "subnet mask", and "router"?

The other discovery was that printer sharing was "off" in System Pref/Sharing; when I turned it "on" the old Epson printer showed up when I pressed the "+" button (where before there had been nothing). I thought that printer was eliminated, but guess not.

Turning on printer sharing allows others on your network to use a printer connected to your computer... unfortunately that's not related to our problem.

If your printer has an IP address within your subnet, which appears to be the case, I can't understand why it won't respond to a ping command. Something is blocking it, or its wireless mode isn't working. How were you able to determine the Cradlepoint's "allowed range" of IP addresses?

If you're using a wireless network password, can you try turning it off?

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Answer 8

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 2, 2009 7:42 PM in response to John Galt

So I was able to take a screen shot of my network screen like you did, but then I couldn't figure out how to get it into this message to show you what it looks like (it's a little different than your version). Anyway, on that screen was: IP address--192.168.0.197; subnet mask--255.255.255.0; router--192.168.0.1.

I determined Cradlepoint's "allowed range" of IP addresses from a DHCP tap in their "Basic" setup. This is exactly what the tab says--"DHCP IP Range: 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.199".

I'm not aware of having a wireless network password.

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Answer 9

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 2, 2009 8:45 PM in response to jayelyn

Aren't you using OS X 10.4.11?

You said earlier that your Express has the IP address 192.168.0.197. It can't be the same as your computer. Have you unplugged your Express?

Anyway... I just downloaded all 6.5 MB of the Network User's Guide for this printer. Stinkin' dialup. Did you see the instructions on page 19?

If your computer has wireless capability, you will need to change the wireless settings of your computer to Ad-hoc mode so you can directly connect and configure the printer.

Apparently, you don't configure this printer while using your router... so it's going to be a pain. Of course you knew that already. You have to set it up by connecting your computer to it directly, wirelessly, but bypassing your router. This is known as an "ad-hoc" network, and they don't even explain how to accomplish this. I don't know why this is necessary, but I assume you haven't done that...?

Another way is to connect it to your router with a wired connection. Is that possible with your Cradlepoint? That would be preferable.

I would imagine it should also be possible to connect the printer directly to your computer with an Ethernet cable, but they don't discuss that.

Either way, I think this is the reason we're not seeing it with the ping command. Getting to that point is essential.

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Answer 10

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 4, 2009 2:56 PM in response to John Galt

Yes, now I see that my "reply" window keeps reverting back to an earlier version from a previous question I asked. Sorry about that--I really do have Leopard 10.5.6.

Guess I don't understand where to find the Express IP address vs the computer's IP address. The Express is connected (or I wouldn't be able to access the internet via the network).

My "Ad-hoc" note was on page 44, but I was interpreting the instructions to mean that statement only belonged with the second option, "Installation using a wireless computer" not the first option about temporarily using a network cable. So, no, I have not tried an "ad hoc" network (but I did figure out basically what one is).

I have emailed Cradlepoint support to see what they say about connecting to the printer on the network. The unit does have a way to hook up either USB or ethernet, and the printer has both options as well.

I did go ahead this morning and install drivers and print from a direct USB-to-computer hookup. Good to see something(!) coming out of that big ole Brother on my desk.

I also emailed some department or other at Brother asking how to get in touch with someone in Tech Support. That all seems real bogus to me--their site says "Ask us via email" but there's nothing happening when I try that route. All they seem to have are manuals and FAQs.

Are you game to keep working this problem? I'm interested to see if I get anything useful from Cradlepoint or Brother. I'll also keep trying to get the computer's IP address if you can tell me how to differentiate that from the Express's IP address.

I'm about "done it" with this for today, but it is good to be printing SOMEHOW.

Thanks again.

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Answer 11

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 4, 2009 3:29 PM in response to jayelyn

Guess I don't understand where to find the Express IP address vs the computer's IP address. The Express is connected (or I wouldn't be able to access the internet via the network).

In OS 10.4.x you'd go to System Preferences > Network > show Airport > TCP/IP tab. I believe Leopard is similar, and you should get something close to the pretty picture I posted above. The reason for wanting to know is that I'm curious about the IP addresses your Cradlepoint is issuing.

My "Ad-hoc" note was on page 44, but I was interpreting the instructions to mean that statement only belonged with the second option, "Installation using a wireless computer" not the first option about temporarily using a network cable. So, no, I have not tried an "ad hoc" network (but I did figure out basically what one is).

I understand that option, it just seems that if you want to use a printer wirelessly, you're best off configuring it wirelessly. In my mind doing so eliminates any question about the wireless setup.

More importantly, the manual I downloaded specifies only three possible configuration options for a wireless network: Secure Easy Setup (whatever that is - I've never heard of it), a temporary Ethernet cable connected to your router, and the ad-hoc wireless network. When you used the network cable for configuration, was it attached to your Cradlepoint or your computer? The instructions say it has to be connected to your router which makes sense to me. Any connection directly from your computer not only obviates the need for a network printer, it isn't consistent with their instructions so I don't want to do that.

The Network User's Guide I downloaded is here: http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Network%20Users%20Manual/NUMHL_4040CDN_4040CN_4070CDW_EN1291.PDF

Are you game to keep working this problem

I have no choice. It's affliction for which there is no cure 🙂

I'm not above calling 877-BROTHER though. Give that a try if you don't get anywhere else. Hopefully they speak the King's English.

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Answer 12

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 4, 2009 8:24 PM in response to John Galt

Call me dense or something, but I cannot find an IP address (on 10.5.6) just for the Mac and not the Express. I can't seem to phrase that question on the Apple site to get a "how to do it."

I did hear back from a Cradlepoint person, and I asked him if he could tell me how to find the IP addresses Cradlepoint is issuing. While I'm waiting to see if he has an answer to that question, here's basically what he had to say this time: "The router will not be able to use a printer through a USB port so we can scratch that one off. We do not have any specific instructions on how to hook up a printer. I would try using the printers WiFi after turning off the User login." I've already turned off the User login.

The manual that came with the printer also specified those three options for configuring a wireless network.

I'm not opposed to calling Brother's number if it comes down to that--I'm just not particularly comfortable on the phone. There are a couple slim threads left here that I can see.

Thanks!!

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Answer 13

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 7, 2009 7:29 PM in response to John Galt

The iFelix site is a nice one--it's so clear. I'm still confused, however. On May 2nd I wrote that my computer's IP address was 192.168.0.197, and I believe your response was that it couldn't be the same as Airport's IP address. The Network Utility gives me that same IP address for (en1) with a note that link status is active and it's sending and receiving packets. Both other networks there, the ethernet and firewire, say "unknown IP address" and no sending or receiving of packets. That makes sense; they aren't connected that I'm aware of.
When I access System Preferences and Network, "AirPort is connected to MBR-f6b and has the IP address 192.168.0.197". So does Airport indeed need to have a separate IP address from the Mac's, and if so, how in the world do I make that happen?

Here I go round the mulberry bush...

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Answer 14

jayelyn Author

Level 1

8 points

May 7, 2009 7:41 PM in response to jayelyn

Thanks, too, for the other site for wireless networking hookup. I'll make time to study that later tomorrow; tonite I need to be in a meeting. Sorry, but life just has to happen around printer issues. Actually that's a good thing--too much concentration on the printer issue, and I start going a little bonkers.

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Answer 15

John Galt

Level 10

155,804 points

May 7, 2009 9:31 PM in response to jayelyn

On May 2nd I wrote that my computer's IP address was 192.168.0.197, and I believe your response was that it couldn't be the same as Airport's IP address. ...

Way back on May 2 you wrote that it was the Express's address which confused me. If you use Airport Utility and select your Express, you'll see its IP address right there. Each device on your little network has to have a unique IP address, and it's the router's responsibility to assign them. I just want to ensure it's doing its job. Check Airport Utility again... you'll probably find the Express's address is different from your iMac's.

Try that ad-hoc network setup.

... I start going a little bonkers.

I'm waaay beyond that 🙂

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