Using a Brother DCP-8080DN with Tahoe (26.4)
I can connect the printer using the generic PCL driver and that is working. However, the scanner does not work and isn't seen by Image Capture. Brother has an iPrint and Scan app in the App Store and I was wondering if it will work with this printer. It doesn't seem to be supported on Brother's Web site and their Contact page was not working yesterday.
iMac 24″, macOS 26.4
The following is semi-random related information.
Update macOS to 26.5.2 (current), and try again.
This multi-function printer appears to lack AirPrint, and the scanner appears to lack ICA.
IPP/IPPS internet printing is supported, which means the printer is likely available from most modern platforms, including macOS.
Brother has drivers for much older macOS versions including a scanner ICA driver, though whether those will work this far along with macOS 26.5.2?
As an alternative, you can set up an FTP server on macOS or elsewhere, and use the scan-to-FTP function available with that printer. Also scans to CIFS, and presumably also scans to SMBv1.
Caveat: FTP is wildly insecure. CIFS / SMBv1 is wildly insecure.
You'll have to install and manage the ftp (ftpd) server or the CIFS / SMBv1 server on your Mac or other gear yourself, if you choose this path.
The user guide indicates some USB scanning capabilities, though whether that might work here?
A Linux system might be able to access the scanner, as well. Probably also scan to an iPhone or iPad using the Brother iPrint & Scan app, and then AirDrop from there.
Some Brother multi-function printers have a USB-A socket and can print or scan with that, using FAT-format removable storage devices. This DCP-8080DN seems to be able to print from removable storage, but I don't see any indication it can scan to the same storage. Might want to check the menus.
How much of your time and effort and focus (and security) is maintaining this printer worth, versus a replacement with AirPrint, IPP/IPPS, TWAIN, ICA, and current vendor and macOS support? Same question, but for VueScan?
The following is semi-random related information.
Update macOS to 26.5.2 (current), and try again.
This multi-function printer appears to lack AirPrint, and the scanner appears to lack ICA.
IPP/IPPS internet printing is supported, which means the printer is likely available from most modern platforms, including macOS.
Brother has drivers for much older macOS versions including a scanner ICA driver, though whether those will work this far along with macOS 26.5.2?
As an alternative, you can set up an FTP server on macOS or elsewhere, and use the scan-to-FTP function available with that printer. Also scans to CIFS, and presumably also scans to SMBv1.
Caveat: FTP is wildly insecure. CIFS / SMBv1 is wildly insecure.
You'll have to install and manage the ftp (ftpd) server or the CIFS / SMBv1 server on your Mac or other gear yourself, if you choose this path.
The user guide indicates some USB scanning capabilities, though whether that might work here?
A Linux system might be able to access the scanner, as well. Probably also scan to an iPhone or iPad using the Brother iPrint & Scan app, and then AirDrop from there.
Some Brother multi-function printers have a USB-A socket and can print or scan with that, using FAT-format removable storage devices. This DCP-8080DN seems to be able to print from removable storage, but I don't see any indication it can scan to the same storage. Might want to check the menus.
How much of your time and effort and focus (and security) is maintaining this printer worth, versus a replacement with AirPrint, IPP/IPPS, TWAIN, ICA, and current vendor and macOS support? Same question, but for VueScan?
Just some feedback to let you know that the Brother ICA driver package works with the latest version of Tahoe. (At least until Apple drops support for Intel-based software). The scanner is recognized by Image Capture and both the flatbed and feeder work. Interface is very similar to the one on Catalina and most features appear to be there.
If all else fails try the Demo of VueScan. It's truly outstanding software. You don't need to renew the subscription unless you get a new printer/scanner that your current version does not support.
The Demo version will put a logo on each scan which the paid version doesn't.
You may consider VueScan which says, they support this older Printer / Scanner
I thought about it but it's an expensive piece of software. I tried Brother's iPrint and Scan but the scanner on this printer is not supported (according to the app). Thanks for the tip though.
ArbeeNYC wrote:
I thought about it but it's an expensive piece of software. I tried Brother's iPrint and Scan but the scanner on this printer is not supported (according to the app). Thanks for the tip though.
You are asking a 17 year old piece of printer/scanner...optimistic at best.
The Brother DCP-8080DN was introduced in April 2009. It is a monochrome laser multi-function copier and printer that has since been discontinued by the manufacturer.
I am well aware of that, however it still functions and prints quite well. Copier works. And the scanner works with my old iMac running Catalina. As a last resort, I can always scan to that machine by simply switching the USB cable. I hate to discard older hardware that still works. Then, there's the additional cost of a new multifunction printer.
ArbeeNYC wrote:
I am well aware of that, however it still functions and prints quite well. Copier works. And the scanner works with my old iMac running Catalina. As a last resort, I can always scan to that machine by simply switching the USB cable. I hate to discard older hardware that still works. Then, there's the additional cost of a new multifunction printer.
Catalina is 6 operating systems back...
I would do what works, seems straight forward.
You are welcome
🦉-53
Thanks. I'll give it a try.
Brother DCP-8080DN scanner not working on Tahoe (new iMac)
