Brother HL-2140

The Brother HL-2140 is a USB black and white laser printer with a maximum resolution of 1200x600 dpi (up to 2400x600 on Windows and Mac systems) for use in small offices or at home. It works in Linux using CUPS and Brother's lpr driver and cupswrapper.

Setting up the Kernel
Since Cups 1.4.x it deliver its own usb-module that cups load itself. However, if you had build your Kernel with insert USB printer support, Cups 1.4.4 will could not print. If you build the printer support as module, you have to unload (modprobe -r lpusb and restart cups) it. The better solution in this case is to deactivate or remove your USB printer support in your kernel.

If you use a Cups Version 1.3.x you need support for USB printing to be activated in your Kernel. If you've previously printed using a USB printer you have it enabled and can skip this section.

Installing CUPS
You'll need to install CUPS on your system if you haven't done that already. For more information on that subject please refer to the article CUPS.

Download and Install the driver
While not advertising it on the front page, Brother does support Linux. Start your favourite browser and go to http://solutions.brother.com/linux/en_us/download_prn.html#HL-2140. Download both rpm packages. Now you need (you actually don't need it,  but it makes things easier). It's in portage so you should be set and ready shortly after typing (as root)

Now change to the directory you downloaded the rpm packages to and do: and

Mind that the filenames might be slightly different due to updates.

Setting up the Printer using CUPS
Make sure CUPS is running. If you're not sure do:

Connect your Brother HL-2140 to your machine and switch it on. Now connect to CUPS in your favourite browser by typing in the adress http://localhost:631/ and add your printer

Troubleshooting
CUPS might be complaining that it can't find the filter brlpdwrapperHL2140. In this case do: or make a symbolic link

You may also need a2ps