brother model pt-2040 manual

The Brother PT-2040 is a compact and versatile electronic labeling system designed for home, office, and light industrial use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape widths, decorative frames, and a built-in cutter. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Power 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full keyboard, LCD display, Tape Cassette compartment, Power adapter port, Cutter lever.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and label formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout with function keys for special characters and formatting
Tape Cassette	Accepts various tape widths (e.g., 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Built-in Cutter	Manual lever for cutting printed labels
Power Adapter Port	For AC power connection
Battery Compartment	Optional battery operation (requires 6 AA batteries)
FONT Key	Selects font style (e.g., Gothic, Sans Serif, Script)
SIZE Key	Adjusts font size (Small, Medium, Large)
STYLE Key	Applies text styles (Bold, Italic, Underline, Outline, Shadow)
FRAME Key	Adds decorative frames around text

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, flat surface.

Insert batteries (optional): Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Install tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing down, close cover firmly.
Connect power adapter: Plug adapter into port and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Power on: Press the POWER button.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved AC adapter and tape cassettes. Do not force tape cassette into compartment.

First-Time Setup

Power on the labeler; the LCD will display the default settings.

Set language: Press the MENU key, navigate to LANGUAGE, select ENGLISH (default).
Set tape width: The machine auto-detects tape width; confirm on display.
Set date/time (if applicable): Use MENU > SETTINGS > DATE/TIME.
Test print: Type a sample text and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from the cutter area during operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-2040 Electronic Labeling System.
Tape Widths Supported: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Power Source: AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional).
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Character Sets: Multiple languages and symbols.
Memory: Stores frequently used labels and formats.
Operating Temperature: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Dimensions: Compact desktop design.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via dedicated keys or MENU. Front Panel: POWER, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, PRINT, CUT.

Menu Navigation: Use arrow keys to scroll, OK to select, ESC to cancel.

Text Formatting: FONT (select style), SIZE (adjust size), STYLE (bold, italic, etc.), FRAME (add borders). Label Settings: Tape width auto-detect, print density, mirror printing, serial numbering. System: Language, date/time, sound on/off, reset to factory defaults.

Connecting to Power

Use included AC adapter or install batteries for portable operation.

Ensure labeler is off before connecting power.
Plug adapter firmly into labeler's power port.
Connect adapter to a standard 120V AC outlet.
For battery use, ensure all 6 AA batteries are correctly installed.

Tip: Use AC power for extended use to conserve batteries.

Creating Labels

Supports text, symbols, sequential numbering, and decorative frames.

Enter text: Type using the keyboard; text appears on LCD.
Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME keys to customize.
Preview: Check LCD for label layout before printing.
Print: Press PRINT key; label prints and advances automatically.
Cut: Use manual cutter lever to separate label from tape.
Apply label: Peel backing and apply to clean, dry surface.
Store label: Use half-cut feature to print multiple labels on one tape without cutting fully.

WARNING! Do not touch print head after printing; it may be hot. Allow to cool.

Advanced Functions

Serial Numbering: Automatically prints sequences (e.g., 1,2,3). Mirror Printing: For printing on transparent tape viewed from reverse side. Memory: Store up to 9 frequently used labels for quick recall.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use a dry, soft cloth to clean exterior. Clean print head with cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol if print quality declines.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Keep labeler away from dust, heat, and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/adapter	Check battery installation/polarity; ensure adapter is plugged in securely.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head/old tape	Clean print head with alcohol swab; replace tape cassette.
Tape not feeding	Cassette not installed correctly	Eject and reinsert tape cassette; ensure it clicks into place.
Wrong characters printed	Language setting	Check MENU > LANGUAGE setting; reset to ENGLISH.
LCD blank or dim	Power/low batteries	Check power connection; replace batteries if used.

Reset: MENU > SYSTEM > RESET to factory defaults if needed.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother-usa.com