Brother P Touch PT 2040 User Manual

The Brother P Touch PT 2040 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for creating professional-looking labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and a variety of tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD Display, QWERTY Keyboard, Tape Cassette Compartment, Cutter, AC Adapter Port, Battery Compartment.

FeatureDescription
LCD DisplayShows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
QWERTY KeyboardFor easy text input and navigation
Tape Cassette CompartmentHolds Brother TZe tape cassettes (3.5mm to 24mm width)
Built-in CutterAutomatically cuts tape after printing
Power OptionsAC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Font Styles & SizesMultiple fonts and sizes (6mm to 24mm)
Frames & SymbolsVarious decorative frames and symbols for label enhancement
Auto-LaminationLaminated tape cassettes provide durable, smudge-proof labels
Preview FunctionView label layout on LCD before printing
Memory FunctionStore frequently used labels for quick recall

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

  1. Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
  2. Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN jack and into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  3. Install tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing up, close cover.
  4. Power on: Press the POWER button. The LCD will illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Using incompatible tapes may damage the printer. Keep batteries away from children.

First-Time Operation

Power on the label maker; follow basic steps to create your first label.

  1. Select language: Upon first use, use the SETTINGS menu to select your preferred language.
  2. Type text: Use the QWERTY keyboard to enter your desired label text.
  3. Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to adjust appearance.
  4. Preview: Press PREVIEW to see the label layout on the LCD.
  5. Print: Press PRINT to print and automatically cut the label.
  6. Apply label: Peel backing from the printed label and apply to desired surface.

CAUTION! Do not touch the cutter blade. Keep fingers clear during the automatic cutting process.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or MENU. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT (manual), FONT, SIZE, STYLE (B/I/U), FRAME, SYMBOL.

Menu Navigation: Use MENU key and arrow keys to access: SETTINGS (Language, Auto Power Off), MEMORY (Store/Recall), FORMAT (Text alignment, Mirror print), SYSTEM (Reset, Demo).

Text Formatting: Change font (multiple styles), size (S, M, L, XL), style (bold, italic, underline, outline). Label Design: Add frames (various styles), insert symbols from library, set text alignment (left, center, right).

Creating Labels

Basic steps for creating standard and decorative labels.

  1. Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
  2. Type your text using the keyboard.
  3. Press FONT to cycle through available font styles.
  4. Press SIZE to select character height (Small to Extra Large).
  5. Press STYLE to apply Bold, Italic, Underline, or Outline.
  6. Press FRAME to select a decorative border around your text.
  7. Press SYMBOL to insert pre-loaded symbols (arrows, warning signs, etc.).
  8. Press PREVIEW to check the layout.
  9. Press PRINT to print the label. The cutter will activate automatically.
  10. Peel the backing and apply the label.

Tip: Use the SPACE key and arrow keys to position text within frames. For long labels, the text will scroll automatically during printing.

Advanced Functions

Utilize memory, special formats, and system settings.

  1. Memory Store: Type a label, press MENU > MEMORY > STORE, assign a number (M1-M5).
  2. Memory Recall: Press MENU > MEMORY > RECALL, select stored number to load label for editing or printing.
  3. Serial Numbering: Use MENU > FORMAT > SERIAL to create sequentially numbered labels.
  4. Mirror Printing: MENU > FORMAT > MIRROR for creating labels to apply on the inside of glass surfaces.
  5. Auto Power Off: Set sleep timer in SETTINGS menu to conserve battery (5, 10, 30 min).
  6. Factory Reset: MENU > SYSTEM > RESET to restore all default settings (clears memory).

WARNING! A factory reset will erase all stored labels in memory. Ensure you have printed any needed labels before resetting.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

Cutter Maintenance: If label edges are not cutting cleanly, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the cutter blade. Allow to dry completely before use.

Tape Jam: If tape jams, power off the unit. Open the cassette cover and gently remove the jammed tape. Do not use sharp objects.

CAUTION! Never insert fingers or objects into the tape exit slot. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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 1-877-4BROTHER. This product uses thermal printing technology; the print head may become warm during extended use.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerDead batteries/loose adapterReplace batteries; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing printsNo tape/tape installed incorrectlyInstall a tape cassette correctly (printed side up).
Print is faint or missingLow battery/old tapeReplace batteries; use a fresh tape cassette.
Tape does not cutCutter jam/blunt bladeClear any jammed tape; clean cutter blade as per maintenance.
Keys do not respondUnit locked/firmware errorPress and hold POWER for 10 seconds to reset. If persistent, perform factory reset.
Wrong characters printLanguage setting incorrectCheck and correct language setting in SETTINGS menu.
Tape jams frequentlyIncompatible tape/damaged mechanismUse only Brother TZe tapes. Inspect for obstructions.

Reset: Menu > System > Reset to restore factory defaults.

Service: 1-877-4BROTHER; www.brother-usa.com

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