The Brother PT 2040 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, symbols, and a variety of tape cassettes. It is powered by AC adapter or optional batteries. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Key components: Main unit with keyboard and LCD display, AC adapter, starter tape cassette, and user manual.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| LCD Display | 2-line, 12-character display for previewing labels |
| Keyboard | Full QWERTY layout with function keys |
| Tape Cassette | Uses TZe tapes in various widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm) |
| Power Source | AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional) |
| Print Method | Thermal transfer printing |
| Fonts & Styles | Multiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, underline, outline), frames, symbols |
| Auto-Cut Feature | Automatically cuts tape after printing (optional setting) |
| Memory Function | Stores frequently used text (up to 9 memories) |
| Portability | Compact and lightweight for easy transport |
| Connector Cover | Protects AC adapter port when using batteries |
Unpack and verify all items are present.
WARNING! Do not use any power adapter other than the one supplied. Using an incorrect adapter may damage the unit.
Power on the label maker and prepare for first use.
CAUTION! Keep batteries away from children. Do not mix old and new batteries.
Access functions via dedicated keys and the [FUNCTION] menu.
Front Panel Keys: [POWER], [ALPHABET/LETTER], [SYMBOL], [FRAME], [FONT], [SIZE/STYLE], [SETTINGS], [DEL/BS] (Delete/Backspace), [SPACE], [SHIFT], [ENTER].
Print & Edit: [PRINT], [AUTO-CUT] (toggle), [LEFT/RIGHT ARROW] (cursor move), [UP/DOWN ARROW] (scroll functions).
Function Menu ([FUNCTION] key): Access to memory store/recall, mirror printing, serial numbering, length settings, factory reset.
Only use genuine Brother TZe tape cassettes.
Tip: Always use the correct tape width setting in [SETTINGS] to match the loaded cassette for proper print alignment.
Basic steps to create and print a label.
WARNING! Keep fingers clear of the cutter blade area during and after printing.
Utilize memory, serialization, and special print modes.
Text Memory: Store frequently used text (up to 9 memories). Press [FUNCTION] > "Memory" > "Store". Recall by pressing [FUNCTION] > "Memory" > "Recall".
Serial Numbering: Automatically increment numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3...). Press [FUNCTION] > "Serial Number" to set start value and increment.
Mirror Printing: Prints text reversed for application on the inside of glass or transparent surfaces. Press [FUNCTION] > "Mirror Print".
Length Setting: Manually set a fixed label length. Press [FUNCTION] > "Length Set".
Unplug AC adapter or remove batteries before cleaning.
Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cutter Blade: If tape does not cut cleanly, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the blade edge. Allow to dry completely.
LCD Screen: Clean gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
CAUTION! Never immerse the unit in water or other liquids. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.
FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Batteries dead/incorrect; adapter not connected | Install fresh batteries; ensure adapter is firmly plugged into unit and outlet. |
| Nothing appears on LCD | Contrast setting; power | Adjust contrast via [SETTINGS]; check power source. |
| Tape does not feed/print | Cassette not loaded properly; tape jam | Open cover, reinsert cassette correctly; clear any tape debris. |
| Print quality is poor/faint | Low batteries; dirty print head; wrong tape type | Use AC power or new batteries; clean print head with dry cotton swab; use genuine Brother TZe tape. |
| Label is not cut | Auto-Cut is OFF; cutter blade stuck | Turn Auto-Cut ON in settings; manually operate cutter lever; clean blade. |
| Wrong characters print | Keyboard mode incorrect | Press [ALPHABET/LETTER] key to switch between uppercase, lowercase, and numbers. |
Reset: Press [FUNCTION] > "Initialize" to restore factory defaults (erases memory).
Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com