Brother PT 2040 Label Maker Manual

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.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Loading the Tape Cassette 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with keyboard and LCD display, AC adapter, starter tape cassette, and user manual.

FeatureDescription
LCD Display2-line, 12-character display for previewing labels
KeyboardFull QWERTY layout with function keys
Tape CassetteUses TZe tapes in various widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Power SourceAC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional)
Print MethodThermal transfer printing
Fonts & StylesMultiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, underline, outline), frames, symbols
Auto-Cut FeatureAutomatically cuts tape after printing (optional setting)
Memory FunctionStores frequently used text (up to 9 memories)
PortabilityCompact and lightweight for easy transport
Connector CoverProtects AC adapter port when using batteries

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

  1. Brother PT 2040 Label Maker main unit.
  2. AC Power Adapter.
  3. Starter TZe tape cassette (typically 3.5mm or 6mm width).
  4. Quick Setup Guide and User Manual.
  5. Warranty information card.

WARNING! Do not use any power adapter other than the one supplied. Using an incorrect adapter may damage the unit.

Getting Started

Power on the label maker and prepare for first use.

  1. Insert batteries (optional): Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
  2. Connect AC power: Plug adapter into unit and then into a wall outlet (recommended for extended use).
  3. Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape, and close cover (see Section 6).
  4. Power on: Press the [POWER] key. The LCD will illuminate.
  5. Set language/units: Use [SETTINGS] key to select language, tape width, and measurement units.

CAUTION! Keep batteries away from children. Do not mix old and new batteries.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

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.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Only use genuine Brother TZe tape cassettes.

  1. Ensure power is on.
  2. Press the cassette cover release button and open the cover fully.
  3. Insert the tape cassette with the tape end feeding towards the cutting blade slot. The cassette will click into place.
  4. Close the cassette cover firmly until it clicks.
  5. The LCD will automatically detect the tape width and color.

Tip: Always use the correct tape width setting in [SETTINGS] to match the loaded cassette for proper print alignment.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

  1. Type text: Use the keyboard to enter your desired text. It appears on the LCD.
  2. Format text: Use [FONT], [SIZE/STYLE], [FRAME], or [SYMBOL] keys to apply formatting.
  3. Preview: The LCD shows a preview of the label layout.
  4. Print: Press [PRINT]. The label will be printed and automatically fed out.
  5. Cut: If Auto-Cut is OFF, press the manual cutter lever to cut the tape. If Auto-Cut is ON, the label is cut automatically after printing.
  6. Peel & Apply: Peel the backing paper from the printed label and apply it to a clean, dry surface.

WARNING! Keep fingers clear of the cutter blade area during and after printing.

Advanced Functions

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".

Care & Maintenance

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.

Regulatory Information

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.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBatteries dead/incorrect; adapter not connectedInstall fresh batteries; ensure adapter is firmly plugged into unit and outlet.
Nothing appears on LCDContrast setting; powerAdjust contrast via [SETTINGS]; check power source.
Tape does not feed/printCassette not loaded properly; tape jamOpen cover, reinsert cassette correctly; clear any tape debris.
Print quality is poor/faintLow batteries; dirty print head; wrong tape typeUse AC power or new batteries; clean print head with dry cotton swab; use genuine Brother TZe tape.
Label is not cutAuto-Cut is OFF; cutter blade stuckTurn Auto-Cut ON in settings; manually operate cutter lever; clean blade.
Wrong characters printKeyboard mode incorrectPress [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

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