Brother PT-520 User Manual

The Brother PT-520 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for creating professional-looking labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame designs, a built-in cutter, and supports a wide range of Brother TZe tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Functions 5. Loading Tape Cassettes 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Functions 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Label Maker Unit, AC Power Adapter, Starter Tape Cassette, User Manual.

Feature	Description
Display	1-line LCD display for previewing labels
Keyboard	Full QWERTY layout with function keys
Tape Cassettes	Supports Brother TZe tapes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths)
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, underline, outline), and frames
Built-in Cutter	Manual cutter for precise label cutting
Power	AC adapter or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Auto Numbering	Automatically generates sequential numbers
Memory	Stores frequently used labels
Mirror Printing	Option for printing mirror-image text
Symbols	Over 100 built-in symbols for labels

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all items are present.

Power the Device: Insert 6 AA batteries into the compartment or connect the AC adapter to the DC IN jack and a wall outlet.
Load the Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert the starter tape cassette, and close the cover firmly.
Turn On: Press the POWER button. The display will light up.
Set Language/Units: Use the FUNCTION key to access settings for language, units (mm/inch), and auto power-off time.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect cassettes may damage the printer mechanism.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-520.
Display: 1-line, 12-character LCD.
Tape Widths Supported: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm (TZe tapes).
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
Power Supply: AC adapter (AD-24ES) or 6 AA batteries (DC 9V).
Operating Time (Batteries): Approx. 15 continuous hours (alkaline).
Auto Power Off: After approx. 5 minutes of non-use.
Dimensions (W x D x H): 142 x 165.5 x 55 mm.
Weight: Approx. 430g (without batteries and tape).
Operating Environment: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the keyboard and FUNCTION key.

Front Panel: POWER, FUNCTION, SPACE, DEL, SHIFT, LETTER SIZE, FONT, STYLE, FRAME, PRINT, FEED.

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY layout with number keys.

Function Menu (FUNCTION key): Access settings for: Label Length: Auto, Fixed. Mirror Print: On/Off. Auto Numbering: Set start value and increment. Memory: Store/recall labels (M1-M5). System Settings: Language, Units, A.P.O. time, Reset All.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Turn off the power.
Press the cassette cover release button and open the cover.
Insert a Brother TZe tape cassette into the compartment, ensuring the tape end aligns with the guide.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Turn on the power. The tape indicator on the display should match the loaded tape width.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette or cover. Never touch the print head.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

Enter Text: Type your desired text using the keyboard.
Format Text: Use LETTER SIZE, FONT, STYLE, and FRAME keys to customize appearance.
Preview: View the formatted text on the 1-line display.
Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will be printed and automatically fed.
Cut: Use the built-in manual cutter lever to cut the label.
Apply: Peel off the backing and apply the label to a clean, dry surface.

Tip: Use the FEED key to advance tape without printing. Use DEL to correct mistakes.

Advanced Functions

Utilize the PT-520's advanced features for efficient labeling.

Auto Numbering: Access via FUNCTION > Auto Numbering. Set start number and increment. The device will automatically increase the number with each print.
Symbols: Press the SYMBOL key (via SHIFT) to browse and insert from over 100 built-in symbols.
Memory: Save a frequently used label (up to 30 characters) to memory locations M1-M5. Recall and print anytime.
Mirror Printing: Enable in FUNCTION menu to print text reversed (for application on the inside of glass/windows).
Fixed Length: Set a specific label length in FUNCTION menu for consistent label sizes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug AC adapter/remove batteries before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Print Head: If print quality declines, clean gently with a dry cotton swab.
Cutter Blade: Keep free of adhesive residue. Wipe carefully with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if not used for extended periods.

WARNING! Never immerse the unit in water or other liquids.

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. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. "Brother" is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Display is blank	Batteries inserted incorrectly	Check battery polarity and reinsert correctly.
Tape does not feed/print	Cassette not loaded properly	Turn off, reopen cassette cover, and reload tape correctly.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head/old tape	Clean print head with dry swab; use a fresh tape cassette.
Text prints partially	Low batteries/tape jam	Replace batteries; clear any tape jam carefully.
Key does not respond	Device locked/needs reset	Press and hold POWER for 10 sec to reset. If locked, press all keys simultaneously for 3 sec.
"Tape Error" message	Wrong tape type/tape end	Use only Brother TZe tape. Ensure tape is not at its end.

Reset: FUNCTION > System Settings > Reset All (Note: This clears all memory and custom settings).

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com