p touch 2040 manual

The Brother P-touch 2040 is a versatile electronic label maker designed for creating professional, durable labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape widths, automatic tape cutting, and a range of decorative frames and symbols. Below are key sections covering setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full QWERTY keyboard, Backlit LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Print/Cut mechanism, Power adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, formatting, and label preview before printing
Full Keyboard	For easy text entry and function access
Tape Cassette System	Accepts various Brother TZe tape widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Offers several font styles and adjustable character sizes
Frames & Symbols	Includes decorative borders and common symbols
Power Options	AC adapter or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels for quick recall
Print Modes	Normal, Mirror, Multiple copies
Label Length Adjustment	Auto or manual length setting

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Ensure you have the P-touch 2040 unit, AC adapter, starter tape cassette, and user manual.

1. Install batteries: Open battery compartment on bottom, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
2. Connect AC power: Plug adapter into DC jack on side, then into wall outlet.
3. Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing out, close cover.
4. Power on: Press the POWER button. The LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer. Install batteries correctly to avoid leakage.

First-Time Operation

After powering on, follow these steps to create your first label.

1. Select language: Press FUNCTION, then use arrow keys to select language, press ENTER.
2. Set tape width: Machine auto-detects loaded tape width; confirm on display.
3. Enter text: Type desired label text using keyboard.
4. Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to adjust appearance.
5. Print label: Press PRINT key. The label will print and automatically cut.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from cutter area during operation. Do not pull tape during printing.

Specifications

• Model: Brother P-touch 2040.
• Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm (Brother TZe series).
• Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
• LCD Display: 2 lines, backlit.
• Fonts: Multiple (e.g., Gothic, Sans Serif, Script).
• Character Sizes: 1 to 5 (adjustable).
• Power Supply: AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries.
• Operating Temperature: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F).
• Dimensions: Approx. 7.5" (W) x 9.8" (D) x 3.9" (H).
• Weight: Approx. 2.2 lbs (without batteries).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, FONT, SIZE, STYLE (B/I/U), FRAME, SYMBOL, ARROWS, ENTER, BACKSPACE, SPACE.

Function Menu: Press FUNCTION to access: Tape width setting, Auto numbering, Mirror print, Multiple copies, Memory store/recall, System settings.

Text Formatting: Change font, size (1-5), style (bold, italic, underline, outline, shadow). Label Design: Add frames, symbols, bar codes (if supported). Print Settings: Set number of copies (1-99), mirror printing for transparent tape, auto-cut on/off.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process step-by-step.

1. Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
2. Type text using keyboard. Use SHIFT for uppercase and symbols.
3. Press FONT to cycle through available fonts.
4. Press SIZE to adjust character size (1=smallest, 5=largest).
5. Press STYLE to apply bold, italic, underline, etc.
6. Add frame: Press FRAME, select from list with arrows, press ENTER.
7. Add symbol: Press SYMBOL, browse categories, select with ENTER.
8. Preview on LCD, adjust as needed.
9. Press PRINT. Enter number of copies if prompted, press ENTER to print.

Tip: Use the SPACE key to create gaps or separate items on a label.

Advanced Functions

Utilize advanced features for specialized labeling tasks.

1. Auto Numbering: Press FUNCTION, select "Numbering", set start value and increment.
2. Multiple Copies: Press FUNCTION, select "Copies", enter quantity (1-99).
3. Mirror Printing: For application on transparent tape from back side. Press FUNCTION, select "Mirror".
4. Memory Store: Type label, press FUNCTION, select "Memory", choose slot (M1-M5) to save.
5. Memory Recall: Press FUNCTION, select "Recall", choose stored label slot.
6. Label Length: Set to Auto (default) or Manual for fixed length.
7. Bar Codes: Some models support simple bar codes (check availability).

WARNING! Mirror printing uses more tape. Ensure correct tape type for intended application.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior. Never use liquids or aerosols.

Cleaning the cutter: If tape residue builds up, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean cutter blade area. Allow to dry completely before use.

Tape Jam: If tape jams, turn power off, open cassette cover, gently remove jammed tape. Do not use sharp objects.

CAUTION! Never immerse unit in water. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. Store in a cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. CE marked for European compliance. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/Adapter	Check battery installation/polarity; ensure adapter is plugged in securely.
Nothing prints	Tape/Print head	Ensure tape cassette is correctly loaded; check for tape jam; clean print head.
Print is faint or missing	Low tape/Ribbon	Replace tape cassette; some tapes have integrated ribbon that wears out.
Tape doesn't cut	Cutter jam/Setting	Check for tape debris in cutter; ensure Auto Cut is set to ON.
Keys not responding	Lock function/Reset	Check if key lock is on (press & hold FUNCTION); reset device (remove batteries/adapter for 1 min).
LCD is blank	Power/Contrast	Check power source; adjust LCD contrast in system settings (FUNCTION menu).

Reset: Remove batteries and adapter for 1 minute to perform a soft reset.

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