Brother P-Touch 2400 User manual

• Read this User’s Guide before you start using your P-touch.
• Keep this User’s Guide in a handy place for future reference.
USER’S GUIDE
2400

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the P-touch 2400!
Your new P-touch will allow you to create labels and stamps for any need. Its versatility ena-
bles you to design custom labels by choosing from a variety of frame designs and from many
characters sizes and styles. In addition, the five tape widths (6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm,
and 24 mm) and variety of tape colours allow you to print personalised labels, useful for col-
our-coded filing. With the Stamp function, you can quickly and easily make stamps for reusa-
ble pre-inked stamp holders.
You no longer have to worry about urgent tasks that require professional printing. In the office,
the factory, the lab, and the home, the quality and performance of the P-touch 2400 make it
an extremely practical machine.
Finally, as you may want to refer to this User’s Guide occasionally, we suggest that you keep it
in a handy place.
Use only the adapter designed exclusively for this machine. See
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS on
page 4.
Declaration of Conformity
We Brother International Europe Ltd.
Brother House
1, Tame Street
Audenshaw
Manchester M34 5JE
U.K.
declare that the Labelling System PT-2400 conforms with the following normative docu-
ments:
EMC: EN 55022:1995
EN 50082-1:1992
EN 60555-2:1987
EN 60555-3:1987
and follows the provisions of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC (as
amended by 91/263/EEC and 92/31/EEC). The AC adapter, as supplied with this system,
also conforms with EN 60950 and follows the provisions of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC.
Issued by: BIE Ltd.
European Development
and Technical Services
Division

I
CONTENTS
Getting Started
GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................... 2
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS................................................................................... 4
BATTERIES .......................................................................................................... 5
OPTIONAL AC ADAPTER ................................................................................... 6
TAPE CASSETTE .................................................................................................. 7
ATTACHING LABELS .......................................................................................... 8
PRINT HEAD & ROLLERS ................................................................................. 12
Learning the Ropes
DOOR LABEL EXAMPLE ................................................................................... 14
ADDRESS LABEL EXAMPLE............................................................................... 18
STORAGE SHELF LABEL EXAMPLE ................................................................... 24
For Your Information
POWER KEY...................................................................................................... 32
CURSOR KEYS .................................................................................................. 33
CODE, ALT & SHIFT KEYS ................................................................................ 35
SPACE KEY........................................................................................................ 38
RETURN KEY .................................................................................................... 39
NEW BLOCK FUNCTION ................................................................................. 40
TAB FUNCTION ............................................................................................... 41
DELETE KEY ...................................................................................................... 43
LINE OUT FUNCTION...................................................................................... 44
CLEAR FUNCTION ........................................................................................... 45
COMPOSITE CHARACTER KEYS....................................................................... 48
ACCENT FUNCTION ........................................................................................ 50
SYMBOL FUNCTION........................................................................................ 52
AUTO FORMAT FUNCTION ............................................................................ 54
STAMP FUNCTION .......................................................................................... 64
LOCAL FORMAT FUNCTION........................................................................... 67
FONT FUNCTION ............................................................................................ 68
SIZE & WIDTH FUNCTIONS ............................................................................ 70

II
STYLE FUNCTION ............................................................................................ 74
UNDERLINE FUNCTION .................................................................................. 77
FRAME FUNCTION .......................................................................................... 78
TAPE MARGIN FUNCTION .............................................................................. 80
HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT FUNCTION ......................................................... 81
MIRROR PRINTING FUNCTION ...................................................................... 82
LENGTH FUNCTION........................................................................................ 83
BARCODE FUNCTION ..................................................................................... 85
AUTO CUT FUNCTION ................................................................................... 89
PRINT KEY AND FEED & CUT FUNCTION....................................................... 90
NUMBERING FUNCTION ................................................................................ 91
REPEAT PRINTING FUNCTION ........................................................................ 94
MEMORY FUNCTIONS .................................................................................... 96
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................... 100
ERROR MESSAGE LIST.................................................................................... 101
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 106
ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................. 107

1
Getting Started

2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
TOP VIEW
BOTTOM VIEW
Tape compartment
cover
LCD display
Keyboard
AC adapter
connector
Tape exit slot
Battery compartment cover

3
KEYBOARD & LCD DISPLAY
!
?
Alt
Feed&Cut New Block
Tab Set
Symbol
Font
Mirror
Size Width Style Memory Clear
Caps Local
Accent A.Cut
Tab Length
Tape H.Ali Length A/F Stamp RepeatBarcode Number
Home
End
Store Recall M.Del
Space
ASDFGHJKL
ZXCVBNM
Shift ;
,
´
`¨
ˆ
ij
˜
:
.
QWERTYUI OP
✱
1æøåœàéè
ü
ñ
ç
ä
ö
£
–
ìòù2
”
/ @ % =
+
3456&’() 7890
Print
Code
ABCABC Line
✕
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width
Power key
Return key
Cursor keys Delete key

4
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not have the
mark.
• Do not pull on the tape being fed from the P-touch. This may damage the tape cassette.
• Do not use the machine in dusty places, and keep it out of both direct sunlight and rain.
• Do not expose the machine to high temperatures or high humidity. Never leave it on the
dashboard or in the back of your car.
• Do not leave any rubber or vinyl on the machine for an extended period of time. Doing so
may cause staining.
• Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Use a soft, dry cloth
only.
• Do not put any foreign objects into or anything on the machine.
• To avoid injuries, do not touch the cutter’s edge.
• Use only the AC adapter (model H) designed exclusively for this machine. Use of any
other adapter will void the warranty.
• Do not try to disassemble the AC adapter.
• When the machine is not being used for a long period of time and it is not necessary to
keep the text files stored in the memory, disconnect the AC adapter, and remove the batter-
ies to prevent them from leaking and damaging the machine.
• If the AC adapter is unplugged and no batteries are installed, all text files in the memory
may be deleted.
• Use eight AA alkaline batteries in this machine.

5
BATTERIES
This lightweight and portable machine can be used anywhere by installing eight (8) AA alka-
line batteries . When you change the batteries, always replace all eight at the same time.
To change the batteries:
1 Remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the machine.
2 If batteries are already installed, remove them.
3 Insert eight new AA alkaline batteries, making sure that they face the correct direction.
4 Attach the battery compartment cover.
☞
If alkaline batteries are not used, large fonts cannot be printed.
Be sure to insert the new batteries within five minutes of removing the old ones,
otherwise the text shown in the display and any text files stored in the memory will
be lost (unless the machine is plugged into an AC outlet with the AC adapter).
Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter if you do not intend to use this
machine for an extended period of time. When the power is disconnected, all text
shown in the display and stored in the memory will be lost.

6
OPTIONAL AC ADAPTER
The AC adapter (model H) allows you to use this machine wherever there is an electrical out-
let.
To connect the optional AC adapter:
1 Insert the plug on the adapter cord into the connector marked DC IN 9.5V on the right
side of the machine.
2 Insert the plug on the adapter into the nearest standard electrical outlet.
☞
Only use the AC adapter designed exclusively for this machine.
Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter if you do not intend to use this
machine for an extended period of time. When the power is disconnected, all text
shown in the display and stored in the memory will be lost.
If the AC adapter is unplugged and no batteries are installed, all text files in the
memory may be deleted.
It is recommended that you use the AC adapter when printing large fonts or bar-
codes on 18-mm- or 24-mm-wide tape since these operations can quickly drain the
batteries.

7
TAPE CASSETTE
A single TZ tape cassette is supplied with this unit. However, since TZ tape cassettes are avail-
able for this machine in a wide variety of colours and sizes, it is possible to make distinctive
colour-coded and stylised labels.
In addition, this machine has been designed to allow you to change the tape cassettes quickly
and easily.
To change the tape cassette:
1 Lift open the tape compartment cover. The installed cassette is also released.
2 If a tape cassette is already installed, remove it by pulling it straight up.
3 If the ink ribbon in the other tape cassette is loose, use your finger to wind the toothed
wheel in the direction of the arrow on the cassette until there is no slack in the ribbon.
Also, make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
☞
If you are using a new tape cassette provided with a stopper, be sure to remove the
stopper.
4 Insert the tape cassette firmly into the tape compartment, making sure that the entire back
of the cassette touches the bottom of the compartment.
☞
When inserting the tape cassette, make sure that the inner ribbon does not catch on
the corner of the metal guide.
5 Close the compartment cover, then turn on the machine if it is off.
6 Hold down and press once to remove any slack in the tape and cut off the
excess.
Code Feed&Cut
Space

8
ATTACHING LABELS
LAMINATED TAPE
The enclosed stick enables you to easily remove the backing from labels printed on laminated
tapes.
1 Hold the tape in your left hand, with the printed surface facing up, and hold the stick in
your right hand.
2 Pass the tape halfway through the long narrow hole in the stick.
3 Turn the stick three-quarters of a turn towards you and pull the stick away from you as
shown below.
4 Peel off the label backing.
NON-LAMINATED TAPE
Labels printed on non-laminated tapes can be folded in half so that the inside edges of the two
backing pieces come off the label, enabling the backing to easily be peeled off.
GH
ABCDEF
ABCDEF

9
INSTANT-LETTERING TAPE (RUB-ON TRANSFERS)
Instant-lettering tape is used to transfer your text onto paper. After printing the text onto
instant-lettering tape and cutting off the label, position the label with its non-printed side fac-
ing up on a sheet of paper. By simply rubbing the instant lettering tape’s non-printed side with
the enclosed stick, you can transfer the text directly onto the paper.
☞
Hold the tape very firmly and do not move it while rubbing the tape.
IRON-ON TRANSFER TAPE
Iron-on transfer tape is used to transfer your text onto garments using an iron.
1 Insert an iron-on transfer tape cassette, press to print the text, then push down on
the tape cutter lever to cut off the label.
2 Iron the garment to flatten it before transferring the text.
3Place the label on the garment at the location where you wish the text to be transferred.
4Set the iron to cotton (150 to 180 ˚C), then press down on the label with the iron for about
15 seconds.
5Allow the iron-on transfer to cool (for about 60 seconds), and then carefully remove the
backing paper.
ABC
Mirror
Print
P-TOUCH

10
☞ White garments made from 100% cotton with a plain (smooth) surface are best for iron-
on transfers.
You can also make transfers to garments made from 100% linen or cotton/polyester
blends as long as they have a plain (smooth) surface.
The label will not adhere properly to any cloth with a rough surface, such as pile or
denim, or with a waterproof surface. Heat-sensitive materials, such as nylon, acetate or
other similar fibres, are also unsuitable as they may be damaged when pressing with an
iron at a high temperature.
Do not move the iron while pressing, otherwise the label may move out of the desired
position. Press the iron straight down onto the cloth.
After the backing tape has been removed, the transferred label may appear glossy. In
addition, some white spots may have appeared on the label if it was touched while the
backing tape was peeled off. These can be removed by ironing over the label with a
piece of cloth placed between the label and the iron.
Since the transferred label cannot be removed once it is applied, make all transfers with
care.
Washing:
Garments with transfer labels can be washed over 20 times if the label has been transferred
correctly. Normal biological and non-biological household detergents may be used.
The label may become discoloured if the garment is placed in bleach for an extended length
of time.
Be careful that hard objects such as buckles or buttons do not come into contact with the label
during the wash.
Do not dry clean garments which have had transfer labels applied.
Drying:
Garments with transfer labels may be dried either inside or outside out.
Do not tumble dry. The transfers will come off and may stick to other items of clothing.

11
Ironing:
Iron garments with transfers using normal temperature settings.
Be sure to place a piece of cloth between the iron and the label when you iron over it to pre-
vent the label from sticking to the iron.
The labels are non-toxic, however, please maintain the usual precautions, such as not placing
them in your mouth, etc.
Do not store the tape cassette in areas exposed to direct sunlight, high humidity or dust.
FABRIC TAPE
Fabric tape is used to attach a piece of fabric printed with your text onto garments using an
iron. After printing the text onto fabric tape and cutting off the label using scissors, place the
label on an ironed garment at the location where you wish to attach it in such a way that the
printed text can be read correctly. Cover the label with another piece of cloth and use an iron
set to a medium-high temperature (160 to 180 ˚C) to press down firmly for 10 to 15 seconds.
For more details, refer to the instructions included with the fabric tape cassette.
☞ The label will have a white background on coloured cloth.
STAMP TAPE
Refer to pages 64 through 66 for a detailed explanation on using the stamp tape to make
stamps.
P-TOUCH

12
PRINT HEAD & ROLLERS
Occasionally, specks of dust or dirt become attached to the machine’s print head and rollers.
This is particularly likely when you are using the unit outdoors or in a very dusty environment.
If a section of the print head is covered with dust, a blank horizontal streak may appear
through the label text. Therefore, as with a tape recorder, the machine’s head may need to be
cleaned from time to time.
To clean the print head and rollers:
1Turn off the machine.
2Open the tape compartment cover, then remove the tape cassette if one is installed. The
print head and rollers are located in the tape compartment.
3Print head: Use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the print head with an up-and-down
motion.
Rollers: Use a dry cotton swab to wipe each roller with an up-and-down motion while
rotating them with your finger.
4Install a tape cassette, close the tape compartment cover, and then try printing again.
5If dust still remains, repeat steps 3and 4using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl (rub-
bing) alcohol.
If none of the above works, contact your service representative.
Print head Print head
Rollers
Cotton swab

13
Learning
the Ropes

14
DOOR LABEL EXAMPLE
After you have inserted the batteries and the enclosed tape cassette as explained in the Getting
Started
chapter, let’s practise using some of the basic functions of your P-touch. We must first
begin by turning on the power to the machine.
The underline in the LCD display is called the “cursor”. It is like a pointer which shows your
current position and lets you select characters in your text.
The text you create may sometimes be longer than the 11 characters that the LCD display can
show at one time. Therefore, the cursor can be moved to show other parts of the text. Pressing
the left cursor key ( ) moves the cursor to the left so that the left side of the text can be
seen and pressing the right cursor key ( ) moves the cursor to the right so that the right
side of the text can be seen.
Some format settings are shown by the triangular and square indicators around the edge of the
display. The default settings (the selected settings when the power is turned on for the very first
time) have been pre-programmed into the machine and represent the most common settings
for labels. However, you can design your own label to have any format that you wish.
Detailed explanations of the formats can be found on pages 70 through 84.
Now, let’s enter the text for our first example, the simple door label shown below.
☞ The label in this example was made using the enclosed 12-mm-wide tape.
To turn on the machine:
1Press in the top right-hand corner
of the keyboard.
1: _
ABCDEFGHIJKL
Alt
Caps
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width

15
ENTERING THE TEXT
Since all of the text will be in uppercase letters, we will use theCaps mode, which allows us to
type uppercase letters continuously without holding down .
Then, let’s type in the text in the same way that you would type on a typewriter or a computer
keyboard.
Also like on a typewriter or computer keyboard, the Space key ( ) allows you to add
blank spaces to the text.
☞ The Space key ( ) is different from the right cursor key ( ), which moves the
cursor through the entered text without adding blank spaces.
To enter Caps mode:
2Hold down and press once.
The Caps indicator on the left side of the
display lights up.
To type in “MEETING”:
3Press once and twice, then
press , , and once
each.
☞ All letters are automatically entered as
uppercase letters.
Symbol
Shift
1: _
ABCDEFGHIJKL
Alt
Caps
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width
Code Alt
Caps
1: MEETING_
ABCDEFGHIJKL
Alt
Caps
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width
MTape
E
Length
TBarcode INñG
Feed&Cut
Space
Feed&Cut
Space

16
Type the second word, “ROOM”, to finish the text.
Now that we are finished entering uppercase letters, we can exit Caps mode.
Once you have entered the text, you can easily edit it by correcting mistakes or simply adjust-
ing it or its format. For detailed explanations of text editing methods, see pages 43 and 44.
To add a space:
4Press .
To type in “ROOM”:
5Press once, twice, then
once.
☞
Since the text is longer than the LCD
display, “ME” moves off the display to
the left.
To exit Caps mode:
6Hold down and press once.
The Caps indicator goes off.
1: MEETING _
ABCDEFGHIJKL
Alt
Caps
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width
Feed&Cut
Space
1: ETING ROOM_
ABCDEFGHIJKL
Alt
Caps
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width
H.Ali
RRepeat
OöM
1: ETING ROOM_
ABCDEFGHIJKL
Alt
Caps
Length
A / F
ABC / ABC
Length
Width
Code Alt
Caps