Brother P-Touch PT-H100 User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL: PT-H100/H105

PREFACE
This publication is a service manual covering the specifications, theory of operation, disassembly/reassembly
procedure, and troubleshooting of the Brother PT-H100/H105. It is intended for service personnel and other
concerned persons to accurately and quickly provide after-sale service for our PT-H100/H105.
To perform appropriate maintenance so that the machine is always in best condition for the customer, the
service personnel must adequately understand and apply this manual.
This manual is made up of four chapters and appendixes.
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY
CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING
Appendix 1 Main PCB Circuit Diagram
Appendix 2 Key PCB Circuit Diagram
© Copyright Brother 2012
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form or by any means without permission in writing
from the publisher.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 Mechanical Specifications .........................................................................................................I-1
1.1.1 External Appearance ...........................................................................................................I-1
1.1.2 Keyboard .............................................................................................................................I-1
1.1.3 Display.................................................................................................................................I-1
1.1.4 Printing Mechanism.............................................................................................................I-2
1.1.5 Tape Cassette.......................................................................................................................I-2
1.1.6 Tape Cutter ..........................................................................................................................I-2
1.2 Electronics Specifications..........................................................................................................I-4
1.2.1 Character Generator.............................................................................................................I-4
1.2.2 Power Supply.......................................................................................................................I-4
1.3 Key Commands for Special Functions ......................................................................................I-5
1.3.1 Initializing............................................................................................................................I-5
1.3.2 Inspection Mode ..................................................................................................................I-5
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
2.1 Outline of Mechanisms............................................................................................................ II-1
2.1.1 Print Mechanism................................................................................................................ II-1
2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism .................................................... II-2
2.1.3 Cassette Sensor Mechanism .............................................................................................. II-4
2.1.4 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism...................................................................................... II-6
2.1.5 Tape Cutter Mechanism .................................................................................................... II-8
2.1.6 Cutter Safety Lock Mechanism ......................................................................................... II-9
2.1.7 Cutter Jam Prevention Mechanism.................................................................................. II-10
2.2 Outline of Control Electronics............................................................................................... II-11
2.2.1 Configuration................................................................................................................... II-11
2.2.2 Main PCB ........................................................................................................................ II-13
[ 1 ] Block Diagram............................................................................................................... II-13
[ 2 ] Identification of Tape Cassette Type............................................................................. II-14
CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY
3.1 Disassembly/Reassembly ....................................................................................................... III-2
3.1.1 Disassembly Procedure .................................................................................................... III-2
[ 1 ] Removing the Cassette Cover, Tape Cassette, Dry Cells and Cassette Panel................ III-2
[ 2 ] Removing the Cutter Case ASSY and Board,
and Separating the Upper Cover from the Bottom Cover .............................................. III-4
[ 3 ] Removing the Terminal Press Cover and Battery Terminals B ..................................... III-6
[ 4 ] Removing the Frame ASSY, Cutter Lever and Cassette Sensor PCB ASSY................ III-7
[ 5 ] Removing the Battery Spring Plus / Minus.................................................................. III-11
[ 6 ] Removing the Cutter Sensor ASSY, Main PCB ASSY and Key PCB ASSY............. III-12
[ 7 ] Removing the Upper Cover, Rubber 54 Key and LCD................................................ III-13
3.1.2 Reassembly Procedure.................................................................................................... III-14
[ 1 ] Installing the LCD and Rubber 54 Key........................................................................ III-14
[ 2 ] Installing the Main PCB ASSY, Key PCB ASSY and Cutter Sensor ASSY .............. III-15

[ 3 ] Installing the Battery Spring Plus / Minus ................................................................... III-16
[ 4 ] Installing the Cassette Sensor PCB ASSY, Frame ASSY and Cutter Lever................ III-17
[ 5 ] Installing the Battery Terminal B and Terminal Press Cover ...................................... III-21
[ 6 ] Assembling the Frame Cover and Bottom Cover,
and Installing the Board and Cutter Case ASSY.......................................................... III-22
[ 7 ] Installing the Cassette Panel......................................................................................... III-25
[ 8 ] Installing the Dry Cells, Tape Cassette and Cassette Cover ........................................ III-26
3.2 Final Check and Inspection Mode ........................................................................................ III-27
3.2.1 Procedure for the Factory Inspection Mode ................................................................... III-27
3.2.2 Factory Inspection Mode ................................................................................................ III-28
3.3 Write Setting Mode ([1] key) : Perform at Production......................................................... III-29
3.3.1 Head Rank Set Mode...................................................................................................... III-29
3.3.2 Country Set Mode........................................................................................................... III-30
3.3.3 Check LCD Indication Mode ......................................................................................... III-31
3.4 INFORMATION Mode ([2] key) : Perform at Production .................................................. III-33
3.4.1 Country Indication.......................................................................................................... III-33
3.4.2 Head Rank Indication ..................................................................................................... III-33
3.4.3 Power-Supply Voltage Check Indication ....................................................................... III-33
3.5 Inspect Cassette Sensor Mode ([3] key) : Perform at Production ........................................ III-34
3.6 Inspect Key Mode ([4] key) : Not Perform at Production .................................................... III-37
3.7 PRINT 1 Mode ([5] key) : Perform at Production................................................................ III-39
3.8 CUT Mode ([6] key) : Perform at Production ...................................................................... III-40
3.9 MOTOR Mode ([8] key) for DC Motor Rotation Adjustment : Perform at Production ...... III-42
CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING
4.1 Precautions..............................................................................................................................IV-1
4.2 After Repairing .......................................................................................................................IV-1
4.3 Error Messages .......................................................................................................................IV-2
4.4 Troubleshooting Flows ...........................................................................................................IV-5
[ 1 ] Tape feeding failure........................................................................................................IV-5
[ 2 ] Printing failure................................................................................................................IV-7
[ 3 ] Powering failure (Nothing appears on the LCD.) ..........................................................IV-9
[ 4 ] No key entry possible ...................................................................................................IV-11
[ 5 ] Tape cassette type not identified ..................................................................................IV-12
Appendix 1 Main PCB Circuit Diagram
Appendix 2 Key PCB Circuit Diagram

I - 1
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 Mechanical Specifications
1.1.1 External Appearance
Figure 1.1-1 External Appearance
(1) Dimensions (W x D x H) 110 x 208 x 59 mm (4.4 x 8.2 x 2.4 inches)
(incl. keys, cutter lever and bottom feet)
(2) Weight
- Machine proper Approx. 390 g
1.1.2 Keyboard
(1) Entry system 54-rubber keypad
(2) Key arrangement See Figure 1.1-2.
1.1.3 Display
(1) Display type Liquid crystal display (LCD)
(2) Number of columns 12 columns x 1 row (See Figure 1.1-2.)
(3) Number of guidance 17 (See Figure 1.1-2.)
59 mm (2.4")110 mm (4.4")
208 mm (8.2")

I - 2
1.1.4 Printing Mechanism
(1) Print system Thermal transfer onto plastic and fabric tapes
(Fixed thermal print head and tape feed mechanism)
(2) Print speed 20 mm/second
(3) Print head
- Type Thermal print head
- Heat generator Consists of 64 heating elements vertically
aligned in 180 dpi
- Size of a heating element 0.18 mm wide by 0.127 mm high
(4) Character size
1.1.5 Tape Cassette
(1) Cassette Cartridge type (TZe cassette)
(2) Types of tape cassettes
- Laminate tape cassette
- Non-laminate tape cassette
- Fabric tape cassette
(3) Tape size
1.1.6 Tape Cutter
(1) Tape cutting Manual cutting with the cutter lever
(2) Cutter unit User-replaceable
Size
1
2
3
4
5
16 dots
23 dots
29 dots
42 dots
56 dots
Type of tape Width
Laminate tape 6, 9, 12 mm
Non-laminate tape 3.5, 9, 12 mm
Fabric tape 12 mm

I - 3
Figure 1.1-2 Display and Key Arrangement
USA version EUROPE version

I - 4
1.2 Electronics Specifications
1.2.1 Character Generator
(1) Internal characters 387
(2) Internal fonts HELSINKI, BELT, DOT
(3) Text buffer Max. 80 characters
(DECO MODE, Auto Designs: Max. 50 characters)
(4) File memory 9 files
(5) Memory backup
No dedicated backup battery is provided. However, the memory is backed up for
5 minutes even after:
1) you remove the dry cells (e.g., at the replacement time of dry cells) without
connection of the optional AC adapter*.
2) you unplug the optional AC adapter* (being plugged in the AC jack* of the
machine) from the wall socket without dry cells loaded.
If the machine is loaded with dry cells when you unplug the AC adapter* (being
plugged in the AC jack* of the machine) from the wall socket, the memory will be
backed up by those dry cells.
* Only H105 is equipped with an AC adapter and AC jack.
1.2.2 Power Supply
(1) Power supply Driven by 6 dry cells
Optional AC adapter available
- AD-24ES US
- AD-24ES EU
- AD-24ES UK
(2) Battery type Alkaline batteries (LR03) / Ni-MH batteries (HR03)
(3) Service life of batteries Will last through one 12-mm wide tape cassette,
and then some (at room temperature and
normal humidity).
(4) Automatic powering-off Yes (If the machine remains unused for approx.
5 minutes, it automatically turns itself off.)
(5) Low battery detection and indication
- If the voltage level exceeds 10.96 V or drops below 5.5 V when the machine is
on standby, the machine automatically turns itself off. However, if the voltage
level drops below 6.90 V when the machine is on, the machine turns off.
- If the voltage level drops below the specified level during printing, the machine
displays an error message to warn the user of the low battery or shuts down
the power.
- If the input voltage is out of the specified level range, the machine immediately
shuts down the power.
If the voltage level drops below: The machine will:
5.5 V
4.87 V
4.33 V
Display "Low Battery!" after completion of printing.
Display "Battery Dead" and stop printing.
Shut down the power immediately.

I - 5
1.3 Key Commands for Special Functions
1.3.1 Initializing
Inside RAM is cleared by pressing [Menu] + [R] + [ON/OFF] simultaneously at power-off
state.
1.3.2 Inspection Mode
After inside RAM is cleared, enter the factory inspection mode by pressing [SPACE] +
[BS] + [ON/OFF] simultaneously at power-off state.
Before entering the mode, checksum is executed. If it is OK, LCD displays as shown
in <Figure 1.3-1>.
Figure 1.3-1 LCD Display of Factory Inspection Mode
SET H100

II - 1
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
2.1 Outline of Mechanisms
2.1.1 Print Mechanism
■Structure of Thermal Head
This machine uses direct thermal printing. The thermal print head has a heat
generator consisting of 64 heating elements, which are vertically aligned in 180 dpi as
shown in Figure 2.1-1. Each heating element is 0.195 mm wide by 0.141 mm high.
Figure 2.1-1 Heat Generator of Thermal Head
■Printing Process
When the cylindrical rubber platen is pressed against the thermal print head with the
tape and the ink ribbon sandwiched inbetween, the CPU applies current to the
selected ones out of the 64 heating elements.
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, ink on the sandwiched ribbon will
be melted and transferred to the tape, producing a dot(s) on the tape. The ink ribbon
and the tape are advanced and then the next heating cycle is repeated, thus forming
a graphic pattern on the tape.
■Graphic Pattern Formation
While the DC motor feeds the tape and the ink ribbon by 0.141 mm for 14.3 ms, the
thermal head generates heat once. The feed amount of 0.141 mm is smaller than the
width (0.195 mm) of the heating elements so that the heat generated at one heating
cycle will overlap with the next heating cycle. This forms a graphic pattern having no
gap between adjacent printed dots.
9.024 mm
0.141 mm
0.195 mm

II - 2
2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism
This mechanism consists of the roller holder ASSY and the holder cam (provided on
the cassette cover).
The cassette cover has a holder cam on the inside. Closing the cassette cover
causes its holder cam to press section “A” as shown below. This pivots the roller
holder ASSY around the shaft provided on the frame ASSY so as to press the roller
holder ASSY against the thermal head side.
Figure 2.1-2 Holder Cam on the Cassette Cover
Figure 2.1-3 Holder Cam and Roller Holder ASSY
Holder cam
Cassette cover
Thermal head
Tape cassette
Shaft
Roller holder ASSY
Platen roller
Tape feed
sub roller
Holder cam
(on the cassette cover)
“A”
Tape cassette
Platen idle gear Frame ASSY
Roller holder ASSY
Holder cam
Platen roller
(Roller holder ASSY retracted)
(Roller holder ASSY engaged)
Thermal head

II - 3
The roller holder ASSY supports the platen roller and tape feed sub roller so that they
can move perpendicularly to the thermal head and tape feed roller built in a tape
cassette, respectively, as well as rotating freely.
Closing the cassette cover presses the platen roller perpendicularly against the
thermal head with the tape and the ink ribbon sandwiched inbetween under a uniform
load by the upper and lower roller holder springs. At the same time, the platen roller
gear becomes engaged with the platen idle gear.
The tape feed sub roller is pressed perpendicularly against the tape feed roller built in
the tape cassette with the tape (and adhesive base paper when using laminate tape
cassettes) sandwiched inbetween under a uniform load by the upper and lower roller
holder springs. At the same time, the sub roller gear becomes engaged with the tape
idle gear.
Opening the cassette cover pulls out its holder cam so that the roller holder release
spring retracts the roller holder ASSY from the thermal head, providing you with
enough space to replace the tape cassette.
Figure 2.1-4 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism
Adhesive base tape
Tape cassette
Platen idle gear
Tape feed roller built in
a tape cassette
(Tape idle gear)
Tape feed sub roller
Laminate tape
Ink ribbon
Thermal head
Roller holder ASSY
Platen roller
Holder cam
(provided on the
cassette cover)
Platen roller gear
Sub roller gear
Tape feed sub roller
Roller holder spring, lower
Roller holder spring, upper
Platen roller
Shaft

II - 4
2.1.3 Cassette Sensor Mechanism
Move the cassette sensor to the side of the tape cassette with the cassette sensor
cam on the cassette cover by closing the cassette cover.
Figure 2.1-5 Cassette Sensor Cam on the Cassette Cover
Figure 2.1-6 Cassette Sensor Cam and Cassette Sensor
Cassette cover
Cassette sensor cam
Cassette sensor cam
Tape cassette
Frame ASSY
Cassette sensor
*Before moving the cassette sensor (Before pressing)
*After moving the cassette sensor (After pressing)

II - 5
The locking boss on the cassette sensor holder enters the locking boss hole on the
tape cassette, and the cassette sensor switches are held down according to the holes
on the tape cassette. (The cassette sensor turns ON when the sensor switches that
correspond to the sections without holes are held down.)
The tape cassette type and width are determined depending on the pattern that the
cassette sensor switches are held down. (The tape cassette type and width are
determined depending on the holes (1, 2 or 3) at the section “A”.)
Figure 2.1-7 Cassette Sensor Mechanism
Locking boss hole
Tape cassette
Locking boss
The switch at this
position does not
exist on the actual
part.
Cassette sensor
switches (3 pcs.)
Cassette sensor
Cassette sensor hole
“A”

II - 6
2.1.4 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism
This mechanism consists of a DC motor, gear train, and roller holder ASSY.
■Tape Feeding
As the DC motor rotates, the rotation is transmitted via the gear train to the platen idle
gear (which rotates the platen roller gear) and tape idle gear (which rotate the tape
feed roller and its sub roller at the same rotation speed).
Accordingly, the sandwiched tape and ink ribbon will be advanced at the constant
speed. (When a laminate tape cassette is mounted, the sandwiched laminate tape,
ink ribbon and adhesive base tape will be advanced together).
■Adhesive Base Tape Feeding (only for laminate tape cassettes)
A laminate tape cassette contains both a transparent laminate tape roll and a
separate adhesive base tape roll.
When a transparent laminate tape and adhesive base tape pass through the contact
point (between the tape feed roller and tape feed sub roller), they are then bonded
together into a single, printed tape. The ink printed on the laminate tape is, therefore,
sealed up with the adhesive base tape.
Figure 2.1-8 Tape Feeding Mechanism
Adhesive base tape
Platen idle gear
Tape feed roller built in
a tape cassette
(Tape idle gear)
Tape feed
sub roller
Transparent
laminate tape
Thermal head ASSY
Roller holder ASSY
Platen roller
DC motor
Tape idle gear
Frame ASSY
Platen idle gear

II - 7
■Ink Ribbon Feeding
As the DC motor rotates, the ribbon drive cam located at the middle of the gear train
rotates counterclockwise. When fitted on the ribbon drive cam, the ribbon take-up roll
in the tape cassette also rotates to take up the ink ribbon.
To apply proper tension to the ink ribbon between the platen and the ribbon drive cam,
the feed amount of the ribbon drive cam is slightly greater than that of the tape idle
gear. The difference between the feed speeds at the platen roller and at the ribbon
drive cam is absorbed by the clutch spring which is integrated in the ribbon drive cam
and allows the cam to slip.
This way, the ink ribbon is kept tense, which enables the ribbon to clearly separate
from the tape at the stabilized angle after printing.
Figure 2.1-9 Ribbon Feeding Mechanism
Tape feed roller built in
a tape cassette
(Tape idle gear)
Ink ribbon
Thermal head ASSY
Roller holder ASSY
Tape feed
sub roller
Platen roller
DC motor
Tape idle gear
Frame ASSY
Ribbon drive cam
Platen idle gear

II - 8
2.1.5 Tape Cutter Mechanism
The tape cutter ASSY consists of a cutter case ASSY and board.
Pressing the cutter lever pushes out the cutter blade against the board, cutting the
printed tape coming through the cutter case ASSY and board.
Figure 2.1-10 Tape Cutter Mechanism
Cutter case ASSY
Board
Tape
Cutter blade
Cutter lever
Tape cassette

II - 9
2.1.6 Cutter Safety Lock Mechanism
When the cassette cover is opened, the roller holder ASSY is retracted from the
thermal head with the roller holder release spring (as described in Section 2.1.2). In
this retracted position, the cutter lever stopper of the roller holder ASSY blocks the
end of the cutter lever, preventing the cutter blade from getting driven for safety, as
shown below.
Closing the cassette cover releases the cutter safety lock mechanism.
If you close the cassette cover, the roller holder ASSY pivots towards the thermal
head so that the cutter lever stopper does not interfere with the cutter lever.
Figure 2.1-11 Cutter Safety Lock Mechanism
Figure 2.1-12 Releasing the Cutter Safety Lock Mechanism
Cutter lever
Cutter lever stopper of
the roller holder ASSY
Thermal head
Roller holder ASSY
Roller holder release spring
Cutter lever
Holder cam
(provided on the inside of
the cassette cover)
Roller holder release spring

II - 10
2.1.7 Cutter Jam Prevention Mechanism
When the machine is printing or feeding tape, pressing the cutter lever turns on the
cutter sensor switch and immediately stops the DC motor. This prevents the cutter
blade from interrupting the tape being fed and causing a tape jam.
Figure 2.1-13 Cutter Jam Prevention Mechanism
Board
Tape
Main PCB
Cutter blade
Cutter lever
Cutter sensor
switch

II - 11
2.2 Outline of Control Electronics
2.2.1 Configuration
Figure 2.2-1 shows a block diagram of the control electronics of this machine. The
control electronics consists of three PCBs (main PCB, key PCB and cassette sensor
PCB), an LCD, DC motor, thermal print head and cutter sensor.
■Main PCB
This PCB manages all the components including an LCD, DC motor and thermal
print head. For electronic devices on the main PCB, refer to Section 2.2.2.
■Key PCB
This PCB holds an AC jack.
■Cassette sensor PCB
According to the states of the three sensor switches on this PCB, the CPU can
identify the tape width and type of the tape cassette loaded.
■LCD
The LCD has 1 line.
■DC Motor
The DC motor is a power source to advance the tape and ink ribbon.
■Thermal print head
This is a thick-film thermal print head which integrates a heat generator (consisting
of 64 heating elements vertically aligned in 180 dpi) and driver circuitry.
■Cutter sensor
Pressing the cutter lever turns on this sensor, signaling that the cutter is driven. If
this sensor is turned on during printing or tape feeding, the CPU immediately stops
the motor to prevent tape jamming.