Brother PT 2300 - P-Touch 2300 Thermal Transfer... User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL: PT-2300/2310/2450

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL: PT-2300/2310/2450

PREFACE
This publication is a service manual covering the specifications, theory of operation,
disassembly/reassembly procedure, and troubleshooting and error message of the Brother PT-
2300/2310/2450. It is intended for service personnel and other concerned persons to accurately
and quickly provide after-sale service for our PT-2300/2310/2450.
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 appendices.
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS
CHAPTER II MECHANISMS
CHAPTER III ELECTRONICS
CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR MESSAGE
APPENDICES 1. SOFTWARE TO WRITE THE SERIAL NUMBER
2. CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS
© Copyright Brother 2001
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.

CHAPTER I
SPECIFICATIONS

i
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... I-1
1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................ I-1
1.1.1 External Appearance...................................................................................... I-1
1.1.2 Keyboard........................................................................................................ I-2
1.1.3 Display........................................................................................................... I-2
1.1.4 Printing Mechanism........................................................................................ I-2
1.1.5 Tape Cassette................................................................................................ I-3
1.1.6 Tape Cutter.................................................................................................... I-3
1.2 ELECTRONICS SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... I-9
1.2.1 Character Generator....................................................................................... I-9
1.2.2 Power Supply................................................................................................. I-9
1.3 KEY COMMANDS FOR SPECIAL FUNCTIONS................................................... I-9
1.3.1 Initializing....................................................................................................... I-9
1.3.2 Demonstration Print........................................................................................ I-9

I-1
CHAPTER ISPECIFICATIONS
1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1.1.1 External Appearance
Fig. 1.1-1 PT-2300/2310/2450
(1) Dimensions (W x D x H) 194 x 242 x 65.5 mm (7.64" x 9.53" x 2.59")
(2) Weight
Machine proper Approx. 900 g
In package Approx. 1.6 kg (PT-2300/2450)
Approx. 2.9 kg (PT-2310/2450cc)
(including batteries, a tape cassette, and user's manual)
(PT-2300/2310)
(PT-2450)

I-2
1.1.2 Keyboard
(1) Entry system Rubber key pad
(2) Number of alphanumeric and symbol keys 39
(3) Number of function keys 12 (including “On/Off ( ) ” key)
(4) Key arrangement See Fig. 1.1-2.
(5) Navigation dial (PT-2450) Rotary switch : 20 positions / cycle
Set key : 1
1.1.3 Display
(1) Display type Liquid crystal display (LCD)
(2) Display composition 16 x 59 dots
(3) Number of indicators 20 (See Fig. 1.1-2.)
(4) Dot size 0.65 mm(25.6mils) wide by 0.65 mm(25.6mils) high
(5) Field-of-view angle adjustment Fixed by a resistor
1.1.4 Printing Mechanism
(1) Print method Thermal transfer onto plastic tapes (laminate tape and
non-laminated tape) or special tapes (instant lettering tape,
non-laminated thermal film tape, iron-on transfer tape, and
porous-stamp tape)
(Fixed print head and tape feeding mechanism)
(2) Print speed 10 mm/second (Typical)
(3) Print head
Type Thermal print head
Heat generator Consists of 112 heating elements vertically aligned
(PT-2450 : 128 heating elements)
Size of heating element 0.195 mm (7.7 mils) wide by 0.141 mm (5.6 mils) high
(4) Character size
Character size Height x Width (dots)
Size 6 1.55 mm x 1.13 mm (11 x 8)
Size 9 1.97 mm x 1.41 mm (14 x 10)
Size 12 2.82 mm x 2.12 mm (20 x 15)
Size 18 4.51 mm x 3.38 mm (32 x 24)
Size 24 5.92 mm x 4.37 mm (42 x 31)
Big <12 mm> 7.61 mm x 5.64 mm (54x 40)
Size 36 9.02 mm x 6.77 mm (64 x 48)
Size 42 (PT-2300/2310) 10.72 mm x 8.04 mm (76 x 57)
Size 48 (PT-2450) 11.84 mm x 8.74 mm (84 x 62)
Big <18 mm> (PT-2300/2310) 13.54 mm x 10.30 mm (96 x 73)
Big <24 mm> (PT-2450) 16.07 mm x 11.99 mm (114 x 85)
* The height and width of the printed character are different depending on characters.
The values in the above list refer to the values of ‘H’ of HELSINKI.
* The character size indicates the point size.

I-3
1.1.5 Tape Cassette
(1) Cassette Cartridge type
(2) Types of tape cassettes
•Laminated tape cassette Laminate tape, ink ribbon, and adhesive base tape
•Non-laminated tape cassette Non-laminate tape and ink ribbon
•Instant lettering tape cassette Instant lettering tape and ink ribbon
•Non-laminated thermal film Non-laminated thermal film tape
tape cassette
•Iron-on transfer tape cassette Iron-on transfer tape and ink ribbon
•Stamp tape cassette Porous-stamp tape and base paper
•Cloth tape cassette Cloth tape and ink ribbon
(3) Tape size
Width Length
Laminate tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24
mm 8 m
(5 m for the fluorescent coating tape)
Non-laminate tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24
mm 8 m
Instant lettering tape 18 mm 8 m
Non-laminate thermal film
tape 12, 18 mm 8 m
Iron-on transfer tape 18 mm 6 m
Porous-stamp tape 18, 24 mm 3 m
Cloth tape 12 mm 4 m
(4) Tape cassette packed with the machine
Laminated tape cassette containing a 12-mm-wide black
ink ribbon, laminate tape, and adhesive base tape
1.1.6 Tape Cutter
(1) Tape cutting Automatic cutter (scissors type)
(2) Cutter unit Not user-replaceable

I-4
PT-2300/2310 U.S.A.
Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (1)

I-5
PT-2450 BELGIUM
Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (2)

I-6
PT-2450 FRENCH
Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (3)

I-7
PT-2450 GERMAN
Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (4)

I-8
PT-2450 U.K.
Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (5)

I-9
1.2 ELECTRONICS SPECIFICATIONS
1.2.1 Character Generator
(1) Internal characters U.S.A. (PT-2300/2310) 179 characters
U.K./ FRA/ BEL (PT-2450) 199 characters
GER (PT-2450) 216 characters
(2) Internal font HELSINKI, BRUSSELS, FLORIDA, US (PT-2300/2310)
HELSINKI, BRUSSELS, FLORIDA, BELGIUM,
LOS ANGELS, SAN DIEGO, ISTANBUL, US (PT-2450)
(3) Internal memory Text buffer 99 characters (PT-2300/2310)
255 characters (PT-2450)
File memory 300 characters (PT-2300/2310)
2500 characters (PT-2450)
1.2.2 Power Supply
(1) Automatic power off Yes
Normal mode : 5 min. ± 30 sec.
IF mode : 30 min. ± 30 sec. (PT-2300/2310)
1.3 KEY COMMANDS FOR SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
1.3.1 Initializing
Powering on the machine with both the Code and R keys held down will initialize the machine.
1.3.2 Demonstration Print
Pressing the D key with the Code key held down will start demonstration print. (This key
command takes effect only when no data is entered.)

CHAPTER II
MECHANISMS

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CONTENTS
CHAPTER II MECHANISMS.............................................................................. II-1
2.1 THEORY OF OPERATION ................................................................................... II-1
2.1.1 Print Mechanism ............................................................................................ II-1
2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism..................................... II-3
2.1.3 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism.................................................................... II-4
2.1.4 Automatic Tape Cutter Mechanism................................................................. II-6
2.1.5 Roller Holder ASSY & Cassette Cover Interlocking Mechanism...................... II-7
2.2 DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY......................................................................... II-8
2.2.1 Disassembly Procedure.................................................................................. II-8
[ 1 ] Removing the Battery Lid and Batteries....................................................... II-8
[ 2 ] Removing the Tape Cassette and Tape Separator Stick.............................. II-9
[ 3 ] Removing the Bottom Cover ....................................................................... II-10
[ 4 ] Removing the Cassette Cover, Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate.................. II-12
[ 5 ] Removing the Main PCB and Rubber Key Pad............................................ II-18
[ 6 ] Removing the Switch ASSY ........................................................................ II-20
[ 7 ] Removing the Blind Cover........................................................................... II-20
[ 8 ] Removing the Power Supply PCB ............................................................... II-21
[ 9 ] Removing the Battery Terminals ................................................................. II-22
2.2.2 Reassembly Procedure .................................................................................. II-23
[ 1 ] Installing the Battery Terminals ................................................................... II-23
[ 2 ] Installing the Power Supply PCB ................................................................. II-24
[ 3 ] Installing the Blind Cover............................................................................. II-26
[ 4 ] Installing the Switch ASSY .......................................................................... II-26
[ 5 ] Installing the Rubber Key Pad ..................................................................... II-27
[ 6 ] Installing the Main PCB ............................................................................... II-28
[ 7 ] Installing the Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate.............................................. II-29
[ 8 ] Installing the Bottom Cover ......................................................................... II-34
[ 9 ] Installing the Cassette Cover....................................................................... II-36

ii
[ 10 ] Installing the Tape Cassette and Tape Separator Stick................................ II-36
[ 11 ] Loading Batteries and Installing the Battery Lid ........................................... II-37
[ 12 ] Demonstration Print and Final Check .......................................................... II-38

II-1
CHAPTER II MECHANISMS
2.1 THEORY OF OPERATION
2.1.1 Print Mechanism
(1) Structure of Thermal Head
This machine uses thermal transfer printing. The thermal print head has a heat generator
consisting of 112 heating elements (PT-2450 : 128 heating elements ) which are vertically
aligned as shown in Fig. 2.1-1.
Each heating element is 0.195 mm wide by 0.141 mm high.
Fig. 2.1-1 Heat Generator of Thermal Head
(2) Printing Process
When the cylindrical rubber platen is pressed against the thermal print head with the tape*
and ink ribbon** sandwiched inbetween, the CPU applies electric power to the selected ones
of those 112 heating elements. (PT-2450 : 128 heating elements)
* Laminate tape when using laminated tape cassettes.
Non-laminated tape when using non-laminated tape cassettes.
Instant lettering tape when using instant lettering tape cassettes.
Non-laminated thermal film tape when using non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes.
Iron-on transfer tape when using iron-on transfer tape cassettes.
Cloth tape when using cloth tape cassettes.
** When using non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes or stamp tape cassettes, no ink
ribbon is sandwiched.
[For tape cassettes except non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes and stamp tape
cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the 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 character on
the tape.
[For non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the thermal film tape develops itself to
produce a dot on the tape. The tape is advanced and the next heating cycle is repeated,
thus forming a character on the tape.

II-2
[For stamp tape cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the porous-stamp tape will be melted so
that a pore (pores) will be formed in the tape. The tape is advanced and the next heating
cycle is repeated, thus forming a character of pores on the tape. The printed stamp tape
can be used as the face of a stamp. When the stamp is pressed against the ink-pad, it will
absorb ink through the pores.
For laminated tape cassettes, instant lettering tape cassettes, and iron-on transfer tape
cassettes, the CPU processes the print data to generate a mirror image so that the printed
character can be seen normally when viewed from the other side of the printed face of the
tape.
(3) Character Formation
While the DC motor feeds the tape and ink ribbon (only the tape when using non-laminated
thermal film tape cassettes or stamp tape cassettes) by 0.141 mm, the thermal head
generates heat once. The feed amount is decided by sending each five pulses of the signal
as one dot (0.141 mm) when the photo interrupter detects the encode gear assembled onto
the motor shaft. 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 character having no gap between adjacent printed dots.

II-3
2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism
This mechanism consists of the roller release lever, roller holder release rod, and roller holder
ASSY.
The roller holder ASSY supports the platen and the tape feed sub roller so that they can move
perpendicularly to the head ASSY and the tape feed roller, respectively, as well as rotating freely.
Loading a tape cassette and closing the cassette cover pushes down the roller release lever which
moves the roller holder release rod to the left (when viewed from the front of the machine). This
pivots the roller holder ASSY around the shaft provided on the chassis so as to press the roller
holder ASSY against the head ASSY side.
The platen is pressed perpendicularly against the head ASSY with the tape and ink ribbon (only
the tape when using non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes or stamp tape cassettes)
sandwiched inbetween under a uniform load by the platen (upper and lower) spring.
At the same time, the platen gear becomes engaged with the platen idle gear.
Also, the tape feed sub roller is pressed perpendicularly against the tape feed roller built in the
tape cassette with the tape (and base paper when using laminated tape cassettes or stamp tape
cassettes) sandwiched inbetween under a uniform load by the roller holder upper spring and roller
holder lower spring. At the same time, the sub roller gear becomes engaged with the tape idle
gear.
If you open the cassette cover, the roller release lever pops up, which shifts the roller holder
release rod so that the roller holder ASSY is retracted from the head ASSY, providing you with
enough space to replace the tape cassette.
Fig. 2.1-2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism
Head ASSY
Roller holder release rod
Platen idle gear
Platen roller
Chassis ASSY
Ink ribbon
Tape cassette
Laminate tape
Adhesive base tape
Tape feed roller
Tape feed sub roller
Roller holder ASSY Shaft
Roller release lever
(Tape feed) platen gear Platen lower spring
Platen roller
(Tape feed) sub roller gear Platen upper spring
(Top)
Tape feed sub roller