Brother PocketJet PJ-523 User manual

User’s Guide
PJ-522/523/562/563
Mobile Printer
Before using this printer, be sure to read this User’s Guide.
We suggest that you keep this manual in a handy place
for future reference.

Thank you for your purchasing Brother mobile printer PocketJet PJ-522 / PJ-523 / PJ-562 /
PJ-563. The printers (hereafter PJ-522, PJ-523, PJ-562 or PJ-563 called “the printers”) are
ultra mobile thermal printers.
Before using the printer, be sure to read this User’s Guide.
We suggest that you keep this manual in a handy place for future reference.
Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows Vista®are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
The Bluetooth®word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth®SIG, Inc. and any use of
such marks by Brother Industries, Ltd. under license.
All other software and product names mentioned are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Printer driver name Shorter name Model name
Brother PocketJet 3 PJ3 PJ-522
Brother PocketJet 3B PJ3 w/BT PJ-562
Brother PocketJet 3Plus PJ3Plus PJ-523
Brother PocketJet 3PlusB PJ3Plus w/BT PJ-563

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Contents
Chapter 1 – Setting Up the Printer ............................................................................ 1
Connecting to an AC Outlet (Optional)................................................................. 1
Connecting to a DC Supply (Optional) ................................................................. 2
Using the Operation Panel..................................................................................... 3
Main Switch Functions..................................................................................... 3
Indicator Lights ................................................................................................ 4
Chapter 2 – Using the Printer .................................................................................... 5
Printing Solutions .................................................................................................. 5
Driver Installation.................................................................................................. 6
CD Install ......................................................................................................... 6
Manual Install................................................................................................... 7
Accessing Advanced Software Features................................................................ 7
Density Modes.................................................................................................. 8
2-ply Mode ....................................................................................................... 8
Form Feed Modes............................................................................................. 8
Selecting Media ..................................................................................................... 9
Cut Sheet Paper ................................................................................................ 9
Non-Perforated Roll Paper ............................................................................... 9
Perforated Roll Paper ..................................................................................... 10
Windows Advanced Features Using PocketJet 3 Utility (Configuration Utility) ...... 10
Windows-Specific Operating System Features ................................................... 11
Connecting to Your Computer............................................................................. 12
Via USB Cable ............................................................................................... 12
Via Infrared (IrDA) ........................................................................................ 13
Via Bluetooth (Bluetooth Models Only) ........................................................ 13
Printing ................................................................................................................ 14
Turning the Printer OFF ................................................................................. 15
Making Prints Lighter or Darker.................................................................... 15
PocketJet Utility (Configuration Utility) ............................................................. 16
Controllable Printer Features ......................................................................... 16
Installing the PocketJet 3 Utility .................................................................... 16
Using the PocketJet 3 Utility.......................................................................... 17
Menu Bar........................................................................................................ 18
Configuration Options (Dropdown Menu Selections) ................................... 20
Printer Commands (Function Buttons) .......................................................... 31
Installing the Battery (Optional).......................................................................... 34
Removing the Battery.......................................................................................... 36
Charging the Battery............................................................................................ 37
Stopping the Charge Process.......................................................................... 37
Tips on Using the Battery .................................................................................... 38

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Chapter 3 – Tips on Using Paper............................................................................. 39
Inserting Paper..................................................................................................... 39
Use Brother Genuine Thermal paper................................................................... 40
Usage and Handling Instructions......................................................................... 40
Clearing a Paper Jam ........................................................................................... 41
Method 1 ........................................................................................................ 41
Method 2 ........................................................................................................ 41
Chapter 4 – Maintaining the Printer ........................................................................ 43
Cleaning the Print Head....................................................................................... 43
Cleaning the Platen Roller................................................................................... 45
Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior ............................................................................ 47
Chapter 5 – Reference ............................................................................................. 49
Indicator Lights.................................................................................................... 49
Indicator Light Table ...................................................................................... 49
Indicator Light Warnings..................................................................................... 50
Self-Test Feature.................................................................................................. 52
Chapter 6 – Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 53
Overview ............................................................................................................. 53
Paper Problems.................................................................................................... 54
Printed Image Problems....................................................................................... 54
Pages Don’t Print................................................................................................. 57
Pages Are Partially Printed .................................................................................. 57
Chapter 7 – Technical Information.......................................................................... 58
Specifications....................................................................................................... 58
Appendix I – Character Set Tables .......................................................................... 62

Page 1
Connecting to an AC Outlet (Optional)
Connect the printer to a nearby AC power outlet to run it on AC power or to charge the
battery (See “Charging the Battery”, page 37).
1. Connect the AC adapter to the printer as shown in Figure 2.
2. Connect the AC power cord to the AC adapter.
3. Plug the AC power cord into a nearby AC power outlet (100~240 VAC, 50-60 Hz).
Figure 2. Connecting the printer to an AC power outlet
NOTE: AC power cord and AC Adapter are optional.
Please purchase appropriate adapter.
Chapter 1 - Setting Up the Printer

Page 2
Connecting to a DC Supply (Optional)
The PocketJet can be powered from its internal Ni-MH battery or from a vehicle DC
supply. To install the battery, See page 34. To connect your PocketJet to a “12-volt”
vehicle DC supply to print or maintain the battery charge, follow the steps below.
1. Connect a PA-AD-500CG / WR (either with a cigarette plug or direct wired) to the
vehicle 12VDC supply as shown in Figure 3. (These items are available as options)
2. Connect the power cord to the PocketJet.
3. Turn on the vehicle power, and then turn on the PocketJet.
Figure 3. Connecting the printer to DC power

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Using the Operation Panel
The operation panel consists of the main switch and three indicator lights.
See Figure 4.
Figure 4. Operation panel
Main Switch Functions
Power ON: Push once while the printer is OFF.
Power OFF: Push twice quickly.
Manual Form Feed: With power ON and paper inserted, press and hold the main
switch to feed (or eject) paper. In order to assure that printing is complete before
permitting a form feed, manual form feeds cannot be performed for five seconds after
the printer has received any data. The button must then be held down for 1-1/2 seconds
to start the form feed.
Charge the Battery: With the printer off, push the main switch and hold it down
for two or more seconds until the POWER indicator begins to blink. The POWER
indicator light continues to blink until charging is complete.
To Power Off During Charge Mode: Push the main switch twice quickly (same as
when in normal operating mode).
Service Mode: After powering the unit on, press and hold for 2 seconds until the
DATA LED turns red. In this mode you may initiate self test printing (See Chapter 5)
or head cleaning (See Chapter 4).

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NOTE:Additional functions such as Auto On, Auto Off, and Pre-Feed are available
for your printer through the PocketJet 3 Utility or PocketJet 3Plus Utility.
See pages 16-33 for details.
Indicator Lights
The three indicator lights—POWER, DATA, and ERROR— show both normal
operation and error conditions. Each light may appear as green, red, or orange, and
may either stay lit continuously or blink. The meaning of the many possible indications
of these lights is explained in more detail in Chapter 5.
Some of the more common indications follow:
• POWER light is steady green: The printer is operating on external power.
• POWER light is red or orange: The printer is operating on battery power. Colour and
blink/solid indicates approximate charge remaining.
• POWER light is alternately blinking green/yellow: Battery is being discharged prior
to charging.
•POWER light is blinking green: Battery is charging.
• DATA light is steady green: Unprinted data is in the printer buffer or a command has
been received from the computer.
• DATA light is blinking green: Printer is receiving data.
• ERROR light is steady or blinking in any colour (except when sending new flash code
or fonts): An error has occurred.
Please refer to the table in Chapter 5 that contains all combinations of indicator lights
and their meanings.

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Chapter 2 - Using the Printer
Printing Solutions
Brother provides printing solutions for many different operating systems and device types.
Device types include:
• Windows systems
For most printer applications, your printer requires driver software to communicate with
your computer. A CD with drivers and installation information is provided with your
PocketJet. The supplied CD and the Brother Solutions Center website both list driver version
numbers. If the website version is newer (with a higher version number), we recommend
that you install the website version. Browse to the Brother Solutions Center web site.
Drivers that can be installed automatically, once selected from the Installation CD’s main
setup program, are:
• Windows 2000 Professional / XP / Vista

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Driver Installation
NOTE: Please do NOT connect your PocketJet printer to your computer via the USB
cable UNTIL you have performed the driver installation. If you accidentally
do so, cancel the “New Hardware Wizard”, disconnect the printer, and begin
the driver installation described below.
Using a Bluetooth Interface - Be sure to install a Bluetooth driver on the host
computer before installing the PocketJet driver and PocketJet Utility if you
are going to use the Bluetooth interface.
CD Install
1. Insert the CD in your PC’s CD drive.
2. Select the model.
3. Select the install item you wish to install.
4. Follow all on-screen instructions to install the software. Your Windows operating
system will be selected by automatically. They will run one-by-one until all have
been installed.
5. Click “Finish” to close the CD or browse the CD to learn about additional
solutions available for your PocketJet printer.
NOTE:If the automatic CD installation does not proceed as explained above, use the
manual install procedure below.

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Manual Install
You may want to manually install a Windows version. View the “Readme.txt” file
on the CD for more information. Note that every driver can be installed manually if
necessary.
1. Place the installation CD into the host CD drive.
2. Browse the CD to find the directory for your printer model.
3. Browse the CD to find the proper operating system folder (for Windows, either
“<CD Drive>:\<printer>\Win2000-XP” or “<CD Drive>:\<printer>\Vista”.
4. For Vista only, browse the “x86” directory if you have 32-bit Vista or the “amd64”
directory if you have 64-bit Vista.
5. Double-click on the appropriate file. For Windows, “PJ3-Install-2KXP.exe”,
“PJ3-Install-Vista32.exe” or “PJ3-Install-VistaXP64.exe” according to your printer.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions. Be sure to select the appropriate communication
interface during installation, since this will provide helpful hints.
Accessing Advanced Software Features
Text Mode:
The Printers (PJ-522 / PJ-523 / PJ-562 / PJ-563) can print either Raster Graphics or
Text Mode. The choice is determined automatically by the data stream sent from the
host device to the printer.
Raster Graphics is the most common form of usage for the PocketJet. The printer
uses bit-mapped graphics as opposed to text. What you will see is WYSIWYG
– what you see is what you get – meaning that what is on your computer screen is
what is printed.
In Text Mode, the Printers will print only the characters contained in the resident
character set. For the Printers this character set is the Epson®ESC/P emulation in
native serif and sans serif fonts in 10, 12, 15 cpi and proportional sizes.

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The following three features (Modes) can be accessed using the software dialog boxes
and methods discussed below.
In Windows Vista, permanently change the advanced features using “Start:Control
Panel:Printers: Brother PJ-522: Printing Preferences: Advanced or the settings
may be temporarily changed using the “Print Setup” from your application.
In Windows XP / 2000 Professional, permanently change the advanced features using
“Start:Settings:Printers: Brother PJ-522:Printing Preferences:Advanced” or the
settings may be temporarily changed using the “Print Setup” from your application.
As above, “Brother PJ-522” should be changed to your printer model (“Brother PJ-523”,
“Brother PJ-562” or “Brother PJ-563”).
Density Modes
You can set the print density to your preference from zero to 10. 0 is the lightest,
7 is the default (medium), and 10 is the darkest.
2-ply Mode
For special applications where 2-ply paper is needed, this setting makes prints that are
darker (and print slower) than the density mode set to 10 as listed above.
Form Feed Modes
You can set how the printer ejects paper by using the following options.
• Fixed Page Mode - the paper always feeds at the end of a job to complete the
vertical page size specified (i.e., letter, legal, A4, or user-defined size). Use this
with cut sheet paper
• End of Page Mode - the printer feeds paper until an “out-of-paper” condition is
found, or a maximum of 356 mm (14’’). Use this with perforated paper.
• No Feed Mode - there is no paper feed at the end of a job. This is typically used
with non-perforated roll paper to save paper.
- No Feed Mode Extra Feed - this option is used in conjunction with the No Feed
Mode to eject paper by setting the number of lines to be ejected (at 200-dpi for PJ-
522 or PJ-562 or 300-dpi for PJ-523 or PJ-563) after the end of a document.
NOTE: The “Extra Feed” mode only affects the last page of a document. The bottom
margin as selected by the application has no effect. The top margin actually
defines the total top and bottom margin between pages of a multi-page job.

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Selecting Media
Cut Sheet Paper
1. Select “Fixed Page” mode.
2. Select the appropriate paper size (Letter, A4, or Legal).
3. In Windows Vista / XP / 2000 Professional, set the Paper Type to “Cutsheet”.
Non-Perforated Roll Paper
To use roll paper, you must select from either fixed page length using “Fixed Page
Mode” or variable page length using the “No Feed Mode” and selecting a page eject
length using the “No Feed Mode Extra Feed” option.
When using Windows Vista / XP / 2000 Professional, for each case below, be sure to
set the Paper Type to “Roll”.
A. Variable Length Forms (saves paper)
1. Select No Feed Mode.
2. Set the value of the No Feed Mode Extra Feed to the amount of margin you
wish to have between the final printed line and the end of the document. For
example, 200 lines equal 1 inch. On a PocketJet 3, this allows paper advancement
from the print head area inside the printer to a position outside the printer. This
provides for a “tear-off” position from a continuous roll feed that will include the
entire printed image.
3. The Paper Size selected does not affect this mode except to provide a maximum
number of lines per page.
B. Infinite Length Forms (such as geological recordings or polygraph charts) –
(Only available in Windows Vista / XP / 2000 Professional drivers)
1. Select No Feed Mode.
2. Select “Infinite Paper Size”.
3. Set the value of the No Feed Mode Extra Feed to the desired length.
4. Check to be sure that the Top/Bottom margins within your application
software are set to zero (0).
C. Fixed Page Length
1. Select Fixed Page Mode.
2. If the length corresponds to one of the pre-defined paper sizes (Letter, Legal,
or A4), select the desired paper size from the Advanced Features Setup using the
Control Panel method instead of the application software’s Print Setup in order to
make it permanent.

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3. If the fixed length desired is not one of these sizes, use the Advanced Features
setup as explained in #2 above to select User Defined Paper Size. Set the width
and length as desired.
D. Multipage Documents with “tear off” for EACH page
Note: This feature has recently been added to the Windows Vista / XP / 2000
Professional driver.
Select “Roll Paper Pause” for Windows Vista / XP / 2000 Professional for Paper Source
on the “Paper” tab within the printer properties control panel. This setting causes a
dialog to be displayed before EVERY printed page, including the first one.
Perforated Roll Paper
1. Select “End of Page” mode.
2. Select “Perf Letter” or “Perf A4” paper size. This is very important because
the printable area is smaller when using perforated paper compared to cut
sheet paper.
Windows Vista / XP / 2000 Professional Note: Set “Paper Type” to “Perforated
Roll.” This modifies the printable area for any paper size including custom
sizes. This way you are not limited to “Perfletter” and “PerfA4” sizes.
Windows Advanced Features Using
PocketJet 3 Utility (Configuration Utility)
 Auto-On
 Auto-Off
 Pre-feed
These features can be accessed through Windows by using the PocketJet 3 Utility
(Configuration Utility). Please see specific definitions of Auto-On, Auto-Off, and Pre-
feed on pages 22 and 23.

Page 11
Windows-Specific Operating System Features
Windows Vista Notes:
1) The “Roll Paper Pause” feature is not available in Vista.
2) This system supports both 32-bit and 64-bit Vista.
Windows XP / 2000 Professional Notes:
1) Paper Type Control – Select Cut Sheet, Roll, or Perforated Roll. This modifies
the printable area of all paper sizes (Letter, Legal, A4, and Custom).
2) Using Custom Forms
a. Select Start:Settings:Printers: select Server Properties.
b. On the Forms Page, create a form for use with custom paper size.
c. Allowed sizes:
• Minimum width = 102 mm (4”)
• Maximum width = 216 mm (8.5”)
• Minimum height = 51 mm (2”)
• Maximum height = 8.23 m (PJ-522 / PJ-562),
5.49 m (PJ-523 / PJ-563) , 65,535 print lines.
d. All forms created within these specifications will be displayed as paper
size options.

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Connecting to Your Computer
There are two ways to connect your PocketJet to your computer, via USB cable and via
Infrared (IrDA). For PJ-562 and PJ-563, you can connect via a wireless Bluetooth.
Via USB Cable
CAUTION: Install the driver software before connecting the printer to the computer
via the USB cable.
1. Install the printer driver. See page 6.
2. Make sure your printer is off before installing the interface cable.
3. Insert the printer end of the cable into the interface connector on the side of the
printer. See example, Figure 7.
Figure 7. Connecting the PocketJet to your computer
4. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on your computer.

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Via Infrared (IrDA)
If a USB cable is not connected to the PocketJet printer when it is turned on, the
infrared connection is automatically enabled. Make sure your computer is set
properly to send data via its infrared port, make sure the two infrared ports are
aligned each other, and proceed to print.
Via Bluetooth (Bluetooth Models Only)
1. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of your Bluetooth equipped host
computer or adapter to install any necessary hardware and software.
2. If “pairing” is necessary using a PIN code, use the PocketJet Utility that accompanies
your PocketJet3 Bluetooth printer to set the printer’s PIN password.
See information on PIN setting in “Bluetooth Menu”, page 18.
NOTE: The default PIN code is “default”.
3. Connect to the printer according to the instructions supplied with your Bluetooth
equipped host or adapter.

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Printing
1. Make sure that you have installed a charged battery, have connected the printer to an
AC power outlet, or have the DC adapter plugged in.
2. Turn the printer on by pressing the main switch once quickly. The POWER indicator
lights up. See Figure 8.
Figure 8. Turning the printer ON
3. Insert a sheet of Brother Genuine (PA-C-410) into the paper input slot. Place the
print side of the paper away from you, so that it faces the rear of the printer.
See Figure 9.
NOTE: You can print only one side of the paper. This is the smooth, coated side.
See Chapter 3, “Tips on Using Paper”.
Figure 9. Inserting a sheet of paper

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4. Print one or more pages from any software application.
The green DATA indicator light blinks to indicate that the printer is receiving data
from your computer.
NOTE: If you have inserted paper into the input slot and the green DATA light stays
on (without blinking), the printer has received insufficient data to print an
entire page. Press and hold the green Power button to eject the page.
Turning the Printer OFF
Press the main switch twice quickly to turn the printer off.
NOTE: If a battery is powering the printer and the Auto-Off Timer feature is
enabled, the printer will turn itself off automatically after the selected
period of inactivity.
Making Prints Lighter or Darker
You can make prints lighter or darker by using the Print Density Setting in the printer
driver dialog. See “Accessing Advanced Software Features”, on page 7. If you are not
using a driver, you may save a lighter or darker setting using the PocketJet 3 Utility.
Changing the density setting may result in slight changes in the printer’s speed and the
number of pages that can be printed.

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PocketJet Utility (Configuration Utility)
The CD supplied with the printers (PJ-522, PJ-523, PJ-562 and PJ-563) contains a
PocketJet Utility, a printer setup program, that allows the user to modify storable
configuration options for the printer. Changes to the default configuration options are
in most cases relevant only where the host computer will be sending simple text data
and it does not have a Brother-supplied driver.
This utility provides access to printer features through a Windows-based program.
Controllable Printer Features:
For Windows systems (for systems with the driver provided on the CD):
 Auto- On
 Auto-Off
 Pre-Feed
For Bluetooth Printers:
 PIN Code Setting
Installing the PocketJet 3 Utility:
When using the CD Installation program to install drivers for Windows Vista, XP,
2000 Professional, you should select “Install Configuration Utility” Button. You
must follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation (See “Driver
Installation”, page 6).
To install the PocketJet 3 Utility independently on a Windows host, browse the CD into
the <CD-Drive>:\<PJ3, PJ3BT, PJ3PLUS or PJ3PLUSBT> \Config folder, and then
double-click the PJ3CONFIGSETUP.EXE (or PJ3PLUSCONFIGSETUP.EXE), and
follow the onscreen instructions.