Brother TD-2120N TD-2130N TD-2120NW User manual

USER’S GUIDE
TD-2020
TD-2120N
TD-2130N
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.
Please visit us at http://support.brother.com/, where
you can get product support and answers to
frequently asked questions (FAQs). Version C
US ENG

i
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Brother TD-2020/2120N/2130N. The TD-2020/2120N/2130N
(hereafter referred to as "the printer") is a powered desktop thermal printer. Be sure to read the
User’s Guide, Product Safety Guide, Quick Reference Guide, Software User’s Guide and Network
User’s Guide (TD-2120N/2130N only) before using the printer. We suggest that you keep these
documents in a handy place for future reference.
The following documents are included on the CD-ROM.
User's Guide
Software User's Guide
Network User's Guide (TD-2120N/2130N only)
Symbols Used in This Document
The following symbols are used throughout this document.
CAUTION
This symbol indicates instructions that may result in injuries or damage if they are ignored or
incorrectly followed.
NOTE
This symbol indicates notes that provide information or directions that can help you better
understand and use the product more efficiently.
About This Document
This document (PDF) is included on the CD-ROM.
NOTE
If Adobe®Reader®is used to view this document on a computer, the pointer changes to
when the pointer is placed on a link. Click the link to open the corresponding page.
For information on using Adobe®Reader®, see the help file included with Adobe®Reader®.
This symbol indicates information or directions that should be followed.
Ignoring them may result in damage or failed operations.

ii
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started 1
General Description ...............................................................................................1
Power Supply.........................................................................................................3
Connecting to an AC Power Outlet..................................................................3
Installing the Printer Driver and Software ..............................................................4
Installer Screen................................................................................................5
USB Cable Connection....................................................................................5
Wired LAN Connection (TD-2120N/2130N only).............................................7
Registering Paper Size Information With the Printer .............................................9
Uninstalling the Printer Driver .............................................................................. 10
2Printing 12
Operation Panel................................................................................................... 12
Indicators ....................................................................................................... 12
Button Functions............................................................................................ 13
Inserting the RD Roll............................................................................................ 15
Checking the Sensor Position ....................................................................... 17
Cutting Roll Paper ......................................................................................... 18
Printing the Printer Setup Information.................................................................. 19
Connecting the Computer and Printer ................................................................. 21
USB Cable Connection..................................................................................21
Wired LAN Connection (TD-2120N/2130N only)...........................................21
Printing Solutions.................................................................................................22
Printing ................................................................................................................ 23
Making Prints Lighter or Darker..................................................................... 23
Printer Driver Options ..........................................................................................24
3 Printer Setting Tool 25
About the Printer Setting Tool..............................................................................25
Before Using the Printer Setting Tool ............................................................25
Using the Printer Setting Tool.............................................................................. 25
Communication Settings (TD-2120N/2130N only)...............................................27
Settings Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 27
Menu Bar .......................................................................................................29
Wired LAN/Wireless LAN Tabs ..................................................................... 31
Bluetooth Tab ................................................................................................ 33
Applying Setting Changes to Multiple Printers ..............................................33
Device Settings....................................................................................................34
Settings Tabs.................................................................................................35
Menu Bar .......................................................................................................40
P-touch Template Settings .................................................................................. 41
P-touch Template ..........................................................................................41
P-touch Template Settings Dialog Box.......................................................... 42
Paper Size Setup.................................................................................................44
Paper Size Setup Dialog Box ........................................................................44
Distributing Paper Formats............................................................................47

iii
4 Other Functions 48
Mass Storage Functions ......................................................................................48
Mass Storage Feature ................................................................................... 48
Using the Mass Storage Feature...................................................................48
Web Based (Web Browser) Management (TD-2120N/2130N only) ....................49
Software Development Kit ...................................................................................50
5 Maintaining the Printer 51
Print Head Maintenance ......................................................................................51
Platen Roller Maintenance...................................................................................51
Media Exit Maintenance ......................................................................................52
Label Peeler (Optional) Maintenance (TD-2120N/2130N only) ...........................52
6 Indicators 53
Indicators .............................................................................................................53
7 Troubleshooting 55
Overview ..............................................................................................................55
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................55
Error Messages for Touch Panel Display (Optional)
(TD-2120N/2130N Only)............................................................................63
8 Specifications 65
Product Specifications .........................................................................................65
9 Using the RJ25 to DB9M Serial Adapter (Optional:PA-SCA-001) 68
Connecting the Computer and Printer With the RJ25 to DB9M Serial Adapter...68
Product Specifications .........................................................................................68
10 Using the Touch Panel Display (Optional:PA-TDU-001)
(TD-2120N/2130N only) 69
General Description .............................................................................................69
LCD...................................................................................................................... 69
Screen ...........................................................................................................69
Touch Panel.........................................................................................................70
Information About Replacing the Touch Panel ..............................................71
Printing With the Touch Panel Display ................................................................73
Touch Panel Display Settings..............................................................................74
Specifying Settings From the Touch Panel Display.......................................74
Creating a Label Layout.......................................................................................78
Creating a Template ......................................................................................78
Linking a Database to a Template.................................................................80
Transferring the Label Layout to the Printer ........................................................82
Selecting the Touch Panel.............................................................................83
Selecting the Data Assigned to Keys on the One-Touch Panel ....................84

iv
Creating a One-Touch Panel......................................................................... 85
Printing the Label.................................................................................................85
Printing Using the Basic Control Panel..........................................................85
Printing Using the One-Touch Panel .............................................................87
Printing a Different Date/Time Than the Printer's Internal Clock...................88
Printing Using a Barcode Reader .................................................................. 89
Label Layouts on the Printer (Checking, Deleting and Log) ................................89
Replacing the Time/Date Battery......................................................................... 90
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................91
Product Specifications .........................................................................................92
11 Using the WLAN Interface (Optional:PA-WI-001)
(TD-2120N/2130N only) 93
Installing the Printer Driver and Software ............................................................93
Before Making a Wireless LAN Connection .................................................. 93
Choosing Your Wireless Installation Method ....................................................... 94
Configuration Using the Installer CD-ROM and Temporarily Using a USB
Cable ......................................................................................................... 94
One-Push Configuration Using WPS............................................................. 99
Connecting the Computer and Printer by Wireless LAN.................................... 102
Product Specifications .......................................................................................103
12 Using the Bluetooth Interface (Optional:PA-BI-001)
(TD-2120N/2130N only) 104
Connecting the Computer and Printer by Bluetooth ..........................................104
Using Bluetooth to Communicate When Printing ........................................105
Product Specifications .......................................................................................105
13 Using the Label Peeler (Optional:PA-LP-001)
(TD-2120N/2130N only) 106
Inserting the RD Roll.......................................................................................... 106
Printer Driver Settings ................................................................................. 109
After Printing................................................................................................ 110
Product Specifications .......................................................................................110
14 Using the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery/Battery Base
(Optional:PA-BT-4000LI/PA-BB-001) (TD-2120N/2130N only) 111
Installing the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.........................................................111
Charging the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.........................................................112
Tips on Using the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery .................................................113
Battery Level of the Rechargeable Battery..................................................114
Battery Indicator................................................................................................. 115
Product Specifications .......................................................................................115

v

1
1
1
General Description 1
Front 1
1 POWER indicator
2 (Power) button
3 Media exit
4 RD Roll compartment top cover
5 STATUS indicator
6 (Feed) button
7 (Print) button
8 Cover release lever
9 Tear bar
When the printer is purchased, the tear bar
cover is installed.
NOTE
• Before using the printer, remove the cover over
the tear bar.
• Do not dispose of the removed cover.
In order to avoid injuries when the printer is not
being used, attach the cover to the tear bar.
CAUTION
The tear bar is sharp. To avoid injury, do not
touch the tear bar.
10 Print head
11 Transmissive/gap sensor
12 Media guide
13 Media tip guide
14 Media guide adjustment lever
15 Platen roller
16 Reflective/black mark sensor
Getting Started 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
11
16

Chapter 1
2
Back
(TD-2020) 1
(TD-2120N/2130N) 1
1 External media feed slot
2 Serial port
3 Power connector
4 Mini-USB port
5 USB host port
(TD-2120N/2130N only)
6 Ethernet network port
(TD-2120N/2130N only)
Options (TD-2120N/2130N only) 1
Touch panel display (PA-TDU-001)
WLAN interface (PA-WI-001)
Bluetooth interface (PA-BI-001)
Label peeler (PA-LP-001)
Battery base (PA-BB-001)
RJ25 to DB9M serial adapter
(PA-SCA-001)
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
(PA-BT-4000LI)
4 bay battery charger (PA-4BC-4000)
1
3
2
4
1
3
24
5
6

Getting Started
3
1
Power Supply 1
This printer operates on either the AC
adapter (included) or the rechargeable Li-ion
battery (optional, TD-2120N/2130N only).
Use the power supply appropriate for your
intended use.
The AC adapter supplies power directly to the
printer, making it suitable for high-volume
printing.
With the rechargeable Li-ion battery installed,
this printer can be used in locations that do
not have AC power.
For details on using the rechargeable Li-ion
battery, see Using the Rechargeable Li-ion
Battery/Battery Base (Optional:PA-BT-
4000LI/PA-BB-001) (TD-2120N/2130N only)
on page 111.
Connecting to an AC Power
Outlet 1
Connect the AC adapter to the printer, and
then plug the AC power cord into an AC
power outlet to power the printer. Connect the
AC adapter in the same way when recharging
the rechargeable Li-ion battery.
aConnect the AC adapter to the printer.
bConnect the AC power cord to the AC
adapter.
cConnect the AC power cord to a nearby
AC power outlet (100 - 240 V,
50/60 Hz).
dPress the (Power) button of the printer
to turn it on. The POWER indicator lights
in green, and the printer is in standby.
1 AC adapter
2 AC power cord
Do not use the cords while they are
bundled.
1
2

Chapter 1
4
Installing the Printer
Driver and Software 1
The printer driver and software can be
installed using any of the following three
methods:
USB cable connection (page 5)
Wired LAN connection
(TD-2120N/2130N only) (page 7)
Wireless LAN connection
(TD-2120N/2130N only) (if the WLAN
interface is attached)
In order to use a wireless LAN connection,
the WLAN interface (optional) must be
attached to the printer. For details on
attaching the WLAN interface (optional), see
its instruction manual.
For details on making a wireless LAN
connection, see Using the WLAN Interface
(Optional:PA-WI-001) (TD-2120N/2130N
only) on page 93.
Windows®7 is used in the following
procedures. The installation procedure may
differ depending on the operating system
being used. If an operating system other than
Windows®7 is being used, read the
procedures with the screens replaced with
the corresponding screens for your operating
system. In addition, the installation procedure
is subject to change without notice.
If you are using Windows®8, make sure the
default program to open PDF files is Adobe®
Reader®before using the CD-ROM.
Otherwise PDF files may not open and links
within PDF files may not work correctly. In
addition, make sure the default web browser
is Internet Explorer®before using the
CD-ROM. Otherwise links to websites may
not work.
Before starting the installation, make
sure that you are logged on with
administrator rights.

Getting Started
5
1
Installer Screen 1
1 Standard Installation
Installs P-touch Editor 5.0, the printer driver,
P-touch Update Software, Printer Setting Tool,
the User's Guide, the Software User's Guide
and the Network User's Guide
(TD-2120N/2130N only).
2 User’s Guides
Displays or installs the User's Guide, the
Software User's Guide and the Network User's
Guide (TD-2120N/2130N only).
3 Custom Installation
Allows P-touch Editor 5.0, the printer driver,
P-touch Update Software and Printer Setting
Tool to be individually selected for installation.
4 Advanced Applications
Installs the BRAdmin Light utility
(TD-2120N/2130N only), or displays the
Brother Developer Center.
5 Brother Support
Displays the support website (Brother
Solutions Center).
NOTE
• The following installation procedures are
for “Standard Installation”.
• If this printer is connected to a computer
by a USB cable, the “Printer Setting
Tool” can be used to specify various
printer settings. In order to use the
“Printer Setting Tool” for specifying
printer settings, the printer driver must be
installed.
USB Cable Connection 1
aInsert the installer CD-ROM into your
CD-ROM drive. If the language screen
appears, choose your language.
NOTE
• For Windows®XP/Windows
Vista®/Windows®7:
If the installer screen does not
automatically appear, display the contents
of the CD-ROM drive folder, and then
double-click [start.exe].
• For Windows®8:
If the installer screen does not
automatically appear, click [Run
start.exe] in the [Start] screen, or display
the contents of the CD-ROM drive folder
from the desktop, and then double-click
[start.exe].
bClick [Standard Installation].
cRead the license agreement, and click
[Agree] if you agree to the terms and
conditions.
dClick [Install] to start the installation,
and then follow the on-screen
instructions.
1
2
3
4
5

Chapter 1
6
eWith TD-2120N/2130N:
When the screen for selecting the
connection method appears, select
[Local Connection (USB)], and then
click [Next].
fWhen instructed, connect the printer to
the computer with the USB cable and
turn on the printer.
Installation automatically begins.
gThe P-touch Update Software can be
used to check for updates. If [OK to use
P-touch Update Software to update
the software to the newest version?
(An Internet connection is required to
update.)] appears, click [Yes] or [No].
To check for new versions of the
software and to update them, click
[Yes], and then go to step h.
To not check for new software
versions or update them, click [No],
and then go to step i.
NOTE
If you click [No] here, you can run the
P-touch Update Software at a more
convenient time to check for new software
versions and update them. Double-click
the P-touch Update Software icon on the
desktop. (Your computer must be
connected to the Internet.)
hThe P-touch Update Software starts up.
If an application appears under [File
list], there is a new version of the
application. If the check box is
selected and [Install] is clicked, that
application can be installed. Wait
until a message appears indicating
that the installation has finished.
If no application appears under [File
list], the application currently
installed on the computer is the
newest version. There is no need to
update. Click [Close].

Getting Started
7
1
iWhen the screen for the online user
registration appears, click [OK] or
[Cancel].
If you clicked [OK], you will go to the
online user registration page before
finishing the installation
(recommended).
If you clicked [Cancel], installation
continues.
jClick [Finish].
The installation is now complete.
NOTE
When you are asked to restart the
computer, click [Restart].
Wired LAN Connection
(TD-2120N/2130N only) 1
aConnect the LAN cable to the printer,
and then turn on the printer.
bInsert the installer CD-ROM into your
CD-ROM drive. If the language screen
appears, choose your language.
NOTE
• For Windows®XP/Windows
Vista®/Windows®7:
If the installer screen does not
automatically appear, display the contents
of the CD-ROM drive folder, and then
double-click [start.exe].
• For Windows®8:
If the installer screen does not
automatically appear, click [Run
start.exe] in the [Start] screen, or display
the contents of the CD-ROM drive folder
from the desktop, and then double-click
[start.exe].
cClick [Standard Installation].
dRead the license agreement, and click
[Agree] if you agree with the terms and
conditions.
eClick [Install] to start the installation,
and then follow the on-screen
instructions.
fWhen the screen for selecting the
connection method appears, select
[Wired Network Connection
(Ethernet)], and then click [Next].
gWhen the [Firewall/AntiVirus
detected] screen appears, select
[Change the Firewall port settings to
enable network connection and
continue with the installation.
(Recommended)], and then click
[Next].
If you are not using the Windows®
Firewall, allow access using UDP ports
137 and 161.

Chapter 1
8
hSelect the printer from the list, and then
click [Next].
NOTE
If this printer was not detected, the
following screen appears.
Follow the on-screen instructions to check
the settings.
iInstallation of the printer driver and
software begins.
NOTE
• For Windows Vista®/Windows®7/
Windows®8 users:
When the [Windows Security] screen
appears, select the check box, and then
click [Install] to complete the installation
correctly.
• Depending on your security settings, a
Windows Security or antivirus software
window may appear when the printer or its
software is being used. Allow or permit the
installer to continue.
jThe P-touch Update Software can be
used to check for updates. If [OK to use
P-touch Update Software to update
the software to the newest version?
(An Internet connection is required to
update.)] appears, click [Yes] or [No].
To check for new versions of the
software and to update them, click
[Yes], and then go to step k.
To not check for new software
versions or update them, click [No],
and then go to step l.
NOTE
If you click [No] here, you can run the
P-touch Update Software at a more
convenient time to check for new software
versions and update them. Double-click
the P-touch Update Software icon on the
desktop. (Your computer must be
connected to the Internet.)
DO NOT cancel any of the screens
during the installation. It may take a few
seconds for all screens to appear.

Getting Started
9
1
kThe P-touch Update Software starts up.
If an application appears under [File
list], there is a new version of the
application. If the check box is
selected and [Install] is clicked, that
application can be installed. Wait
until a message appears indicating
that the installation has finished.
If no application appears under [File
list], the application currently
installed on the computer is the
newest version. There is no need to
update. Click [Close].
lWhen the screen for the online user
registration appears, click [OK] or
[Cancel].
If you clicked [OK], you will go to the
online user registration page before
finishing the installation
(recommended).
If you clicked [Cancel], installation
continues.
mClick [Finish].
The installation is now complete.
NOTE
When you are asked to restart the
computer, click [Restart].
Registering Paper Size
Information With the
Printer 1
Paper size information must be registered
with the printer for proper operation.
aConnect the computer to the printer with
a USB cable.
bWith [Paper Size Setup] of the installed
“Printer Setting Tool”, specify the size
information (label width and length, label
spacing, etc.) for the media to be used,
and then add the paper format.
Settings can also be adjusted for
[Printing Reference Point
Adjustment] and [Energy Rank], and
[Import] or [Export] can be clicked to
perform the corresponding operations
with the added paper size information
list.
cClick [Register Paper Size With
Printer] from the [Option] button in the
[Paper Size Setup] dialog box to
register the paper size information with
the printer. For details, see Paper Size
Setup on page 44.

Chapter 1
10
Uninstalling the Printer
Driver 1
Read “TD-XXXX” in the following steps as
your model name.
Perform this procedure only if printing from
the TD-XXXX is no longer necessary or when
re-installing the TD-XXXX printer driver.
Windows®XP 1
aIf the printer is connected to the
computer and is turned on, press and
hold the (Power) button to turn it off.
bClick [Start] - [Control Panel] -
[Printers and Other Hardware] -
[Printers and Faxes].
cSelect [Brother TD-XXXX] and click
[File] - [Delete], or right-click the icon
and click [Delete].
dClick [File] - [Server Properties]. The
[Print Server Properties] window
appears.
eClick the [Drivers] tab, and then select
[Brother TD-XXXX].Click [Remove].
fClose the [Print Server Properties]
window. The printer driver has been
uninstalled.
Windows Vista® 1
aIf the printer is connected to the
computer and is turned on, press and
hold the (Power) button to turn it off.
bClick - [Control Panel] - [Hardware
and Sound] - [Printers].
cSelect [Brother TD-XXXX] and click
[Delete this printer], or right-click the
icon and click [Delete].
dRight-click the [Printers] window, and
then click [Run as administrator] -
[Server Properties...].
If the authorization confirmation window
appears, click [Continue].
If the [User Account Control] window
appears, type in the password, and then
click [OK].The [Print Server
Properties] window appears.
eClick the [Drivers] tab, select [Brother
TD-XXXX], and then click [Remove...].
fSelect [Remove driver and driver
package], and then click [OK].
gClose the [Print Server Properties]
window. The printer driver has been
uninstalled.
Windows®7 1
aIf the printer is connected to the
computer and is turned on, press and
hold the (Power) button to turn it off.
bClick - [Devices and Printers].
cSelect [Brother TD-XXXX] and click
[Remove device], or right-click the icon
and click [Remove device].
If a User Account Control message
appears, type in the password, and then
click [Yes].
dSelect [Fax] or [Microsoft XPS
Document Writer] in the [Devices and
Printers] window, and then click [Print
server properties], which appeared on
the menu bar.
eClick the [Drivers] tab, and then click
[Change Driver Settings]. If a User
Account Control message appears, type
in the password, and then click
[Yes].Select [Brother TD-XXXX], and
then click [Remove...].

Getting Started
11
1
fSelect [Remove driver and driver
package], and then click [OK]. Follow
the on-screen instructions.
gClose the [Print Server Properties]
window. The printer driver has been
uninstalled.
Windows®8 1
aIf the printer is connected to the
computer and is turned on, press and
hold the (Power) button to turn it off.
bClick [Control Panel] in [Apps] screen -
[Hardware and Sound] - [Devices and
Printers].
cSelect [Brother TD-XXXX] and click
[Remove device], or right-click the icon
and click [Remove device].
If a User Account Control message
appears, type in the password, and then
click [Yes].
dSelect [Fax] or [Microsoft XPS
Document Writer] in the [Devices and
Printers] window, and then click [Print
server properties], which appeared in
the menu bar.
eClick the [Drivers] tab, and then click
[Change Driver Settings]. If a User
Account Control message appears, type
in the password, and then click
[Yes].Select [Brother TD-XXXX], and
then click [Remove...].
fSelect [Remove driver and driver
package], and then click [OK]. Follow
the on-screen instructions.
gClose the [Print Server Properties]
window. The printer driver has been
uninstalled.

12
2
Operation Panel 2
The operation panel consists of the following buttons and indicators.
1 POWER indicator
2 (Power) button
3 (Feed) button
4 (Print) button
5 STATUS indicator
Indicators 2
The indicators light and blink to indicate the printer’s status. Each indicator may light or blink in
green, red or orange. For details, see Indicators on page 53.
Printing 2
1
234
5

Printing
13
2
Button Functions 2
(Power) button functions Operation
Turn the printer on While the printer is turned off, press the (Power) button. The
POWER indicator turns on.
Turn the printer off While the printer is turned on, press and hold the (Power) button
until the POWER indicator turns off. (If the [Auto Power Off] function
is specified in [Device settings] of the “Printer Setting Tool”, the
printer will turn off automatically after the specified period of inactivity.)
(Feed) button functions Operation
Feed the paper When the paper type is set to [Die-cut Label] or [Media With Marks]:
Press the (Feed) button to automatically feed the paper to the print
position.
When the paper type is set to [Continuous Length Tape]:
Press the (Feed) button to feed the paper about 1" (25.4 mm).
The default setting is [Continuous Length Tape].
Use [Paper Size Setup] of the “Printer Setting Tool” to register the
paper size information with the printer. For details, see Registering
Paper Size Information With the Printer on page 9.
Establish a wireless LAN
connection (WPS)
(TD-2120N/2130N only)
With the wireless LAN connection enabled, press and hold (5
seconds) this button to easily establish a wireless LAN connection and
install the printer driver. However, your WLAN access point/router
must support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). For details, see One-Push
Configuration Using WPS on page 99.
Switch the Bluetooth connection
(TD-2120N/2130N only)
With the wireless LAN connection disabled, press and hold (5
seconds) this button to switch between enabling and disabling the
Bluetooth connection. For details, see Connecting the Computer and
Printer by Bluetooth on page 104.
(Print) button functions Operation
Perform the specified operation With the printer idle, press this button to perform the operation
specified in [Device settings] of the “Printer Setting Tool”. For
details, see Print Key Function on page 36.
Print the printer setup information Make sure that a roll is installed, and then hold down (at least 1
second) the (Print) button to begin printing the printer setup
information. For details, see Printing the Printer Setup Information
on page 19.
Execute a file stored in the mass
storage area
With the printer in mass storage mode, press this button to execute a
command file stored in the mass storage area.
Resetting the incrementing field Hold down the (Print) button for at least 5 seconds, until the
POWER and STATUS indicators blink 3 times in orange.

Chapter 2
14
Functions using multiple
buttons
Operation
Start up the printer in mass
storage mode
While holding down the (Print) button, press and hold the (Power)
button to start up the printer in mass storage mode. For details, see
Mass Storage Functions on page 48.