MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PT-D202

13 errors · 10 troubleshooting topics · 35 guides

Brother PT-D202

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.

Errors and messages

Messages and indicator states from the manual
Low Battery!weak batteries
Replace weak AAA alkaline batteries with new ones, or fully charge Ni-MH batteries. Replace all six together; never mix types, ages, charge levels, manufacturers or models.
Battery Deadbattery replacement required
Replace the batteries. Replace all six together and do not mix old and new batteries.
Invalid!invalid numbering or length selection
4 checks
No text above the cursor when Numbering was selected.
The manual identifies this input condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
Invalid character selected for Numbering.
The manual identifies this input condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
Invalid number selected for Tab Length or Label Length.
The manual identifies this input condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
Invalid label-length value entered in Deco Mode or Home Label.
The manual identifies this input condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
No Text!no text to print or preview
4 checks
Printing a text file when no data is stored in memory.
The manual identifies this empty-text condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
Print pressed with no text entered.
The manual identifies this empty-text condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
Numbering, Mirror or Text Preview selected with no text entered.
The manual identifies this empty-text condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
OK or Enter pressed without text in Deco Mode or Home Label.
The manual identifies this empty-text condition but supplies no separate remedy in this row. Refer to the related reviewed operation instructions.
Line Limit!line count exceeds tape capacity
2 checks
Third line entered
The row identifies entering a third line with Enter but gives no separate remedy. The reviewed two-line instructions use 9 mm or 12 mm tape.
Two lines on 3.5 mm or 6 mm tape
Install 9 mm or 12 mm tape.
No Cassette!no cassette installed
Install a supported TZe cassette with the power off.
Cutter Errorcutter pressed during printing
Do not touch the Tape Cutter Lever during printing.
Text Full!character capacity reached
The limit is 80 characters for text labels or 50 for Deco Mode or Home Label. This row gives no separate corrective instruction.
Text Limit!text exceeds label length
2 checks
Deco Mode or Home Label text exceeds label length
Reduce the text.
General text exceeds label length
Reduce the text or select Auto as the label length.
No Frame OK?frame invalid for 3.5 mm tape
On 3.5 mm tape with an invalid frame enabled, press OK to print without a frame or Esc to cancel.
OK to Feed?chain Print feeding prompt
  1. When Chain Print is selected, this is the tape-feeding prompt.
  2. Press Esc to change text for the next label; after the last label press OK.
  3. Feed before cutting or text may be cut off.
  4. Do not pull the tape.
Insert 0.47"template requires 12 mm tape
Use a 0.47 inch (12 mm) cassette for Deco Mode or Home Label templates.
Wrong Tape!cassette needs the TZe mark
Use a cassette with the TZe mark.

Troubleshooting

Find the problem you are experiencing
Display stays blank3 checks
Battery insertion
Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Adapter connection
Check that the adapter is correctly connected.
Margins are too large1 check
Margins are too large
Select Half or Narrow under Margin for smaller margins.
Printing fails or characters are malformed3 checks
Cassette insertion
Check that the cassette is inserted correctly.
Empty cassette
Replace an empty cassette.
Cassette cover
Check that the cover is closed correctly.
Settings clear on their own2 checks
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Power disconnected for more than three minutes
All text and formats clear; Language and Unit settings also clear.
Blank horizontal line through a label1 check
Blank horizontal line through a label
Remove the cassette and gently wipe the Print Head up and down with a dry cotton swab. Never touch the print head.
Printer does not respond to keys1 check
Printer does not respond to keys
Follow the reviewed Resetting the P-touch Home instructions; all text, settings and stored files are cleared.
Power turns off when printing3 checks
Weak batteries
Replace weak batteries.
Battery insertion
Check correct battery insertion.
Wrong AC adapter
Use AD-24.
Tape does not feed or gets stuck2 checks
Tape path
Check that the tape end feeds under the tape guides.
Cutter pressed during printing
Do not touch the Tape Cutter Lever during printing.
Clear text and formats for a new label1 check
Clear text and formats for a new label
Press Shift + Backspace and select Text&Format with the cursor keys and OK.
Change the display language1 check
Change the display language
Follow the reviewed Initial Settings language selection.

Guides

Installing power supply and tape cassette

Instructions from the manual
Install batteries and a tape cassette9 steps
  1. Turn power off before replacing batteries or tape.
  2. With LCD facing down, press the grooved cover tab and push in the depicted arrow direction.
  3. Pull an installed cassette straight up.
  4. Insert six new AAA LR03 alkaline batteries or six fully charged AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries, matching polarity.
  5. Replace all six together and do not mix ages, types, charging levels, manufacturers or models.
  6. Charge Ni-MH batteries in a specialized charger; the printer does not charge them.
  7. Insert a TZe cassette as shown inside the case and gently press until it clicks.
  8. Use only 3.5, 6, 9 or 12 mm tape; remove protective plastic first and check the tape end feeds under the guide.
  9. Close the cover and gently press until it clicks.
Six-battery positions and complete polarity enlargement.
Six-battery positions and complete polarity enlargement.

Diagram key

  • Six battery positions: Use six AAA alkaline or six fully charged Ni-MH batteries. Power must be off when replacing batteries.
  • Repeated + and − signs: Match the polarity at every position; never reverse battery ends or mix battery ages, types, charging levels, manufacturers or models.
  • Repeated insertion arrows: Show the batteries entering their compartments.
  • Polarity enlargement and connecting pointer: Complete enlarged polarity detail connected to the battery compartment.
Cassette insertion, cutter edge and complete tape-path detail.
Cassette insertion, cutter edge and complete tape-path detail.

Diagram key

  • End of Tape: Make sure the end feeds under the Tape Guide.
  • Toothed Wheel: The source identifies the cassette’s toothed wheel; no separate adjustment procedure is supplied here.
  • Tape Cassette: Insert a genuine marked Brother TZe cassette as drawn inside the case. Remove protective plastic first and gently press until it locks.
  • Cutter’s Edge: Do not touch the cutter blade.
  • Tape Guide: The enlarged guide detail identifies the path under the guide.
  • Tape Exit Slot: Do not insert foreign objects into this slot.
  • Cassette insertion arrow: Shows the cassette entering the compartment.
  • Tape-guide detail arrow: Shows the tape path beneath the guide in the complete enlargement.
Connect the optional AC adapter4 steps
  1. Use the specified voltage and AD-24.
  2. Insert the adapter cord into the printer jack, then plug into an AC electrical outlet.
  3. For backup memory, the manual recommends batteries together with the optional adapter in case one power method fails.
  4. Keep connections dry, fully insert the plug, avoid loose outlets and hold the adapter when disconnecting.
Cassette-cover closing direction and optional AD-24 adapter-jack location.
Cassette-cover closing direction and optional AD-24 adapter-jack location.

Diagram key

  • Cassette-cover closing arrow: Close the cover and gently press until it locks.
  • AC Adapter Jack: Insert the optional AD-24 adapter cord here, then plug the adapter into an AC electrical outlet. Batteries together with the adapter are recommended for backup memory.

Lcd and keyboard

Instructions from the manual
Read LCD and keyboard controls5 steps
  1. The LCD displays one row of 15 characters.
  2. Text labels allow 80 characters and spaces; templates allow 50.
  3. Space returns a selected setting to its default.
  4. Preview or displayed label length may differ from printed output.
  5. The reviewed figure identifies every numbered indicator and control, including both Shift keys.

Initial settings

Instructions from the manual
Set power, language and units6 steps
  1. Supply power with six AAA batteries or the optional adapter and press Power.
  2. Press Menu, select Language with Left/Right and OK, choose the language and press OK.
  3. Default is English.
  4. Press Menu, select Unit with Left/Right and OK, choose inch or mm and press OK; default is inch.
  5. Power turns off after five minutes without key presses.
  6. Esc cancels; Accepted appears for approximately one second after OK.

Accessories

Instructions from the manual
Replace the cutter unit4 steps
  1. If repeated use makes the cutter blunt and it no longer cuts tape cleanly, order TC-4 from an authorized Brother reseller.
  2. Remove the two green cutter-unit sections in the illustrated arrow directions.
  3. Gently push the replacement into place until it snaps.
  4. WARNING: Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
TC-4 replacement: both removal arrows and complete enlarged cutter detail.
TC-4 replacement: both removal arrows and complete enlarged cutter detail.

Diagram key

  • Two cutter-unit sections: Remove both green sections in the depicted arrow directions, then gently install TC-4 until it locks.
  • Two upward removal arrows: Each depicts removal of one section of the cutter unit.
  • Enlarged cutter detail and connecting pointer: Shows the two sections in their compartment. WARNING: Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
  • 1: Remove the two green sections in the depicted arrow directions.
  • 2: Install a new Cutter Unit; push gently until it locks.
  • WARNING: Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.

Entering text

Instructions from the manual
Switch uppercase and lowercaseView
Press Caps to turn uppercase on or off. Text labels allow 80 characters and spaces; templates allow 50. Esc cancels.
Create a two-line labelView
Move the cursor to the next line position and press Enter. Use 9 mm or 12 mm tape for two-line printing. A return symbol appears when Enter is pressed.
Insert a tabView
Press Menu, select Tab with Left/Right and press OK; alternatively press Tab. A tab symbol appears when inserted.
Set tab lengthView
Press Menu, choose Tab Length with Left/Right and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 0.0–4.0 inch / 0–100 mm range and press OK.
Enter accented characters3 steps
  1. Enter the base character, press Accent, choose with Accent or Left/Right and confirm with OK.
  2. Refer to the complete Accented Characters table.
  3. The order depends on the selected language.
Set label length4 steps
  1. Press Menu, choose Label Length with Left/Right and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–12.0 inch / 30–300 mm range and press OK.
  2. A lock appears for a specific length.
  3. Space restores automatic text-based length.
  4. After printing, cut the printed dots with scissors so the label length matches the LCD.
Delete characters or clear a label3 steps
  1. Backspace deletes individual letters and spaces.
  2. Press Shift + Backspace, select Text Only with Left/Right and OK to clear text.
  3. Select Text&Format instead to clear text and settings.
Move to the start or end of textView
Press Shift + Right to move to the end; Shift + Left moves to the beginning.

Printing labels

Instructions from the manual
Preview a labelView
Press Preview. Left/Right shows hidden text when it does not all fit the LCD. OK, Enter or Esc exits Preview. Preview may differ from printed output.
Feed tapeView
Press Shift + Preview to feed approximately 1 inch (25 mm) of blank tape. Do not pull tape; this can damage the cassette.
Print, cut and apply a label5 steps
  1. Press Print, select Copies from 1–9 with Left/Right or a number key and press OK.
  2. For one copy press OK after Print.
  3. Do not touch the cutter while Printing... or Feeding... appears.
  4. When printing ends, push the cutter lever.
  5. Fold the printed label lengthwise with text inward to expose the split backing edges; peel and apply.
Print increasing numbers2 steps
  1. Enter numbers, move the cursor to the number to increment with Left/Right, press Shift + Print, choose Numbering with Left/Right and OK, choose the highest number to print and press OK.
  2. Up to nine labels print, incrementing the selected number by one after each label.
Print mirror labels2 steps
  1. Enter text, press Shift + Print, select Mirror with Left/Right and OK, then confirm Mirror Print? with OK.
  2. Use clear tape so the label reads correctly from the opposite side of glass, windows or another transparent surface.

Printing labels (cont)

Instructions from the manual
Set margins and Chain Print7 steps
  1. Press Menu, select Margin with Left/Right and OK, choose Full, Half, Narrow or Chain Print and OK.
  2. Menu then 2 is a shortcut.
  3. Full leaves 1 inch each side, Half 0.47 inch and Narrow 0.16 inch; cut printed dots with scissors.
  4. For more than one copy with minimum margin choose Narrow.
  5. For Chain Print: enter text; press Print; enter the copy count; press OK; at OK to Feed? press Esc to change text; clear text, enter the next label and press Print; after the last label at OK to Feed? press OK.
  6. Feed tape with Shift + Preview before cutting or text may be cut off.
  7. Do not pull tape.

Saving label files

Instructions from the manual
Save a label file6 steps
  1. Enter text.
  2. Press File, choose Save with Left/Right and OK, choose the file number and press OK.
  3. Up to 30 labels can be stored, each with 80 characters including spaces; total memory is 2400 characters.
  4. At Overwrite?, OK overwrites the existing file; Esc cancels.
  5. Saved text and settings can be reused, edited or overwritten.
  6. Menu then 4 also opens File.
Print a saved label file3 steps
  1. Press File, choose Print with Left/Right and OK, choose the file number and press OK.
  2. Choose Copies from 1–9 with Left/Right or number keys and press OK.
  3. Menu then 4 also opens File.
Open a saved label fileView
Press File, choose Open with Left/Right and OK, choose the file number and press OK. Menu then 4 also opens File.

Home label

Instructions from the manual
Create a Home Label template10 steps
  1. Press Template, choose one of the six layouts with Left/Right and OK, enter Text 1 and OK, enter Text 2 and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–7.8 inch / 30–200 mm range and OK, choose Print and OK.
  2. Templates require 12 mm tape and allow a maximum 7.8 inch (200 mm) length.
  3. Templates cannot be edited.
  4. Fixed lengths may omit text or display Text Limit! when too long.
  5. Only highlighted shaded symbols in the complete symbol tables work in Deco Mode.
  6. Shift + Backspace opens Clear?; OK clears and Esc cancels.
  7. The most recent template opens automatically.
  8. Esc returns to the previous step.
  9. To exit, press Esc or select Cancel with Left/Right and press OK when Print appears.
  10. Auto adjusts to the correct length and prints text once; Space returns to Auto.

Deco mode

Instructions from the manual
Create a Deco Mode template10 steps
  1. Press Menu, select Deco mode with Left/Right and OK, choose one of the twelve layouts with Left/Right and OK, enter text and OK, choose Auto or the displayed 1.2–7.8 inch / 30–200 mm range and OK, choose Print and OK.
  2. Templates require 12 mm tape and allow a maximum 7.8 inch (200 mm) length.
  3. Templates cannot be edited.
  4. Fixed lengths may omit text or display Text Limit! when too long.
  5. Only highlighted shaded symbols in the complete symbol tables work in Deco Mode.
  6. Shift + Backspace opens Clear?; OK clears and Esc cancels.
  7. The most recent template opens automatically.
  8. Esc returns to the previous step.
  9. To exit, press Esc or select Cancel with Left/Right and press OK when Print appears.
  10. Auto adjusts to the correct length and prints text once; Space returns to Auto.

Font key

Instructions from the manual
Set font, size, width and style8 steps
  1. Press Font, select each item with Left/Right and OK.
  2. Fonts: Helsinki, Brussels, US, Florida, Belgium, San Diego, Los Angeles, Calgary, Atlanta, Adams, Brunei, Istanbul, Sofia or Germany.
  3. Sizes: Large, Medium, Small.
  4. Widths: Normal, ×2, ×1/2.
  5. Styles: Normal, Bold, Outline, Shadow, Solid, Italic, I+Bold, I+Outline, I+Shadow, Vertical.
  6. Printed size depends on tape width, characters and lines; at minimum size the printer defaults to a custom Helsinki-based font for small or multiline text.
  7. Esc cancels.
  8. Refer to the complete Font Samples table.

Frame key

Instructions from the manual
Select a frame3 steps
  1. Press Frame, select a frame with Left/Right and press OK.
  2. Esc cancels.
  3. The complete Frame Designs tables on PDF page 2 show numbered designs 2–99; use those printed designs to choose the appearance.

Symbol key

Instructions from the manual
Enter symbols3 steps
  1. Press Symbol, choose Basic or Pictograph with Left/Right and OK, select a category and OK, choose a symbol with Left/Right and OK.
  2. Esc cancels.
  3. Use the complete category tables and only their highlighted shaded symbols for Deco Mode.

Shortcuts (symbol)

Instructions from the manual
Use symbol category shortcuts3 steps
  1. After Symbol and Basic/Pictograph selection, use category shortcuts.
  2. Basic: Space Punctuation; A Business; B Mathematics; C Brackets; D Arrows; E Unit; F Greek Letter; G Number 1; H Number 2; I Number 3; J Number 4; K Basic Shape; L Electrical.
  3. Pictograph: Space Fun; A Family; B Fashion; C Vehicle; D Sports; E Hobby; F Animal; G Event; H Food; I Flower; J Messaging; K Signs; L Audio/Visual; M Nature; N Others.

Shortcuts

Instructions from the manual
Use menu and Shift shortcuts2 steps
  1. Menu then Space: Language; 1: Label Length; 2: Margin; 3: Deco Mode; 4: File; 5: Tab; 6: Tab Length; Backspace: Clear; 7: Unit.
  2. Shift + Backspace: Clear; Shift + Preview: Feed; Shift + Print: Print Options.

Resetting the p-touch home

Instructions from the manual
Reset the printer5 steps
  1. Reset clears all text, settings and stored files.
  2. Turn off.
  3. Hold Shift and R, then press Power to turn on.
  4. Release Power first, then release Shift and R.
  5. The printer turns on with its internal memory reset.

Helpful tips

Instructions from the manual
Store or dispose of batteries5 steps
  1. Remove batteries for extended non-use.
  2. Dispose at an appropriate collection point, not general waste, following federal, state and local rules.
  3. Wrap batteries with cellophane tape for storage or disposal to prevent short circuits.
  4. Never mix old/new batteries; replace all six together.
  5. Mixing different battery types such as alkaline and Ni-MH may cause an explosion.
Battery storage or disposal: complete terminal-taping diagram.
Battery storage or disposal: complete terminal-taping diagram.

Diagram key

  • 1: Cellophane tape; wrap the battery to prevent short-circuiting when storing or discarding it.
  • 2: Alkaline or Ni-MH battery. Dispose at an appropriate collection point, observing federal, state and local regulations.

General precautions

Instructions from the manual
Clean, handle and store safely10 steps
  1. Use only a soft dry cloth to clean the printer; never alcohol or other organic solvents.
  2. Use a soft wipe for the print head; never touch it.
  3. Do not insert foreign objects into the outlet, adapter connector or battery compartment.
  4. Check the material and conditions before applying labels; labels may peel, become irremovable or transfer color.
  5. Use only supported marked TZe tape and the documented purposes.
  6. Avoid direct sun, rain, heaters, hot appliances, extreme temperatures, high humidity or dust.
  7. Do not apply excessive cutter pressure, print with an empty cassette or pull tape during printing/feeding.
  8. Failure, repair or exhausted batteries can lose stored data; disconnection beyond three minutes clears text, formats and stored files.
  9. Remove the protective display sticker.
  10. The printer does not charge rechargeable batteries and printed text or length may differ from the LCD.

Safety precautions

Instructions from the manual
Stop use for abnormal heat or damage8 steps
  1. Use only the specified voltage and AD-24.
  2. Do not use during a lightning storm or in high humidity.
  3. Keep the printer, adapter, plug and batteries dry.
  4. Do not overload, damage, forcibly bend or pull the cord; place heavy objects on it; disassemble or modify equipment; short battery terminals; change batteries with sharp metal objects; or throw batteries into fire or expose them to heat.
  5. Fully insert the plug, avoid loose outlets and hold the adapter when disconnecting.
  6. Disconnect the adapter, remove batteries immediately and stop use for abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual.
  7. Do not use damaged, leaking or deformed batteries or damaged battery labels.
  8. If leaked fluid reaches eyes, immediately rinse with a large amount of clean water and seek medical attention.
Handle batteries and cutter safely7 steps
  1. Keep the printer, parts and labels out of children’s reach and mouths; if swallowed seek medical attention.
  2. Do not touch hot metal near the print head after printing or the cutter blade.
  3. Rinse battery fluid from skin or clothes with clean water immediately.
  4. Remove batteries and/or disconnect the adapter when not intending to use the printer.
  5. Use only specified batteries with correct polarity, without mixing ages, types, charge levels, manufacturers or models.
  6. Do not drop or hit equipment, press the LCD or put fingers inside when closing the cover.
  7. Read Ni-MH battery and charger instructions and charge with a specialized charger.

Federal communications commission (fcc)

Instructions from the manual
Respond to radio or television interference2 steps
  1. For radio or TV interference determined by turning the equipment off and on, try reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna, increasing separation, connecting the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit, or consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
  2. Unauthorized changes may void authority to operate equipment.

Controls and parts

See the manual diagrams 1 diagram
PT-D202 LCD indicators and keyboard, with the complete 28-item control key.
PT-D202 LCD indicators and keyboard, with the complete 28-item control key.

Diagram key

  • 1: Font Size
  • 2: Cursor
  • 3: Underline/Frame
  • 4: Width
  • 5: Style
  • 6: Caps
  • 7: Label Length; the lock symbol also appears when a specific length has been selected.
  • 8: Cursor key: Right; use with Shift to go to the end of text.
  • 9: OK key
  • 10: Escape key
  • 11: Cursor key: Left; use with Shift to go to the beginning of text.
  • 12: Power key
  • 13: Menu key
  • 14: Font key
  • 15: Character keys, including the printed letters, digits and secondary punctuation.
  • 16: Tab key
  • 17: Caps key
  • 18: Both Shift keys, used for the documented Shift combinations.
  • 19: File key
  • 20: Print key
  • 21: Preview key
  • 22: Frame key
  • 23: Symbol key
  • 24: Template key
  • 25: Backspace key
  • 26: Enter key
  • 27: Accent key
  • 28: Space key; returns a selected setting to its default.

Model details

Model and compatibility

Power supply
Six AAA LR03 alkaline or six AAA HR03 Ni-MH batteries, or optional AD-24 adapter; the printer does not charge rechargeable batteries.
Tape
Genuine marked Brother TZe tape in3.5,6,9 or12mm widths; two-line printing needs9/12mm and templates12mm.
Dimensions and weight
Approximately165mm wide ×155mm deep ×68mm high;490g without batteries and cassette.
Label memory
Up to30 files of80characters,2400characters total.

Related reviewed instructions

Manuals and sources

  1. Brother operation manual
  2. Brother model support and details
  3. Brother manual download listing
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