Brother PJ-522 User Manual
User’s Guide
PJ-522 and PJ-523
Mobile Printer
l Before using this printer, be sure to read this User’s Guide.
l We suggest that you keep this manual in a handy place
for future reference.
Thank you for your purchasing a Brother PocketJet mobile printer. This manual covers the
following list of printers.
Printer name Shorter name Model Name Part Number
Brother PocketJet 3 Engine PJ3 PJ-522 PJ522
Brother PocketJet 3 BT Engine PJ3 w/BT PJ-522-BT PJ522-BT
Brother PocketJet 3 Kit PJ3 Kit PJ-522-K PJ522-K
Brother PocketJet 3 BT Kit PJ3 w/BT PJ-522-BTK PJ522-BTK
Brother PocketJet 3 Plus Engine PJ3 Plus PJ-523 PJ523
Brother PocketJet 3 Plus BT
Engine PJ3 Plus w/BT PJ-523-BT PJ523-BT
Brother PocketJet 3 Plus Kit PJ3 Plus Kit PJ-523-K PJ523-K
PJ3 Plus w/BT
Brother PocketJet 3 Plus BT Kit
Brother PocketJet 3 In-Vehicle
Kit PJ3 IV Kit PJ-522-KV PJ522-KV
Brother PocketJet 3 In-Vehicle
BT Kit PJ3 IV BT Kit PJ-522-BTKV PJ522-BTKV
Brother PocketJet 3 Plus InVehicle Kit PJ3 Plus IV Kit PJ-523-KV PJ523-KV
Brother PocketJet 3 Plus invehicle Bluetooth Kit
Kit PJ-523-BTK PJ523-BTK
PJ3 Plus IV BT
Kit PJ-523-BTKV PJ523-BTKV
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.
Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
All other software and product names mentioned are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
(c) 2009 Brother Mobile Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. Specications subject to
change without notice.
Contents
Chapter 1 – Setting Up the Printer ............................................................................ 1
Unpacking the Printer ............................................................................................ 2
Connecting to an AC Outlet (Optional) ................................................................. 2
Connecting to a DC Supply (Optional) ................................................................. 3
Using the Operation Panel ..................................................................................... 4
Main Switch Functions .......................................................................................... 4
Indicator Lights ................................................................................................ 5
Chapter 2 – Using the Printer .................................................................................... 6
Printing Solutions .................................................................................................. 6
Driver Installation .................................................................................................. 7
CD Install ......................................................................................................... 7
Manual Install ................................................................................................... 8
Accessing Advanced Software Settings ................................................................ 8
Text Mode ........................................................................................................ 8
Density Modes .................................................................................................. 9
2-ply Mode ....................................................................................................... 9
Form Feed Modes ............................................................................................. 9
Selecting Media ................................................................................................... 10
Cut Sheet Paper .............................................................................................. 10
Non-Perforated Roll Paper ............................................................................. 10
Perforated Roll Paper ..................................................................................... 11
Windows Advanced Features Using PocketJet 3 Utility (Conguration Utility)
Windows-Specic Operating System Features ................................................... 12
Connecting to Your Computer ............................................................................. 13
Via USB Cable ............................................................................................... 13
Via Infrared (IrDA) ........................................................................................ 14
Via Bluetooth (Bluetooth Models Only) ........................................................ 14
Printing ................................................................................................................ 15
Turning the Printer OFF ................................................................................. 16
Making Prints Lighter or Darker .................................................................... 16
PocketJet Utility (Conguration Utility) ............................................................. 17
Controllable Printer Features ......................................................................... 17
Installing the PocketJet 3 Utility .................................................................... 17
Using the PocketJet 3 Conguration Utility .................................................. 18
Menu Bar ........................................................................................................ 19
Conguration Options (Dropdown Menu Selections) ................................... 22
Printer Commands (Function Buttons) .......................................................... 33
Installing the Battery (Optional) .......................................................................... 36
Removing the Battery .......................................................................................... 38
Charging the Battery ............................................................................................ 39
Stopping the Charge Process .......................................................................... 39
Tips on Using the Battery .................................................................................... 40
...... 11
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Chapter 3 – Tips on Using Paper ............................................................................. 41
Inserting Paper ..................................................................................................... 41
Use Brother Genuine Thermal paper ................................................................... 42
Usage and Handling Instructions ......................................................................... 42
Clearing a Paper Jam ........................................................................................... 43
Method 1 ........................................................................................................ 43
Method 2 ........................................................................................................ 43
Chapter 4 – Maintaining the Printer ........................................................................ 45
Cleaning the Print Head ....................................................................................... 45
Cleaning the Platen Roller ................................................................................... 47
Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior ............................................................................ 49
Chapter 5 – Reference ............................................................................................. 51
Indicator Lights .................................................................................................... 51
Indicator Light Table ...................................................................................... 51
Indicator Light Warnings ..................................................................................... 52
Self-Test Feature .................................................................................................. 54
Chapter 6 – Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 55
Overview ............................................................................................................. 55
Paper Problems .................................................................................................... 56
Printed Image Problems ....................................................................................... 56
Pages Don’t Print ................................................................................................. 59
Pages Are Partially Printed .................................................................................. 59
Chapter 7 – Technical Information .......................................................................... 60
Product Specications ......................................................................................... 60
Declarations of Conformity ................................................................................. 62
Radio & Television Interference .......................................................................... 66
United States FCC Regulations ...................................................................... 66
Canadian Regulations ..................................................................................... 67
Chapter 8 – Ordering Information ........................................................................... 68
Consumables ........................................................................................................ 68
Accessories .......................................................................................................... 68
Uploadable Fonts ................................................................................................. 69
Appendix I – Character Set Tables .......................................................................... 70
Page iv
Safety Information
Use Recommendations
- Because the printer uses a thermal printing method, it produces heat
during operation. Be sure to place it where it will receive adequate
ventilation.
- Don’t allow moisture to come in contact with the printer, the AC
adapter, or the AC Power Cord.
Outdoor Use Warning
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this printer, its AC
adapter, or the power cord to rain or moisture.
Caution: Using AC Power
To use AC power (with or without the battery installed), you must
use the AC adapter supplied with the printer.
The AC adapter allows you to connect to worldwide (100-240 volt)
power sources. The AC adapter automatically adjusts to the correct
voltage when connected.
Check the power plug congurations and voltages used in your country. If you need a different plug or power cord than supplied with
your printer, you can either purchase a plug adapter locally or contact
your local reseller or Brother for assistance in acquiring a proper
cord set.
Battery Recycling Information
This printer can run on an optional rechargeable Nickel-Metal
Hydride (NiMH) battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of
its useful life, please consider recycling options for proper disposal
(contact your local solid waste ofcials). It may be illegal under
various state and local laws to dispose of the battery in your solid
waste collection.
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Y
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8
0
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8
-
A
B
The RBRC seal on the NiMH Battery pack supplied for the
PocketJet 3/3 Plus printers indicates that Brother is voluntarily
participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these
battery packs at the end of their useful life, when taken out of
service within the United States. The RBRC program provides
a convenient alternative to putting spent NiMH battery packs into
the trash or municpal waste stream, which is illegal in some areas.
Brother payments to RBRC make it easy for you to drop the spent
battery pack at local retailers of replacement NiMH batteries or at
authorized Brother product service centers. You may also contact
your local recycling center for information on where to return the
spent battery packs. The involvement of Brother in this program
is part of its commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural resources.
Y
R
E
T
T
For users outside the United States, please contact your local
reseller or local solid waste ofcial for information on recycling
your used batteries.
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Chapter 1 - Setting Up the Printer
POWER
DATA
BATTER Y
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
Protective Case
USB Interface Cable
Printer
Battery
AC Adapter
AC Cable
CD
Print Head
Cleaning
Cloth
Quick Reference
Card
Thermal Paper
(100 Sheets)
Printer
Installation
CD v. 1.0
Device Drivers
Configuration Utilities
User’s Manuals
English
French
Spanish
Portuguese
M
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U
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A
©2009 Brother Mobile Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printer Quick Reference Card
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Unpacking the Printer
A typical printer kit may contain the items shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The contents of a standard printer kit.
NOTE: Supplies, accessories, and replacement parts are listed in Chapter 8.
Page 1
Connecting to an AC Outlet (Optional)
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AC Cable
To power
receptacle
3
2
Printer
AC Adapter
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 39).
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.
Page 2
Connecting to a DC Supply (Optional)
The PocketJet can be powered from its internal NiMH battery or from a vehicle DC
supply. To install the battery, See page 36. To connect your PocketJet to a “12-volt”
vehicle DC supply to print or maintain the battery charge, follow the steps below.
1. Connect an appropriate power cord (either with a cigarette plug or direct wired)
to the vehicle 12VDC supply as shown in Figure 3. (These items are available as
options. See Chapter 8.)
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
Page 3
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. Manual form feeds cannot be performed for ve
seconds after the printer has received any data in order to assure that printing is
complete before permitting a form feed. The button must then be held down for 1-1/2
seconds to start the form feed.
To Quickly 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).
Page 4
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 17-35 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. Color 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 color (except when sending new ash 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.
Page 5
Chapter 2 - Using the Printer
Printing Solutions
Brother provides printing solutions for many different operating systems and device types.
Device types include:
• Windows systems
• Psion/Symbian systems
• Windows CE systems
• Palm systems
• Rim systems
• Mac OS systems
• Linux 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 Mobile Solutions 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 Mobile Solutions
web site, www.brothermobilesolutions.com. or call 1-800-543-6144 and press 4.
Drivers that can be installed automatically, once selected from the Installation CD’s main
setup program, are:
• Windows 2000 Professional / XP / Vista
Page 6
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 Bluetooth is installed on the host computer and
is active according to the host computer instructions before installing the PocketJet
driver and the PocketJet Conguration 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 automatically.
5. Click “Finish” to close the CD or click “browse” 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.
Page 7
Manual Install
You may want to manually install a Windows version. View the “Readme.txt” le
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 nd the directory for your printer model.
3. Browse the CD to nd 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 le. 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.
If the installation does not proceed as explained above, contact Brother Mobile
Solutions Technical Support, (1-800-543-6144, ext. 1601).
Un-Install
If you need to uninstall the printer driver because of conicts or to update it, follow
these steps:
1. In Windows, select the Control Panel.
2. Select Printers and Faxes.
3. Right-click on the desired print queue.
4. Select Delete.
5. Close the Control Panel.
6. Re-install the printer driver.
Accessing Advanced Software Settings
Text Mode:
The Printers (PJ-522/PJ-523) 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.
Page 8
Operating System Considerations
The following three settings (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 match your printer model (“Brother PJ-523”,
Brother PJ-522-BT”, or “Brother PJ-523-BT”).
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 specied (i.e., letter, legal, A4, or user-dened 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 300-dpi for PJ-523) 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
denes the total top and bottom margin between pages of a multi-page job.
Page 9
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 xed 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 nal 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. Innite 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 “Innite 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-dened 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.
Page 10
3. If the xed length desired is not one of these sizes, use the Advanced Features
setup to select User Dened 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 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 rst 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 modies the printable area for any paper size including custom
sizes. This way you are not limited to “Peretter” and “PerfA4” sizes.
Windows Advanced Features Using
PocketJet 3 Utility (Conguration Utility)
§ Auto-On
§ Auto-Off
§ Pre-feed
These features can be accessed through Windows by using the PocketJet 3 Utility
(Conguration Utility). Please see specic denitions of Auto-On, Auto-Off, and Pre-
feed on pages 24 and 25.
Page 11
Windows-Specic 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 modies
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 length = 51 mm (2”)
• Maximum length = 27 feet (8.23 m) PJ-522,
18.01 feet (5.49 m) PJ-523.
d. All forms created within these specications will be displayed as paper
size options.
Page 12
Connecting to Your Computer
There are two ways to connect your PocketJet to your computer, via USB cable and via
Infrared (IrDA). For Printers with the optional Bluetooth feature, you can connect
via 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 7.
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.
Page 13
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 toward
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 19.
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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