Brother PT-2450, PT-2310, PT-2300 Service Manual

SERVICE MANUAL

MODEL: PT-2300/2310/2450

SERVICE MANUAL

MODEL: PT-2300/2310/2450

PREFACE

This publication is a service manual covering the specifications, theory of operation,
disassembly/reassembly procedure, and troubleshooting and error message of the Brother PT­2300/2310/2450. It is intended for service personnel and other concerned persons to accurately
and quickly provide after-sale service for our PT-2300/2310/2450.

To perform appropriate maintenance so that the machine is always in best condition for the
customer, the service personnel must adequately understand and apply this manual.

This manual is made up of four chapters and appendices.

CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS

CHAPTER II MECHANISMS

CHAPTER III ELECTRONICS

CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR MESSAGE

APPENDICES 1. SOFTWARE TO WRITE THE SERIAL NUMBER

2. CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS

© Copyright Brother 2001

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form or by any means without permission in writing
from the publisher.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

CHAPTER I

SPECIFICATIONS

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... I-1

1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................ I-1

1.1.1 External Appearance...................................................................................... I-1

1.1.2 Keyboard........................................................................................................ I-2

1.1.3 Display........................................................................................................... I-2

1.1.4 Printing Mechanism ........................................................................................ I-2

1.1.5 Tape Cassette................................................................................................ I-3

1.1.6 Tape Cutter.................................................................................................... I-3

1.2 ELECTRONICS SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... I-9

1.2.1 Character Generator....................................................................................... I-9

1.2.2 Power Supply................................................................................................. I-9

1.3 KEY COMMANDS FOR SPECIAL FUNCTIONS................................................... I-9

1.3.1 Initializing....................................................................................................... I-9

1.3.2 Demonstration Print........................................................................................ I-9

i

CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS

1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.1.1 External Appearance

(PT-2300/2310)

(PT-2450)

Fig. 1.1-1 PT-2300/2310/2450

(1) Dimensions (W x D x H) 194 x 242 x 65.5 mm (7.64" x 9.53" x 2.59")
(2) Weight

Machine proper Approx. 900 g
In package Approx. 1.6 kg (PT-2300/2450)

Approx. 2.9 kg (PT-2310/2450cc)
(including batteries, a tape cassette, and user's manual)

I-1

1.1.2 Keyboard

(1) Entry system Rubber key pad
(2) Number of alphanumeric and symbol keys 39
(3) Number of function keys 12 (including “On/Off ( ) ” key)
(4) Key arrangement See Fig. 1.1-2.
(5) Navigation dial (PT-2450) Rotary switch : 20 positions / cycle

1.1.3 Display

(1) Display type Liquid crystal display (LCD)
(2) Display composition 16 x 59 dots
(3) Number of indicators 20 (See Fig. 1.1-2.)
(4) Dot size 0.65 mm(25.6mils) wide by 0.65 mm(25.6mils) high
(5) Field-of-view angle adjustment Fixed by a resistor

1.1.4 Printing Mechanism

(1) Print method Thermal transfer onto plastic tapes (laminate tape and

(2) Print speed 10 mm/second (Typical)
(3) Print head

Type Thermal print head
Heat generator Consists of 112 heating elements vertically aligned

Size of heating element 0.195 mm (7.7 mils) wide by 0.141 mm (5.6 mils) high

(4) Character size

Set key : 1

non-laminated tape) or special tapes (instant lettering tape,
non-laminated thermal film tape, iron-on transfer tape, and
porous-stamp tape)
(Fixed print head and tape feeding mechanism)

(PT-2450 : 128 heating elements)

Character size Height x Width (dots)
Size 6 1.55 mm x 1.13 mm (11 x 8)
Size 9 1.97 mm x 1.41 mm (14 x 10)
Size 12 2.82 mm x 2.12 mm (20 x 15)
Size 18 4.51 mm x 3.38 mm (32 x 24)
Size 24 5.92 mm x 4.37 mm (42 x 31)
Big <12 mm> 7.61 mm x 5.64 mm (54x 40)
Size 36 9.02 mm x 6.77 mm (64 x 48)
Size 42 (PT-2300/2310) 10.72 mm x 8.04 mm (76 x 57)
Size 48 (PT-2450) 11.84 mm x 8.74 mm (84 x 62)
Big <18 mm> (PT-2300/2310) 13.54 mm x 10.30 mm (96 x 73)
Big <24 mm> (PT-2450) 16.07 mm x 11.99 mm (114 x 85)

* The height and width of the printed character are different depending on characters.

The values in the above list refer to the values of ‘H’ of HELSINKI.

* The character size indicates the point size.

I-2

1.1.5 Tape Cassette

(1) Cassette Cartridge type
(2) Types of tape cassettes

• Laminated tape cassette Laminate tape, ink ribbon, and adhesive base tape

• Non-laminated tape cassette Non-laminate tape and ink ribbon

• Instant lettering tape cassette Instant lettering tape and ink ribbon

• Non-laminated thermal film Non-laminated thermal film tape
tape cassette

• Iron-on transfer tape cassette Iron-on transfer tape and ink ribbon

• Stamp tape cassette Porous-stamp tape and base paper

• Cloth tape cassette Cloth tape and ink ribbon

(3) Tape size

Width Length

Laminate tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24

Non-laminate tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24

Instant lettering tape 18 mm 8 m
Non-laminate thermal film

tape
Iron-on transfer tape 18 mm 6 m
Porous-stamp tape 18, 24 mm 3 m
Cloth tape 12 mm 4 m

(4) Tape cassette packed with the machine

1.1.6 Tape Cutter

(1) Tape cutting Automatic cutter (scissors type)
(2) Cutter unit Not user-replaceable

8 m

mm

mm

12, 18 mm 8 m

Laminated tape cassette containing a 12-mm-wide black
ink ribbon, laminate tape, and adhesive base tape

(5 m for the fluorescent coating tape)
8 m

I-3

PT-2300/2310 U.S.A.

Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (1)

I-4

PT-2450 BELGIUM

Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (2)

I-5

PT-2450 FRENCH

Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (3)

I-6

PT-2450 GERMAN

Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (4)

I-7

PT-2450 U.K.

Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement (5)

I-8

1.2 ELECTRONICS SPECIFICATIONS

1.2.1 Character Generator

(1) Internal characters U.S.A. (PT-2300/2310) 179 characters

U.K./ FRA/ BEL (PT-2450) 199 characters
GER (PT-2450) 216 characters

(2) Internal font HELSINKI, BRUSSELS, FLORIDA, US (PT-2300/2310)

HELSINKI, BRUSSELS, FLORIDA, BELGIUM,
LOS ANGELS, SAN DIEGO, ISTANBUL, US (PT-2450)

(3) Internal memory Text buffer 99 characters (PT-2300/2310)

File memory 300 characters (PT-2300/2310)

1.2.2 Power Supply

(1) Automatic power off Yes

Normal mode : 5 min. ± 30 sec.
IF mode : 30 min. ± 30 sec. (PT-2300/2310)

255 characters (PT-2450)

2500 characters (PT-2450)

1.3 KEY COMMANDS FOR SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

1.3.1 Initializing

Powering on the machine with both the Code and R keys held down will initialize the machine.

1.3.2 Demonstration Print

Pressing the D key with the Code key held down will start demonstration print. (This key
command takes effect only when no data is entered.)

I-9

CHAPTER II

MECHANISMS

CONTENTS

CHAPTER II MECHANISMS.............................................................................. II-1

2.1 THEORY OF OPERATION ................................................................................... II-1

2.1.1 Print Mechanism ............................................................................................ II-1

2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism ..................................... II-3

2.1.3 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism.................................................................... II-4

2.1.4 Automatic Tape Cutter Mechanism................................................................. II-6

2.1.5 Roller Holder ASSY & Cassette Cover Interlocking Mechanism...................... II-7

2.2 DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY ......................................................................... II-8

2.2.1 Disassembly Procedure.................................................................................. II-8

[ 1 ] Removing the Battery Lid and Batteries ....................................................... II-8

[ 2 ] Removing the Tape Cassette and Tape Separator Stick.............................. II-9

[ 3 ] Removing the Bottom Cover ....................................................................... II-10

[ 4 ] Removing the Cassette Cover, Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate.................. II-12

[ 5 ] Removing the Main PCB and Rubber Key Pad............................................ II-18

[ 6 ] Removing the Switch ASSY ........................................................................ II-20

[ 7 ] Removing the Blind Cover ........................................................................... II-20

[ 8 ] Removing the Power Supply PCB ............................................................... II-21

[ 9 ] Removing the Battery Terminals ................................................................. II-22

2.2.2 Reassembly Procedure .................................................................................. II-23

[ 1 ] Installing the Battery Terminals ................................................................... II-23

[ 2 ] Installing the Power Supply PCB ................................................................. II-24

[ 3 ] Installing the Blind Cover............................................................................. II-26

[ 4 ] Installing the Switch ASSY .......................................................................... II-26

[ 5 ] Installing the Rubber Key Pad ..................................................................... II-27

[ 6 ] Installing the Main PCB ............................................................................... II-28

[ 7 ] Installing the Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate.............................................. II-29

[ 8 ] Installing the Bottom Cover ......................................................................... II-34

[ 9 ] Installing the Cassette Cover....................................................................... II-36

i

[ 10 ] Installing the Tape Cassette and Tape Separator Stick ................................ II-36

[ 11 ] Loading Batteries and Installing the Battery Lid ........................................... II-37

[ 12 ] Demonstration Print and Final Check .......................................................... II-38

ii

CHAPTER II MECHANISMS

2.1 THEORY OF OPERATION

2.1.1 Print Mechanism

(1) Structure of Thermal Head

This machine uses thermal transfer printing. The thermal print head has a heat generator
consisting of 112 heating elements (PT-2450 : 128 heating elements ) which are vertically
aligned as shown in Fig. 2.1-1.
Each heating element is 0.195 mm wide by 0.141 mm high.

Fig. 2.1-1 Heat Generator of Thermal Head

(2) Printing Process

When the cylindrical rubber platen is pressed against the thermal print head with the tape*
and ink ribbon** sandwiched inbetween, the CPU applies electric power to the selected ones
of those 112 heating elements. (PT-2450 : 128 heating elements)

* Laminate tape when using laminated tape cassettes.

Non-laminated tape when using non-laminated tape cassettes.
Instant lettering tape when using instant lettering tape cassettes.
Non-laminated thermal film tape when using non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes.
Iron-on transfer tape when using iron-on transfer tape cassettes.
Cloth tape when using cloth tape cassettes.

** When using non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes or stamp tape cassettes, no ink

ribbon is sandwiched.

[For tape cassettes except non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes and stamp tape

cassettes]

If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the ink on the sandwiched ribbon will be
melted and transferred to the tape, producing a dot(s) on the tape. The ink ribbon and the
tape are advanced and then the next heating cycle is repeated, thus forming a character on
the tape.

[For non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the thermal film tape develops itself to

produce a dot on the tape. The tape is advanced and the next heating cycle is repeated,
thus forming a character on the tape.

II-1

[For stamp tape cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the porous-stamp tape will be melted so

that a pore (pores) will be formed in the tape. The tape is advanced and the next heating
cycle is repeated, thus forming a character of pores on the tape. The printed stamp tape
can be used as the face of a stamp. When the stamp is pressed against the ink-pad, it will
absorb ink through the pores.

For laminated tape cassettes, instant lettering tape cassettes, and iron-on transfer tape
cassettes, the CPU processes the print data to generate a mirror image so that the printed
character can be seen normally when viewed from the other side of the printed face of the
tape.

(3) Character Formation

While the DC motor feeds the tape and ink ribbon (only the tape when using non-laminated
thermal film tape cassettes or stamp tape cassettes) by 0.141 mm, the thermal head
generates heat once. The feed amount is decided by sending each five pulses of the signal
as one dot (0.141 mm) when the photo interrupter detects the encode gear assembled onto
the motor shaft. The feed amount of 0.141 mm is smaller than the width (0.195 mm) of the
heating elements so that the heat generated at one heating cycle will overlap with the next
heating cycle. This forms a character having no gap between adjacent printed dots.

II-2

2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism

This mechanism consists of the roller release lever, roller holder release rod, and roller holder
ASSY.

The roller holder ASSY supports the platen and the tape feed sub roller so that they can move
perpendicularly to the head ASSY and the tape feed roller, respectively, as well as rotating freely.

Loading a tape cassette and closing the cassette cover pushes down the roller release lever which
moves the roller holder release rod to the left (when viewed from the front of the machine). This
pivots the roller holder ASSY around the shaft provided on the chassis so as to press the roller
holder ASSY against the head ASSY side.

The platen is pressed perpendicularly against the head ASSY with the tape and ink ribbon (only
the tape when using non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes or stamp tape cassettes)
sandwiched inbetween under a uniform load by the platen (upper and lower) spring.

At the same time, the platen gear becomes engaged with the platen idle gear.
Also, the tape feed sub roller is pressed perpendicularly against the tape feed roller built in the

tape cassette with the tape (and base paper when using laminated tape cassettes or stamp tape
cassettes) sandwiched inbetween under a uniform load by the roller holder upper spring and roller
holder lower spring. At the same time, the sub roller gear becomes engaged with the tape idle
gear.

If you open the cassette cover, the roller release lever pops up, which shifts the roller holder
release rod so that the roller holder ASSY is retracted from the head ASSY, providing you with
enough space to replace the tape cassette.

Adhesive base tape

Platen idle gear

Tape feed roller

Tape feed sub roller

(Tape feed) platen gear

(Tape feed) sub roller gear

Platen roller

Roller holder ASSY

Platen roller

Head ASSY

Shaft

Platen lower spring

Laminate tape

Tape cassette

Ink ribbon

Chassis ASSY

Roller release lever

Roller holder release rod

Platen upper spring

Tape feed sub roller

(Top)

Fig. 2.1-2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism

II-3

2.1.3 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism

This mechanism consists of a DC motor, gear train, and roller holder ASSY.

(1) Tape Feeding

When you load a tape cassette and close the cassette cover, the tape feed roller inside the
cassette and the tape feed sub roller in the roller holder ASSY sandwich the tape (the
laminate tape and adhesive base tape when using laminated tape cassettes) inbetween, as
described in Subsection 2.1.2.

As the DC motor rotates, the rotation is transmitted via the gear train to the tape idle gear
(which rotates the tape feed sub roller gear) and the platen idle gear (which rotates the tape
feed platen gear). Accordingly, the sandwiched tape and ink ribbon will be advanced.
(When a laminated tape cassette is mounted, the sandwiched laminate tape and adhesive
base tape and ink ribbon will be advanced together.)

The feeding amount of the platen is slighty less than that of the tape feed sub roller.

Adhesive
base tape

Tape feed
roller

(Tape feed)
sub roller gear

Tape idle gear

Platen idle gear

Transparent laminate tape

Head ASSY

Platen idle gear

Roller holder ASSY

Platen roller

DC motor

Photo interrupter ASSY

Encode gear

Chassis ASSY

Fig. 2.1-3 Tape Feeding Mechanism

II-4

(2) Adhesive Base Tape Feeding (only for laminated tape cassettes)

A laminated tape cassette contains both a transparent laminate tape roll and a separate
adhesive base tape roll.

When a transparent laminate tape and an adhesive base tape pass through the contact
point (between the tape feed roller and tape feed sub roller), they are then bonded together
into a single, printed tape. The ink printed on the laminate tape is, therefore, sealed up with
the adhesive base tape.

(3) Ink Ribbon Feeding (except for non-laminated thermal film tape cassettes and stamp tape

cassettes)
As the DC motor rotates, the ribbon drive cam located at the middle of the gear train rotates

counterclockwise. When fitted on the ribbon drive cam, the ribbon take-up roll in the tape
cassette also rotates to take up the ink ribbon.

To apply proper tension to the ink ribbon between the platen and the ribbon drive cam, the
feed amount of the ribbon drive cam is slightly greater than that of the tape feed gear. The
difference between the tape feed speeds at the platen and at the ribbon drive cam is
absorbed by the clutch spring which is integrated in the ribbon drive cam and allows the cam
to slip.

This way, the ink ribbon is kept tense, which enables the ribbon to clearly separate from the
tape at the stabilized angle after printing.

Tape feed roller

Tape feed sub roller

Platen roller

Ribbon take-up roll

Ink ribbon

Head ASSY

Roller holder ASSY

Ribbon drive cam

DC motor

Chassis ASSY

Fig. 2.1-4 Ribbon Feeding Mechanism

II-5

2.1.4 Automatic Tape Cutter Mechanism

The cutter ASSY consists of a stationary blade and a movable blade driven by the cutter motor.
Upon completion of printing and tape feeding, the CPU activates the cutter motor whose clockwise

rotation is transmitted via the idle gears to the cutter moving gear.
As the cutter moving gear rotates counterclockwise, its boss "X" (which is fitted in the opening of

the movable blade) actuates the movable blade to pivot it around shaft "Y." Consequently, the
cutter cuts the printed tape routing through the movable and stationary blades, just like a scissors.

After that, the CPU keeps the cutter motor on. When the movable blade comes back to the home
position, its end "Z" activates the cutter sensor actuator which presses the cutter sensor. The
moment the CPU receives the sensor signal, it stops the cutter motor.

Stationary blade

Cutter double gear

Cutter motor

Tape

Movable blade

“Y”

Cutter moving gear

“X”

“Z”

Actuator

Fig. 2.1-5 Automatic Tape Cutter Mechanism

Full cutter sensor PRO ASSY

II-6

2.1.5 Roller Holder ASSY & Cassette Cover Interlocking Mechanism

Closing the cassette cover pushes down the roller release lever and brings the top of the lever into
the hooked section provided on the inside of the cassette cover.

As described in Subsection 2.1.2 “Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism”, the roller
release lever shifts the roller holder release rod so that the roller holder ASSY is pressed towards
the head ASSY side.

Tape cassette

Platen roller
Tape feed
sub roller

Roller holder ASSY

Roller holder release spring

Head ASSY

Shaft

Chassis ASSY

Roller release lever

Roller holder release rod

Roller release lever

Hooked section

Roller holder
release rod

(Roller Holder ASSY engaged)(Roller Holder ASSY retracted)

Fig. 2.1-6 Roller Release Lever and Roller Holder Release Rod

Cassette cover

Cassette cover

Fig. 2.1-7 Roller Holder ASSY & Cassette Cover Interlocking Mechanism

Opening the cassette cover pulls up the roller release lever placed in the hooked section of the
cassette cover, which shifts the roller holder release rod so that the roller holder ASSY is retracted
from the head ASSY side by the platen lower spring.

II-7

2.2 DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY

2.2.1 Disassembly Procedure
[ 1 ] Removing the Battery Lid and Batteries

(1) Turn the machine upside down.
(2) Press section "A" of the battery lid to remove, then take out batteries.

Section “A”

Battery lid

Bottom cover

Batteries

Fig. 2.2-1 Removing the Battery Lid and Batteries

II-8

Bottom cover

[ 2 ] Removing the Tape Cassette and Tape Separator Stick

(1) Place the machine rightside up and open the cassette cover fully.
(2) Pull the tape cassette up and out of the machine.

Cassette cover

Tape cassette

Fig. 2.2-2 Removing the Tape Cassette

(3) Pull the tape separator stick up.

Hook

Fig. 2.2-3 Removing the Tape Separator Stick

II-9

[ 3 ] Removing the Bottom Cover

(1) Close the cassette cover while pressing down section "B."
(2) Turn the machine upside down.
(3) Remove five screws from the bottom cover.
(4) Apply your fingers to the bottom cover and pull it up.

Cassette cover

Section “B”

Section “B”

Screw

Screws

Bottom cover

Screw

Fig. 2.2-4 Removing the Bottom Cover (1)

II-10

(5) Separate the bottom cover from the upper cover.
(6) Open the bottom cover to the left as shown below.
(7) Attach the tweezers onto the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals in order to discharge the

capacitor mounted on the main PCB.
(8) Disconnect the power supply harness from the main PCB.
(9) Disconnect the USB/IF harness from the main PCB (PT-2300/2310).
(10) Release the grounding wire from the rib provided on the upper cover and remove the screw

that secures the grounding wire to the chassis ASSY.

(PT-2300/2310)

Positive (+)
terminal

Tweezers

Negative (-)
terminal

(PT-2450)

USB/IF
harness

(Front)

Power supply harness

Bottom cover

Screw

Grounding wire

Upper cover

Main PCB

Bottom cover

Tweezers

Screw

Grounding wire

Positive (+)
terminal

(Front)

Negative (-)
terminal

Power supply harness

Upper cover

Main PCB

Fig. 2.2-5 Removing the Bottom Cover (2)

Note: Check that the lower feet are tightly attached to the bottom cover without any gaps,

peeling-off, or overreaching.

II-11

[ 4 ] Removing the Cassette Cover, Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate

CAUTION: During the following job, handle the connectors and harnesses gently so as not to

damage them.

(1) Take off the cassette cover from the upper cover. The roller release lever will pop up.

Cassette cover

Upper cover

Roller release lever

Fig. 2.2-6 Removing the Cassette Cover

(2) Remove the switch ASSY harness which is soldered at 6 places, from the main PCB.

Note: However, if only the chassis ASSY is removed, the soldered switch ASSY must not be

removed.

Switch ASSY harness

Main PCB

Upper cover

Fig. 2.2-7 Removing the Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate (1)

II-12

(4) Disconnect the following harnesses from the main PCB.

- Cutter motor harness

- Full cutter sensor harness

- Photo interrupter harness

(5) Remove the harness the main PCB by melting the solder.

- DC motor harness
(6) Disconnect the head cable from the main PCB.
(7) Remove the two screws of the chassis ASSY.
(8) Remove the shield plate from the chassis ASSY.
(9) Lift the chassis ASSY up and out of the upper cover.

Screws

Shield Plate

DC motor harness

Photo interrupter harness

Head cable

Full cutter sensor harness

Cutter motor harness

Main PCB

Fig. 2.2-8 Removing the Chassis ASSY and Shield Plate (2)

Chassis ASSY

Upper cover

II-13