Brother QL-500 User Manual [en, es]

QL-500

User's Guide

Guía del usuario

Be sure to read this guide before using the machine. We recommend that you
keep this guide nearby for future reference.

Asegúrese de leer este manual antes de usar la impresora. Le recomendamos
conservar este manual a mano para referencia en el futuro.

www.brother.com

Introduction

2

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Brother QL-500.
Your new Brother QL-500 is a label printer that connects to your personal computer,
enabling you to quickly and easily print professional custom labels that you have created
on your personal computer using the label editing software provided.

To take full advantage of our service and support we recommend that you take this
opportunity to register with us by visiting us at:

Online User Registration

http://www.registermybrother.com/

Online Support Page

http://solutions.brother.com/

NOTE: It is also possible to access the above sites from the online user registration

window on the CD-ROM installer disk which is included with the printer. We look
forward to your registration.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)

Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation

100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA
TEL: [phone]

Product Name: Label Printer QL-500
Model Number: QL-500

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Important

• The enclosed interface cable should be used in order to ensure compliance with the limits for a

Class B digital device.

• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's

authority to operate the equipment.

Brother® One-Year Limited Warranty and Replacement Service

(USA Only)

Who is covered:

• This limited warranty ("warranty") is given only to the original end-use/retail purchaser

(referred to in this warranty as "Original Purchaser") of the accompanying product,
consumables and accessories (collectively referred to in this warranty as "the machine").

• If you purchased a product from someone other than an authorized Brother reseller in

the United States or if the product was used (including but not limited to floor models or
refurbished product), prior to your purchase you are not the Original Purchaser and the
product that you purchased is not covered by this warranty.

What is covered:

• The machine includes a Machine and Consumable and Accessory Items. Consumable

and Accessory Items include but are not limited to label cassettes, cutters, stamps,
power adapters, cases and batteries.

• Except as otherwise provided herein, Brother warrants that the Machine and the

accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship, when used under normal conditions.

• This warranty applies only to products purchased and used in the United States. For

products purchased in, but used outside, the United States, this warranty covers only
warranty service within the United States (and does not include shipping outside the
United States).

What is the length of the Warranty Periods:

• Machines: one year from the original purchase date.

• Accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items: 90 days from the original purchase

date or the rated life of consumable, whichever comes first.

What is NOT covered:

This warranty does not cover:
(1) Physical damage to the machine;
(2) Damage caused by improper installation, improper or abnormal use, misuse, neglect or

accident (including but not limited to transporting the machine without the proper
preparation and/or packaging);

(3) Damage caused by another device or software used with the machine (including but not

limited to damage resulting from use of non Brother

Accessory Items);
(4) Consumable and Accessory Items that expired in accordance with a rated life; and,
(5) Problems arising from other than defects in materials or workmanship.
This limited warranty is VOID if the machine has been altered or modified in any way
(including but not limited to attempted warranty repair without authorization from Brother
and/or alteration/removal of the serial number).

What to do if you think your Product is eligible for warranty service:

Report your issue to our P-touch Customer Service Hotline at 1-877-BROTHER (1-877­276-8437) or to a Brother Authorized Service Center within the applicable warranty
period. Supply Brother or the Brother Authorized Service Center with a copy of your
dated bill of sale showing that the machine was purchased within the U.S. For the name
of local Brother Authorized Service Center(s), call 1-877-BROTHER (1-877-276-8437) or
visit www.brother-usa.com.

What Brother will ask you to do:

After contacting Brother or a Brother Authorized Service Center, you may be required to
deliver (by hand if you prefer) or send the Product properly packaged, freight prepaid, to
the Authorized Service Center together with a photocopy of your bill of sale.

You are responsible for the cost of shipping, packing product, and insurance (if
you desire). You are also responsible for loss or damage to the machine in ship­ping.

®

-brand parts and Consumable and

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Introduction

4

What Brother will do:

If the problem reported concerning your Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and
Accessory Items is covered by this warranty and if you first reported the problem to
Brother or an Authorized Service Center within the applicable warranty period, Brother or
its Authorized Service Center will repair or replace the Machine and/or accompanying
Consumable and Accessory Items at no charge to you for parts or labor. The decision as
to whether to repair or replace the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and
Accessory Items is made by Brother in its sole discretion.
Brother reserves the right to supply a refurbished or remanufactured replacement
Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items and use refurbished
parts provided such replacement products conform to the manufacturer's specifications
for new product/parts.
The repaired or replacement Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory
Items will be returned to you freight prepaid or made available for you to pick up at a con­veniently located Authorized Service Center.
If the Machine and/or accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items are not covered
by this warranty (either stage), you will be charged for shipping the Machine and/or
accompanying Consumable and Accessory Items back to you and charged for any ser­vice and/or replacement parts/products at Brother's then current published rates.

The foregoing are your sole (i.e., only) and exclusive remedies under this warranty.

What happens when Brother elects to replace your Machine:

When a replacement Machine is authorized by Brother, and you have delivered the
Machine to an Authorized Service Center, the Authorized Service Center will provide you
with a replacement Machine after receiving one from Brother. If you are dealing directly
with Brother, Brother will send to you a replacement Machine with the understanding that
you will, after receipt of the replacement Machine, supply the required proof of purchase
information, together with the Machine that Brother agreed to replace. You are then
expected to pack the Machine that Brother agreed to replace in the package from the
replacement Machine and return it to Brother using the pre-paid freight bill supplied by
Brother in accordance with the instructions provided by Brother. Since you will be in pos­session of two machines, Brother will require that you provide a valid major credit card
number. Brother will issue a hold against the credit card account number that you provide
until Brother receives your original Product and determines that your original Product is
entitled to warranty coverage. Your credit card will be charged up to the cost of a new
Product only if: (i) you do not return your original Product to Brother within five (5) busi­ness days; (ii) the problems with your original Product are not covered by the limited war­ranty; (iii) the proper packaging instructions are not followed and has caused damage to
the product; or (iv) the warranty period on your original Product has expired or has not
been sufficiently validated with a copy of the proof of purchase (bill of sale). The replace­ment Machine you receive (even if refurbished or remanufactured) will be covered by the
balance of the limited warranty period remaining on the original Product, plus an addi­tional thirty (30) days. You will keep the replacement Machine that is sent to you and your
original Machine shall become the property of Brother. Retain your original Accessory

Items and a copy of the return freight bill, signed by the courier.

Limitations:

Brother is not responsible for damage to or loss of any equipment, media, programs or
data related to the use of the machine. Except for that repair or replacement as described
above, Brother shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential dam­ages or specific relief. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR
ORAL, WHETHER EXPRESSED BY AFFIRMATION, PROMISE, DESCRIPTION,
DRAWING, MODEL OR SAMPLE. ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THIS
ONE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY
DISCLAIMED.

• This Limited Warranty is the only warranty that Brother is giving for the machine. It is the

final expression and the exclusive and only statement of Brother's obligations to you. It
replaces all other agreements and understandings that you may have with Brother or its
representatives.

• This warranty gives you certain rights and you may also have other rights that may vary

from state to state.

• This Limited Warranty (and Brother's obligation to you) may not be changed in any way

unless you and Brother sign the same piece of paper in which we (1) refer to the machine
and your bill of sale date, (2) describe the change to this warranty and (3) agree to make
that change.

Important:

We recommend that you keep all original packing materials, in the event that you ship the
machine.

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Introduction

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Important Information

Should you have questions, or need information about your Brother Product, we have a
variety of support options for you to choose from:

USA-Customer Service:
Customer Service
1-877-BROTHER (877-276-8437)

Customer Service
1-901-379-1210 (fax)

Website
www.brother-usa.com

Supplies / Accessories
www.brothermall.com
or 877-552-6255

BROTHER INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
100 SOMERSET CORPORATE BLVD.
BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY 08807-0911

Record your model and serial number and your date and location of Purchase below for
your records. Keep this information with your proof of purchase (bill of sale) in case your
Product requires service.

Model # __________________________________________

Serial # __________________________________________

Date of purchase: __________________________________

Store where purchased: _____________________________

Location of store: __________________________________

Important: We recommend that you keep all original packing materials, in the event that
you need to ship the machine.

Save Time - Register On-Line!

Don’t stand in line at the post office or worry about lost mail. Visit us on-line at

www.registermybrother.com

Your product will immediately be registered in our database and you can be on your way!

Also, while you're there, look for contests and other exciting information!

Manuals

The following manuals are provided to help you use the printer correctly and to utilize its
features. Be sure to read this manual before using the printer.

User’s Guide (This manual)

Read this manual first.
It gives information which should be read before using the printer, such as cautions,
installation and setup.

Software Installation Guide

It explains how to install/uninstall the bundled software and printer driver to be used on a
personal computer.
This also describes how to create labels using the software.

Symbols Used in this Manual

The symbols used throughout this guide are as follows:

This symbol indicates information or directions that should be followed. If ignored, the
result may be injury, damage, or failed operations.

This symbol indicates information or directions that can help you better understand
and use the printer more efficiently.

7

Introduction

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General Information

Compilation and Publication Notice

Under the supervision of Brother Industries Ltd., this guide has been compiled and
published, covering the latest product’s descriptions and specifications.

The contents of this guide and the specifications of this product are subject to
change without notice.

Brother reserves the right to make changes without notice in the specifications and
materials contained herein and shall not be responsible for any damages (including
consequential) caused by reliance on the materials presented, including but not limited to
typographical and other errors relating to the publication.
The screen images in this guide can differ depending on your Operating System (OS) or
printer.

© 2010 Brother Industries Ltd.

Trademarks

The Brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
© 2010 Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved.
The names of other software or products used in this document are trademarks or
registered trademarks of the respective companies that developed them.
Each company whose software title is mentioned in this guide has a Software License
Agreement specific to its proprietary programs.
All other brand and product names mentioned in this User's Guide and the Software
Installation Guide are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Symbols Used in this Guide

The symbols used throughout this guide are as follows:

This symbol shows information or directions that should be followed. If ignored, the
result may be injury, damage, or failed operations.

This symbol shows information or directions that can help you better understand and
use the machine more efficiently.

Safety Precautions

We recommend that you read all of these instructions prior to using this product, and
save them for later reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
product.

WARNING
CAUTION

The symbols used in this guide are as follows:

Action NOT allowed to do DO NOT disassemble the product.
DO NOT splash the product with or

immerse the product in water.
Mandatory action Unplugging
Alerts to the possibility of electrical

shock

Follow these guidelines to avoid fire, electric shock, or other damage.

The Machine

Unplug the power cord immediately and
stop using the machine during an
electrical storm. There may be a remote
risk of electric shock from lightning.

Do not touch any metal parts near the
print head. The print head becomes very
hot during use and remains very hot
immediately after use. Do not touch it
directly with your hands.

Dispose of plastic bags correctly and
keep away from babies and children. Do
not wear or play with plastic bags.

Unplug the power cord immediately and
stop using the
abnormal odor, heat, discoloration,
deformation or anything unusual whilst the
machine

Do not disassemble the machine.
For inspection, adjustment and repair of
the machine contact the retail outlet
where the machine was purchased or
your local authorized service center.

Tells you what to do to avoid the risk of injury.

Tells you about procedures you must follow to prevent damage to the machine.

DO NOT touch a given portion of the
product.

WARNING

Do not drop, hit or otherwise bang the
machine.

Do not hold and lift the machine by the
DK Roll cover. The cover could come off
and the machine could fall and become
damaged.

machine

is in use or storage.

if you notice any

Do not allow the
way.

Do not use the machine with foreign
objects in it. If water or any foreign
objects should enter the machine,
unplug the power cord from the electric
outlet and remove the foreign object. If
necessary, contact the retail outlet
where the machine was purchased or
your local authorized service center.

Do not hold the machine with only one
hand. The machine may slip out of your
hand.

Never disassemble the machine or allow
it to get wet to avoid possible fire or
electrical shock. Doing so could cause
an electrical shock or fire.

machine

to get wet in any

9

Introduction

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WARNING

Do not use paint thinner, benzene,
alcohol or any other organic solvents to
clean the machine. Doing so may cause
damage to the surface finish. Use a soft,
dry cloth to clean the machine.

Do not put any heavy objects or objects
containing water on top of the machine.
If water or any foreign object enters the
machine, contact the retail outlet where
the machine was purchased or your
local authorized service center. If you
continue to use the machine with water
or a foreign object in the machine, the
machine may be damaged or personal
injury could result.

Follow these guidelines to avoid fire, electric shock, or other damage.

Power Cord

Use only the authorized power source
(120V AC) for the machine.

Use only the power cord included with
the machine.

Do not handle the power cord or plug if
your hands are wet.

Do not overload the electrical outlet
sockets with too many appliances or
plug the power cord into a damaged
electrical outlet.

Do not cut, damage, alter or place heavy
objects on the power cord.

Cutter

Do not touch the blade of the cutter. Do not open the top cover when the

The electrical outlet should be close to
the machine and be easily accessible.

Do not touch the cutter. Personal injury
could result.

Do not expose the machine to direct
sunlight or near heaters or other hot
appliances, in any area exposed to
extremely high or low temperatures,
high humidity or dusty areas. Doing so
could cause the machine to malfunction.

Do not use the power cord if it is
damaged.

Ensure the power cord is correctly
inserted into the electrical outlet.

Always hold the power cord when
unplugging the power cord from or
plugging it into electrical outlet. Do not
pull on the power cord. The wire in the
electrical cord may become damaged.

If the machine will not be used for an
extended period, remove the power cord
from the electrical outlet.

cutter is operating.

CAUTION

Follow these guidelines to avoid fire, electric shock, or other damage.

Installation/Storage

Put the machine on a flat, stable surface
such as a desk.

Do not put any heavy objects on top of
the machine.

CAUTION

DK Roll (DK Label, DK Tape)

Be careful not to drop the DK Roll.
DK Rolls use thermal paper and thermal

film. Both the label and print will fade
with sunlight and heat. Do not use DK
Rolls for outdoor use that requires
durability.

Depending on the area, material, and
environmental conditions, the label may
unpeel or become irremovable, the color
of the label may change or be
transferred to other objects.
Before applying the label, check the
environmental condition and the
material. Test the label by affixing a
small piece of it to an inconspicuous
area of the intended surface.

General Precautions

The Machine

• The machine is a precision machine. Do not drop, hit or otherwise bang the machine.

• The machine may malfunction if left near a television, radio, etc. Do not use the machine

near any machine that can cause electromagnetic interference.

• Do not insert any objects into or block the label output slot, USB port, Serial port or LAN

port.

• Use only the USB Interface Cable included with the machine.

• When not in use for an extended period, remove the DK Roll from the machine.

• Do not attempt to print labels while the DK Roll cover is open.

• There is a noise from the printer while printing due to

the speed printing (this is not a failure of the printer).
Set "print quality" of the printer driver setting to reduce
the noise.

• If a paper jam should occur due to a build up of

adhesive on the paper guide surface, unplug the power
cord from the electrical outlet and wipe away the
adhesive buildup on the paper guide surface with a
cloth dipped in ethanol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. It
is recommended that you clean the paper guide when
replacing the cutter unit.

DK Rolls (DK Labels and DK Tapes)

• Use only genuine Brother accessories and supplies (with , marks). Do not use any

unauthorized accessories or supplies.

• If the label is attached to a wet, dirty, or oily surface, it may peel off easily. Before

applying the label, clean the surface to which the label will be applied.

• As DK Rolls use thermal paper and thermal film, ultraviolet rays, wind, and rain may

cause the color of the label to fade and the ends of the label to peel off.

• Do not expose the DK Rolls to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, or dust.

Store in a cool, dark place. Use the DK Rolls soon after opening the package.

• Scratching the printed surface of the label with your finger nails or metal objects, or

touching the printed surface with hands dampened by water, sweat, or medicated cream,
etc., can cause the color to change or fade.

• Do not apply labels to any persons, animals, or plants.

Paper guide surface

11

Introduction

12

• As the end of the DK Roll is designed to not adhere to the label spool, the last label may

not be cut properly. If this happens, remove the remaining labels, insert a new DK Roll,
and reprint the last label.
Note: To account for this, the number of DK Labels included on each DK Roll may be
more than indicated on the package.

• If a label is removed after being applied to a surface, some portion of the label may

remain. Remove the remaining portion before attaching a new label.

• Some DK Rolls use permanent adhesive for their labels. These labels cannot be easily

peeled off once attached.

• Prior to using CD/DVD labels, be sure to follow the instructions in your CD/DVD player's

instruction guide regarding applying CD/DVD labels.

• Do not use CD/DVD labels in a slot loading CD/DVD player, for example a CD player in

a car where the CD is slid into a slot in the CD player.

• Do not peel off the CD/DVD label once it is applied to the CD/DVD, a thin surface layer

may come off, resulting in damage to the disk.

• Do not apply CD/DVD labels to CD/DVD disks designed for use with ink jet printers.

Labels peel off these disks easily and using disks with peeled labels can result in loss or
damage of data.

• When applying CD/DVD labels, use the applicator included with the CD/DVD label rolls.

failure to do so could cause damage to the CD/DVD player.

• Users shall take full responsibility for applying CD/DVD labels. Brother accepts no

responsibility for any loss or damage of data caused by the inappropriate use of CD/DVD
labels.

CD-ROM and Software

• Do not scratch or subject the CD-ROM to high or low temperatures.

• Do not put heavy objects on the CD-ROM or apply force to the CD-ROM.

• The software contained on the CD-ROM is meant for use with the machine only. See the

License on the CD for details. This software may be installed on multiple computers for
use in an office, etc.

Cutter

• The average number of cuts is 5,000 or more depending on the operating environment.

Dull cut, the inability to cut straight, or frequent paper jams may indicate that the cutter
life is near the end. Replace the cutter if these conditions occur.

Contents

Introduction •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2

Important Information ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 6
Manuals ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 7
Symbols Used in this Manual ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 7

General Information••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8

Safety Precautions •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 9

General Precautions •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 11
Contents ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 13

Before using the printer••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14

1 Parts Description••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14

Main Printing Unit•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14
Button descriptions •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14
Status LED Indications ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 15

2 Installing the DK Roll ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••16

3 Attaching the paper guide ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••17

4 Connecting the power supply••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••17

5 Installing the Software for QL-500 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18

1. When using Microsoft® Windows®•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18

2. When using Mac OS

6 Uninstalling Software and Printer Driver••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 22

Uninstalling P-touch Editor••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 22
Uninstalling the Printer Driver ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 22

®

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 20

13

Maintenance and Troubleshooting •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24

7 Maintenance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24

Print head maintenance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24
Roller maintenance•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 24
Label outlet maintenance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25
Replacing the cutter unit ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 26

8 Troubleshooting •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 28

Potential types of problems•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 28
Main specifications •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 29
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Before using the printer

14

1 Parts Description

Main Printing Unit

Front Rear

DK Roll compartment cover

FEED button
LED lamp
ON/OFF button
CUT lever

If the DK Roll compartment cover is left open, dust will collect on the print head.
Always close the cover.

Button descriptions

Button Condition

ON/OFF button Turns power to the QL-500 on and off.

• When using DK Die-cut Labels, feeds the DK Label Roll to the
beginning of the first label on the roll. If this button is held for more than
one second, the DK Label Roll is fed to the beginning of the next label

FEED button

Use CUT lever when cutting a printed label.

on the roll.

• When using DK Continuous Tapes, feeds 1" (25.4 mm) of the DK Label
Roll.

• If there is no DK Label Roll installed, the mode changes to a cleaning
mode and the roller rotates for 1/3" (8 mm). If this button is held for more
than one second, the roller rotates for 4" (100 mm).

Before usin g th e prin ter

Power cord

USB port

CUT Lever

Status LED Indications

Lamp Condition

Not lit

Power is OFF.

15

Lit

Flashing fast

Flashing slow

Turns off af ter flashing

fast ten times

Power is ON.
(Normally lit while power is on, the LED flashes during cleaning or if an
error has occurred.)

Indicates one of the following errors.

•Cutter error

• Label sensor error
(DK Roll not installed correctly, end of DK Roll, or label jam)

• DK Roll compartment cover is open during operation

• Incorrect DK Roll installed

• No DK Roll installed

Cooling
(Waiting for temperature of print head to lower)

System error

Turn the QL-500 off and then on again.
If this error re-occurs, contact the retail outlet where the QL-500 was
purchased or your local authorized service center.

Before using the printer

16

2 Installing the DK Roll

Check that the power is turned OFF (check

1

LED lamp).
Lift up the DK Roll cover by the tabs at the
sides of the cover.

Pull up the roll release lever and

2

remove the protective sheet of
printing unit.

Roll release lever

Printing unit protective sheet

Insert the spool of the DK Roll

3

along the spool guide of the
printer.

Check the both sides of spool of DK
Roll are correctly inserted into
spool guide of the printer.

Check that the roll release lever

4

is in the up position.
Insert the edge of DK Roll into
the slot until it is just in front of
the cutter.

Cutter

Spool

Spool guide

Roll release lever

Printing unit

Push down the roll release lever and close the

5

DK Roll cover.

If the DK Roll edge cannot be pushed in just before the
cutter (as described in step 4), insert the edge of the DK
Roll as far as possible and pull down the release lever.
When finished, close the DK Roll cover.
Pressing Feed button feeds the DK Roll to the correct
position (when using DK Tape, cut the fed tape as
needed).

3 Attaching the paper guide

The printer contains a paper guide which can hold up to 10 individual label sheets.

As shown in the right hand

1

illustration, attach the paper
guide to the front face of the
printer.

When printing more than 10
labels continuously using the
auto cut function, remove the
paper guide to prevent a paper
jam.

Paper guide

17

4 Connecting the power supply

Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

1

• Check that the electrical outlet is 120V AC before

plugging the power cord.

• Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet after

you have finished using the QL-500.

• Do not pull the power cord when unplugging it from

the electrical outlet. The wire in the power cord may
become damaged.

• Do not connect the QL-500 to the computer until directed to do so when

installing the printer driver. For how to install the printer driver and software,
refer to

Î "Software installation Guide".

Before using the printer

18

5 Installing the Software for QL-500

The printer names in the following screens may differ from your printer name.
The procedure for installing them varies depending on the OS of the computer.
Install procedure is subject to change without notice.
Do not connect the printer to the computer until directed to do so.

1. When using Microsoft® Windows

This section explains how to install the P-touch Editor 5.0, P-touch Address Book 1.1,
Printer Driver, and Software User's Guide as a whole.
The following is the example for Windows Vista

Start the computer and put the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.

1

2

If it does not start up automatically, open the files on the CD-ROM and double
click on "Setup.exe".

Click "Standard Installation".

Installation items:

1

Standard Installation

P-touch Editor 5.0,
P-touch Address Book 1.1,
Printer Driver, and
User's Guide (PDF)

2

Custom Installation

P-touch Editor 5.0,
P-touch Address Book 1.1,
Printer Driver and Software User's
Guide (PDF) can all be installed
separately.

3

Display User's Guide

The Software User's Guide (PDF)

4

Reader Download

Adobe

Link to the download page for Adobe

®

.

1
2
3
4

®

Reader® will be displayed.

®

Read the license agreement and click [Yes] if you agree with the

3

terms and conditions.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

4

Put a check mark in the box next to the

5

Add-In programs you want to install, and
click [Next].
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Make sure that all Microsoft® Office
applications are closed.
For details of the Add-in, see the "Software
User's Guide (PDF)".

Select the desired model, and then click [OK].

6

Follow the on-screen instructions of the Printer
Driver installation.

When instructed, connect the

7

printer to finish the printer driver
installation.

• For USB installation, it is important

you do not connect the printer to the
computer until directed to do so.

• Before connecting the USB interface

cable, remove the caution label
affixed to the USB port of the machine.

USB port

19

Power cord slot

Power cord

USB cable

Select a registration method and click [Next].

8

• If you choose "Yes, display the page", you will go to the online user registration

page before finishing the installation. (recommended)

• If you choose "No, do not display the page", you will continue the installation.

Click [Finish].

9

The software installation is now complete.

When you are asked to restart the computer, choose "Restart" and click [Finish].

Start the software.

10

•

Click [Start] - [All Programs] - [Brother P-touch] - [P-touch Editor 5.0] to start P-touch Editor.

• Click [Start] - [All Programs] - [Brother P-touch] - [P-touch Address Book 1.1] to

start P-touch Address Book.

For details of software, see Î"Software User's Guide (PDF)".
You can find the Software User's Guide (PDF) by clicking [Start] - [ALL Programs] ­[Brother P-touch] - [Manuals] - [QL-Series] - [Software User's Guide].