Brother MW-120 Manual

The Brother MW-120 is a compact and versatile electronic labeling machine designed for home, office, and light industrial use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape widths, decorative frames, and a built-in cutter. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Features 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, Tape compartment, Built-in cutter, Power adapter port, AC input connector.

FeatureDescription
LCD DisplayShows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full KeyboardFor easy text entry and navigation
Tape CompartmentHolds Brother TZe tape cassettes (6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Built-in CutterFor cutting printed labels to desired length
AC Adapter PortFor power connection (Adapter included)
Battery CompartmentOptional power via 6 AA batteries (not included)
POWERTurns the labeler on/off
FONTCycles through available font styles
SIZEAdjusts font size (Small, Medium, Large)
PRINTPrints the current label

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, stable surface.

  1. Insert Tape Cassette: Open the tape compartment cover. Insert a Brother TZe tape cassette with the tape end facing outward. Close the cover firmly.
  2. Connect Power: Plug the AC adapter into the port on the side of the labeler, then plug the adapter into a standard 120V AC wall outlet.
  3. Install Batteries (Optional): Open the battery compartment on the bottom. Insert 6 AA batteries, observing correct polarity. Close the compartment.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Using incompatible tapes may cause damage. Ensure the labeler is turned off when inserting tape or batteries.

First-Time Use

Power on the labeler; the LCD will illuminate.

  1. Select Language: Upon first use, you may be prompted to select a language. Use the arrow keys to navigate and ENTER to confirm (ENGLISH is default).
  2. Test Print: Type a few characters. Press the PRINT button to create your first label. The built-in cutter will automatically cut the tape.
  3. Explore Functions: Use the FONT, SIZE, and STYLE buttons to preview different label appearances on the LCD before printing.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from the cutter mechanism while printing. Do not pull the tape during printing.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated buttons or the MENU key. Front Panel: POWER, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, PRINT, CUT (manual), SPACE, DEL, SHIFT.

Menu Functions: Press MENU to access: Tape Width setting, Auto Power Off, LCD Contrast, Reset to factory defaults.

Text Formatting: Use FONT to cycle styles. Use SIZE for Small/Medium/Large. Use STYLE for Bold, Italic, Underline, or Frames. Navigation: Use arrow keys to move cursor. Use DEL to delete characters.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process.

  1. Turn on the labeler with the POWER button.
  2. Type your desired text using the keyboard. The text appears on the LCD.
  3. Format the text: Press FONT, SIZE, or STYLE to apply formatting. Preview on LCD.
  4. Print: Press the PRINT button. The label will print and be automatically cut.
  5. Peel the printed label from its backing and apply to the desired surface.

Tip: For long labels, you can press and hold the arrow keys to scroll through the text on the LCD.

Advanced Features

Utilizing frames, serialization, and memory.

  1. Frames & Borders: Press STYLE repeatedly to cycle through decorative frames around your text.
  2. Numbering (Serialization): Type a number (e.g., "1"). Access the MENU, find "Numbering," and set increment and count. The labeler will print a series of labels (1, 2, 3...).
  3. Text Memory: The labeler retains the last label created in memory, even after power off. Press RECALL to load it.
  4. Auto Power Off: To conserve batteries, the labeler turns off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity. Adjust time in MENU.

WARNING! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners on the LCD or keyboard.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. For stubborn marks, dampen the cloth slightly with water.

CAUTION! Never use alcohol, benzene, thinners, or other chemical cleaners. Do not allow liquid to enter the tape compartment or keyboard. Store in a cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-467-4289. This product conforms to all applicable standards and directives in the region of sale.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power / LCD blankPower connection / BatteriesEnsure AC adapter is plugged in firmly or install fresh batteries. Check POWER is ON.
Tape does not feed/printTape cassette installed incorrectly / EmptyOpen compartment, re-insert tape correctly. Ensure tape is not at its end.
Print quality is poor/faintLow battery / Old tapeReplace batteries or use AC power. Try a new, genuine Brother TZe tape cassette.
Text does not appear on LCDLCD contrast settingAdjust LCD contrast via MENU > Settings > LCD Contrast.
Cutter does not workPaper jam / Mechanical obstructionTurn off, open cover, and gently remove any jammed tape or debris.

Reset: MENU > System > Initialize to reset all settings to factory defaults (will not delete text memory).

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.brother-usa.com

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