Brother PJ-863 Manual

The Brother PJ-863 is a high-performance thermal label printer designed for fast, reliable printing of shipping labels, barcodes, and tags. It features USB and Ethernet connectivity, supports a wide range of label sizes, includes P-touch Editor Lite software, and offers easy setup with automatic calibration. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Devices 7. Printing Labels 8. Software Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Thermal print mechanism, control panel with LCD display, USB and Ethernet ports, label roll holder, cutter mechanism, power supply.

Feature	Description
Print Technology	Direct thermal printing
Print Speed	Up to 5 inches per second
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX
Label Width	Supports 0.5" to 4.3" wide labels
LCD Display	2-line backlit display for status and settings
Cutter	Automatic or manual cutting option
Media Sensor	Automatic gap/black mark detection
POWER Button	Turns printer on/off
FEED Button	Advances label media manually
PAUSE/CANCEL	Pauses printing or cancels current job

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface near power outlet.

Install label roll: Open media cover, insert roll with label facing outward, thread through guide, close cover.
Connect power: Plug AC adapter into printer and wall outlet.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect to PC or Mac.
Connect to network: Use Ethernet cable for network printing (optional).

WARNING! Keep printer away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Ensure ventilation openings are not blocked.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow initialization process.

Load media: Printer will automatically calibrate to detect label size and gap.
Install drivers: Insert included CD or download latest drivers from Brother website.
Install software: Install P-touch Editor Lite for label design.
Configure settings: Use control panel buttons to set language, units, and print darkness.

CAUTION! Use only Brother-approved thermal labels to avoid print head damage.

Specifications

Print Method: Direct thermal.
Resolution: 300 dpi.
Maximum Print Width: 4.09 inches (104 mm).
Media Types: Die-cut labels, continuous labels, tags.
Interface: USB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX.
Memory: 64 MB DRAM, 128 MB Flash.
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Power Supply: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz.
Operating Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Controls and Settings

Access settings via control panel buttons and LCD display.

Control Panel: POWER, FEED, PAUSE/CANCEL, UP/DOWN arrows, OK button.

Settings Menu: Language, Units (inch/mm), Print darkness (0-30), Media type, Cutter mode, Network configuration. Use UP/DOWN to navigate, OK to select.

Connecting to Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Ethernet: Network connection for multiple users.

Turn off printer before connecting cables.
Connect USB cable to computer and printer.
For network: Connect Ethernet cable to router and printer.
Power on printer; install drivers if prompted.

Tip: Assign static IP address for consistent network printing.

Printing Labels

Supports printing from various applications and P-touch Editor Lite.

Design label: Use P-touch Editor Lite or other labeling software.
Print: Select Brother PJ-863 as printer, adjust settings as needed.
Monitor: LCD displays status (Ready, Printing, Error).
Cut: Labels cut automatically if cutter mode enabled.
Pause/Cancel: Press PAUSE/CANCEL to stop current job.

WARNING! Do not touch print head when hot. Allow to cool before cleaning.

Software Features

P-touch Editor Lite: Create and print labels with text, barcodes, graphics, sequential numbering. Driver settings: Adjust print quality, media size, darkness, speed.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Clean print head with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth. Clean roller and sensor with dry cloth.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Replace worn parts with genuine Brother supplies.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with limits for commercial environments. CE, RoHS compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact 1-877-552-6255.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not powering on	Power connection	Check power cable and outlet; ensure adapter plugged in securely.
No print output	Driver/media	Reinstall drivers; check media loading; ensure print darkness set correctly.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head	Clean print head; adjust darkness setting; use recommended labels.
Media not feeding	Sensor/roll	Re-calibrate media sensor; ensure roll installed correctly; check for obstructions.
Network not detected	Cable/settings	Check Ethernet cable; verify network settings; restart printer and router.

Reset: Hold FEED and PAUSE/CANCEL while powering on to restore factory defaults.

Service: 1-877-552-6255; support.brother.com