Brother Pocket Jet PJ-523 Manual

The Brother Pocket Jet PJ-523 is a compact, portable thermal printer designed for on-the-go printing. It features direct thermal printing technology, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, compatibility with various mobile devices and operating systems, long-lasting battery life, and a durable, lightweight design. 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 Indicators 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing Operations 8. Software & Drivers 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Thermal print head, Paper compartment, Power button, Connectivity ports (USB, Bluetooth), Status LED indicators, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
Print Technology	Direct thermal, no ink or toner required
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Bluetooth (varies by model)
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Paper Width	Supports up to 4-inch wide thermal paper rolls
Print Speed	Up to 5 inches per second
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Dimensions	Compact and lightweight for portability
Durability	Designed for rugged use
Status Indicators	LEDs for power, connectivity, and errors
Power Source	AC adapter or battery operation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

Insert paper roll: Open paper compartment, load thermal paper with shiny side facing print head, feed paper through slot.
Charge battery: Connect AC adapter to printer and power outlet; charge fully before first use.
Install software: Insert included CD or download drivers from Brother website.
Power on: Press and hold power button until LED lights.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved thermal paper and accessories. Do not touch print head with fingers.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow setup prompts on connected device.

Pair via Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on mobile device, select "PJ-523" from list, enter PIN if required.
Connect via USB: Use included cable to connect printer to computer; system should detect new hardware.
Install drivers: Run setup software for your operating system.
Test print: Print a test page via printer properties or mobile app.

CAUTION! Ensure printer is on a stable, flat surface during setup.

Specifications

Print Method: Direct thermal.
Resolution: 203 dpi (8 dots/mm).
Print Speed: Up to 5 ips.
Paper Width: 2.25" to 4.0" (57 mm to 102 mm).
Paper Type: Thermal paper rolls.
Connectivity: USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (optional).
Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion, up to 8 hours continuous printing.
Operating Temp: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).
Dimensions: Approx. 7.5" x 3.5" x 2.5" (190 x 90 x 65 mm).
Weight: Approx. 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) with battery.

Controls and Settings

Access settings via physical buttons or connected software. Front Panel: POWER button, FEED button, Status LEDs (Power, Bluetooth, Error).

Software Controls: Print density, Paper size, Print speed, Auto power-off, Bluetooth settings.

Print Density: Adjust darkness via software (Light, Normal, Dark). Paper Settings: Configure width and length. Connectivity: Pair/unpair Bluetooth devices. Power Management: Set sleep timer to conserve battery.

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Bluetooth: Wireless pairing with mobile devices.

Turn on printer and device.
For USB: Connect cable to printer and computer USB port.
For Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth on device, search for "PJ-523", select and pair.
Verify connection via status LED (solid blue for Bluetooth).

Tip: Keep printer within 33 feet (10 meters) for stable Bluetooth connection.

Printing Operations

Supports printing from various applications and mobile apps.

Load paper: Ensure paper is properly loaded and fed.
Select printer: Choose "Brother PJ-523" as printer in application.
Adjust settings: Set paper size, print density, orientation as needed.
Print: Send print job; printer will start automatically.
Feed paper: Press FEED button to advance paper manually.
Power off: Hold power button to turn off; printer will enter sleep mode if idle.

WARNING! Do not pull paper during printing; use FEED button. Avoid exposing printed material to heat, light, or chemicals.

Software & Drivers

Drivers available for Windows, macOS. Mobile printing via Brother iPrint&Label app (iOS/Android).

Installation: Run setup executable; follow on-screen instructions. Configuration: Access printer properties to adjust settings. Updates: Check Brother website for latest drivers and firmware.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug and power off before cleaning. Use dry, lint-free cloth to clean exterior. Clean print head with approved cleaning pen or swab if print quality degrades.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. Bluetooth: Qualified Bluetooth system. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not powering on	Battery/AC adapter	Charge battery; ensure AC adapter is properly connected.
No print output	Paper/connectivity	Reload paper correctly; check USB/Bluetooth connection.
Faint or faded print	Print density/paper	Increase print density setting; use fresh thermal paper.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/distance	Re-pair device; ensure within range; restart printer and device.
Paper jam	Misaligned paper	Open compartment, remove jammed paper, reload properly.

Reset: Turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn on. For persistent issues, restore factory settings via software.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother.com