Brother QL-1100 Manual

The Brother QL-1100 is a high-speed direct thermal label printer designed for professional and office use. It features USB connectivity, supports various label sizes up to 4.1" wide, offers fast printing speeds up to 150mm/sec, includes P-touch Editor software compatibility, auto-cutter functionality, and supports multiple barcode symbologies. 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 Computer 7. Printing Labels 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct thermal print mechanism, USB port, Power connector, Feed button, Power button, Status LED, Auto-cutter, Label exit slot.

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct thermal
Print Speed	Up to 150mm/sec
Maximum Print Width	4.1 inches (104mm)
Connectivity	USB 2.0
Supported Media	Die-cut labels, continuous length labels, tag stock
Auto-cutter	Built-in automatic cutter after each print job
POWER button	Turns printer on/off
FEED button	Feeds label manually; used for calibration
Status LED	Indicates power, error, and data reception status
Software Compatibility	P-touch Editor, Windows, macOS, Linux

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

Remove all packaging materials and tape from printer.
Connect power adapter: Plug DC connector into printer, then plug AC adapter into wall outlet.
Load label roll: Open cover, insert roll with label facing outward, close cover.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer USB port.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved power adapter. Ensure proper ventilation around printer.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; install software and drivers.

Install drivers: Insert included CD or download latest drivers from Brother website.
Calibrate printer: Press and hold FEED button until LED flashes, then release to auto-calibrate.
Test print: Use P-touch Editor or print test page from driver properties.
Configure settings: Use printer driver to set default label size, print density, etc.

CAUTION! Do not touch print head while printer is powered on. Allow printer to complete calibration.

Specifications

Print Resolution: 300 dpi.
Print Speed: Up to 150mm/sec.
Media Width: 0.4" to 4.1" (10mm to 104mm).
Media Thickness: 0.0024" to 0.006" (0.06mm to 0.15mm).
Memory: 8MB DRAM, 4MB Flash ROM.
Barcode Support: Code 39, Code 128, UPC-A/E, EAN-8/13, ITF, etc.
Interface: USB 2.0.
Power Requirements: DC 24V, 1.8A (via included adapter).
Operating Environment: 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C), 20% to 80% humidity.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER button, FEED button, Status LED (Green/Red). Software Settings: Accessed via printer driver or P-touch Editor.

Driver Settings: Label size, Print density, Print speed, Mirror printing, Auto-cutter options. P-touch Editor: Text formatting, Barcode creation, Database import, Serialization, Templates.

Status LED Indicators: Solid green = Power on/Ready; Blinking green = Receiving data; Solid red = Error; Blinking red = Out of media/cover open.

Connecting to Computer

USB Connection: Standard USB 2.0 cable.

Ensure printer is powered off before connecting USB cable.
Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
Power on printer; computer should detect new hardware.
Install drivers if prompted, or use Brother installation software.

Tip: For best performance, connect directly to computer USB port, not through a hub.

Printing Labels

Supports various label types and formats.

Design label: Use P-touch Editor or other label design software.
Select printer: Choose Brother QL-1100 as target printer.
Set properties: Configure label size, orientation, and print options.
Print: Click print; printer will automatically feed and cut label.
Batch printing: Use serialization for sequential numbering.
Barcode printing: Select from supported symbologies in editor.
Test print: Always print test on regular paper before using labels.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved thermal labels. Do not use inkjet or laser labels.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning extends printer life.

Clean print head: Power off, open cover, use cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean print head.
Clean roller: Use lint-free cloth to remove dust from feed roller.
Replace labels: Always close cover when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.
Firmware updates: Check Brother website for latest firmware.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Never use abrasive materials on print head.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. CE Marking: Complies with European directives. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-552-6255.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not powering on	Power connection	Check power adapter connections; try different outlet.
No print output	Driver/media	Reinstall drivers; ensure correct label size selected; check media loading.
Poor print quality	Print head/density	Clean print head; adjust print density in driver settings.
Paper jam	Media misalignment	Power off, open cover, remove jammed media, reload properly.
Auto-cutter not working	Blade obstruction	Clear any label debris from cutter area; check cutter setting in driver.
Computer not detecting printer	USB connection	Try different USB cable/port; reinstall USB drivers.

Reset: Turn off printer, press and hold FEED button while turning on, release after 5 seconds.

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