Brother RJ-4230B Manual

The Brother RJ-4230B is a high-performance receipt and journal printer designed for point-of-sale systems, featuring fast printing speeds, multiple connectivity options, automatic cutter, paper low sensor, and compatibility with various POS software. 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 Systems 7. Printing Operations 8. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Thermal print mechanism, automatic cutter, paper roll holder, control panel, USB/Serial/Ethernet interfaces, paper low sensor.

Feature	Description
Printing Method	Direct thermal
Print Speed	Up to 250mm/sec
Paper Width	80mm maximum
Connectivity	USB, Serial RS-232, Ethernet
Cutter	Automatic paper cutter
Paper Sensor	Paper low detection
Control Panel	Power, Feed, Error indicators
Power Supply	24V DC external adapter
Compatibility	ESC/POS, IBM PPDS
Dimensions	Approx. 180mm(W) x 200mm(D) x 150mm(H)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface near POS terminal.

Install paper roll: Open cover, insert roll with paper feeding from bottom, close cover.
Connect interface cable: Choose USB, Serial, or Ethernet cable based on your system.
Connect power: Plug 24V DC adapter into printer and AC outlet.
Power on: Press power switch; printer performs self-test.

WARNING! Keep printer away from heat sources and liquids. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; configure settings for your POS system.

Load paper: Ensure paper feeds properly through print mechanism.
Configure interface: Set DIP switches or use software for interface selection.
Test print: Print self-test page by holding FEED button during power on.
Install drivers: Install appropriate drivers on your POS system.
Configure software: Set printer parameters in your POS application.

CAUTION! Use only Brother-approved paper and supplies.

Specifications

Print Method: Direct thermal line printing.
Print Speed: Max 250mm/sec.
Resolution: 203 dpi (8 dots/mm).
Paper Width: 58mm or 80mm.
Paper Type: Thermal paper rolls.
Paper Diameter: Max 83mm outer diameter.
Interfaces: USB 2.0, Serial RS-232, 10/100 Ethernet.
Character Sets: Multiple international character sets.
Barcode Support: UPC-A/E, EAN-8/13, Code 39, Code 128, etc.
Power Requirements: 24V DC, 2.5A.
Operating Environment: 5°C to 35°C, 20% to 80% humidity.

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER button (on/off), FEED button (manual paper feed), ERROR LED (red), PAPER LED (orange).

DIP Switches: Located inside cover for interface selection, auto-cutter settings, character tables.

Software Settings: Configure via printer driver or ESC/POS commands for print density, cutting mode, buzzer control, paper sensor sensitivity.

Connecting to Systems

USB: Standard USB type-B connector. Serial: DB-9 female connector. Ethernet: RJ-45 connector for network printing.

Turn off printer and computer before connecting cables.
Select appropriate interface cable.
Connect cable securely to printer and host system.
Set DIP switches for selected interface.
Power on printer, then computer.

Tip: For Ethernet connection, configure IP address via Brother utility software.

Printing Operations

Supports receipt and journal printing with various formatting options.

Normal printing: POS software sends print jobs automatically.
Manual feed: Press FEED button to advance paper without printing.
Test print: Hold FEED button while powering on for self-test.
Cutter operation: Automatic after each receipt; manual via command.
Status monitoring: LEDs indicate paper low, errors, power status.
Font selection: Select via software commands for different character sizes.
Graphics printing: Supports bitmap graphics printing.
Barcode printing: Multiple symbologies supported via commands.

WARNING! Never touch print head when printer is powered on or recently used.

Maintenance Features

Automatic paper cutter maintenance: Clean cutter blade periodically. Print head cleaning: Use isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth. Self-diagnostics: Error codes displayed via LED patterns. Firmware updates: Available via Brother website.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug printer before cleaning. Clean exterior with dry cloth. Clean print head with isopropyl alcohol when print quality degrades.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Keep paper path free of debris.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; may cause interference in residential areas. CE compliant. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check power adapter connection; ensure outlet works.
No printing	Interface/paper	Check cable connections; ensure paper loaded correctly; verify software settings.
Poor print quality	Print head/density	Clean print head; adjust print density settings; replace paper roll.
Paper jams	Paper path	Clear jammed paper; ensure paper roll installed correctly.
Cutter not working	Blade/software	Clean cutter blade; check cutter command settings in software.
Error LED flashing	Various errors	Refer to manual for flash patterns; reset printer; check for obstructions.

Reset: Power off, wait 10 seconds, power on. For persistent issues, perform factory reset via DIP switches.

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