Brother TD-2120N Manual

The Brother TD-2120N is a high-performance direct thermal label printer designed for fast, reliable printing of shipping labels, barcodes, and tags. It features Ethernet connectivity for network integration, a compact design suitable for desktop use, high-speed printing up to 8 inches per second, and compatibility with various label sizes. Below are key sections covering safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct thermal print mechanism, Ethernet port, USB 2.0 port, Media cover, Power switch, Feed button, LED status indicators.

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct thermal
Maximum Print Width	4.09 inches (104 mm)
Print Speed	Up to 8 ips (inches per second)
Resolution	300 dpi (dots per inch)
Connectivity	Ethernet (10/100BASE-TX), USB 2.0
Media Types	Die-cut labels, continuous labels, tags
Media Width	0.75" to 4.33" (19 mm to 110 mm)
Media Roll Max. OD	5.0" (127 mm)
Power Requirements	100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Dimensions (WxDxH)	7.5" x 12.8" x 9.3" (191 x 325 x 236 mm)

Installation

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

1. Remove all packaging materials and tapes from the printer.
2. Connect power cable: Plug the AC adapter into the printer and then into a wall outlet.
3. Connect to network: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the printer to your router or switch.
4. Connect to computer (optional): Use the USB cable for direct connection to a single computer.
5. Install media: Open the media cover and load a roll of thermal labels.

WARNING! Do not place the printer near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Ensure proper ventilation around the printer.

First-Time Setup

Power on the printer; configure network settings and install drivers.

1. Power on: Press the power switch on the rear. The POWER LED will light green.
2. Obtain IP address: The printer will automatically obtain an IP via DHCP. Print a configuration label by pressing the FEED button for 3 seconds to see the IP.
3. Install drivers: Download and install the latest Brother printer driver from the support website.
4. Configure printer settings: Access the built-in web interface via the IP address to set hostname, adjust darkness, etc.
5. Test print: Send a test label from your software to verify operation.

CAUTION! Handle the print head with care; avoid touching the thermal surface with fingers.

Specifications

• Model: Brother TD-2120N.
• Print Technology: Direct thermal.
• Print Speed: 2, 4, 6, 8 ips selectable.
• Memory: 64 MB DRAM, 128 MB Flash.
• Emulations: Brother Raster Command (BRRC), Direct Thermal Monochrome (DTM).
• Supported Barcodes: Code 39, Code 128, UPC-A/E, EAN-8/13, Interleaved 2 of 5, etc.
• Fonts: Internal bitmap and scalable fonts.
• Operating Environment: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C), 20% to 80% RH (non-condensing).
• Approvals: FCC, CE, UL, cUL.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER switch (rear), FEED button, POWER LED (green), ERROR LED (red).

Web Interface: Access via IP address for configuration: Network settings, Print darkness, Media sensor calibration, Print speed, Firmware update.

Print Darkness: Adjust from 0-30 via DIP switches or web interface. Media Sensor: Calibrate for proper label gap detection. Network: Set static IP, subnet mask, gateway, hostname. Reset: Restore factory defaults via web interface or button combination.

Connecting to Network

Ethernet: Standard RJ-45 port. USB: For direct PC connection.

1. Ensure printer is powered off before connecting cables.
2. Connect Ethernet cable from printer to your network switch/router.
3. Power on printer; it will obtain an IP address via DHCP.
4. Print a configuration label to confirm the IP address.
5. On your computer, ensure it is on the same network subnet as the printer.

Tip: Assign a static IP address to the printer in your router for consistent network access.

Loading Media

Supports roll media (die-cut or continuous) up to 5" outer diameter.

1. Open media cover: Lift the cover until it locks open.
2. Place media roll: Insert the roll onto the media holder with the label stock feeding from the bottom.
3. Thread media: Pull the media under the media sensor and between the roller and print head.
4. Close cover: Gently lower the cover until it clicks shut.
5. Calibrate sensor: Press and hold the FEED button until the LED flashes, then release to auto-calibrate.
6. Feed labels: Press FEED once to advance a label to the tear-off position.

WARNING! Use only recommended direct thermal labels. Do not use inkjet or laser labels as they can damage the print head.

Driver Installation

Install the Brother printer driver on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

1. Download the latest driver from the Brother Solutions Center website.
2. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
3. When prompted, select "Network Connection" and let the installer search for the TD-2120N.
4. Alternatively, manually enter the printer's IP address.
5. Complete installation and print a test page.

For integration with shipping software (ShipStation, EasyPost, etc.), select the Brother TD-2120N as the printer within the software's settings.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Power off and unplug before cleaning. Regularly clean the print head and roller to ensure print quality.

1. Print Head: Dampen a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the thermal element strip.
2. Platen Roller: Wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust and adhesive residue.
3. Exterior: Wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
4. Inspect regularly: Check for worn rollers or debris inside the media compartment.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners or sharp objects on the print head. Allow all parts to dry completely before powering on.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; may cause interference in residential areas. CE Mark: Complies with European EMC Directive. UL Listed: Meets safety standards. This product contains a lithium battery for memory backup; dispose of according to local regulations. 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 cable/outlet	Check power connections; try a different outlet; ensure power switch is ON.
No communication over network	IP address/cable	Print config label to verify IP; check Ethernet cable; ensure correct subnet.
Poor print quality	Print darkness/media	Increase print darkness setting; clean print head; use recommended media.
Media not feeding correctly	Sensor/media loading	Recalibrate media sensor; ensure media is loaded properly under the sensor.
Printer feeds multiple labels	Sensor calibration	Recalibrate for gap/black mark; check label type setting in driver.
Driver not installing	Firewall/antivirus	Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus; run installer as administrator.

Reset to Factory Defaults: Web Interface > Maintenance > Reset Settings.

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