Brother TJ-4120TN User Manual

User's Guide TJ-4005DN/4010TN/TJ-4020TN/4021TN/4021TNR/TJ-4120TN/4121TN/4121TNR

TJ-4005DN/4010TN

TJ-4020TN/4021TN/4021TNR

TJ-4120TN/4121TN/4121TNR

User's Guide (English)

Version 03

ENG

The copyright in this manual, the software, and firmware in the printer described

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not

represent a commitment on the part of the company. No part of this manual may

be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other

than the purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed written permission of

the company.

Trademarks

Wi-Fi

is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Triumvirate Bold

Condensed font is under license from the Monotype Corporation.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Any trade names and product names of companies appearing on Brother

products, related documents and any other materials are all trademarks or

registered trademarks of those respective companies.

Not all models are available in all countries or regions.

Contents

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Product Introduction........................................................................................ 1

1.2 Additional Product Reference ......................................................................... 1

2. Operations Overview ........................................................................................... 2

2.1 Unpack the Label Printer and Check the Components ................................... 2

2.2 Printer Overview ............................................................................................. 3

2.2.1 Front View ................................................................................................ 3

2.2.2 Interior View ............................................................................................. 6

2.2.3 Rear View ................................................................................................ 7

2.3 Control Panels ................................................................................................ 8

2.3.1 LED Indicators and Buttons ..................................................................... 9

2.3.2 Home Screen Icons (Touchscreen Models Only) .................................. 10

2.3.3 Touchscreen Overview .......................................................................... 11

3. Set Up Your Printer ............................................................................................ 16

3.1 Connect the Power Cord .............................................................................. 16

3.2 Load the Ribbon (Not available for TJ-4005DN) ........................................... 17

3.3 Remove Used Ribbon (Not available for TJ-4005DN) .................................. 20

3.4 Load the Media ............................................................................................. 21

3.4.1 Load Label Roll ...................................................................................... 21

3.4.2 Load External Media .............................................................................. 24

3.4.3 Load the Media in Peeler Mode (Optional) ............................................ 27

3.4.4 Load Media in Cutter Mode (Optional) ................................................... 31

4. Improve Print Quality ......................................................................................... 36

4.1 Adjust Print Head Tension to Improve Print Quality ..................................... 36

4.2 Avoid Wrinkled Labels .................................................................................. 36

4.2.1 Adjust Ribbon Tension (Not available for TJ-4005DN) .......................... 36

4.2.2 Change the Print Density/Darkness Settings ......................................... 38

4.2.3 Try Different Media ................................................................................ 38

5. Printing ............................................................................................................... 39

5.1 Printer Driver Installation .............................................................................. 39

5.1.1 USB Connection (Windows/Mac/Linux) ................................................. 39

5.1.2 Wi-Fi Network Connection (Windows) ................................................... 40

5.1.3 Wired Network Connection (Windows) .................................................. 41

5.2 Set the Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer Print Methods

(Not available for TJ-4005DN) ...................................................................... 42

iii

5.3 Create and Print Labels Using BarTender .................................................... 44

6. Operation ........................................................................................................... 45

6.1 Power-on Utilities .......................................................................................... 45

6.1.1 Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration ....................................................... 46

6.1.2 Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration, Self-Test,

and Entering Dump Mode ...................................................................... 47

6.1.3 Printer Initialization ................................................................................ 51

6.1.4 Media Sensor Calibration (for the Black Mark Sensor) .......................... 52

6.1.5 Media Sensor Calibration (for the Gap Sensor) ..................................... 52

6.1.6 Skip the AUTO.BAS Program ................................................................ 53

7. Change Printer Settings using the Touchscreen ............................................... 54

7.1 Setting Menu................................................................................................. 54

7.1.1 FBPL Settings ........................................................................................ 54

7.1.2 ZPL2 Settings ........................................................................................ 56

7.2 Sensor Settings ............................................................................................ 59

7.3 Interface Settings .......................................................................................... 60

7.3.1 Serial Communication Settings .............................................................. 60

7.3.2 Ethernet Settings ................................................................................... 61

7.3.3 Wi-Fi Settings ........................................................................................ 62

7.3.4 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Settings ..................................... 64

7.4 Advanced Settings ........................................................................................ 70

7.5 File Manager ................................................................................................. 71

7.6 Diagnostic Functions .................................................................................... 72

8. Brother Printer Management Tool (BPM) .......................................................... 73

8.1 Start the BPM ............................................................................................... 73

8.2 Auto-Calibrating the Media Sensor using the BPM ...................................... 74

9. Setting Up the RFID ........................................................................................... 75

9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 75

9.2 RFID Calibration ........................................................................................... 76

9.2.1 Load the RFID Media ............................................................................. 76

9.2.2 RFID Calibration Procedure ................................................................... 77

10. Product Specifications ....................................................................................... 80

11. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 83

11.1 Common Problems ....................................................................................... 83

11.2 Touchscreen Error Messages ....................................................................... 85

11.3 RFID Error Messages ................................................................................... 86

12. Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 88

1. Introduction

1.1 Product Introduction

The robust design of the label printer can handle up to 450 m of ribbon (except TJ-4005DN) and

has the capacity to handle 8" label rolls.

The label printer comes equipped with a number of functions, including:

- Built-in Ethernet

- RS-232C interface

- USB ports (for connecting a keyboard or barcode scanner)

- Wi-Fi Interface Expansion Slot (for the optional Wi-Fi Interface (PA-WI-002))

- 3.5" color Touchscreen (TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR only)

The label printer uses its high-performance and high-quality built-in Monotype Imaging

TrueType font engine with the CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed smooth scalable font. It also

provides a choice of eight different sizes of the alphanumeric bitmap font and supports most of

the standard barcode formats.

1.2 Additional Product Reference

For information on how to write custom programs for your label printer, see the Command

Reference on your model's Manuals page at support.brother.com.

2. Operations Overview

2.1 Unpack the Label Printer and Check the Components

Note

Keep the packaging materials in case you must ship the printer.

The components included in the box:

1. Label Printer

a. TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN

b. TJ-4021TN/TJ-4121TN

c. TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TNR

2. Power Cord

3. USB Cable

4. Paper Core (Not included in TJ-4005DN)

If any components are missing, contact the product manufacturer's customer service or your

local dealer.

2.2 Printer Overview

2.2.1 Front View

TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN

1. Power LED

2. LED Indicators

3. Pause Button

4. Feed Button

5. PCB Cover

6. Media View Window

7. Media Output Slot

8. Media Cover

9. Media Cover Handle

10. Lower Front Panel

TJ-4021TN//TJ-4121TN

1. Power LED

2. Touchscreen

3. Selection Buttons

4. Navigation Buttons

5. PCB Cover

6. Media View Window

7. Media Output Slot

8. Media Cover

9. Media Cover Handle

10. Lower Front Panel

TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TNR

1. Power LED

2. Touchscreen

3. Selection Buttons

4. Navigation Buttons

5. PCB Cover

6. Media View Window

7. Media Output Slot

8. Media Cover

9. Media Cover Handle

10. RFID Tear Cover

2.2.2 Interior View

1. Print Head Release Lever

2. Print Head Tension Adjustment Knob

3. Ribbon Rewind Spindle**

4. Ribbon Supply Spindle**

5. Label Roll Guard

6. Label Supply Spindle

7. External Label Entry Slot

8. 3" Core Adapter

9. Liner Securing Clip *

10. Liner Rewind Spindle *

11. Media Guide Bar *

12. Damper

13. Ribbon End Sensor

14. Print Head

15. Platen Roller

16. Front Label Guide

17. Black Mark Sensor (shown as )

18. Gap Sensor (shown as )

* Optional accessories for the Label Peeler Assembly.

** TJ-4005DN does not support Thermal Transfer mode with ink ribbon.

2.2.3 Rear View

1. External Label Entry Slot

2. Power Switch

3. USB Port (USB 2.0/Hi-Speed Mode)

4. USB Host Port

5. Wi-Fi Interface Expansion Slot *

6. RS-232C Serial Port

7. Ethernet Port

8. Power Cord Socket

* For the optional Wi-Fi Interface (PA-WI-002).

2.3 Control Panels

TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN

TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR

Power LED

LED Indicators

Pause Button

Feed Button

2.3.1 LED Indicators and Buttons

Power LED Indications (All Models)

LED Color Description

Green (Lit) The power is on and the printer is ready to use.

Green (Flashing)

- The printer is downloading data from a computer.

- The printer is paused.

Amber The printer is removing data from memory.

Red (Lit) The Print Head is open or there is a Cutter error.

Red (Flashing) There is a printing error, such as “Paper Empty”, “Paper Jam”,

“Ribbon Empty”, or “Memory Error”.

TJ-4005DN

* TJ-4005DN does not support Thermal Transfer mode with ink ribbon.

TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN

LED Indicators

Icons

Name

Print Head Ribbon Paper Communication

Status

Lit: Print Head open

Lit: Ribbon

installed *

Lit: Out of paper

Blinking: Paper

jam

Lit: Radio-Frequency

connected

Blinking: Radio-

Frequency

communication

LED Indicators

Icons

Name

Print Head Ribbon Paper Communication

Status

Lit: Print Head open

Lit: Out of ribbon

• Blinking (after

powering the

printer on):

Awaiting the

first print job

• Blinking

(between print

jobs): Ribbon

near end

Lit: Out of paper

Blinking: Paper

jam

Lit: Radio-Frequency

connected

Blinking: Radio-

Frequency

communication

TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR

2.3.2 Home Screen Icons (Touchscreen Models Only)

Printer Status Icons

Option Icons

Taskbar Icons

Buttons Function

Selection Buttons

Use to select highlighted icons and menus.

Navigation Buttons

Use to navigate the Touchscreen and highlight icons and menus.

Icon Indication

Wi-Fi device is ready (Available when the Wi-Fi Interface

is installed)

Ethernet is connected

Ribbon capacity (%)

TPH cleaning

Security lock

Icon Function

Access the Main Menu

For more information, see section 2.3.3 Touchscreen

Overview.

Calibrate the media sensor

Enter the “Favorites” screen

For more information, see section 2.3.3 Touchscreen

Overview.

Icon Function

Accept your selection

Feed one label

2.3.3 Touchscreen Overview

(Available for TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TN and TJ-4121TNR only)

Tap the icons to access printer features and change settings.

Access the Main Menu

Make sure the printer’s Touchscreen displays “Ready”. If not, tap the Menu icon .

Note

You can also use the Control Panel buttons. Use the Navigation buttons to select the Menu icon,

and then press the Selection button under icon.

To select an option on the Main Menu, tap the option’s icon.

Note

You can also use the Control Panel buttons. Use the Navigation buttons to browse the options,

and then press the button under the icon. To return to the previous screen, press the button

under the icon.

Main Menu Overview

Use the Main Menu options to configure various printer settings without connecting the

printer to a computer.

Icon Option Description

Setting

Configure the printer's FBPL and ZPL2 settings.

Sensor

Calibrate the selected media sensor. We recommend

calibrating the sensor every time you change the media.

Interface

Configure the printer interface settings.

Advanced

Configure the printer's Touchscreen, initialization, cutter

type, or media low warning settings.

File Manager

Check or manage the available printer memory.

Diagnostic

Check the printer status to help troubleshoot any issues.

Note

For more information about printer settings, see section 7. Change Printer Settings using the

Touchscreen.

Favorites

Add frequently used Main Menu options to “Favorites” for quick access. To display the

“Favorites” list, tap the Favorites icon .

To add an option to the “Favorites” list:

1. Tap and hold the option you want to add to favorites until “Join Favorites” appears.

2. Tap “Yes”.

To remove an option from the “Favorites” list:

1. Tap and hold the option you want to remove from favorites until “Delete Favorites”

appears.

2. Tap “Yes”.

3. Set Up Your Printer

3.1 Connect the Power Cord

1. Place the printer on a flat, secure surface.

2. Make sure the Power Switch is in the OFF position.

3. Connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable.

4. Plug the Power Cord into the Power Cord Socket at the rear of the printer, and then plug

the Power Cord into a correctly grounded power outlet (earthed electrical socket).

Note

 Before plugging the Power Cord into the printer's Power Cord Socket, make sure the

printer's Power Switch is in the OFF position.

 After powering the printer on, the LED blinks until the printer receives the first print job.

3.2 Load the Ribbon (Not available for TJ-4005DN)

Ribbon loading path

1. Open the Media Cover.

Ink coated outside

Ink coated inside

a. Install the ribbon onto the Ribbon

Supply Spindle.

b. Install the Paper Core onto the Ribbon

Rewind Spindle.

3. Push the Print Head Release Lever to

open the Print Head.

4. Thread the ribbon under the ribbon guide

bar and through the ribbon sensor slot

following the loading path printed on the

Label Printer Cover.

5. Adhere the ribbon leader onto the Ribbon

Rewind Paper Core. Keep the ribbon flat

and without wrinkles.

6. Wind the Ribbon Rewind Spindle

counterclockwise about three to five turns

until the ribbon is smooth, flat and without

wrinkles.

7. Close the Print Head by pushing down on

both sides of the Print Head Release

Lever.

Note

 TJ-4005DN does not support Thermal Transfer mode with ink ribbon. If the ribbon is

installed onto the ribbon supply spindle, the printer shows the ribbon error status.

 For more information, see section 2.3.1 LED Indicators and Buttons.

3.3 Remove Used Ribbon (Not available for TJ-4005DN)

1. Cut the used ribbon with scissors along

the dotted line.

2. Remove the ribbon from the Ribbon

Rewind Spindle.

Note

We recommend destroying the used

ribbon if it has retained any visible prints.

3.4 Load the Media

3.4.1 Load Label Roll

Label Roll loading path

1. Open the Media Cover.

2. Slide the Label Roll Guard horizontally to

the end of the Label Supply Spindle, and

then flip down the Label Roll Guard.

3. Place the label roll on the Label Supply

Spindle and then flip the Label Roll Guard

upwards to hold it in place.

Note

Make sure the label print side is facing

up.

4. Push the Print Head Release Lever and

thread the label through the Damper,

Media Sensor, and Front Label Guide to

install the media.

5. Move the Media Sensor by adjusting the Media Sensor Position Adjustment Knob. Make sure

the position of the Gap or Black Mark Sensor matches the position of the Gap/Black Mark on

the label roll.

Black Mark Sensor

(shown as )

Gap Sensor

(shown as )

6. Adjust the Front Label Guide to fix the

media position.

Note

• Make sure you thread the media

through the Media Sensor.

• The sensor locations are marked by

the triangle mark (Gap Sensor)

and the arrow mark (Black Mark

Sensor) at the sensor housing.

• The Media Sensor position is

adjustable. Make sure the position of

the Gap or Black Mark Sensor

matches the position of the

Gap/Black Mark on the label roll.

7. Close the Print Head on both sides and

make sure it locks into place.

8. Set the media sensor type and calibrate

the selected sensor.

Note

For RFID models (TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR), feed the media through the Tear Cover Slot.

3.4.2 Load External Media

Fan-fold label loading path

1. Open the Media Cover.

2. Insert the media through the External

Label Entry Slot.

3. Push the Print Head Release Lever and

thread the label through the Damper,

Media Sensor, and Front Label Guide to

install the media.

Align the Label Roll Guard with the label

width.

4. Move the Media Sensor by adjusting the Media Sensor Position Adjustment Knob. Make sure

the position of the Gap or Black Mark Sensor matches the position of the Gap/Black Mark on

the label.

5. Adjust the Front Label Guide to fix the

media position.

Note

• Make sure you thread the media

through the Media Sensor.

• The sensor locations are marked by

the triangle mark (Gap Sensor)

and the arrow mark (Black Mark

Sensor) at the sensor housing.

• The Media Sensor position is

adjustable. Make sure the position of

the Gap or Black Mark Sensor

matches the position of the

Gap/Black Mark on the label.

Gap Sensor

(shown as )

Black Mark Sensor

(shown as )

6. Close the Print Head on both sides and

make sure it locks into place.

7. Set the media sensor type and calibrate

the selected sensor.

Note

 Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor every time you change the media.

 For more information about sensor calibration, see section 8.2 Auto-Calibrating the Media

Sensor using the BPM.

3.4.3 Load the Media in Peeler Mode (Optional)

1. Open the Media Cover.

2. Slide the Label Roll Guard horizontally to

the end of the Label Supply Spindle, and

then flip down the Label Roll Guard.

3. Place the label roll on the Label Supply

Spindle and then flip the Label Roll Guard

upwards to hold it in place.

Note

Make sure the label print side is facing

up.

4. Push the Print Head Release Lever and

thread the label through the Damper,

Media Sensor, and Front Label Guide to

install the media.

5. Move the Media Sensor by adjusting the Media Sensor Position Adjustment Knob. Make sure

the position of the Gap or Black Mark Sensor matches the position of the Gap/Black Mark on

the label roll.

6. Adjust the Front Label Guide to fix the

media position.

Note

• Make sure you thread the media

through the Media Sensor.

• The sensor locations are marked by

the triangle mark (Gap Sensor)

and the arrow mark (Black Mark

Sensor) at the sensor housing.

• The Media Sensor position is

adjustable. Make sure the position of

the Gap or Black Mark Sensor

matches the position of the

Gap/Black Mark on the label roll.

Black Mark Sensor

(shown as )

Gap Sensor

(shown as )

7. Close the Print Head on both sides and

make sure it locks into place.

8. Set the media sensor type and calibrate

the selected sensor.

9. Use the Touchscreen to perform the

calibration first, and set the printer mode

to Peeler Mode.

For models without a Touchscreen,

perform the calibration using the BPM.

For more information about sensor

calibration, see section

8.2 Auto-Calibrating the Media Sensor

using the BPM.

Note

1. Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark

Sensor before loading media in

Peeler Mode to avoid paper jams.

2. Make sure you thread the label over

the Media Guide Bar and under the

Damper as shown.

10. Turn the Print Head Release Lever, and

pull approximately 650 mm of the label roll

through the Media Output Slot.

11. Remove some labels leaving only the

liner.

Label

Liner

12. Thread the liner through the Label Peeler

Cover Slot.

13. Pull the Liner Securing Clip out from the

Liner Rewind Spindle, and wind the liner

on the Liner Rewind Spindle until the liner

is fully stretched.

14. Insert the Liner Securing Clip into the

Liner Rewind Spindle.

Note

You can also install a paper roll on the

Liner Rewind Spindle to wind the liner

around the paper roll.

15. Set the printer mode to “Peel Off” using

the Main Menu (Main Menu > Setting >

Print Mode > Peel Off) or using the

Brother Printer Management Tool (BPM)

as follows.

a. Start the BPM.

b. Click the Printer Configration button.

c. Click the FBPL tab.

d. Click the PEEL option from the

Post-Print Action drop-down list.

e. Click Set.

16. Lock the Print Head Release Lever and

feed one label to test:

 For touchscreen models: Tap the Feed

icon in the Main Menu.

 For non-touchscreen models: Press the

Feed button.

3.4.4 Load Media in Cutter Mode (Optional)

1. Open the Media Cover.

2. Slide the Label Roll Guard horizontally to

the end of the Label Supply Spindle, and

then flip down the Label Roll Guard.

3. Place the label roll on the Label Supply

Spindle and then flip the Label Roll Guard

upwards to hold it in place.

Note

Make sure the label print side is facing

up.

4. Push the Print Head Release Lever and

thread the label through the Damper,

Media Sensor, and Front Label Guide to

install the media.

5. Feed the media through the Label Cutter

Cover Slot.

6. Move the Media Sensor by adjusting the Media Sensor Position Adjustment Knob. Make sure

the position of the Gap or Black Mark Sensor matches the position of the Gap/Black Mark on

the label roll.

Black Mark Sensor

(shown as )

Gap Sensor

(shown as )

7. Adjust the Front Label Guide to fix the

media position.

Note

• Make sure you thread the media

through the Media Sensor.

• The sensor locations are marked by

the triangle mark (Gap Sensor)

and the arrow mark (Black Mark

Sensor) at the sensor housing.

• The Media Sensor position is

adjustable. Make sure the position of

the Gap or Black Mark Sensor

matches the position of the

Gap/Black Mark on the label roll.

8. Close the Print Head on both sides and

make sure it locks into place.

9. Set the media sensor type and calibrate

the selected sensor.

10. Use the Touchscreen to perform the

calibration first, and set the printer mode

to Cutter Mode.

For models without a Touchscreen,

perform the calibration using the BPM.

For more information about sensor

calibration, see section

8.2 Auto-Calibrating the Media Sensor

using the BPM.

11. Set the printer mode to “Cutter” using the

Main Menu (Main Menu > Setting > Print

Mode > Cutter mode) or using the

Brother Printer Management Tool (BPM)

as follows.

a. Start the BPM.

b. Click the Printer Configration button.

c. Click the FBPL tab.

d. Click the CUTTER option from the

Post-Print Action drop-down list.

e. Click Set.

12. Close the Print Head and feed one label to

test:

 For touchscreen models: Tap the Feed

icon in the Main Menu.

 For non-touchscreen models: Press the

Feed button.

Note

How to adjust the cut position (For Windows)

Using the Printer Driver

1. Open the printers folder.

For more information, see “How to open the Devices and Printers window” on your model's

Manuals page at support.brother.com

2. Right-click the printer you want to change the settings for, and then select Printing

Preferences.

3. Select the Stock tab.

4. Enter a positive or negative value (such as “1.0 mm” or “-1.0 mm”) in the Feed Offset field

to fine-tune the cut position.

5. Click Apply, and then click OK to apply the settings.

6. Try to print to confirm the cut position.

Using BPM (Brother Printer Management Tool)

1. Connect your printer to the computer using a USB cable.

2. Start BPM.

3. Click Printer Configuration, and then select the FBPL tab.

4. Enter a positive or negative value (such as “12” dots or “-12” dots) in the Offset field to

fine-tune the cut position.

You can set values between -999 dots to 999 dots.

For 200 dpi printers: 1 mm = 8 dots

For 300 dpi printers: 1 mm = 12 dots

For 600 dpi printers: 1 mm = 24 dots

(The cut position can be adjusted variously depending on the printer and media you use.)

5. Click Set to apply the settings.

6. Try to print to confirm the cut position.

4. Improve Print Quality

4.1 Adjust Print Head Tension to Improve Print Quality

For the best print quality, adjust the Print Head using the Print Head Tension Adjustment

Knob. Choose one of six levels of tension adjustment depending on the media width you use

(1” - 2” or 3” - 4”).

4.2 Avoid Wrinkled Labels

Wrinkles can occur due to many factors, including media width and thickness, Print Head

pressure balance, ribbon film characteristics, and print density/darkness settings.

4.2.1 Adjust Ribbon Tension (Not available for TJ-4005DN)

To avoid wrinkled labels, adjust the ribbon tension using the Ribbon Tension Adjustment

Screw. Choose one of five levels of tension adjustment.

Suggested Print Head

Tension Values:

For 1" - 2" media width

For 3" - 4" media width

Ribbon Tension Adjustment Screw

Description

The ribbon wrinkle occurs from the

lower right to the upper left of the

label.

The ribbon wrinkle occurs from the

lower left to the upper right of the

label.

Wrinkle

Example

Adjustable

Printer Parts

The Ribbon Tension Adjustment Screw has five levels for adjustment. Use a

flat blade screwdriver to change the ribbon tension level.

Ribbon Tension Adjustment Screw

Ribbon Tension Adjustment Scale

Feed

direction

1. Turn the Ribbon Tension

Adjustment Screw clockwise once

per level on the Ribbon Tension

Adjustment Scale and print the

label again to check if the wrinkle is

gone.

2. If the Ribbon Tension Adjustment

Screw is positioned on the

innermost side but the ribbon

wrinkle has not improved, turn the

Print Head Tension Adjustment

Knob once per level at a time,

the label again, and check if the

wrinkle is gone.

1. Turn the Ribbon Tension

Adjustment Screw

counterclockwise

once per level on

the Ribbon Tension Adjustment

Scale and print the label again to

check if the wrinkle is gone.

2. If the Ribbon Tension Adjustment

Screw is positioned on the

outermost side but the ribbon

wrinkle has not improved, turn the

Print Head Tension Adjustment

Knob once per level at a time,

the label again, and check if the

wrinkle is gone.

4.2.2 Change the Print Density/Darkness Settings

Note

For information about the print density/darkness, see sections 7.1.1 FBPL Settings and

7.1.2 ZPL2 Settings.

4.2.3 Try Different Media

Make sure you load the correct paper.

Note

For more information about the supported paper width and thickness, see section 10 Product

Specifications.

Note

If the wrinkles continue to occur, contact the product manufacturer's customer service or your

local dealer for service.

Clockwise

Counterclockwise

5. Printing

5.1 Printer Driver Installation

Note

The model name and serial number are located on the back of the printer.

Make sure you download the correct driver for your model:

• TJ-4005DN: Brother TJ-4005DN

• TJ-4010TN: Brother TJ-4010TN

• TJ-4020TN/TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR: Brother TJ-40

• TJ-4120TN/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR: Brother TJ-41

The driver installation method depends on the connection type:

 USB Connection (Windows/Mac/Linux)

 Wi-Fi Network Connection (Windows)

 Wired Network Connection (Windows)

5.1.1 USB Connection (Windows/Mac/Linux)

Note

Mac/Linux Users

For more information about driver installation, see the driver installation guide provided with the driver.

1. Connect your printer to the computer using a USB cable.

2. Visit support.brother.com

, go to your model's Downloads page, and download the latest

printer driver and software.

3. Run the Seagull Driver Wizard application and select Install printer drivers and USB.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note

If you cannot install the printer driver:

 Install the printer driver manually:

In the Seagull Driver Wizard application, select Install printer drivers > Others.

 Remove the printer drivers:

In the Seagull Driver Wizard application, select Remove printer drivers > Automatically

remove all Drivers by Seagull or Use advanced printer driver removal options.

 Reset the printer settings:

Start the BPM, and then click Printer Function > Factory Default.

5.1.2 Wi-Fi Network Connection (Windows)

Note

To use Wi-Fi, an optional WLAN Interface (PA-WI-002) is required.

Make sure both your wireless router/access point's and your printer's network settings are correctly

set up. For more information, see the documentation provided with your wireless router/access point,

or contact the router manufacturer, your system administrator, or Internet service provider.

1. Configure the network settings:

- Using the BPM

a. Connect your printer to the computer using a USB cable.

b. Click Printer Configuration > Wi-Fi.

c. Specify SSID, Encryption, and Key (Network Password), and then click Set.

d. Click Get.

e. Click Printer Function > Configuration Page.

The network settings are printed. Confirm that the printer's IP address is correct.

- Using the Touchscreen

a. Select Interface > Wi-Fi.

b. Specify SSID, Security, and Password.

c. When finished, the Wi-Fi icon and printer's IP address appear on the Touchscreen.

2. Visit support.brother.com

, go to your model's Downloads page, and download the latest printer

driver and software.

3. Run the Seagull Driver Wizard application and select Install printer drivers and Network.

4. Select your printer, and then click Next.

5. If your TCP/IP port does not appear in the list, click Create port and select Standard TCP/IP

port > New Port.

6. Type your printer’s IP address and port name, and then click Next.

7. Click Finish.

8. Return to the Specify Port window and select the port you created.

9. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note

If you cannot install the printer driver:

 Remove the printer drivers:

In the Seagull Driver Wizard application, select Remove printer drivers > Automatically

remove all Drivers by Seagull or Use advanced printer driver removal options.

 Reset the printer settings:

Start the BPM, and then click Printer Function > Factory Default.

5.1.3 Wired Network Connection (Windows)

1. Connect both the printer and the computer to your router/access point using LAN cables. The

printer automatically receives a default IP address and displays it on the Touchscreen. For

models without a Touchscreen, this can be confirmed using the BPM.

2. Visit support.brother.com

, go to your model's Downloads page, and download the latest

printer driver and software.

3. Run the Seagull Driver Wizard application and select Install printer drivers and Network.

4. Select your printer, and then click Next.

5. If your TCP/IP port does not appear in the list, click Create port and select Standard TCP/IP

port > New Port.

6. Type your printer’s IP address and port name, and then click Next.

7. Click Finish.

8. Return to the Specify Port window and select the port you created.

9. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note

If you cannot install the printer driver:

 Remove the printer drivers:

In the Seagull Driver Wizard application, select Remove printer drivers > Automatically

remove all Drivers by Seagull or Use advanced printer driver removal options.

 Reset the printer settings:

Start the BPM, and then click Printer Function > Factory Default.

5.2 Set the Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer Print Methods

(Not available for TJ-4005DN)

Using the Printer Driver

1. To set the Direct Thermal method:

Load direct thermal paper (an ink ribbon is not required).

To set the Thermal Transfer method:

Load thermal transfer paper and install an ink ribbon.

2. Open the printers folder.

For more information, see “How to open the Devices and Printers window” on your

model's Manuals page at support.brother.com

3. Right-click the printer you want to change the settings for, and then select Printing

Preferences.

4. Select the Stock tab.

5. Select Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer from the Method drop-down list.

6. Click Apply, and then click OK to apply the settings.

You can set the Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Print Methods by using BPM (Brother

Printer Management Tool) as follows.

1. To set the Direct Thermal method:

Load direct thermal paper (an ink ribbon is not required).

To set the Thermal Transfer method:

Load thermal transfer paper and install an ink ribbon.

2. Connect your printer to the computer using a USB cable.

3. Start BPM.

4. Click Printer Configuration, and then select the Advanced tab.

5. When setting the Direct Thermal method:

Select OFF from the Ribbon drop-down list.

When setting the Thermal Transfer method:

Select ON from the Ribbon drop-down list, and then select the Ribbon Sensor (for

TJ-series only) and Ribbon Encoder Err. setting you want.

Note

If you select “OFF” from the Ribbon drop-down list, it will deactivate both the ribbon sensor and

the ribbon encoder sensor (even if you have selected “ON” in the Ribbon Sensor and Ribbon

Encoder Err. drop-down list and “ON” is displayed). Select “ON” in the Ribbon drop-down list to

activate the Ribbon Sensor and Ribbon Encode Err. settings.

6 Click Set to apply the settings.

5.3 Create and Print Labels Using BarTender

BarTender is a label creation tool, which can be downloaded for free from the product's

page at support.brother.com

1. Launch BarTender.

2. Follow the on-screen steps to create a label.

Note

For more information on using BarTender, click Help.

3. Click File > Print to print the label.

6. Operation

6.1 Power-on Utilities

There are various power-on utilities to set up and test the printer's functions.

TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN

Use the power-on utilities to calibrate sensors and initialize the hardware.

Function Instructions

Gap/Black Mark

Sensor Calibration

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold the Pause Button, and then turn on the Power

Switch.

3. Release the button when the Power LED lights, and the printer

feed

the labels.

Self-test

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold the Feed Button, and then turn on the Power

Switch.

3. Release the button when the Power LED lights, and the printer

feeds the labels.

Printer initialization

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold both the Pause and Feed Buttons, and then turn on

the Power Switch.

3. Release the buttons when the Power LED lights.

Note

When printer initialization is complete, calibrate the Gap Sensor

again.

TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR

Use power-on utilities to set sensor calibration, self-test, and factory default functions.

1. Turn off the label printer.

2. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

3. Release the button when the function you want to set or test appears on the

Touchscreen.

Power-On Utility Power LED Patterns

LED color

Function

Amber (Lit)

Red

(Blinks five

times)

Amber

(Blinks five

times)

Green

(Blinks five

times)

Green/

Amber

(Blinks five

times)

Red/Amber

(Blinks five

times)

Green (Lit)

1. Sensor Calibration (Gap /

black mark sensor)

2. Self-test (And enter Dump

Mode)

3. Factory Default

4. Bline Calibration

5. Gap Calibration

6. READY (Skip AUTO.BAS)

6.1.1 Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration

Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor sensitivity when:

 You purchase a new printer.

 You change label stock.

 The label printer initializes.

To calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensors:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Select the function you want:

- For TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN:

a. Press and hold the Pause button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when the Power LED lights, and the printer feeds the labels.

- For TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR:

a. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when Sensor Calibration appears on the Touchscreen.

Note

 The LED color will change as follows:

Amber (lit)  red (5 times)  amber (5 times)  green (5 times)  green/amber (5 times)

 red/amber (5 times)  green (lit)

 To select the sensor for calibration, send the correct command to the printer:

 For the Gap Sensor: send the GAP command

 For the Black Mark Sensor: send the BLINE command

For more information about the available commands, see the FBPL Command Reference

on your model's Manuals page at support.brother.com

6.1.2 Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration, Self-Test, and Entering Dump

Mode

Calibrate the Gap or Black Mark Sensor if the sensor's settings used in the last print job are not

suitable for the current print job. During the calibration of the Gap/Black Mark Sensor, the printer

detects the label length, prints the internal configuration (self-test), and then enters Dump Mode.

To calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Select the function you want:

- For TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN:

a. Press and hold the Feed button, and then turn on the printer.

b. Release the button when the Power LED lights, and the printer feeds the labels.

- For TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR:

a. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when Self-test appears on the Touchscreen.

Note

The LED color will change as follows:

Amber (lit)  red (5 times)  amber (5 times)  green (5 times)  green/amber (5 times) 

red/amber (5 times)  green (lit)

3. The printer calibrates the sensor and detects the label length, prints the internal settings,

and then enters Dump Mode.

Note

To select the sensor for calibration, send the correct command to the printer:

 For the Gap Sensor: send the GAP command

 For the Black Mark Sensor: send the BLINE command

For more information about the available commands, see the FBPL Command Reference on

your model's Manuals page at support.brother.com

 Self-test

Print the printer configuration after you run Gap/Black Mark Sensor calibration. The self-test

printout lists the printer's configuration and available memory, and can indicate if there is any

dot damage on the heater component.

Self-test printout

Model name

Firmware version

Firmware checksum

Printer serial number

Configuration file

System date

System time

Printed mileage (meter)

Cutting counter

Print speed (inch/sec)

Print density

Label size (inch)

Gap distance (inch)

Gap/Black Mark Sensor

sensitivity

Code page

Country code

Self-test printout

Print darkness

Print speed (inch/sec)

Label size

Control prefix

Format prefix

Delimiter prefix

Printer power up motion

Print Head close motion

RS232 Serial Port

configuration

RFID frequency band region

Printer name

Mac Address

DHCP

IP Address

Subnet Mask

Gateway

RAW Port

Wi-Fi configuration

Self-test printout

Number of downloaded files

Total and available memory

space

Print Head check pattern

 Dump Mode

Note

 Dump Mode requires 101.5 mm wide paper.

 To resume normal printing, turn the printer off and then on again.

The printer enters Dump Mode after printing the printer configuration. Dump Mode allows users

to verify and debug the printer's programs. The characters in the left column are received from

the printer's system and those in the right column are their hexadecimal representation.

ASCII data

Hexadecimal

representation of the

ASCII data

6.1.3 Printer Initialization

Printer initialization clears the printer's DRAM and restores its factory settings.

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Select the function you want:

- For TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN:

a. Press and hold the Pause and Feed button, and then turn on the printer.

b. Release the button when the Power LED lights on.

- For TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR:

a. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when Factory Default appears on the Touchscreen.

Note

The LED color will change as follows:

Amber (lit)  red (5 times)  amber (5 times)  green (5 times)  green/amber (5 times) 

red/amber (5 times)  green (lit)

After the initialization, the following factory settings will be restored:

Parameter Default setting

Speed 127 mm/sec (5 ips) (203 DPI)

76 mm/sec (3 ips) (300 DPI)

Density 8

Label Width 101.5 mm

Label Height 101.5 mm

Sensor Type Gap sensor: TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-

4021TN,

TJ-4120TN, TJ-4121TN

Black sensor: TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR

Gap Setting 3 mm

Print Direction 0

Reference Point 0,0 (upper left corner)

Offset 0

Tear Mode On

Peeler Mode Off

Cutter Mode Off

Rewinder Mode Off

Code Page 850

Country Code 001

Clear Flash Memory No

6.1.4 Media Sensor Calibration (for the Black Mark Sensor)

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Select the function you want:

- For TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN:

The printer calibrates the Gap Sensor and the Black Mark Sensor simultaneously.

a. Press and hold the Pause button, and then turn on the printer.

b. Release the button when the Power LED lights, and the printer feeds the labels.

- For TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR:

a. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when Bline Calibration appears on the Touchscreen.

Note

The LED color will change as follows:

Amber (lit)  red (5 times)  amber (5 times)  green (5 times)  green/amber (5 times) 

red/amber (5 times)  green (lit)

6.1.5 Media Sensor Calibration (for the Gap Sensor)

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Select the function you want:

- For TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN:

The printer calibrates the Gap Sensor and the Black Mark Sensor simultaneously.

a. Press and hold the Pause button, and then turn on the printer.

b. Release the button when the Power LED lights, and the printer feeds the labels.

- For TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR:

a. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when Gap Calibration appears on the Touchscreen.

Note

The LED color will change as follows:

Amber (lit)  red (5 times)  amber (5 times)  green (5 times)  green/amber (5 times) 

red/amber (5 times)  green (lit)

6.1.6 Skip the AUTO.BAS Program

You can upload the AUTO.BAS program to the printer's flash memory so that it runs

automatically at startup, but if you do not want it to run automatically, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Select the function you want:

- For TJ-4005DN/TJ-4010TN/TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN:

Press and hold the Pause and Feed buttons, and then turn on the printer.

- For TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR:

a. Press and hold the right Selection button, and then turn on the Power Switch.

b. Release the button when READY (Skip AUTO.BAS) appears on the Touchscreen.

Note

The LED color will change in the following order:

Amber (lit)  red (5 times)  amber (5 times)  green (5 times)  green/amber (5 times) 

red/amber (5 times)  green (lit)

3. The printer will start without running the AUTO.BAS program.

7. Change Printer Settings using the Touchscreen

(Available for TJ-4021TN/4021TNR/4121TN/4121TNR only.)

7.1 Setting Menu

1. In the Main Menu, tap Setting.

2. Tap Command Set, and then select the programming language you want.

3. Tap the icon.

7.1.1 FBPL Settings

Available FBPL settings:

Setting FBPL

Speed

Density

Direction

Print Mode

None

Batch Mode

Peeler Mode

Cutter Mode

Cutter Batch

Offset

Shift X

Shift Y

Reference X

Reference Y

Code Page

Country

Setting

Description

Speed

Set up the print speed. Settings range from:



1 - 10 for 203 dpi (Default: 5)



1 - 7 for 300 dpi (Default: 3)

Density

Adjust the print darkness/lightness. Settings range from 0 to 15. You may

need to adjust the print density based on the media.

Direction

Specify print direction.

DIRECTION 0

DIRECTION 1

Print Mode

Set the Print Mode.

Print Mode

Description

None

The top of the next label is aligned with the Print Head

burn line (Tear Off Mode).

Batch Mode

When the image is printed, the Gap/Black Mark is fed

through the tear plate for tear away.

Peeler Mode

Enables label Peeler Mode.

Cutter Mode

Enables label Cutter Mode.

Cutter Batch

Cuts the label once at the end of the printing job.

Offset

Fine-tune the media stop location. Settings range from -999 dots to 999

dots.

Shift X

Fine-tune the print position. Settings range from -999 dots to 999 dots.

Shift Y

Reference X

Set the origin of the printer coordinate system horizontally and vertically.

Settings range from 0 dots to 999 dots.

Reference Y

Code Page

Set the international character set code page.

Country

Set the country code. Settings range from 1 to 358.

Note

If printing from the downloaded software/driver, the software/driver commands will overwrite the

settings set from the Touchscreen.

FEED

7.1.2 ZPL2 Settings

Available ZPL2 settings:

Menu ZPL2

Darkness

Print Speed

Tear Off

Print Mode

Tear Off

Peel Off

CutterPrint Width

List Fonts

List Images

List Formats

List Setup

Control Prefix

Format Prefix

Delimiter Char

Media Power Up

Feed

Calibration

Length

No Motion

Head Close

Feed

Calibration

Length

No Motion

Label Top

Left Position

Reprint Mode

Enabled

Disabled

Format Convert

None

150 -> 300

150 -> 600

200 -> 600

300 -> 600

Setting

Description

Darkness

Set up the print darkness. Settings range from 0 to 30. You may need

to adjust the print density based on the selected media.

Print Speed

Set up the print speed. Settings range from:



2 - 10 for 203 dpi (Default: 4)



2 - 7 for 300 dpi (Default: 3)

Tear Off

Fine-tune the media stop location. Settings range from -120 dots to

120 dots.

Print Mode

Set the print mode.

Print Mode

Description

Tear Off The top of the next label is aligned with the Print

Head burn line.

Peel Off Enable the label Peeler Mode.

Cutter

Enable the label Cutter Mode.

Print Width

Set the print width. Settings range from 2 dots to 999 dots.

List Fonts

Print the current printer fonts list to the label. The fonts can be stored in

the printer’s DRAM, Flash, or optional memory card.

List Images

Print the current printer images list to the label. The images can be

stored in the printer’s DRAM, Flash, or optional memory card.

List Formats

Print the current printer formats list to the label. The formats can be

stored in the printer’s DRAM, Flash, or optional memory card.

List Setup

Print the current printer configuration.

Control Prefix

Set the control prefix character.

Format Prefix

Set the format prefix character.

Delimiter Char

Set the delimiter character.

Media Power Up

Set the media action you want when you turn the printer on.

Action

Description

Feed The printer ejects one label.

Calibration The printer calibrates the sensor levels,

determines the label length, and feeds one label.

Length

The printer determines the label length and feeds

the label.

No Motion

No action.

Head Close

Set the media action when you close the Print Head.

Action

Description

Feed

The printer ejects one label.

Calibration

The printer calibrates the sensor levels,

determines the label length, and feeds one label.

Length

The printer determines the label length and feeds

the label.

No Motion

No action.

Setting

Description

Label Top

Adjust the print position vertically on the label. Settings range from

-120 dots to +120 dots.

Left Position

Adjust the print position horizontally on the label. Settings range from

-9999 dots to +9999 dots.

Reprint Mode

Reprint the last label by tapping the Up arrow ( ) button on the

Touchscreen.

Format Convert

Selects the bitmap scaling factor. The first number is the original DPI

value; the second number is the DPI setting you want.

Note

If printing from the downloaded software/driver, the software/driver commands will overwrite the

settings set from the Touchscreen.

7.2 Sensor Settings

We recommend calibrating the sensors every time you change the media.

Setting

Description

Auto Calibration

Set the media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor

automatically. The printer feeds up to three gap labels to calibrate

the sensor sensitivity automatically.

Manual Calibration

If “Automatic” cannot apply to the media, use the “Manual” function

to set the paper length and gap/BLINE size, and then scan the

backing/mark to calibrate the sensor sensitivity.

Threshold Detect

Set the sensor sensitivity to Fixed or Auto.

Maximum Length

Set the maximum length for label calibration.

Gap/Bline Ref Rate

Adjusts sensitivity for gap (spacing) detection on die-cut labels or for

black mark detection.

Advanced

Set the minimum paper length and maximum gap/BLINE length to

calibrate the sensor sensitivity automatically.

Menu Sensor

Auto

Calibration

Gap

Black Mark

Continuous

Preprint

Manual

Calibration

Standard

Gap

Black Mark

Continuous

Threshold

Detect

Auto

Fixed

Maximum

Length

Gap/Bline

Ref Rate

Gap Ref Rate

Bline Ref Rate

Advanced

Min. Paper

Max. Gap/Mark

7.3 Interface Settings

Set the printer interface settings.

* Available for TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR only.

7.3.1 Serial Communication Settings

Set the printer RS-232 settings.

Setting

Description

Baud Rate

Set the RS-232 Baud rate.

Parity

Set the RS-232 Parity.

Data Bits

Set the RS-232 Data bits.

Stop Bit(s)

Set the RS-232 Stop bits.

Menu Interface

Serial

Ethernet

RFID*

Wi-Fi

Menu Interface Serial

Baud Rate

1200 bps

2400 bps

4800 bps

9600 bps

19200 bps

38400 bps

57600 bps

115200 bps

Parity

None

Odd

Even

Data Bits

Stop Bit(s)

7.3.2 Ethernet Settings

Configure your printer's Ethernet (wired) connection and check its status.

When the Ethernet is connected, the Ethernet icon and IP address appear on the

Touchscreen as shown below.

Item

Description

Status

Check the Ethernet IP address and Mac address setting status.

Configure

DHCP:

Enable (On) or disable (Off) the Dynamic Host Configuration

Protocol (DHCP) network protocol.

Static IP:

Set the printer’s IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

Note

For information about installing a printer driver, see section 5.1.3 Wired Network Connection

(Windows).

Menu Interface Ethernet

Status

Configure

7.3.3 Wi-Fi Settings

Note

To use Wi-Fi, the optional Wi-Fi Interface (PA-WI-002) is required.

Configure your printer's Wi-Fi connection and check its status.

To use this feature, set up the Enterprise configuration using the Brother Printer

Management Tool (BPM). For more information on setting Wi-Fi using the BPM, see the

Brother Printer Management Tool Quick Start Guide on your model's Manuals page at

support.brother.com

When the Wi-Fi Interface is connected, the Wi-Fi icon and IP address appear on the

Touchscreen as shown below.

Note

Make sure both your wireless router/access point's and your printer's network settings are

correctly set up. For more information, see the documentation provided with your wireless

router/access point, or contact the router manufacturer, your system administrator, or Internet

service provider.

Menu Interface Wi-Fi

Status

Configure

SSID

Security

Password

Item

Description

Status

Check the Wi-Fi IP address and Mac address setting status.

Configure

DHCP:

Enable (On) or disable (Off) the Dynamic Host Configuration

Protocol (DHCP) network protocol.

Static IP:

Set the printer’s IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

SSID

Set the SSID (Network Name).

Security

Select the Wi-Fi encryption.

Password

Set the password (Network Key).

Note

For information about installing a printer driver, see section 5.1.2 Wi-Fi Network Connection

(Windows).

7.3.4 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Settings

(Available for TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR only)

Set the printer RFID settings.

Item

Description

Control

RFID

Active

Select “Enable” to enable the RFID encoder module.

Error

Handling

Select the error handling mode for RFID errors.

Overstrike

(Default)

Each incorrectly processed label prints with

the Overstrike

pattern, and the form retries

on a new label until the Label Retry

count is

exhausted. Whether an error message

appears or the label gets reprinted

depends on the Max Retry Error

setting.

None No specific action is taken when a tag fails

to be

programmed.

Stop The printer will

halt and display the error

message “RFID Error: Check Media”. The

label is discarded and reprinting of the label

must be

initiated from the host. When the

error is cleared, the label with the

incorrect

tag moves forward until the next label is in

position to be

printed.

Label

Retry

Specifies the number of label retries that the RFID

encoder

will attempt before declaring a fault. This may indicate a

problem with the RFID encoder, the printer setup, or the

label stock.

Minimum

Maximum

10 (Default)

Max Retry

Error

Determines if errors occur when the Label Retry count is

exceeded.

EPC Write

Ctrl

Controls how the printer encodes the RFID tag EPC

field.

Non-RFID

Warning

Displays a warning if the printer receives a print job that

does not contain any RFID commands when RFID media is

installed in the printer.

Menu Interface RFID

Control

Tag Calibration

Calibration Param

RFID Chip Param

Diagnostics

Statistics

Item

Description

Tag Calibration

This submenu is used to perform an RFID calibration. You must perform a

tag calibration when installing a new tag in the printer. RFID calibration

determines the RFID chip type, the write/read power, program position, and

the length of the EPC/User field.

Do RFID

Calibrate

Performs the RFID calibration.

Execute it every time you change the RFID tag type.

Num Label

for

Calibration

Determines the number of tags to use for calibration.

However, this value does not include tags moved when

seeking gaps during the calibration process. Depending on

the difficulty in calibrating the installed tags, the printer may

use more or fewer labels, but generally, the greater the

number selected in this menu, the more tags will be used

to determine the calibration result.

Minimum

3 (Default)

Maximum

Test EPC

Length

Determines the size of the EPC data that will be used to

perform the RFID calibration. This length can be increased

to improve the accuracy of the RFID calibration, but it

should not be increased to a value greater than the

maximum EPC length that the current Tag Type can

support.

Minimum

Maximum

256

Default

Calibration

Param

Contains the settings used for optimal tag encoding. These parameters can

be obtained automatically through RFID calibration.

Tag

Position

Determines how far the RFID tag encoding position of the

currently installed tag should be offset from Top of Form.

Write

Power

Specifies the write power level to be used in the RFID

encoder. Normally, this value is set automatically by the

RFID calibration process and should not be changed.

Minimum

Maximum

Read

Power

Specifies the read power level to be used in the RFID

encoder. Normally, this value is set automatically by the

RFID calibration process and should not be changed.

Minimum

Maximum

Item

Description

RFID Chip Param

These settings are used to configure the system when custom RFID tags are

required.

USR Size

Specifies the USR block bytes size within the RFID tag

memory. Normally, this value is set automatically by the

RFID calibration process and should not be changed.

Minimum

0 (Default)

Maximum

256

Note

This value is hidden if Higgs 3 tags are detected, and

the Higgs 3 USR Len menu is shown instead.

USR

Address

Specifies the starting location of the USR block within the

RFID tag memory. Normally, this value is set automatically

by the RFID calibration process and should not be changed.

Minimum

0 (Default)

Maximum

TID Size

Indicates the size of the memory block within the RFID tag

memory that contains the Tag ID. Normally, this value is set

automatically by the RFID calibration process and should

not be changed.

Minimum

Maximum

Default

Higgs 3

USR Len

Higgs 3 tags differ from other RFID tags in that their memory

bank size is not fixed. To accommodate EPC lengths longer

than 96 bits, Higgs 3 borrows memory from the USR bank.

This read-only menu indicates the size in bits of the USR

block within the RFID tag memory.

Minimum

128

Maximum

512 (Default)

Note

This menu will only be shown if a Higgs 3 tag is

detected.

Higgs 3

EPC Len

Higgs 3 tags differ from other RFID tags in that their memory

bank size is not fixed. To accommodate EPC lengths longer

than 96 bits, Higgs 3 borrows memory from the USR bank.

This menu item allows you to select the number of bits

dedicated to the EPC block within the RFID tag memory.

Minimum

Maximum

480

Default

Note

This menu will only be shown if a Higgs 3 tag is

detected.

Item

Description

RFID Chip Param

Tag

Length

Specifies the EPC block bytes size within the RFID tag

memory. This value is set automatically by the RFID

calibration process and should not be changed.

Minimum

Maximum

Default

Note

This value is hidden if Higgs 3 tags are detected, and

the Higgs 3 EPC Len menu is shown instead.

EPC

Address

Specifies the starting location of the EPC block within the

RFID tag memory. Normally, this value is set automatically

by the RFID calibration process and should not be changed.

Minimum

0 (Default)

Maximum

Block Size

Specifies the maximum number of bytes written to the USR

block within the RFID tag memory at one time. Normally,

this value is set automatically by the RFID calibration

process and should not be changed.

Minimum

Maximum

Default

Diagnostics

These settings are used to run test procedures to help determine the

accuracy of the RFID system and troubleshoot it.

Read Tag

Reads the tag in range of the internal RFID coupler and

reports the tag data to the debug port and displays it on the

Touchscreen. It is primarily intended for development

verification by checking that the system is working.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate reading.

Read Tag

& Eject

This setting works exactly the same as Read Tag, except

that after the printer reads the tag, it feeds the label to the

next top-of-form.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate reading.

Item

Description

Diagnostics

Read USR

Reads the User Memory bank of the tag in range of the

internal RFID coupler and reports the data to the debug

port and displays it on the Touchscreen. It is primarily

intended for development verification by checking that the

system is working.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate reading.

Read TID

Reads the Tag ID (TID) from the tag in range of the

internal

RFID coupler and displays the value read in the Tag ID

menu.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate reading.

Tag ID

Displays the first Tag ID (TID) read since power-up, or if

using the Read TID menu, the most recently read TID. If no

tag is in range of the internal RFID coupler, “Unknown”

appears on the Touchscreen.

Read PC

Reads the PC (Protocol Control) field from an RFID tag in

range of the internal RFID coupler and displays the value

read in the Tag PC menu.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate reading.

Tag PC

Displays the last PC (Protocol Control) field read from an

RFID tag. If no tag is in range of the internal RFID coupler,

“Unknown” appears on the Touchscreen.

Write EPC

with 1s

Writes all ones to the tag in range of the internal RFID

coupler. It is primarily intended for development verification

by checking that the system is working.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate writing.

Write EPC

with 2s

Writes all twos to the tag in range of the internal RFID

coupler. It is primarily intended for development verification

by checking that the system is working.

Note

This setting does not position the RFID tag over the

coupler. Make sure to position the tag over the coupler

to receive an accurate writing.

Item

Description

Statistics

These settings are generally read-only and used to collect and report

statistics on how the RFID system is reporting on print jobs sent to the

printer.

Tag Write

Count

Displays the number of tags attempted to be written since

the last Clear Tag Stat operation has been initiated.

Tag Failed

Count

Displays the number of failed RFID tags since the last Clear

Tag Stat operation has been initiated.

Tag Read

Count

Displays the number of tags read since the last

Clear Tag

Stat operation.

Clear Tag

Stat

Clears the Count menu items in this submenu.

RFID

Reader

F/W

(Available for TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR only)

Displays the RFID firmware version installed in the encoder.

RFID

Reader

Hd/W

(Available for TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR only)

Displays the RFID hardware version installed in the

encoder.

7.4 Advanced Settings

Item

Description

Language

Specify the Touchscreen language.

Printer

Information

Check the printer serial number, printed mileage (in./m), number of

printed labels (pcs), and cutting counter.

Initialization

Restore the printer settings to the default settings.

Display

Brightness

Adjust the Touchscreen brightness (settings range from 0 to 100).

Touchscreen

Calibration

Calibrate the Touchscreen.

Date & Time

Adjust the date and time displayed on the Touchscreen.

Security

Set the password for locking the menu or favorites. The default

password is 8888.

Cutter Type

Set the Cutter Type.

Media Low

Warning

Set the Media Low Warning message.

Menu Advanced

Language

Printer Information

Initialization

Display Brightness

Touchscreen Calibration

Date & Time

Date Format

Date

Time Format

Time

Security

Menu Lock

Menu Password

Cutter Type

Media Low Warning

Ribbon Low Warning

Printer Head Maintain

Warning

Reset Counter

Interval

Key sound

Item

Description

Ribbon Low

Warning

Set the Ribbon Low Warning message. For example, if you set the

value at 30 m, when the ribbon capacity is less than 30 m, the

icon appears in red.

TJ-4020TN/TJ-4120TN: 30 m (Fixed)

TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR: 10 m - 100 m

(Customisable)

Printer Head

Maintain

Check the Print Head status and maintenance notifications.

Item

Description

Warning

Enable or disable the Print Head cleaning warning. If

this setting is enabled and the Print Head has

reached the setting mileage limit, a warning appears

on the Touchscreen to remind you to clean the Print

Head. The default setting is “Disable”.

Reset

Counter

Reset the Print Head mileage warning after the Print

Head has been cleaned.

Interval

Set the mileage for when to display the Print Head

cleaning warning. You must enable the “TPH

warning lock” to use it. The default setting is 1 km.

Key sound

Enable or disable the button press sound.

Displays a QR code to access the Brother Support website at

support.brother.com

using a mobile device.

7.5 File Manager

Check the printer's available memory, show the files list, delete the files, or run the files that

are saved in the printer's DRAM/Flash/Card memory.

Menu File Manager

DRAM

FLASH

CARD

7.6 Diagnostic Functions

Item

Description

Print Config.

Print the current printer configuration. On the configuration printout, there is

a Print Head test pattern, which is useful for checking if there is dot damage

to the Print Head Heating Element.

For more information, see section 6.1.2

Gap/Black Mark Sensor

Calibration, Self-Test, and Entering Dump Mode.

Dump Mode

Captures the data from the communications port and prints out the data

received by the printer. In the Dump Mode, all characters will be printed in

two columns. The characters in the left column are received from the

printer's system and those in the right column are their hexadecimal

representation. It allows you to verify and debug the program.

For more information, see section 6.1.2

Gap/Black Mark Sensor

Calibration, Self-Test, and Entering Dump Mode.

Note

Dump Mode requires 101.6 mm paper width.

Print Head

Check for any visible dots and the Print Head's temperature.

Display

Check the Touchscreen color state.

Sensor

Check the sensors’ intensity and reading state.

Menu Diagnostic

Print Config.

Dump Mode

Print Head

Display

Sensor

Diag Gap

Diag Black Mark

Diag Ribbon End

Diag Media

8. Brother Printer Management Tool (BPM)

The Brother Printer Management Tool (BPM) is an integrated tool that lets you:

 Check a printer’s status and settings

 Change printer settings

 Send additional commands to a printer

 Download graphics and fonts

 Create a printer bitmap font

 Download and update firmware

 Configure Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi)

Using this tool, you can also review your printer's status and settings to troubleshoot any

problems.

8.1 Start the BPM

Double-click the BPM icon to start the software.

The BPM's main screen allows you to access the following options:

 Printer Configuration

 File Manager

 Command Tool

 RTC Setup

 Printer Function

 Bitmap Font Manager

For more information, see the Brother Printer Management Tool Quick Start Guide on your

model's Manuals page at support.brother.com

Features

Buttons

Interface

Type

Printer

Status

Configuration

Buttons

8.2 Auto-Calibrating the Media Sensor using the BPM

Use the BPM to set the media sensor type (Gap Sensor or Black Mark Sensor) and calibrate the

selected sensor.

Gap Sensor Black Mark Sensor

The Gap Sensor (transmissive sensor) detects the beginning of the label and the printer feeds

the label to the correct position.

The Black Mark Sensor (reflective sensor) detects the mark and the printer feeds the media to

the correct position.

1. Make sure the media is already installed and the Print Head is closed. (See section

3.4 Load the Media

2. Turn on the printer.

3. Start the BPM.

4. Click the Printer Function button.

5. Click the Calibrate button.

6. Select the sensor media type and click Calibrate.

9. Setting Up the RFID

(Available for TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR only)

9.1 Introduction

When printing smart labels that use an EEPROM technology, the printer may need to write and

verify some RFID tags more than once before accepting them. This additional processing may

result in a short pause between each printed label, but is necessary to ensure consistent quality

and reliability.

Note

Static electricity can damage smart labels. Before you handle smart labels, open the printer's

Media Cover and touch an unpainted metal part to discharge any static electricity that may have

built up on your hands.

This printer is equipped with an Auto-Calibration feature, which eliminates the need to specify

exact inlay placement or RFID power settings. The calibration routine is compatible with most

major inlays embedded in typical label sizes and will work with many other inlays as well.

For optimum performance:

 Center inlays horizontally across the media

(dimension “C”). Consistent, tag-to-tag

placement of the inlays is more important than

their proximity to the center.

 The pitch is the overall distance from inlay to

inlay (dimension “P”). On-pitch tags and tags

with a pitch less than 25.4 mm may require the

printer to back-feed during the encoding and

printing process, thus slowing the throughput of

the printer. To avoid this, this pitch should be

greater than 25.4 mm.

 Set the inlay back from the lead edge of the

media (dimension “L”) at the same tag-to-tag

distance. To avoid back-feeding, for labels

longer than 25.4 mm, this distance should be

greater than 12.7 mm.

IMPORTANT

Always test RFID media on your printer before purchasing large quantities of media.

9.2 RFID Calibration

The TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR have a fixed-position RFID antenna mounted at the Media

Output Slot, which supports a wide variety of tag types.

9.2.1 Load the RFID Media

1. Load the RFID media onto the Label Supply Spindle.

2. Open the Print Head and RFID Tear Cover. Thread the media through the Damper, Media

Sensor, and Front Label Guide to install the media.

3. Feed the RFID media through the Tear Cover Slot.

4. Move the media sensor by adjusting the Media Sensor Position Adjustment Knob. Make

sure the position of the Gap or Black Mark Sensor matches the position of the Gap/Black

Mark on the label roll.

5. Adjust the Front Label Guide to fix the media position.

6. Close the Print Head and RFID Tear Cover.

RFID Tear Cover

9.2.2 RFID Calibration Procedure

Note

For optimal calibration results, perform Media Calibration before RFID Calibration. Make sure

you correctly install both the ribbon and the label roll.

1. Perform Media Auto Calibration:

 Using the Touchscreen:

a. Load the RFID media into the printer.

b. (Thermal transfer only) Load the ribbon into the printer.

c. Tap the Menu icon .

d. Tap the Sensor icon .

e. Tap Auto Calibration, select the media type, and then tap the icon to start

the media calibration.

Note

For more information, see section 7.2 Sensor Settings.

 Using the BPM:

a. Load the RFID media into the printer.

b. (Thermal transfer only) Load the ribbon into the printer.

c. Connect the USB cable between the computer and the printer.

d. Start the BPM.

e. Select the printer in the list, and then click the Printer Function button.

f. Click Calibrate.

g. Click Printer Configuration and make sure the paper width and height in the

FBPL tab are set correctly.

 Using the AUTODETECT command:

Note

For more information, see the FBPL Command Reference on your model's Manuals

page at support.brother.com

2. Start RFID Calibration.

 Using the Touchscreen:

Tap Menu  Interface  RFID  Tag Calibration  Do RFID Calibrate,

and then tap the

icon.

Note

For more information, see section 7.3.4 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

Settings.

 Using the RFIDDETECT command:

Note

For more information, see the FBPL Command Reference on your model's Manuals

page at support.brother.com

3. Depending on the tag type and tag length, the calibration can take several minutes. At the

end of calibration either a green or red screen appears. The green screen appears when the

calibration is successful and the red one when it is not.

4. If calibration fails, tap the or icon to clear the error. In some cases, it may be due to

an incompatibility between the tag and the reader. After the calibration is complete, tap the

or icon to continue and save the RFID calibration values.

Note

For information, see section 11.3 RFID Error Messages.

10. Product Specifications

Display

Touchscreen

(TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TN, TJ-4121TNR)

3.5" Color Touchscreen

LED

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-4120TN)

5 (4 icon indicators, 1 power indicator)

(TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TN, TJ-4121TNR)

1 power indicator (3 colors - Green, Red, Amber)

Printing

Print Method

TJ-4005DN: Direct Thermal

Other models: Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal

Maximum Print Width

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR)

107 mm

(TJ-4120TN, TJ-4121TN, TJ-4121TNR)

105.7 mm

Maximum Print Length

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR)

25,400 mm

(TJ-4120TN, TJ-4121TN, TJ-4121TNR)

11,430 mm

Maximum Print Speed

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN)

152.4 mm / second

(TJ-4020TN, TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR)

254 mm / second

(TJ-4120TN, TJ-4121TN, TJ-4121TNR)

177.8 mm / second

Print Speed for Label

Peeler Mode

Up to 3 ips (Except TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR)

Print Resolution

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-4021TN, TJ-4021TNR)

203 dpi

(TJ-4120TN, TJ-4121TN, TJ-4121TNR)

300 dpi

Size

Dimensions

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-4021TN, TJ-4120TN,

TJ-4121TN)

Approximately 248 mm (W) × 436 mm (D) × 274 mm (H)

(TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR)

Approximately 248 mm (W) × 443 mm (D) × 274 mm (H)

Weight

(TJ-4005DN, TJ-4010TN, TJ-4020TN, TJ-4120TN)

Approximately 9.2 kg

(TJ-4021TN, TJ-4121TN)

Approximately 9.4 kg

(TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR)

Approximately 9.9 kg

Interface

USB USB Ver. 2.0 (High Speed) (Type B)

Serial RS-232

Wired LAN 10/100 Mbps

USB Host Port

Stand-alone: USB keyboard, USB scanner

Storage: USB flash drive

Wi-Fi (Optional) IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n

Wi-Fi Security

Open, WEP-Open, WPA-PSK/WPA2 (AES and TKIP)

- 802.11i

- WPA2-Enterprise: EAP-FAST, EAP-TTLS, EAP-TLS, PEAPv0

Environment

Temperature

Operation: 0°C - 40°C

Storage: -40°C - 60°C

Humidity

Operation: 25% - 85% (without condensation)

Storage: 10% - 90% (without condensation)

Power Supply

Internal Universal Switching Power Supply

 Input: AC 100 V - 240 V, 2.0 A, 50 Hz / 60 Hz

 Output: DC 24 V, 3.75 A, 90 W

Paper Specification

Media Type

Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold, notch, RFID tag

(TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR)

Wound Type Outside wound

Media Width

20 mm - 120 mm (cutter mode: 114 mm max), 25.4 mm - 116 mm

(RFID)

Media Thickness

0.06 mm - 0.28 mm

Up to 1.0 mm for on-metal RFID label (TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR)

Roll Outside Diameter

(maximum)

203.2 mm

Core Size 25.4 mm - 76.2 mm

Media Sensor Gap (Transmissive), Black mark (Reflective)

Ribbon Specification (Except TJ-4005DN)

Width 450 m long, max. Outer Diameter 81.3 mm

Core Size

25.4 mm (ink coated outside or inside)

(TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TNR: ink coated outside)

Ribbon Width 40 mm - 110 mm

RFID Specification (TJ-4021TNR and TJ-4121TNR only)

RF Protocol UHF EPC global Class 1 Gen2 / ISO 18000-6C

Operating Frequency Global (902 MHz - 928 MHz) and EU (866 MHz - 868 MHz)

Minimum Pitch 15.875 mm

Other

Cutter Regular guillotine cutter option (Not User Replaceable)

1 2

Label Peeler Label Peeler option (Not User Replaceable)

1 2

Supported Barcodes

 1D barcodes:

Code 11 (USD-8), Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 with subsets A/B/C,

UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC and EAN 2- or 5-digit

extensions, GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128), MSI, Plessey, POSTNET,

Standard 2-of-5 (IATA), Industrial 2-of-5, Interleaved 2-of-5, ITF-14,

EAN-14, LOGMARS, Codabar (NW-7), Planet, Telepen, Deutsche

Post Identcode, Deutsche Post Leitcode, Datalogic 2-of-5 (China Post)

 2D barcodes:

CODABLOCK F, PDF417, Code 49, GS1 DataMatrix, MaxiCode,

QR Code, TLC39, MicroPDF417, GS1 DataBar (RSS), Aztec Code

Printer Control Command

FBPL-EZD (Compatible to FBPL II, EPL II, ZPL II, DPL)

FBPL-EZS (Compatible to FBPL II, EPL II, ZPL II, SBPL)

Built-in Fonts

 8 alphanumeric bitmap fonts

 Monotype Imaging

TrueType font engine with one CG Triumvirate

Bold Condensed scalable font

Not compatible with RFID tags.

Only authorized Brother Dealers should perform accessory replacements.

11. Troubleshooting

11.1 Common Problems

This chapter explains how to resolve typical problems you may encounter when using the printer. If

you have any problems with the printer, first make sure you have performed the following tasks

correctly.

If you still have problems, contact the product manufacturer's customer service or your local dealer.

Problem Possible Cause Solution

The LED Indicator is not lit. The Power Cord is not

correctly connected.

Make sure the printer is correctly

connected to the power outlet (electrical

socket) using the Power Cord.

The Power Switch is off. Turn the printer on.

Memory full

(DRAM/Flash/Card).

The printer's DRAM/Flash/

Card memory is full.

Delete unused files from the DRAM/Flash/

Card memory.

Poor Print Quality.

The ribbon/media is loaded

incorrectly.

Reload the media/ribbon.

(Except TJ-4005DN)

Dust or adhesive has

accumulated on the Print

Head.

Clean the Print Head.

Clean the Platen Roller.

The print density is set

incorrectly.

Adjust the print density and print speed.

The Print Head is damaged.

Run the printer self-test and check the

Print Head test pattern for missing dots.

The ribbon/media is

incompatible.

Install the correct ribbon/media.

(Except TJ-4005DN)

The print head tension is not

set correctly.

Use the Print Head Tension Adjustment

Knob to adjust the print head tension.

(See section 4. Improve Print Quality)

The Release Lever does not lock the Print

Head in place.

Incomplete printing on the left

or right side of label.

The label size is not specified

correctly.

Check if the label size is set up correctly.

Blank labels with gray lines.

The Print Head is dirty. Clean the Print Head.

The Platen Roller is dirty. Clean the Platen Roller. (See section

12. Maintenance

Irregular printing.

The printer is in Hex Dump

Mode.

Turn the printer on and off to skip the

Dump Mode. (See section

6.1.2

Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration,

Self-Test, and Entering Dump Mode.)

The printer’s RS-232

communication is not set

correctly.

Make sure the printer's RS-232 settings

are set up correctly. For more information,

see section 7.3.1

Serial Communication

Settings.

Problem Possible Cause Solution

Labels are fed incorrectly

(skewed) when printing.

The media guide does not

touch the edge of the media.

If the label is moving to the right side,

move the Front Label Guide to the left.

If the label is moving to the left side, move

the Front Label Guide to the right.

Labels are skipped when

printing.

The label size is not specified

correctly.

Check if the label size is set up correctly.

The sensor sensitivity is not

set correctly.

Calibrate the Gap Sensor either manually

or automatically (See section 7.2

Sensor

Settings).

The media sensor is dirty. Clean the Gap/Black Mark Sensor using

a compressed air or vacuum.

Ribbon Wrinkles.

(Except TJ-4005DN)

The print head tension is not

set correctly.

Use the Print Head Tension Adjustment

Knob to adjust the print head tension. (See

section 4. Improve Print Quality

)

The ribbon is installed

incorrectly.

Reinstall the ribbon.

To install the ribbon roll, see section

3.2 Load the Ribbon

The media is installed

incorrectly.

Reinstall the label roll.

To install the label roll, see section

3.4 Load the Media

The print density is not set

correctly.

Adjust the print density to improve the print

quality.

The media is not fed

correctly.

Make sure the Front Label Guide touches

the edge of the Media Guide Tips.

RTC time is incorrect when

rebooting the printer.

The coin battery has dislodged.

The coin battery has finished.

Contact the product manufacturer's

customer service or your local dealer.

The left side printout position

is incorrect.

The label size is set up

incorrectly.

Set the correct label size.

The Shift X setting is

incorrect.

Fine-tune the Shift X setting. For more

information, see 7.1.1 FBPL Settings

The printing position of small

labels is incorrect.

The media sensor sensitivity

is not set correctly.

Calibrate the sensor sensitivity again.

The label size is incorrect.

Set the correct label size and gap size.

The Shift Y setting is

incorrect.

Fine-tune the Shift Y setting. For more

information, see 7.1.1 FBPL Settings.

The vertical offset setting in

the driver is incorrect.

If using the BarTender software, set the

Vertical Offset in the driver.

The media wraps around the

platen roller.

The label adhesive is on the

Platen Roller.

Clean the Platen Roller regularly.

11.2 Touchscreen Error Messages

TJ-4021TN/TJ-4021TNR/TJ-4121TN/TJ-4121TNR

When an error occurs, the Touchscreen displays the appropriate error message.

Error Message

Possible Cause Solution

Carriage Open

The printer carriage is open.

Close the print carriage.

Not Printing

The serial or USB cable is not

connected correctly.

Reconnect the serial or USB cable.

The wireless device may be

connected incorrectly to the

printer.

Reset the device's wireless settings and set up

the device again.

The serial or USB cable may

be damaged.

Try a new cable.

The port specified in the

Windows driver is not correct.

Specify the correct port.

The Print Head may need

cleaning.

Clean the Print Head.

The Print Head's harness

connector may not be

connected correctly with the

Print Head.

Turn off the printer and plug the Print Head's

harness connector to the Print Head again.

Your custom program may not

contain the necessary

commands.

Make sure that your program contains the

PRINT command at the end of the file and a

CRLF at the end of each command line.

No print on the

label

The ribbon/media is loaded

incorrectly.

Reload the media/ribbon.

Make sure the ink coated ribbon is set in the

correct position.

The ribbon/media is

incompatible.

Install the correct ribbon/media.

The print density is set

incorrectly.

Adjust the print density.

No Ribbon

The ribbon has finished.

Install a new ribbon roll. To install a new ribbon

roll, see section 3.2 Load the Ribbon

The ribbon is installed

incorrectly.

Reinstall the ribbon. To install the ribbon roll,

see section 3.2 Load the Ribbon

No Paper

The label roll has finished.

Install a new label roll. To install a new label roll,

see section 3.4 Load the Media

The label is installed

incorrectly.

Reinstall the label roll. To install the label roll,

see section 3.4 Load the Media

The Gap/Black Mark Sensor is

not calibrated.

Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor.

Paper Jam

The Gap/Black Mark Sensor is

not calibrated.

Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor.

The label size is not set

correctly.

Set the label size correctly.

A paper jam occurred inside

the printer.

Remove the jammed paper.

Take Label

Peeler Mode

is enabled.

Remove the label.

11.3 RFID Error Messages

TJ-4021TNR, TJ-4121TNR

The RFID encoder can detect several errors. When these errors occur, the RFID encoder alerts the

printer and the Touchscreen displays the appropriate error message.

Error Message Possible Cause Solution

RFID Is

Disabled

The RFID function is not

activated.

Select RFID > Control > RFID Active to enable

the RFID function.

Failure

EPC Write Failed

The EPC tag cannot be written

via Diagnostics > Write EPC

with 1s or Write EPC with 2s.

 The label could be misaligned. Perform the

Sensor > Auto Calibration procedure to ensure

the label is at top-of-form.

 Select RFID > Tag Calibration > Do RFID

Calibrate.

 Use smart labels with RFID tags located in the

correct position.



The RFID tag could be defective. Try another tag.

 Make sure the application does not send too few

or too many digits to the RFID tag.

RFID Calibrate

Write Tag Failed

Tag calibration cannot be

performed.

 The label could be misaligned. Perform the

Sensor > Auto Calibration procedure to ensure

the label is at top-of-form.

 Use smart labels with RFID tags located in the

correct position.



The RFID tag could be defective. Try another tag.

RFID

Disabled

The RFID command is sent to

the printer when the RFID

function is disabled.

1. Select RFID > Control > RFID Active to

enable the RFID function.

2. Send RFID commands.

NON-RFID DATA

On RFID Tag

When the “Non-RFID warning”

option is “ON” (RFID > Control

> Non-RFID Warning), the

printer has obtained the

non-RFID data.

Make sure you send RFID commands to the

printer.

INVALID RFID

DATA

The RFID tag data sent does

not match the settings.

Check the tag data of the RFID commands.

INVALID RFID

DATA LEN

The tag length size (the size

parameter of RFID command)

sent does not match the setting.

Check the data length size of the RFID

commands.

RFID TAG

FAILED

The tag cannot be written.  The label could be misaligned. Perform the

Sensor > Auto Calibration procedure to ensure

the label is at top-of-form.

 Select RFID > Tag Calibration > Do RFID

Calibrate.

 Use smart labels with RFID tags located in the

correct position.



The RFID tag could be defective. Try another tag.

 Make sure the application does not send too few

or too many digits to the RFID tag.

 Check that the RFID commands are correct.

Error Message Possible Cause Solution

RFID ERROR

No Tag Found

The tag cannot be read.  Make sure the media are smart labels with RFID

tags located in the correct position.



The RFID tag could be defective. Try another tag.

Remove Label

No Paper

The label is jammed inside the

machine or the paper size is not

correct.

 Remove the label carefully so as not to damage

the printer.

 Make sure the media are smart labels that have

RFID tags located in the correct position.

 To reduce vibration to the printer, position the

printer so printed labels can fall freely to a lower

surface.

 Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor.

 Set the label size correctly.

Note

If you cannot write RFID tags:

 Make sure you are using smart labels with RFID tags located in the correct position.

 The RFID tag could be defective. Try another tag.

 Set the label size correctly, and then calibrate the RFID tag.

 Set the sensor sensitivity correctly (using the Touchscreen: Sensor > Gap/Bline Ref Rate).

 Check the data length size of the RFID commands.

12. Maintenance

We recommend cleaning your printer on a regular basis to maintain its correct performance.

Recommended cleaning materials:

• Cotton swab

• Lint-free cloth

• Vacuum / Blower brush

• Compressed air

• Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol

Printer Part Cleaning Method Interval

Print Head

1. Turn the printer off.

2. Allow the Print Head to cool down

for at least one minute.

3. Wipe the Print Head with a cotton

swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or

ethanol.

Clean the Print Head when changing a

label roll.

Platen Roller

1. Turn the printer off.

2. Rotate the Platen Roller and wipe it

thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or

cotton swab dipped in isopropyl

alcohol or ethanol.

Clean the Platen Roller when changing

a new label roll.

Peel Bar

Wipe with a lint-free cloth dipped in

isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.

As needed.

Sensor

Use compressed air or vacuum. Monthly.

Exterior

Wipe the printer exterior with a lint-free

cloth dipped in water.

As needed.

Interior

Use a brush or vacuum. As needed.

Cotton Swab

Print Head Surface

Print Head

Note

 Do not touch the Print Head. If you have touched it, clean it as described above.

 Do not use medical alcohol as it may damage the Print Head. Use isopropyl alcohol or

ethanol according to the manufacturer's safety guidelines, as applicable.

 To maintain correct performance, we recommend cleaning the Print Head and sensors every

time you install a new ribbon.

IMPORTANT

Securely dispose of any printers, components, and supplies if they are no longer going to be

used. Ensure there is no jammed paper in the printer and destroy the thermal transfer ribbon if it

has retained any visible prints.

Brother TJ-4120TN

Product's Documents

User Manual

Specifications

Brother TJ-4120TN Questions and Answers