GT-541 - Brother

GT-541
Basic Operation Manual
GARMENT PRINTER
Please read this manual before using the printer.
Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference.
GT-541 support homepage http://www.brother.com/usa/garmentprinters/
Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER printer. Before using your new printer, please read the safety instructions below
and the explanations given in the instruction manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
[1] Safety indications and their meanings
This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are used on the printer itself are provided in order to ensure safe
operation of this printer and to prevent accidents and injury to yourself or other people.
The meanings of these indications and symbols are given below.
Indications
DANGER
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions may result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions can result in severe injury or death.
CAUTION
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions could cause injury when using the machine or physical damage to
equipment and surroundings.
Symbols
·····
This symbol (
) indicates something that you should be careful of. The picture inside the triangle
indicates the nature of the caution that must be taken.
(For example, the symbol at left means “beware of injury”.)
·····
This symbol (
·····
This symbol (
) indicates something that you must do. The picture inside the circle indicates the
nature of the thing that must be done.
(For example, the symbol at left means “you must make the ground connection”.)
) indicates something that you must not do.
[2] Notes on safety
DANGER
Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wall outlet
before opening the cover of the control unit. Touching areas where high voltages are present can result in severe
injury.
WARNING
Basic precautions
Do not disassemble or modify the printer, otherwise
it may cause fire or electric shocks or problems with
correct operation.
Ask the place of purchase or a qualified technician to
carry out any internal inspections, adjustments or
repairs that may be required.
(Any problems with correct operation that occur as a
result of the customer attempting to disassemble or
modify the printer will not be covered by the
warranty.)
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Do not handle the power cord with wet hands,
otherwise it may cause electric shocks.
i
WARNING
Installation
Do not set up the printer in places where there is a
lot of dust. If dust collects inside the printer, it may
cause fire or electric shocks or problems with correct
operation.
When securing the cords, do not bend the cords
excessively or fasten them too hard with staples or
anything similar, otherwise there is the danger that
fire or electric shocks could occur.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with
correct operation may also occur.
Printing
If a foreign object gets inside the printer, immediately
turn off the power switch and disconnect the power
cord, and contact the place of purchase or a
qualified technician.
If you continue to use the printer while there is a
foreign object inside, it may result in fire or electric
shocks or problems with correct operation.
Do not allow water or oil to get onto the printer,
otherwise it may cause fire or electric shocks or
problems with correct operation.
If any liquids get onto the printer, immediately turn
off the power switch and disconnect the power cord,
and contact the place of purchase or a qualified
technician.
Do not use the printer if a problem is noticed such
as smoke or a bad odor coming from the printer,
otherwise it may cause fire or electric shocks or
problems with correct operation.
Immediately turn off the power switch and
disconnect the power cord, and contact the place of
purchase or a qualified technician.
(The printer must never be repaired by the
customer, as it can be extremely dangerous to do
so.)
Maintenance
Do not put your hands in the ink cartridge slot, otherwise the needle inside the slot may cause injury.
CAUTION
Environmental requirements
Use the printer in an area which is free from
sources of strong electrical noise such as electrical
line noise or static electric noise.
Sources of strong electrical noise may cause
problems with correct operation.
Any fluctuations in the power supply voltage should
be within ±10% of the rated voltage for the printer.
Voltage fluctuations which are greater than this
may cause problems with correct operation.
The power supply capacity should be greater than
the requirements for the printers power
consumption.
Insufficient power supply capacity may cause
problems with correct operation.
The ambient temperature should be within the
range of 15°C to 30°C during use.
Temperatures which are lower or higher than this
may cause problems with correct operation.
The relative humidity should be within the range of
20% to 85% during use, and no dew formation
should occur in any devices.
Excessively dry or humid environments and dew
formation may cause problems with correct
operation.
Use the printer in a place which is adequately
ventilated.
A slight odor is generated when the printed articles
are being fixed by heat.
In the event of an electrical storm, turn off the power
and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
Lightning may cause problems with correct
operation.
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GT-541
CAUTION
Installation
Setting up and moving of the printer should only be
carried out by a qualified technician.
The printer machine weighs approximately 100 kg.
Transporting and setting up of the printer should be
carried out by four or more people.
Furthermore, do not hold the printer by the ink
cartridge housing when transporting it, otherwise
the ink cartridge housing may become damaged
and the printer may fall down and cause personal
injury or damage to the printer.
Do not place the printer on unstable surfaces such
as unsteady tables or high shelves, otherwise it
may tip over or fall down and cause injury.
Furthermore, the table that supports the printer
should be at least 100 cm in width and 80 cm in
depth, and should be able to bear a weight of 150
kg or more.
Do not set up the printer in a place where it will be
affected by vibration from other equipment,
otherwise it may become unbalanced and fall down
and cause injury or damage to the printer.
Do not connect the power cord until setup is
complete, otherwise the printer may operate if the
power switch is turned on by mistake, which could
result in injury.
Do not climb onto the printer or place heavy objects
on top of it, otherwise it may become unbalanced
and tip over or fall down and cause injury.
Printing
This printer should only be used by operators who
have received the necessary training in safe use
beforehand.
Leave sufficient space at the front of the printer,
and avoid placing items in front of it, otherwise the
platen may hit them and be damaged, and if your
hands get caught between the platen and the
object, injury may result.
Do not put your hands inside the covers while the
printer’s power is turned on, otherwise your hands
may touch against moving parts and this may result
in injury.
If a problem occurs with the operation of the printer,
contact the place of purchase or a qualified
technician.
Release your hand from the platen while the printer
is operating. If your hand gets caught between the
platen or the T-shirt tray and the covers, injury may
result.
Maintenance
Wait at least 1 minute after turning off the power
switch before opening the front cover.
Touching the heat sink on the head can result in
burns.
Be careful not to get your fingers caught when
closing the front cover, otherwise it may result in
injury to your fingers.
Do not disassemble the ink cartridge or the waste
ink cartridge.
If the ink cartridge or waste ink cartridge is
disassembled, it can no longer be used.
GT-541
Take care not to let the ink, waste liquid or wash
liquid come into contact with your eyes or onto your
skin, otherwise inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink the ink, waste liquid or
wash liquid under any circumstances, as they can
cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Keep the ink, waste liquid and wash liquid out of the
reach of children.
Use only the proper replacement parts as specified
by Brother.
iii
[3] Warning labels
The following warning labels appear on the printer.
Please follow the instructions on the labels at all times when using the printer. If the labels have been removed or are
difficult to read, please contact your nearest Brother dealer.
1
2
3
Do not put your hands in the ink cartridge slot, otherwise the needle inside the slot may
cause injury.
5
4
6
7
High temperature
warning display
8
9
10
iv
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7
6
2
1
4
5
9
8
3
Wash Liquid
10
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Table of Contents
1. Read This First.............................................................................................................................................. 1
1-1. Precautions ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1-2. Unpacking Your Printer ......................................................................................................................... 3
1-3. Required Condition................................................................................................................................ 4
1-3-1. Environment.................................................................................................................................... 4
1-3-2. Electrical Requirements................................................................................................................. 4
1-3-3. Software Information...................................................................................................................... 4
1-3-4. Other Requirements....................................................................................................................... 5
1-3-5. Consumable Requirements .......................................................................................................... 5
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts..................................................................................................................... 6
2-1. Front........................................................................................................................................................ 6
2-2. Left .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
2-3. Right........................................................................................................................................................ 7
2-4. Rear ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2-5. Inside of the Front Cover....................................................................................................................... 9
2-6. Under the Platen..................................................................................................................................10
2-7. Control Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2-7-1. Indication Lamps ..........................................................................................................................12
2-7-2. Display...........................................................................................................................................13
3. Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................14
3-1. Placing Your Printer .............................................................................................................................15
3-2. Turning On/Off Your Printer.................................................................................................................16
3-2-1. Turning On Your Printer ...............................................................................................................16
3-2-2. Turning Off Your Printer................................................................................................................16
3-3. Preparing Your PC...............................................................................................................................17
3-3-1. For Windows XP Users ...............................................................................................................17
3-3-2. For Windows 2000 Users............................................................................................................25
3-3-3. Installing the Useful Tools.............................................................................................................31
3-4. Setting Up Your Printer........................................................................................................................32
3-4-1. Adjusting the Display Contrast ....................................................................................................32
3-4-2. Adjusting the Speaker Volume ....................................................................................................33
4. Basic Printing Procedure............................................................................................................................34
5. Maintenance................................................................................................................................................36
5-1. Replacing Consumables.....................................................................................................................37
5-1-1. Replacing an Ink Cartridge..........................................................................................................37
5-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner ......................................................................................................38
5-1-3. Replacing the Waste Ink Cartridge.............................................................................................43
5-1-4. Replacing the Platen Sheet.........................................................................................................45
1. Read This First
1. Read This First
1-1. Precautions
Please observe the following precautions before using your printer.
z
Please note the following information to buyers of T-shirts printed with your printer:
A color transfer may happen if a printed side of T-shirt touches to a white or light-colored
synthetic leather made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). If it is happened, clean it by using a
household cleaner or alcohol.
z
Please meet the following temperature/ humidity requirements.
Temperature
Keeping your printer
32 °F to 104 °F
(0 °C to 40 °C)
Operating your printer
50 °F to 95 °F
(10 °C to 35 °C)
For the best print result
59 °F to 86 °F
(15 °C to 30 °C)
Humidity
20 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
35 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
z
Do not uninstall an Ink Cartridge during the operation; it may result in poor print quality or
cause damage on your printer.
z
Do not turn off your printer, or open the Front Cover during the operation; your printer may be
damaged.
z
Be careful handling a printed T-shirt that is not heat-treated. If you get ink on your clothing, it
is hard washed off.
z
When you replace the Yellow Ink Cartridge, the Wiper Cleaner also needs to be replaced.
The Wiper Cleaner replacement includes cleaning of the Print Head Cap and Wiper Blade.
If not, it may cause poor print quality or your printer may be damaged.
z
When cleaning the Print Head Cap and Wiper Blade, use the Cap Cleaner Kit following the
procedure described in “5-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner”. Never use alcohol; it will cause
damage to the Print Heads.
z
Install the Ink Cartridges properly. Be careful with their directions and the colors of Ink
Cartridges (confirm both the colors of labels on your printer and the Ink Cartridges).
z
To keep the best printing result, your printer stops printing and requests the new Ink Cartridge
when the ink is less than 30 cc (+/- 10 cc). If you see the message “EMPTY XXXX (color)”,
replace the Ink Cartridge.
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1
1. Read This First
Keep new consumables stored away from direct sunlight until you are ready to use them.
For the best print result, we recommend you start using them by the date written on their
packages and finish using them within six months of that date.
Never use refilled or reconstructed Ink Cartridges. We assume no responsibility for any
problem caused by using them.
Do not leave your printer without installing the Ink Cartridges; otherwise your printer may be
damaged or soiled with ink.
Leaving your printer unused for a long period of time may cause damage to it, because dry
ink may cause ink clogging. To avoid this, turn on your printer at least once a week and press
the Head Cleaning Button to clean the Print Head. If you are planning not to use your printer
for more than two weeks, follow “6-1-5. Required Maintenance for the Long Storage” in the
Instruction Manual to prevent ink clogging.
<Note>
Product names used in this manual are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective developer or manufacture. However, in this manual, the ® marks or TM marks are not used.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Corel and CorelDRAW are registered trademarks of Corel Corporation.
Adobe, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop Elements are either registered
trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Paint Shop Pro is a trademark of Jasc Software, Inc.
CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
Beefy-T is a trademark of Hanes Corporation.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Screen shots used in this document are in accordance with the guidelines of Microsoft Corporation.
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1. Read This First
1-2. Unpacking Your Printer
<Note>
Your printer must be unpacked by a Brother representative.
After unpacking, check that the following parts are included.
Contact Brother Customer Service Hot Line if any of these is missing.
GT-541 Printer
Rear Cover
4 Print Heads
Install CD
AC cord, UL/CSA 15 A
Ink Cartridges:
Ink GC-50K (black), Ink GC-50M (magenta), Ink GC-50C (cyan), and Ink GC-50Y (yellow)
Nozzle Cleaning Kit
Basic Operation Manual (this manual)
Instruction Manual (can be installed from the Install CD)
<Note>
Four Filter Cartridges are installed in the Ink Cartridge Slots. Keep them since they must be used for
maintenance operations.
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1. Read This First
1-3. Required Condition
Please use your printer under the conditions described in this section.
1-3-1. Environment
Temperature
Keeping your printer
32 °F to 104 °F
(0 °C to 40 °C)
Operating your printer
50 °F to 95 °F
(10 °C to 35 °C)
For the best print result
59 °F to 86 °F
(15 °C to 30 °C)
Humidity
20 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
35 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
1-3-2. Electrical Requirements
Power:
115 V (+/- 10%), 60 Hz (+/- 1)
Power Consumptions:
90 VA (average)
1-3-3. Software Information
Supported OS:
Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP Professional SP2/ Home SP2
Supported Interface:
USB 1.1/ 2.0
Operationally Approved Application:
Adobe Photoshop 6.0/ 7.0/ CS, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3,
Adobe Illustrator 10/ CS, CorelDRAW 10/ 11/ 12, Paint Shop Pro 9
Minimum System Requirements:
256 MB RAM (512 MB or more is recommended),
128 MB free disk space (256 MB or more is recommended),
1 GHz CPU (2 GHz or more is recommended.)
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1. Read This First
1-3-4. Other Requirements
When purchasing optional tools, choose one that meets the following requirements.
USB cable:
USB 2.0-compliant device cable (A/B)
<Note>
Using other than USB 2.0-compliant device cable may result in improper connection.
CompactFlash:
Type I Memory Card, Capacity of 64 MB to 2 GB,
FAT16 formatted,
SanDisk CompactFlash is recommended.
Heat Press:
Must be able to handle the Platen 14 x 16, and maintain heat production of 356 °F (180 °C)
for 35 seconds.
T-shirt:
White or light-colored
Made with 100 % cotton, or 50 % cotton and 50 % polyester
“Hanes Beefy-T” is recommended.
1-3-5. Consumable Requirements
When you replace or use up the consumables, please use the following Brother genuine
items.
Consumable
Item Code
Black Ink Cartridge
GC-50K
Magenta Ink Cartridge
GC-50M
Cyan Ink Cartridge
GC-50C
Yellow Ink Cartridge
GC-50Y
Waste Ink Cartridge
SA5629001
Cap Cleaning Kit
SA5774001
Nozzle Cleaning Kit
SA5885001
Platen Sheet
SA5620001
Wash Liquid
SA6248001
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2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-1. Front
4
5
6
7
3
8
2
1
No.
Name
Description
1
Platen
Place a T-shirt on it.
2
Platen Sheet
Prevents a T-shirt from slipping so that an image is printed on
your desired position.
3
T-shirt Tray
Keep parts of T-shirt hanging from the Platen (e.g. sleeves) on
this T-shirt Tray.
4
Front Cover
Open this to work on the inside of your printer.
5
Cover Locks
Push this up to open the Front Cover.
6
Control Panel
Use this to operate your printer.
See “2-7. Control Panel” for the details.
7
Power Switch
Turns on/off your printer.
8
Waste Cartridge Tray
Contains the Waste Ink Cartridge.
6
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2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-2. Left
5
1
2
3
4
7
6
No.
Name
Description
1
Black Ink Cartridge Slot
Load an Ink Cartridge of the appropriate color.
2
Magenta Ink Cartridge Slot
3
Cyan Ink Cartridge Slot
4
Yellow Ink Cartridge Slot
5
Ink Cartridge Storage
Store the new Ink Cartridges.
6
Cleaning Tool Storage
Store the Cleaning Kits.
7
Filter Cartridge Storage
Store the four Filter Cartridges.
2-3. Right
1. CompactFlash slot
2. USB port
3. Power cord jack
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7
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-4. Rear
Rear Cover
8
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2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-5. Inside of the Front Cover
<Note> Cancel any operation and turn off your printer before opening the Front Cover.
Open the Front Cover as pushing up the Cover Locks.
2
1
3
No.
Name
Description
1
Print Heads
Jets the ink.
From the left black, magenta, cyan, and yellow.
2
Obstruction Sensor
Cancels an operation for the safety, if it detects obstructions on the
Platen.
3
Wiper Cleaner Cassette
Contains the Wiper Cleaner.
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9
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-6. Under the Platen
No.
Name
Description
1
Platen Height Adjustment
Lever
Adjusts the Platen height.
2
Platen Fixing Lever
Fixes the Platen.
Tighten/Loosen this lever to install/uninstall the Platen, and to
adjust the Platen height.
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GT-541
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-7. Control Panel
No.
Name
Description
1
Error Lamp
Indicates errors or warnings.
See “2-7-1. Indication Lamps” for the details.
2
Platen Button
Store / Eject the Platen.
3
Head Cleaning
Button
Cleans the Print Heads.
See “7-2-2. Cleaning the Print Heads” in the Instruction Manual
for the details.
4
Stop Button
Cancels printing and Print Head cleaning.
Backs to the Stand By mode.
5
Up Button
Selects the previous (upper) item.
Increases a numeric value.
Opens the Menu display.
6
Down Button
Selects the next (lower) item.
Decreases a numeric value.
Opens the Menu display.
7
OK Button
Executes the selected command.
Opens the Menu display.
Clears the error status.
8
Back Button
Backs to the previous display.
Opens the Menu display.
9
Display
Displays the Job Comment of the print data received, the status
of your printer, and the menu items for various settings.
10
Print Button
Starts printing.
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11
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-7-1. Indication Lamps
The lamps on the control panel indicate the status of your printer as shown below.
Lamp
Printer Status
Off: No print data has been received.
Print Button
Flashing: Receiving a print data.
On: A print data has been received.
Off: No error is detected.
Error Lamp
On: An error has been detected (See “7-4. Error Messages” in the
Instruction Manual for the details).
<Note> They turn on during the initialization after you turn on your printer (for approx. 30 seconds).
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GT-541
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-7-2. Display
Menu Display:
This display is used to select an operation for maintenance or setting up.
Job/ Status Display
When your printer has received a print data, it shows the Job/ Status Display: it displays the information
needed for printing operations.
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
8
No.
Item Shown
Description
1
Job Comment
Shows the last 17 characters of a name of data received.
2
Amount of Ink
Required
Shows warning messages if there is any.
Shows how much ink (cc) required making one print of the
received data.
3
Platen Size
The appropriate size of Platen (inches) or the Platen name.
4
Double Print Icon
Appears when “Double Printing” is checked.
5
Printer Status
Shows the printer status.
6
CF Icon
Appears when a CompactFlash is inserted.
7
Amount of Ink
Remained
Shows amount of ink remained in each cartridge
(from the left, <K (black)>/ <M (magenta)>/ <C (Cyan)>/
<Y (yellow)>). It flashes when the ink is low.
8
Number of Print
Shows “Number of print completed”/ “Total number of print you
have set”.
<Note> When an error is detected, an error message will be displayed.
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3. Getting Started
3. Getting Started
Before using your printer, you need to do the setup first. Complete the setup described in this chapter,
and then you are ready to start printing.
WARNING
Do not handle the power cord with wet hands, otherwise it may cause electric shocks.
Do not set up the printer in places where there is a lot of dust. If dust collects inside the
printer, it may cause fire or electric shocks or problems with correct operation.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur.
When securing the cords, do not bend the cords excessively or fasten them too hard with
staples or anything similar, otherwise there is the danger that fire or electric shocks could
occur.
CAUTION
Setting up and moving of the printer should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
The printer machine weighs approximately 100 kg. Transporting and setting up of the printer
should be carried out by four or more people.
Furthermore, do not hold the printer by the ink cartridge housing when transporting it,
otherwise the ink cartridge housing may become damaged and the printer may fall down and
cause personal injury or damage to the printer.
Do not place the printer on unstable surfaces such as unsteady tables or high shelves,
otherwise it may tip over or fall down and cause injury.
Furthermore, the table that supports the printer should be at least 100 cm in width and 80 cm
in depth, and should be able to bear a weight of 150 kg or more.
Do not set up the printer in a place where it will be affected by vibration from other equipment,
otherwise it may become unbalanced and fall down and cause injury or damage to the
printer.
Do not connect the power cord until setup is complete, otherwise the printer may operate if
the power switch is turned on by mistake, which could result in injury.
Do not climb onto the printer or place heavy objects on top of it, otherwise it may become
unbalanced and tip over or fall down and cause injury.
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14
3. Getting Started
3-1. Placing Your Printer
Select the place where meets the following requirements:
A place where is away from heat, high humidity, and direct sunlight.
An indoor place where no dust enter your printer.
Never use an extension cable.
A place you can keep enough space around your printer.
Minimum space of 800 mm on the front, 100 mm on the rear, 150 mm on the sides.
See the figure below.
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15
3. Getting Started
3-2. Turning On/Off Your Printer
<Note> Before you connect the power code, make sure:
The Ink Cartridges, Waste Cartridge Tray, and Wiper Cleaner Cassette are installed.
The Rear Cover is mounted.
Clear the front of the Platen as it slides out approximately 12 inches when operating.
3-2-1. Turning On Your Printer
(1) Connect the power cord (included) to the power cord jack of your printer.
(2) Connect the power plug to the power outlet.
Ground the power outlet using triode plug with protective earth terminal or triode-to-diode adaptor.
(3) Press the Power Switch to turn on your printer.
Your printer turns on, displays "Welcome to GT-541", and lights up the Error Lamp and the Print
Button while initializing.
The initialization requires approx. 40 seconds: a start-operation sound will be made when the
initialization has been completed.
When the installation finishes, "Stand By" appears on the display and your printer turns into
standby mode.
3-2-2. Turning Off Your Printer
When you have finished using your printer, follow the instruction below to turn it off.
(1) Make sure that your printer is not in middle of any operation.
(2) Press the Platen Button to store the Platen.
(3) Press the Power Switch to turn off your printer.
(4) If you are planning not using your printer for long periods of time, disconnect the power plug from
the power outlet.
<Note>
Do not turn off your printer during the operation; it may cause serious damage on your printer. If you
turn off your printer accidentally during the operation, immediately restart it, and then turn it off correctly
following the steps described in this section.
Leaving your printer unused for a long period of time may cause damage to it, because dry ink may
cause ink clogging. To avoid this, turn on your printer at least once a week and press the Head
Cleaning Button to clean the Print Head.
If you are planning not to use your printer for more than two weeks, follow “6-1-5. Required
Maintenance for the Long Storage” in the Instruction Manual to prevent ink clogging.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
3-3. Preparing Your PC
This section describes how to install the GT-541 Printer Driver, manuals (Basic Operation Manual/
Instruction Manual), Brother GT File Viewer, and other tools.
All of them can be installed at once.
3-3-1. For Windows XP Users
<Before installing! > Start installing without connecting your printer to your PC.
<Note>
With Windows XP, you need to log on with a Computer Administrator account for the installation. You
cannot install the software programs as a Limited account user.
(1) Turn on your PC.
(2) Close all applications opening.
(3) Insert the Install CD (included) to your PC.
If the following installer automatically opens, skip step (4) to (5) and go to step (6).
If not, go on to the next step to open the installer.
(4) Click “Run…” on “Start” menu.
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17
3. Getting Started
(5) Enter “(CD-ROM drive location):\GTSetup.exe”, and then click “OK”.
*The location of CD-ROM drive depends on your PC.
The installer opens.
(6) Click “Install Driver & Tools”.
The following window appears.
<Note>
If you click “Install Driver & Tools” after completing the installation, the “Confirm Uninstall” window
appears. Executing uninstalling on this window uninstall the necessary tools (the printer driver is
not uninstalled). If you accidentally uninstall them, make sure you install them again.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
(7) Click “Next”.
The installation starts.
(8) During the installation, the following warning appears.
Click "Continue Anyway".
The installation continues.
<Note>
This software have proved to work sufficiently with Windows XP. You do not have to stop the
installation.
Do not cancel installing, or close the dialogs until the installation finishes.
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19
3. Getting Started
(9) Remove the Install CD when the following window appears.
(10) Select “Yes, I want to restart my computer now”, and then click “Finish” to restart your PC.
If you are going to use your printer without connecting to your PC, this is the end of PC preparation.
If you are going to use your printer connecting to your PC, go on to the next step.
<Note>
If you select “No, I will restart my computer later”, make sure you restart your PC before going to
the next step.
(11) Connect the USB 2.0 cable to your printer.
<Note>
Do not connect the USB 2.0 cable to your PC first.
The USB 2.0 cable is not included. Separate purchase is required.
To connect your printer to your PC using a USB hub, please contact Brother Customer Service
Hot Line before you connect.
(12) Connect the other end of the USB 2.0 cable to your PC.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
(13) Turn on your printer.
The following window appears.
(14) Select “No, not this time”, and then click “Next”.
(15) Insert the Install CD.
The following window appears.
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21
3. Getting Started
(16) Select “Install the software automatically (Recommended)”, and the click “Next”.
The installation starts.
During the installation, the following warning appears.
(17) Click "Continue Anyway".
The installation continues.
<Note>
This software have proved to work sufficiently with Windows XP. You do not have to stop the
installation.
If the following window appears, follow the instruction below:
(1) Confirm that the Install CD is inserted properly, and then click “OK”.
The following window appears.
(2) Click “Browse…” to select the CD drive, and then click “OK”.
The installation continues.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
(18) Click "Finish" when the following window appears.
(19) Open “Printer and Faxes” in “Control Panel”.
(20) Click the "Brother GT-541" icon, and then select "Set as Default Printer" on “File” menu.
“Brother GT-541” icon is checked and Brother GT-541 is set as the default printer.
The PC preparation has been completed.
<Note>
To connect other GT-541 to the PC, repeat the steps (11) to (18). From the second GT-541, the
printer names automatically become “GT-541(copyX)”. You can change the names in “Printer and
Faxes” in “Control Panel” for your workability.
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23
3. Getting Started
Opening the installed manuals:
(1) Click “All Programs” on “Start” menu.
(2) Select “Brother GT-Tools”.
(3) Click the manual you want to open.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
3-3-2. For Windows 2000 Users
<Before installing! > Start installing without connecting your printer to your PC.
<Note>
With Windows 2000, you need to log on as a user with administrative right for the installation.
(1) Turn on your PC.
(2) Close any applications opening.
(3) Insert the Install CD (included) to your PC.
If the following installer automatically opens, skip step (4) to (5) and go to step (6).
If not, go on to the next step to open the installer.
(4) Click “Run” on “Start” menu.
(5) Enter “(CD-ROM drive location):\GTSetup.exe”, and then click “OK”.
*The location of CD-ROM drive depends on your PC.
The installer opens.
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25
3. Getting Started
(6) Click “Install Driver & Tools”.
The following window appears.
<Note>
If you click “Install Driver & Tools” after completing the installation, the “Confirm Uninstall” window
appears. Executing uninstalling on this window uninstall the necessary tools (the printer driver is
not uninstalled). If you accidentally uninstall them, make sure you install them again.
(7) Click “Next”.
The installation starts.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
(8) During the installation, the following warning appears.
Click "YES".
The installation continues.
<Note>
This software have proved to work sufficiently with Windows 2000. You can continue the
installation.
Do not cancel installing, or close the dialogs until the installation finishes.
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27
3. Getting Started
(9) Remove the Install CD when the following window appears.
(10) Select “Yes, I want to restart my computer now”, and then click “Finish” to restart your PC.
If you are going to use your printer without connecting to your PC, this is the end of PC preparation.
If you are going to use your printer connecting to your PC, go on to the next step.
(11) Connect the USB 2.0 cable to your printer.
<Note>
Do not connect the USB 2.0 cable to your PC first.
A USB cable is not included. Separate purchase is required.
To connect your printer to your PC using a USB hub, please contact Brother Customer Service Hot
Line before you connect.
(12) Connect the other end of the USB 2.0 cable to your PC.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
(13) Turn on your printer.
Brother GT-541 is installed automatically.
<Note>
If Brother GT-541 is not installed, the following window appears: follow the instruction below to
install it manually:
(1) Insert the Install CD, and then click “OK”.
The following window appears.
(2) Click “Browse…” to select the CD drive, and then click “OK”.
Brother GT-541 is installed.
(14) Open "Printers" in “Control Panel”.
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29
3. Getting Started
(15) Click the "Brother GT-541" icon, and then select "Set as Default Printer" on "File" menu.
“Brother GT-541” icon is checked and Brother GT-541 is set as the default printer.
The PC preparation has been completed.
<Note>
To connect other GT-541 to the PC, repeat the steps (11) to (13). From the second GT-541, the
printer names automatically become “GT-541(copyX)”. You can change the names in “Printers” in
“Control Panel” for your workability.
Opening the installed manuals:
(1) Click “All Programs” on “Start” menu.
(2) Select “Brother GT-Tools”.
(3) Click the manual you want to open.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
3-3-3. Installing the Useful Tools
We provide useful tools and the color palette for Adobe Photoshop/ CorelDRAW to help you making
the print image.
Follow the instruction below to install them.
(1) Turn on your PC.
(2) Insert the Install CD (included) to your PC.
If the following installer automatically opens, skip step (3) to (4) and go to step (5).
If not, go on to the next step to open the installer.
(3) Click “Run…” on “Start” menu.
(4) Enter “(CD-ROM drive location):\GTSetup.exe”, and then click “OK”.
*The location of CD-ROM drive depends on your PC.
The installer opens.
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31
3. Getting Started
(5) Click “Other useful tools”.
Follow the instruction appeared on your PC’s display.
3-4. Setting Up Your Printer
Adjust the display contrast and the speaker volume for your best workability.
3-4-1. Adjusting the Display Contrast
(1) Turn on your printer if it is off.
(2) Press the OK Button on your printer’s Control Panel.
The following display appears.
(3) Use the Up/Down Button to highlight “LCD Contrast”, and then press the OK Button.
The following display appears.
(4) Use the Up/Down Button to select your desired contrast from 0 to 7, and then press the OK Button.
The contrast is adjusted to your desired level.
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GT-541
3. Getting Started
3-4-2. Adjusting the Speaker Volume
<Note> The adjusted volume is also applied to the error sound.
(1) Turn on your printer if it is off.
(2) Press the OK Button on your printer’s Control Panel.
The following display appears.
(3) Use the Up/Down Button to select “Speaker Volume”, and then press the OK Button.
The following display appears.
(4) Use the Up/Down Button to select your desired volume from 0 (silent) to 7, by listening to the
confirmation sound made when pressing the Up/Down Button, and then press the OK Button.
The volume is adjusted to your desired level.
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33
4. Basic Printing Procedure
4. Basic Printing Procedure
WARNING
If a foreign object gets inside the printer, immediately turn off the power switch and
disconnect the power cord, and contact the place of purchase or a qualified technician.
If you continue to use the printer while there is a foreign object inside, it may result in fire or
electric shocks or problems with correct operation.
Do not allow water or oil to get onto the printer, otherwise it may cause fire or electric shocks
or problems with correct operation.
If any liquids get onto the printer, immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the
power cord, and contact the place of purchase or a qualified technician.
Do not use the printer if a problem is noticed such as smoke or a bad odor coming from the
printer, otherwise it may cause fire or electric shocks or problems with correct operation.
Immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord, and contact the place
of purchase or a qualified technician.
(The printer must never be repaired by the customer, as it can be extremely dangerous to
do so.)
CAUTION
This printer should only be used by operators who have received the necessary training in
safe use beforehand.
Leave sufficient space at the front of the printer, and avoid placing items in front of it,
otherwise the platen may hit them and be damaged, and if your hands get caught between
the platen and the object, injury may result.
Release your hand from the platen while the printer is operating. If your hand gets caught
between the platen or the T-shirt tray and the covers, injury may result.
Do not put your hands inside the covers while the printer’s power is turned on, otherwise
your hands may touch against moving parts and this may result in injury.
If a problem occurs with the operation of the printer, contact the place of purchase or a
qualified technician.
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GT-541
4. Basic Printing Procedure
(1) Create a print data using a graphic application (Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, etc.):
Design a print image using an operationally approved application. See “1-3-3. Software
Information”.
(2) Set the print condition in the application:
See “4-2. Setting the Applications’ Print Condition” in the Instruction Manual and set the print
condition properly.
(3) Set the printer driver condition:
See “4-3. Setting the Printer Driver Condition” in the Instruction Manual.
(4) Turn on your printer:
See “3-2. Turning On/Off Your Printer”.
(5) Send a print data from the application to your printer:
When the printing command is executed from the applications, the print data is sent to your printer.
(6) Install the Platen of the size you have selected at the step (2):
See “4-4. Uninstalling / Installing the Platen” in the Instruction Manual.
<Note> Only the Platen 14 x 16 is included. Platen 10 x 12 is option.
(7) Place the T-shirt on the Platen and adjust the Platen height:
See “4-5.Placing the T-shirt on the Platen” in the Instruction Manual.
(8) Start printing:
Press the Print Button on the Control Panel to start printing.
(9) Remove the T-shirt from the Platen.
See “4-7. Removing the T-shirt from the Platen” in the Instruction Manual.
(10) Set the ink onto the T-shirt:
Use the Heat Press to set the ink onto the T-shirt. See “4-8. Setting the Ink onto the T-shirt” in the
Instruction Manual.
(11) Turn off your printer.
See “3-2-2. Turning Off Your Printer”.
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35
5. Maintenance
5. Maintenance
To keep your printer work properly and maintain the fine print result, appropriate maintenance is
required.
DANGER
Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord
from the wall outlet before opening the cover of the control unit. Touching areas where high
voltages are present can result in severe injury.
WARNING
Do not put your hands in the ink cartridge slot, otherwise the needle inside the slot may
cause injury.
CAUTION
Wait at least 1 minute after turning off the power switch before opening the front cover.
Touching the heat sink on the head can result in burns.
Be careful not to get your fingers caught when closing the front cover, otherwise it may
result in injury to your fingers.
Do not disassemble the ink cartridge or the waste ink cartridge.
If the ink cartridge or waste ink cartridge is disassembled, it can no longer be used.
Take care not to let the ink, waste liquid or wash liquid come into contact with your eyes or
onto your skin, otherwise inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink the ink, waste liquid or wash liquid under any circumstances, as
they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Keep the ink, waste liquid and wash liquid out of the reach of children.
Use only the proper replacement parts as specified by Brother.
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GT-541
5. Maintenance
5-1. Replacing Consumables
This section describes how to replace the Ink Cartridge, Wiper Cleaner, Waste Ink Cartridge, and
Platen Sheet.
5-1-1. Replacing an Ink Cartridge
The ink indicator on the Display blinks when the Ink Cartridge is getting low. Prepare the new Ink
Cartridge, and replace it when “EMPTY XXXX (color)” is displayed.
<Note>
Use the Ink Cartridges described in “1-3-5. Consumable Requirements”.
Be careful not to get ink on your hands or clothing.
Do not replace cartridges while printing or head cleaning; it may cause damage on your printer.
Do not breakup Ink Cartridges.
To keep the best print result, your printer stops printing and request the new Ink Cartridge when the ink
is less than 30 cc (+/- 10 cc). If you see the message “EMPTY XXXX (color)”, replace the Ink Cartridge.
(1) Remove the new Ink Cartridge from its packing.
(2) Carefully pull out the used Ink Cartridge from your printer.
<Note>
Leave the used Ink Cartridge installed until just before the replacement. Leaving your printer with
no Ink Cartridge installed may cause ink leakage.
Do not put your finger to the Ink Cartridge Slot; otherwise the needle attached to it may injure you.
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37
5. Maintenance
(3) Insert the new Ink Cartridge securely (be careful with the direction).
<Note>
Confirm the color of ink. Loading a wrong color of ink causes damage on the Print Heads.
If you have installed a wrong color of ink, immediately contact Brother Customer Service Hot Line.
(4) If you have replaced yellow Ink Cartridge, you need to replace the Wiper Cleaner attached to it.
See “5-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner”.
<Note>
Do not repeat uninstalling/ installing the Ink Cartridge.
Dispose the used Ink Cartridge in compliance with your local regulations.
5-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner
The Wiper Cleaner is attached to the yellow Ink Cartridge, and it needs to be replaced when the Yellow
Ink Cartridge is replaced. Always clean the Print Head Cap and Blade when replacing the Wiper
Cleaner.
(1) Turn on your printer if it is off.
(2) Press the OK Button to open the Menu Display.
(3) Press the Up/Down Button to select the “Maintenance”, and then press the OK Button.
(4) Press the Up/Down Button to select the “Cap/Wiper Clean”, and then press the OK Button.
The following message appears.
(5) Turn off your printer.
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GT-541
5. Maintenance
(6) Open the Front Cover as unlocking the Cover Locks.
(7) Pull out the Wiper Cleaner Casette.
<Note>
Do not tilt the Wiper Cleaner Cassette; ink may get on your hands or clothing.
Do not touch the Clearance Sensor (the bar above the Wiper Cleaner Cassette); it may cause a
malfunction.
(8) If the ink inside of the Wiper Cleaner Cassette is soiled with ink:
Wear gloves and remove the ink with a dry cloth, and then clean with a cloth damped with water.
Inside the Wiper Cleaner Cassette
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39
5. Maintenance
(9) Push the both sides of the Wiper Cleaner Cassette to open it.
(10) Carefully drop off the used Wiper Cleaner in a trash can/bag by turning it upside down.
Wiper Cleaner
<Note>
Dispose the used Wiper Cleaner in compliance with your local regulations.
(11) Insert the two projections of the Wiper Cleaner Cassette into the holes on the new Wiper Cleaner.
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GT-541
5. Maintenance
(12) Close the Wiper Cleaner Cassette.
Make sure that the bottom of the Wiper Cleaner is set within the two projections on the Wiper
Cleaner Cassette.
(13) Open the Cap Cleaning Kit comes with the new Yellow Ink Cartridge.
The following items are included.
(14) Wear the gloves, and wet the both sides of a Clean Applicator with the Wash Liquid.
<Note>
Use only the Wash Liquid included to wet the Clean Applicators; using other liquid cause damage
on the Print Heads.
GT-541
41
5. Maintenance
(15) Use the one side of wet Clean Applicator to clean the front side of the Wiper Blade.
(16) Use the other side of the wet Clean Applicator to clean the backside of the Wiper Blade.
(17) Wet other two Clean Applicators and use them to remove ink or dust from the Print Head Caps.
Use one side of the Clean Applicator to clean one Print Head Cap.
<Note>
Do not use the dry Clean Applicator; it cannot clean ink or dust, moreover, it may damage the Print
Head Caps.
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GT-541
5. Maintenance
(18) Insert the Wiper Cleaner Cassette straight into your printer.
<Note>
Do not touch the Clearance Sensor (the bar above the Wiper Cleaner Cassette); it may cause a
malfunction.
(19) Close the Front Cover, and then turn on your printer.
If your printer turns on without any problem, replacement of the Wiper Cleaner Cassette has been
completed.
If there is problem (abnormal noise or error), turn off your printer, and check if the Wiper Cleaner
and the Wiper Cleaner Cassette are correctly installed.
5-1-3. Replacing the Waste Ink Cartridge
When the message "WARNING WASTE INK FULL" is displayed, prepare the new Waste Ink
Cartridge, and replace it when the message “ERROR WASTE INK FULL” is displayed.
<Note>
Do not replace the Waste Ink Cartridge while printing or head cleaning. It may contaminate inside of
your printer, which may cause damages on your printer.
Be careful not to get ink on your hands or clothing when you handle the Waste Ink Cartridge.
(1) Pull out the Waste Cartridge Tray.
The message “ERROR NO WASTE INK TRAY” is displayed.
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43
5. Maintenance
(2) Remove the sticker on the used Waste Ink Cartridge, and use it to seal the hole on it.
(3) Remove the new Waste Ink Cartridge from its package.
<Note> Save the package for the later use.
(4) Remove the used Waste Ink Cartridge from the Waste Cartridge Tray, and put it in the package, in
which the new Waste Ink Cartridge was.
(5) Install the new Waste Ink Cartridge in the Waste Cartridge Tray.
(6) Install the Waste Cartridge Tray.
The replacement of the Waste Ink Cartridge has been completed.
<Note> Dispose the used Waste Ink Cartridge in compliance with your local regulations.
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GT-541
5. Maintenance
5-1-4. Replacing the Platen Sheet
The Platen Sheet gets soiled as you repeat printing. If it happens, please replace the Platen Sheet to
avoid making smudge on a T-shirt.
(1) Press the Platen Button to eject the Platen.
(2) Remove the Platen Sheet and the adhesive tape from the Platen.
(3) Clean the surface of the Platen using a soft cloth damped with mild detergent, and then wipe it
using a soft and dry cloth.
(4) Make sure the surface of Platen is completely dry, and then put the new Platen Sheet on the
Platen. It is easier you peel off the release-coated paper little by little as you put the new Platen
Sheet.
<Note>
Put the Platen Sheet straight against the Platen without making creases.
(5) Press the Platen Button to install the Platen.
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45
Basic Operation Manual
http://www.brother.com/
15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8561, Japan. Phone: 81-52-824-2177
© 2005 Brother Industries, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
GT-541
SA6123-001 E
2005.03. B (1)