Brother

How to get the most out of your CE-500 electronic typewriter
Instruction Manual

This Manual and how to use it

This Instruction Manual is as easy to use as the CE-500 electronic typewriter itself, since it assumes no previous knowledge or experience of electronic typewriters or any of the terminology that only the engineers are familiar with.

Each chapter leads you step by step to mastering all the functions of this typewriter, thus enabling you to get the most out of your CE-500 in as short a time as possible.

You will find a Keyboard Card with this Instruction Manual which explains the main functions of this electronic typewriter and which can be used as a quick reference at anytime you wish.

If this is the first time for you to use an electronic typewriter, read each chapter and its individual sections from the beginning through to the end. Each chapter is more of a tutorial, not a complicated list of hard-to-understand, boring facts.

If, on the other hand, you already have experience of typing with an electronic typewriter, you may wish to skip some sections.

Once you have mastered all the functions of the CE-500, you can then use this Instruction Manual as a reference manual, since each section has been written so that it can be referred to individually without the necessity of reading any previous section.

Take a journey through this Instruction Manual and make your CE-500 your best friend at work!

Happy Typing!

  • Paper End Indicator
  • Glare-Proof Shield
  • Paper Guide
  • On/Off Switch
  • Platen Knob (Left)
  • Paper Bail Lever
  • Paper Bail
  • Paper Support
  • Acoustic Cover
  • Platen Knob (Right)
  • Paper Release Lever
  • Carrier Head Position Indicator
  • Function Indicators
  • Shift
  • Impact H
  • Paragraph Indent
  • Decimal Tab
  • Auto Underline
  • Bold
  • Keyboard
    1 Line Spacing Selector
    2 Typing Pitch Selector
    3 Margin Release Key
    Line Indent Key
    4 Left Margin Key
    Right Margin Key
    5 Tab Set Key
    Decimal Tab Set Key
    6 Tab Clear Key
    Impact H Key
    7 Code Key
    8 Tab Key
    8 Paragraph Indent Key
    9 Shift Lock Key
    10 Shift Key
    11 Paper Insert Key
    12 Repeat Key
    13 Half Backspace Key
    14 Space Bar
    15 Auto Underline Key
    16 Bold Key
    17 Centering Key
    18 Right Margin Flush Key
    19 Backspace Key
    19 Express Backspace Key
    20 Relocate Key
    21 Return Key
    Paragraph Indent Clear Key
    22 Paper Up (Subscript) Key
    23 Paper Down (Superscript) Key
    24 Correction Key

Photograph shows American English keyboard.

Chapter 1

Before you start…

We hope that you have carefully unpacked your CE-500 according to the unpacking instructions found in the box the typewriter came in.

Your new Brother CE-500 electronic typewriter is now sitting in front of you. You can’t wait to plug it in and start typing. But before you do, it’s very important that you read and carry out the instructions in this chapter. Think of it like a new car – you’ve got to have petrol in the tank and air in the tires before you can make it go!

1.1 Attach the paper support

The paper support is used to acheck and adjust the position of the paper.

Attach the paper support by inserting its tabs into the two holes provided on the top of the typewriter.

Now pull up the paper end indicator behind the paper support body so that it in in a vertical position. The paper end indicator shows you how many lines are left on the paper while the marks above the paper guide are used to identify the position of the paper.

Note: If you need to ship your CE-500 for any reason, please be sure to return the paper end indicator to its original position by moving it all the way to the right, and to detach the paper support from the main unit.

1.2 Plug in and switch on!

And now the moment has arrived. The time to plug in and switch on!

You’ll find the power cord at the back of the typewriter. Simply unfold it and plug it in.

The Power Switch is located on the left side of the typewriter, under the platen knob.

Now set the Power Switch to the ON position!

This is what should have happened:

1. The carrier head position indicator lit up.

2. The daisy head rotated and stopped.

3. At the same time, the carrier moved automatically to the left end, then 10 spaces to the right (10 spaces to the right in Pica Pitch).

Notes: 1. If any of the above didn’t happend, take a look at the chapter entitled “What should i do if… ?” at the end of this Instruction Manual.

2. Whenever you lift the top cover up, for example when you have to change the cassette ribbon, the power to the typewriter will automatically shut down. That means that it’s perfectly safe to change the cassette daisy wheel, the cassette ribbon and the correction tape, even when the Power Switch is ON.

1.3 Insert a sheet of paper

It’s never been easier. Just three easy steps and away you go!

Most types of smooth finish paper can be used with your CE-500. Rag-content and other types of rough paper, however, are not recommended.

Let’s take a look at the AUTOMATIC method, first.

1.3.1 AUTOMATIC

Make sure that the machine is switch ON and that the paper release lever is in its backward position.

Keeping the left edge of the paper in line with paper guide, with both hands insert the paper sheet into the slit behind the paper rest. Try to keep the sheet as straight as possible. In order to set the paper in the position of your choice, you can slide the paper guide to the left and right according to the marks which are on the paper support.

Hold down the Code key and press the Paper Insert key and watch. The paper bail will lift up and the paper will be fed automatically, after which the paper bail will return to its former position. Since the carrier is already at the centre of the platen, hold down the Code key and press the Express Backspace key, or simply press the Return key to move the carrier to the Left Margin position. If you press the Return key, the carrier will move to the Left Margin and the paper will advance according to the line spacing.

Notes: 1. The paper is automatically fed approximately 7 lines (single spacing) from the top edge of the paper.

2. For even more precise settings, you can also move the paper up or down half a line with the Paper Up key or the Paper Down key.

3. If the paper is crooked or not aligned properly after it has been fed through, you can adjust it manually. First use the Paper Up key or the platen knob to feed more paper through. Then, publl the paper release lever forward. This will automatically lift up the paper bail. Align the paper as shown in the illustration, and secure it in place by returning the paper release lever to its backward position. The paper bail will go back to its original position. To return the paper to the position where you want to start typing, simply use the Paper Down key or the platen knob.

4. Automatic paper feeding will not work unless the paper release lever is in its backward position.

1.3.2 MANUAL

You may need to use the Manual method  for unusual settings or for when you need to make precise alignment in the middle of a document.

Make sure that the paper release lever must be in its back position.

Using both hands, insert the sheet of paper into the slit behind the paper rest while keeping the left edge of the paper in line with the paper guide. Try to keep the sheet as straight as possible.

Hold down the paper bail lever in its forward position and turn the platten knob until the lower edge of the paper is brought under the paper bail to the position desired. Now return the paper bail lever.

1.3.3 Variable platen knob

Pushing the left platen knob enables the platen to move freely. This is very useful if you need to re-align a sheet of paper.

Notes: 1. If the paper is crooked or not aligned properly, see Note 3 of the section on AUTOMATIC paper insertion.

2. You will find a paper thickness control located on the right side of the cassette ribbon table. The lever is normally pushed right down in its standard position. Pulling up the lever increases the space between the carrier print head and the platen, thus enabling you to insert thicker paper and envelopes.

1.4 Open and close the top cover

In order to insert a new cassette daisy wheel, insert a new cassette ribbon or install a new correction tape, the top cover of the typewriter must first be in an upright position.

Using both hands, lift up the top cover until it stands up by itself.

If ou have already inserted the cassette daisy wheel, inserted the cassette ribbon and installed the correction tape, you can close the top cover. Make sure that the top cover is closed firmly.

Notes: 1. When the top cover is open, typing is no longer possible.

2. If you open the top cover, don’t worry. Margin Settings, Tab Settings and the Correction Memory are still retained.

3. If you close the top cover with the unit switch ON, the carrier automatically travel to the left extremity, and then return to the previous position.

1.5 The acoustic cover

The Acoustic Cover suppresses noise from the printing mechanism. It also prevents dust from getting inside the typewriter. Electronic typewriters really dislike dust, so when you type with your CE-500, please make sure that the acoustic cover is closed. It will appreciate it!

The glare-proof shield stops unwanted light from reflecting on to the acousting cover, thus making it easier to see what you are typing. Lift the shield up for yourself and see.

1.6 The cassette daisy wheel

Everybody knows that Brother’s slip-in, slip-out cassette daisy wheels are famous the world over for their beautiful, true letter-quality. Now’s the time for you to try one for yourself.

Your CE-500 comes with a cassette daisy wheel already installed. At some time you may wish to insert a new cassette daisy wheel or one with a different typeface. Unlike other typewriters, it’s all very easy.

1.6.1 Take out the cassette daisy wheel

To remove the cassette daisy wheel, pull the motor lock lever toward you to release the cassette daisy wheel, hold the cassette daisy wheel by its ‘ear’ between your thumb and forefinger and simply lift it out.

Note: 1. When you remove the cassette daisy wheel, you don’t need to remove the cassette ribbon as well.

1.6.2 Insert the new cassette daisy wheel

Holding the new cassette daisy wheel by its ‘ear’ between your thumb and forefinger, slip it into the cassette guide slot and press it down as far as it will go.

No push the motor lock lever back toward the platten until it clicks into place. Do not force the lever. If you have any difficulty, check again the cassette daisy wheel is properly set.

Notes: 1. When inserting the cassette daisy wheel, be sure the ‘ear’ is on the right. Putting it in back to front could cause damage to both the cassette daisy wheel and motor mechanism.

2. If the cassette daisy wheel is not properly locked in position, characters will not pe typed correctly.

3. See the section entitled ‘The cassette daisy wheel: trully a pretty typeface’ for the very wide selection of Brother cassette daisy wheels available.

1.7 The cassette ribbon

The wide range of Brother cassette ribbons have two unique things in common — they’re all mess-less and trouble-free. That means that the ink goes where it should — on to the paper, not on your fingers!

1.7.1 Remove the old cassette ribbon

First, use the space bar or backspace key to move the carrier to the centre of the platen. To remove the cassette ribbon, hold the cassette with both hands and reise the front (the part nearest the platen). Then, when the front of the cassette ribbon is clear, simply lift out the used cassette.

1.7.2 Insert the new cassette ribbon

Remove the stopper from the new cassette ribbon and turn the ribbon feed knob on the cassette anticlockwise to tighten the ribbon.

Slip the back edge of the cassette (the part away from the platen) into position and set the ribbon between the ribbon guides.

Now gently press the cassette down until it clicks into place. Then turn the ribbon feed knob anticlockwise.

Notes: 1. A slot is provided in the cassette so that you can check how much ribbon is left.

2. There are four types of Brother cassette ribbon available:

  • Correctable film ribbon (standard with this model)
  • One-time film ribbon
  • Multi-strike film ribbon
  • Nylon ribbon

The correctable film ribbon is also available in red, blue, green and brown.

1.8 The correction tape

The correction tape