brother label maker model pt-1290 manual

The Brother PT-1290 is a compact, handheld electronic label maker designed for creating adhesive labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a QWERTY-style keyboard, a 1-line LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and a built-in tape cutter. It operates on 6 AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Power 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Keyboard 6. Loading Tape Cassettes 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with keyboard, 1-line LCD display, Tape Cassette compartment, Tape cutter lever, Power source compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	1-line, 12-character display for previewing label text
Keyboard	Full QWERTY-style layout with Function keys
Tape Cassette	Accepts 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm laminated tape
Tape Cutter	Built-in lever for cutting printed labels
Power Source	6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter (AD-24)
Function Keys	Access fonts, frames, auto-format, and settings
Font Styles	Includes Gothic, Sans Serif, Script, and more
Font Sizes	Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large
Frames/Decorations	Various borders and symbols for label enhancement
Print Key	Initiates printing of the composed label

Installation & Power

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present.

Install batteries: Open battery compartment on the back, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Connect AC adapter (optional): Plug the AD-24 adapter into the DC IN 6V jack and then into a wall outlet.
Load tape cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert a Brother TZe tape cassette, and close the cover firmly.
Power on: Slide the POWER switch to the ON position.

WARNING! Use only specified Brother AD-24 adapter. Incorrect voltage can damage the unit. Keep batteries away from children.

First-Time Setup

Power on the label maker; the LCD will illuminate.

Set language: Press the FUNCTION key, then use the arrow keys to select LANGUAGE. Choose ENGLISH (default).
Set auto power off: In the same menu, set the auto-off timer to conserve battery (e.g., 5 minutes).
Check tape width: The unit should automatically detect the installed tape width, displayed on the LCD.
Test print: Type a word and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Do not force the tape cassette or cover. Ensure the tape path is clear of obstruction.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-1290.
Display: 1-line, 12-character LCD.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series laminated tape (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (1.5V each) or optional AD-24 AC adapter (6V DC).
Battery Life: Approximately 15,000 characters (alkaline batteries).
Print Speed: Approximately 10mm per second.
Fonts: 5 font styles, 4 sizes.
Frames: 10 decorative frames.
Auto Power Off: User selectable (1, 3, 5, 10 min).
Dimensions: Compact handheld design.

Controls and Keyboard

Access functions via the keyboard. Main Keys: POWER switch, PRINT, FUNCTION, SPACE, DEL, arrows (Left/Right).

Function Key (FUNC): Accesses secondary functions printed in blue above keys: Font (FONT), Size (SIZE), Frame (FRAME), Auto-Format (A.FMT), Language (LANG), Settings (SETUP).

Text Entry: Use QWERTY keys to type. Use DEL to backspace. Use arrow keys to move cursor. Printing: Press PRINT to print the displayed text. Use the cutter lever after printing. Settings: Adjust language, auto-off, buzzer, and unit reset via FUNCTION > SETUP.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Supports Brother TZe laminated tape cassettes in various colors and widths.

Power off the unit.
Open the cassette cover by pressing the release button and lifting the lid.
Insert the tape cassette with the tape end feeding towards the print mechanism and the Brother logo facing up.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Power on. The LCD should show the tape width symbol.

Tip: Always use genuine Brother TZe tapes. Non-genuine tapes may jam or cause poor print quality.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

Type text: Use the keyboard to enter your desired label text. It appears on the LCD.
Format text: Press FUNCTION, then FONT to cycle through styles. Press FUNCTION, then SIZE to change size.
Add frame: Press FUNCTION, then FRAME to select a decorative border. Press arrows to browse.
Auto-format: For common labels (FILE, CD, VIDEO), press FUNCTION then A.FMT and select a template.
Print: Press the PRINT key. The unit will print the label.
Cut: After printing, slide the built-in cutter lever towards the back of the unit to cut the tape.
Peel & Apply: Peel the backing from the printed label and apply to the desired surface.

WARNING! Keep fingers clear of the cutter lever while operating. Do not pull the tape during printing.

Advanced Functions

Auto-Format: Creates pre-defined labels for files, videos, etc. Numbering: Prints sequential numbers. Mirror Printing: For creating labels to be viewed from the opposite side (e.g., inside a window). Memory: Stores up to 9 frequently used text phrases for quick recall.

Care & Maintenance

Power off and remove batteries for long-term storage. Clean exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids or aerosols.

CAUTION! Never clean the print head with sharp objects or solvents. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright and trademarks owned by Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-4BROTHER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / LCD blank	Dead batteries, incorrect adapter	Replace batteries; ensure correct AC adapter is used and connected securely.
Tape does not feed/print	Tape jam, cassette not installed correctly	Power off, open cover, remove and reinsert tape cassette. Clear any jammed tape.
Faint or uneven printing	Low batteries, worn print head, non-genuine tape	Replace batteries. Clean print head with dry cotton swab. Use genuine Brother tape.
Wrong characters printed	Language setting incorrect	Press FUNCTION > LANG and select the correct language.
Tape cutter not working	Obstructed cutter blade	Check for tape debris. Gently clear obstruction. Do not force the lever.

Reset: Press FUNCTION > SETUP. Use arrows to find "RESET" and press PRINT to restore factory defaults.

Service: 1-877-4BROTHER; www.brother-usa.com