brother label maker pt 1880 manual

The Brother PT-1880 is a versatile electronic label maker designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame and symbol options, and supports a wide range of TZe tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Loading Tape Cassettes 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full keyboard with large keys, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Cutter lever, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and settings before printing
Full QWERTY Keyboard	For easy text entry and navigation
Tape Cassette System	Supports TZe tapes from 6mm to 24mm width
Auto-Cutter	Built-in cutter for precise label cutting
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Offers various styles and character sizes
Frames & Symbols	Includes decorative frames and useful symbols
Power Options	Operates on AC adapter or 6 AA batteries
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Mirror Printing	Option for printing mirror-image text
Serial Number Printing	Automatically increments numbers on labels

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

Brother PT-1880 Label Maker unit.
AC Power Adapter.
Starter TZe tape cassette (typically 12mm black on white).
User Manual (this document).
Warranty Information Card.

WARNING! Keep plastic bags away from children to avoid suffocation hazard. Save packaging for future storage or transport.

Getting Started

Prepare the label maker for first use.

Install batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug into port and wall outlet for continuous use (optional).
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
Power on: Press the POWER button. The LCD will illuminate.

CAUTION! Use only Brother-recommended AC adapter and TZe tape cassettes. Do not mix old and new batteries.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-1880.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series tapes (6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24mm widths).
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Display: LCD, 1 line.
Character Capacity: Up to 50 characters per label (depends on font size).
Power Supply: AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included).
Battery Life: Approximately 15,000 characters (alkaline batteries).
Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).
Dimensions: Approximately 9.8" (W) x 7.1" (D) x 3.5" (H).
Weight: Approximately 2.2 lbs (with batteries).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys and menu navigation.

Front Panel: POWER, FONT, SIZE, FRAME, UNDERLINE/BORDER, SYMBOL, PRINT, CUT (auto-cut setting).

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY layout with additional function keys (SHIFT, CAPS, SPACE, DEL, BS, CODE).

Menu Functions: Access via FUNCTION key for settings like Auto-Cut On/Off, Mirror Print, Serial Number, Memory Recall, Tape Width Setting, Language Selection.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Ensure correct tape loading for proper operation.

Turn power OFF.
Press the cassette cover release button and open the cover.
Insert the TZe tape cassette with the tape exit window facing upward and the Brother logo visible.
Gently close the cover until it clicks into place.
Power ON. The label maker will automatically detect the tape width and color.

Tip: Always use genuine Brother TZe tapes. Non-genuine tapes may cause jams or damage.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

Type text: Use keyboard to enter desired label text. Use SHIFT for uppercase and symbols.
Format text: Press FONT to cycle through font styles. Press SIZE to change character size.
Add decoration: Press FRAME to add a border. Press SYMBOL to insert a symbol.
Preview: Check the LCD display for the label layout.
Print: Press PRINT. The label will print and advance automatically.
Cut: If Auto-Cut is ON, the label will be cut automatically. Otherwise, press the CUT lever.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from the cutter area during operation. Do not pull the tape while printing.

Advanced Functions

Utilize additional features for specialized labels.

Memory: Store up to 9 frequently used labels. Press MEMORY to save/recall.

Serial Numbering: Automatically print labels with incrementing numbers (e.g., 001, 002, 003). Access via FUNCTION > Serial.

Mirror Printing: Print text in reverse for application on the inside of glass or transparent surfaces. Access via FUNCTION > Mirror.

Tape Width Setting: Manually set tape width if not auto-detected. Access via FUNCTION > Width.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior. Do not use liquids or aerosols.

Clean the cutter blade occasionally with a cotton swab if adhesive residue builds up.

CAUTION! Never immerse the unit in water. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected.
LCD is blank	Power/Brightness setting	Check POWER is ON; adjust contrast via FUNCTION key.
Tape not feeding	Cassette not loaded correctly	Power off, open cover, reinsert tape properly.
Print is faint or missing	Low battery/old tape	Replace batteries; use fresh tape cassette.
Cutter not working	Auto-Cut setting/Jammed tape	Check Auto-Cut is ON in menu; clear any tape jam carefully.
Wrong characters print	Keyboard mode/Language setting	Check CAPS lock; verify language setting in menu.

Reset: Remove batteries and AC adapter for 2 minutes, then reconnect to perform a soft reset.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com