brother model pt-1280 manual

The Brother PT-1280 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for home and office use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and a variety of tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Keyboard, LCD Display, Tape Cassette Compartment, Cutter Lever, Power Adapter Port, Battery Compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout with function keys for special characters
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts 3.5mm to 12mm wide laminated tape cassettes
Cutter Lever	Manually cuts the tape after printing
Power Options	6 AA batteries or AC adapter (AD-24)
Font Styles	Multiple fonts (Gothic, Script, etc.) and sizes
Frames & Borders	Decorative frames to enhance labels
Auto Numbering	Automatically generates sequential numbers
Memory Function	Stores frequently used text phrases
Preview Mode	Displays label before printing to conserve tape

Installation & Power

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, flat surface.

Install Batteries: Open battery compartment on the bottom, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity (+/-).
AC Adapter: Plug the AD-24 adapter into the DC IN 6V port on the side, then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Load Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert a Brother TZe tape cassette with the tape end facing the cutter, and close the cover firmly.

WARNING! Use only Brother AD-24 power adapter. Do not mix old and new batteries. Ensure tape cassette is properly seated.

First-Time Setup

Power on the labeler using the POWER button; the LCD will illuminate.

Set Language: Press the FUNCTION key, then use the arrow keys to select "Language." Choose ENGLISH (default).
Set Tape Width: The machine usually auto-detects tape width. Confirm it matches your loaded cassette (e.g., 12mm).
Set Date/Time (Optional): In FUNCTION menu, set the clock for time-stamp labels.
Test Print: Type a few characters and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette cover or cutter lever. Keep fingers clear of the cutting mechanism.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-1280 Electronic Labeling System.
Tape Width: Supports 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm laminated tape cassettes (TZe series).
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Display: LCD, 1-line display.
Character Capacity: Up to 80 characters per label (depending on font size).
Power Source: 6 AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) or AD-24 AC adapter (6V DC).
Battery Life: Approximately 1000 labels (alkaline batteries, continuous use).
Operating Temperature: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Dimensions: 7.1" (W) x 8.3" (D) x 2.4" (H).
Weight: Approx. 1.3 lbs (without batteries).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the dedicated keys or the FUNCTION menu on the LCD. Front Panel: POWER, SPACE, SHIFT, CODE, FUNCTION, ARROW keys, PRINT, FONT, SIZE, FRAME.

Key Functions: POWER (On/Off), SHIFT (access upper symbols), CODE (enter special symbols), FUNCTION (access settings menu), ARROWS (navigation), PRINT (print label), FONT (cycle fonts), SIZE (cycle sizes), FRAME (select decorative border).

LCD Indicators: Shows battery status, tape width, font, size, frame, and cursor position.

Creating Labels

Basic text entry and printing.

Press POWER to turn on.
Type your desired text using the keyboard.
Use FONT key to change font style (e.g., Gothic, Script).
Use SIZE key to change character size (Small, Normal, Large).
Use FRAME key to add a decorative border around the text.
Preview the label on the LCD. Adjust as needed.
Press PRINT. The label will print and advance.
Use the manual Cutter Lever to cut the tape cleanly.

Tip: Press and hold a key for rapid character entry. Use the SPACE key to insert spaces.

Advanced Functions

Utilizing special features for enhanced labels.

Auto Numbering: Press FUNCTION, select "Numbering," set start value and increment. The labeler will print a sequence.
Memory: Store up to 5 text phrases. Press FUNCTION, select "Memory," choose slot, enter text, save.
Symbols: Press CODE + a letter key to insert special symbols (e.g., electrical, warning).
Text Effects: In FUNCTION menu, apply underline, shadow, or italic styles.
Mirror Printing: For creating labels to be viewed from the opposite side (e.g., inside windows).
Length Setting: Manually set a fixed label length for consistent prints.

Tape Cassettes

Supports Brother TZe series laminated tape cassettes.

Types: Standard, Fluorescent, Reflective, Iron-on fabric tapes.
Colors: Various tape and ink color combinations (white on black, black on white, etc.).
Loading: Ensure the tape end feeds under the guide and towards the cutter. Close cover until it clicks.
Replacement: Open cover when machine is on. The tape will retract slightly. Remove old cassette and insert new one.

WARNING! Use only genuine Brother TZe cassettes. Do not use damaged or non-standard tapes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. For the print head and roller, use a dry cotton swab gently.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Do not touch the thermal print head with fingers. Store in a cool, dry place.

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 1-877-4BROTHER (1-877-427-6843).

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / LCD blank	Dead batteries, loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly plugged into unit and wall outlet.
Print is faint or missing	Low batteries, dirty print head, wrong tape type	Replace batteries; clean print head with dry swab; use correct TZe tape.
Tape does not feed/cuts poorly	Cassette not loaded correctly, dull cutter blade	Eject and reload cassette firmly; use firm, swift motion on cutter lever.
Wrong characters appear	Accidental mode change	Press FUNCTION to check language/symbol settings; reset to defaults if needed.
"Tape Error" message	Incompatible or jammed tape	Eject cassette, check for obstructions, reload. Ensure it's a TZe cassette.
Memory not saving	Batteries very low during save	Replace batteries and re-enter memory text.

Reset: Remove batteries/adapter for 2 minutes to perform a soft reset.

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