Brother Model PT-1280 User Manual

The Brother PT-1280 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a full keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape widths, decorative frames, and a built-in cutter. 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. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Label Maker Unit, AC Adapter, Starter Tape Cassette, User Manual.

Feature	Description
Display	1-line LCD display for text preview
Keyboard	Full QWERTY layout with function keys
Tape Compatibility	Supports 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm laminated tape
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, underline, frame)
Power Source	6 AA batteries or AC adapter (included)
Cutter	Built-in automatic cutter
Memory	Stores frequently used labels
Portability	Compact and lightweight for on-the-go use
Symbols	Over 100 built-in symbols and frames
Print Mode	Multiple copies, mirror printing, sequential numbering

Installation & Power

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

Install Batteries: Open battery compartment on the back, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
AC Adapter: Plug the adapter into the DC IN jack on the side, then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Load Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert the tape cassette with the tape feeding from the bottom, close the cover firmly.

WARNING! Use only the specified Brother AC adapter. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Setup

Power on the label maker by pressing the [POWER] key.

Set Language: Press [CODE] + [A] to cycle through language options. Select your preferred language.
Set Tape Width: The device auto-detects the installed tape width. Confirm on the display.
Set Date/Time (Optional): Press [CODE] + [SETTINGS] to enter the setup menu and set the clock.
Test Print: Type a few characters and press [PRINT] to ensure proper tape feeding and printing.

CAUTION! Ensure the tape cassette is properly seated before closing the cover to avoid jamming.

Specifications

Model: PT-1280
Display: 1-line, 12-character LCD
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm (laminated)
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec
Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (LR6) or AC adapter (AD-24)
Operating Time: Approx. 15 continuous hours on batteries
Dimensions (WxDxH): 6.3" x 7.1" x 2.4"
Weight: Approx. 1.3 lbs (without batteries)
Supported Characters: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.
Memory: 9 memory slots for storing labels

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the keyboard and [CODE] key combinations.

Key Functions: [POWER] On/Off. [SHIFT] Access secondary functions. [CODE] Used with other keys for special functions. [FONT] Cycle through fonts. [SIZE] Adjust character size. [STYLE] Select bold, underline, italic. [FRAME] Apply decorative frames. [PRINT] Print the label. [CUT] Manually cut the tape (if auto-cut is off).

Menu Functions: Press [CODE] + [SETTINGS] for system settings (auto-off, beep, length, mirror, etc.). Press [CODE] + [MEMORY] to store/recall a label. Press [CODE] + [NUMBERS] for sequential numbering.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a standard label.

Press [POWER] to turn on. Ensure correct tape is loaded.
Type your text using the keyboard. Use [DEL] to backspace.
Format your text: Press [FONT], [SIZE], [STYLE], or [FRAME] to apply formatting. The display shows a preview.
Press [PRINT]. The label prints and is automatically cut.
Peel off the backing and apply the label.

Tip: Use the [PREVIEW] function ([CODE]+[V]) to see the full label layout before printing.

Advanced Functions

Utilize the PT-1280's advanced features for specialized labels.

Multiple Copies: After typing text, press [CODE] + [C]. Enter the number of copies (1-9), then press [PRINT].
Sequential Numbering: Press [CODE] + [1] (for start number). Type the starting number. Press [CODE] + [2] (for end number). Type the end number. Press [PRINT].
Symbols & Frames: Press [SYMBOL] key, use arrow keys to browse categories, press [ENTER] to insert.
Mirror Printing: For iron-on tapes. Press [CODE] + [SETTINGS], select "Mirror", set to ON. Print as normal.
Memory Storage: Type a label. Press [CODE] + [MEMORY] + a number (1-9). To recall, press [CODE] + [MEMORY] + the number.

WARNING! Do not use iron-on tapes without setting Mirror Print, as the label will be reversed.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Tape Cassette Replacement: Open cover, remove old cassette, insert new one ensuring it clicks into place.

Cutter Blade Care: If cutting becomes uneven, use a cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the blade area.

CAUTION! Never insert objects into the tape exit slot. Keep away from dust, extreme heat, and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). 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 all batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing appears on display	Contrast setting	Adjust contrast via [CODE] + [SETTINGS].
Text does not print	Tape not loaded, cassette error	Ensure cassette is correctly inserted and not empty.
Print quality is poor/faded	Low batteries, dirty print head	Replace batteries. Clean print head with dry cotton swab.
Tape jams or doesn't feed	Misaligned cassette, foreign object	Power off, open cover, remove cassette, clear any obstruction, reload.
Auto-cut doesn't work	Function disabled, blade stuck	Enable auto-cut in settings ([CODE]+[SETTINGS]). Manually cut to free blade.

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

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