brother model pt-1830 manual

The Brother PT-1830 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a full QWERTY 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 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Power 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with keyboard and LCD display, AC power adapter, starter tape cassette, user manual.

FeatureDescription
LCD DisplayShows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
QWERTY KeyboardFor easy text entry and navigation
Tape Cassette SlotAccepts various Brother TZe tape widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Function KeysAccess fonts, frames, auto-formatting, and settings
Cutter BladeBuilt-in for cutting tape after printing
Power PortFor AC adapter connection
Font KeyCycles through available font styles
Size KeyAdjusts font size (Small, Normal, Large)
Frame KeyAdds decorative borders to labels
Print KeyInitiates printing of the current label

Installation

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

  1. Insert batteries or connect AC adapter: Open battery compartment on back, insert 6 AA batteries (not included) or plug in the AC adapter.
  2. Load tape cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert the tape cassette with the tape feeding towards the back, and close the cover firmly.
  3. Power on: Press the POWER button. The display will light up.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer. Keep small parts away from children.

First-Time Setup

Power on the labeler; follow on-screen prompts or basic steps.

  1. Set language: Press the SETTINGS key, navigate to LANGUAGE, and select your preferred language.
  2. Set date/time (if applicable): In SETTINGS menu, set the current date and time for timestamp labels.
  3. Test print: Type a simple word and press PRINT to ensure proper tape feeding and printing.
  4. Adjust contrast: If the LCD is hard to read, adjust the contrast in the SETTINGS menu.

CAUTION! Do not touch the cutter blade. Ensure tape cassette is properly seated before closing the cover.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via dedicated keys or the SETTINGS menu. Front Panel: POWER, FONT, SIZE, FRAME, PRINT, DEL, SHIFT, SPACE, ALIGN.

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY layout for text entry, plus special function keys.

Text Formatting: FONT key cycles styles. SIZE key adjusts size. FRAME key adds borders. Settings Menu: Language, Contrast, Date/Time, Units (mm/inch), Auto Power Off, Reset. Printing: Press PRINT to output label; machine automatically feeds and cuts tape.

Connecting to Power

Battery Operation: Install 6 AA batteries. AC Operation: Plug adapter into power port and wall outlet.

  1. For best performance, use alkaline batteries or the included AC adapter.
  2. The battery indicator on the display shows remaining power.
  3. If using AC power, the labeler will draw power from the adapter, not the batteries.

Tip: Remove batteries if the labeler will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.

Creating Labels

Supports text labels, sequential numbering, and decorative labels.

  1. Enter text: Use the keyboard to type your label text. Use DEL to backspace.
  2. Format text: Press FONT, SIZE, or FRAME to apply styles.
  3. Preview: The LCD shows the label as it will be printed.
  4. Print: Press PRINT. The label will print and automatically cut.
  5. Manual cut: Hold the PRINT button for 2 seconds to print without auto-cutting, then use the manual cutter lever.
  6. Multiple copies: Before printing, use the QTY key to set the number of copies (1-9).

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

Advanced Functions

Sequential Numbering: Use the NUMBER function to print a series of numbered labels. Auto-Formatting: Pre-set formats for file folders, name badges, etc. Memory: Store frequently used labels in memory slots for quick recall.

Care & Maintenance

Power off and disconnect power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior. Clean the cutter blade area gently with a dry brush if tape residue accumulates.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Do not attempt to disassemble the unit.

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 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerDead batteries/loose adapterReplace batteries; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected.
Blank displayContrast setting/powerAdjust contrast in SETTINGS; check power source.
Tape does not feedCassette not loaded/jammedOpen cover, re-seat cassette; clear any jammed tape.
Print quality poorLow battery/dirty print headReplace batteries; clean print head with dry cotton swab (power off).
Wrong characters printLanguage settingCheck and correct language setting in SETTINGS menu.

Reset: Press and hold POWER + DEL while turning on to restore factory defaults (erases memory).

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother-usa.com

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