brother model pt 1880 manual

The Brother PT-1880 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various decorative frames and symbols, and a wide selection of tape cartridges. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
DisplayLCD screen for text preview and menu navigation
KeyboardFull QWERTY layout with function keys
Tape CartridgeUses TZe tape series in various widths and colors
Print MethodThermal transfer printing
Power SourceAC adapter or 6 AA batteries (not included)
ConnectivityStandalone operation; no PC connection required
Fonts & StylesMultiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, underline, italic)
Frames & SymbolsBuilt-in decorative frames and symbols library
Auto-CutAutomatic tape cutting after printing (with built-in cutter)
MemoryStores frequently used labels

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Insert batteries: Open battery compartment on the bottom, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
  2. Connect AC power: Plug the adapter into the DC jack and then into a wall outlet (optional, for extended use).
  3. Install tape cartridge: Open the tape compartment cover, insert a TZe tape cartridge, and close the cover firmly.
  4. Power on: Press the POWER button. The display will illuminate.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on the device; the display will show the main text entry screen.

  1. Set language: Press the FUNCTION key, then use the arrow keys to select LANGUAGE and choose your preferred language.
  2. Set units: In the FUNCTION menu, select UNIT to choose between mm/inch for tape length.
  3. Test print: Type a sample text and press the PRINT key to create your first label.
  4. Adjust print darkness: If text is too light/dark, use the FUNCTION menu to access DARKNESS settings.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from the cutter blade area during operation.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the FUNCTION key. Front Panel: POWER, FUNCTION, PRINT, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, SYMBOL, arrow keys, and DEL.

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

Text Formatting: Change FONT (multiple styles), SIZE (small/medium/large), STYLE (bold, underline, italic, outline). Label Design: Add FRAMES (various borders) and SYMBOLS from built-in library. System Settings: LANGUAGE, UNIT, DARKNESS, AUTO POWER OFF, MEMORY management.

Creating Labels

Supports text labels with various formatting options.

  1. Enter text: Use the keyboard to type your label text. It appears on the display.
  2. Format text: Press FONT, SIZE, or STYLE to modify the appearance.
  3. Add elements: Press FRAME or SYMBOL to insert decorative elements.
  4. Preview: The display shows a preview of the label layout.
  5. Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will be printed and automatically cut.
  6. Length adjustment: Before printing, you can press the LENGTH key to set a specific label length.

Tip: Use the arrow keys to move the cursor and the DEL key to correct mistakes.

Advanced Functions

Numbering: Create sequential number labels. Memory: Store up to 9 frequently used labels for quick recall. Mirror Printing: Print text in reverse (for application on glass or transparent surfaces).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Clean the cutter blade area gently with a dry cotton swab if debris accumulates.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasives. Do not touch the thermal print head.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright and trademarks are property of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBatteries/adapterCheck battery polarity and charge; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing printsTape cartridge/coverEnsure tape cartridge is inserted correctly and compartment cover is fully closed.
Print is faintPrint darkness settingAdjust DARKNESS setting in FUNCTION menu. Replace old tape.
Tape jams or wrinklesImproper loadingOpen cover, remove and re-insert tape cartridge carefully along guides.
Wrong characters printLanguage settingCheck and correct the LANGUAGE setting in the FUNCTION menu.
Cutter does not workAuto-cut setting / obstructionEnsure AUTO-CUT is ON in settings. Gently clear any tape debris from cutter area.

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

Service: For technical support, visit www.brother-usa.com or consult your local Brother dealer.

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