brother p touch 90 instructions manual

The Brother P-touch 90 is a compact electronic label maker designed for creating durable, adhesive-backed labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a QWERTY-style keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape widths, automatic tape cutting, and a range of decorative frames and symbols. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Loading the Tape Cassette 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Display 6. Creating a Basic Label 7. Advanced Formatting Options 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
KeyboardFull QWERTY layout for easy text entry
LCD DisplayShows text, formatting, and tape length before printing
Tape CassetteHolds laminated adhesive tape in various widths and colors
Automatic CutterCuts tape automatically after printing (optional setting)
Power OptionsOperates on AC adapter or 6 AA batteries
Font StylesMultiple fonts including standard, script, and block
Font SizesSmall, medium, and large sizes
Frames & SymbolsDecorative borders and preset symbols for enhanced labels
Preview FunctionAllows visual check of label before printing
MemoryStores frequently used labels for quick recall

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Ensure you have a clean, flat workspace.

  1. Check package contents: P-touch 90 unit, AC power adapter, starter tape cassette, user manual.
  2. Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
  3. Connect AC power: Plug adapter into DC IN jack and into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  4. Load tape cassette: See Section 3 for detailed instructions.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved AC adapter and tape cassettes. Keep small parts away from children.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Power on the unit; ensure it is in ready mode.

  1. Open cassette cover: Press the cover release button and lift the cover.
  2. Insert cassette: Place the tape cassette into the compartment with the tape feeding from the bottom.
  3. Thread tape: Guide the tape end under the tape guide and between the print head and roller.
  4. Close cover: Firmly close the cover until it clicks into place.
  5. Initialize: The display will show "OK" when tape is loaded correctly.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette or cover. Ensure tape is not twisted or jammed.

Specifications

Controls and Display

Access functions via dedicated keys and mode button. Front Panel: POWER, LETTER KEY (for caps), SPACE, BACKSPACE, PRINT, CUT (manual), FUNCTION, ARROW KEYS.

Function Keys: FONT (cycle fonts), SIZE (cycle sizes), FRAME (select border), UNDERLINE/BOLD, SYMBOL (insert symbol), PREVIEW (view label), MEMORY (store/recall).

Display Indicators: Shows entered text, tape length counter, font/size icons, battery status, error messages. Mode Settings: Access via FUNCTION key for auto-cut on/off, tape width setting, language selection.

Creating a Basic Label

Power on, ensure tape is loaded.

  1. Enter text: Use keyboard to type desired label text.
  2. Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, UNDERLINE/BOLD keys to adjust appearance.
  3. Preview: Press PREVIEW to see label layout on display.
  4. Print: Press PRINT. The label will print and automatically cut if auto-cut is enabled.
  5. Apply label: Peel backing from printed label and apply to clean, dry surface.

Tip: Use the SPACE key for gaps. Press BACKSPACE to correct mistakes.

Advanced Formatting Options

Enhance labels with frames, symbols, and memory functions.

  1. Add Frame: Press FRAME, use arrows to select a border style, press ENTER.
  2. Insert Symbol: Press SYMBOL, browse categories, select symbol, press ENTER.
  3. Store Label: After creating label, press MEMORY then STORE, assign a number (1-9).
  4. Recall Label: Press MEMORY then RECALL, select number.
  5. Chain Printing: Create multiple copies by entering quantity before printing.
  6. Manual Cut: Press CUT button to cut tape without printing or to trim excess.

WARNING! Do not touch print head after extended use; it may be hot.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth only; do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning Print Head: If print quality fades, use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the print head roller area.

Tape Jam: Power off, open cover, carefully remove jammed tape. Do not use sharp objects.

CAUTION! Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. Store in a cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with 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 1-877-467-4289.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBatteries/AdapterCheck battery polarity; ensure adapter is firmly connected; try fresh batteries.
Nothing printsTape/CoverEnsure tape cassette is loaded correctly; cover is fully closed.
Faint or uneven printPrint head/Dry tapeClean print head with dry swab; replace old tape cassette.
Tape does not feed/cutJam/BladeOpen cover, clear any tape jam; ensure cutter blade moves freely.
Wrong characters appearLanguage settingCheck language setting in mode menu; reset to desired language.
Display is blankPower/ContrastCheck power; adjust display contrast via FUNCTION + arrow keys.

Reset: Remove batteries and adapter for 2 minutes to reset unit.

Service: 1-877-467-4289; www.brother-usa.com

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