brother p touch label maker manual pt 1290

The Brother P-touch PT-1290 is a compact, easy-to-use electronic label maker designed for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, automatic tape cutting, and supports a variety of TZe tape cassettes. Below are key sections covering 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: Full keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Print mechanism, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout for easy text entry
Tape Cassette System	Supports TZe tapes in various widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Several font styles and multiple size options
Decorative Frames	Add borders and frames to labels
Power Options	AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Print Modes	Normal, Mirror, and Multiple copy printing
Memory Function	Stores frequently used text phrases
Preview Function	View label layout on LCD before printing

Unpacking and Setup

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

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC jack and into wall outlet (alternative to batteries).
Install tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert TZe tape with clear side facing out, close cover.
Power on: Press POWER button; LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Do not force cassette into compartment.

First-Time Operation

Power on device; follow basic steps to create first label.

Select tape width: Ensure installed tape matches width setting (default auto-detects).
Enter text: Use keyboard to type desired label text; appears on LCD.
Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE buttons to adjust appearance.
Print label: Press PRINT button; tape advances and is automatically cut.
Apply label: Peel backing from printed label and apply to clean, dry surface.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from cutter mechanism during operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-1290.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series tapes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Print Resolution: Standard resolution for clear text and symbols.
Display: LCD with backlight (on some models).
Power Supply: AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries.
Keyboard: Full QWERTY layout with function keys.
Memory: Stores several text phrases.
Dimensions: Compact, portable design.
Operating Environment: Standard room temperature and humidity.

Controls and Functions

Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, CUT (manual), CURSOR keys, SPACE, BACKSPACE, ALPHABET keys.

Function Keys: FONT cycles through available fonts. SIZE adjusts character size (Small, Medium, Large). STYLE applies bold, italic, underline. FRAME adds decorative borders. PRINT prints label and auto-cuts. CUT manually cuts tape (if needed).

LCD Indicators: Shows battery status, tape width, font style, text alignment, and print preview.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process step-by-step.

Turn on power; ensure tape cassette is properly installed.
Type text using keyboard; use SPACE and BACKSPACE as needed.
Use cursor keys to move within text for editing.
Press FONT to select font style (e.g., Gothic, Script).
Press SIZE to select character size.
Press STYLE to apply bold, italic, or underline.
Press FRAME to select a decorative border (optional).
Preview text on LCD; adjust as necessary.
Press PRINT; label prints and tape is cut automatically.
Peel backing and apply label.

Tip: Use preview function to avoid wasting tape.

Advanced Functions

Utilizing additional features for enhanced labeling.

Multiple Copies: Enter number of copies before printing (1-9).
Mirror Printing: For application on inside of glass/windows.
Memory Storage: Store frequently used text in memory slots.
Symbols & Special Characters: Access via SYMBOL key.
Auto Numbering: Create sequential number labels.
Tape Width Setting: Manually set if auto-detect fails.
Battery Saving: Auto power-off after period of inactivity.

WARNING! Do not use mirror printing on standard surfaces as text will be reversed.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug AC adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth only; do not use liquids or aerosols.

CAUTION! Keep tape compartment free of dust and debris. Store in 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 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing appears on LCD	Power/contrast setting	Check power; adjust LCD contrast if available.
Tape does not feed/print	Cassette not installed properly	Reinstall tape cassette correctly; ensure no jam.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head/old tape	Clean print head with dry cotton swab; use fresh tape.
Tape not cutting	Cutter mechanism blocked	Turn off, clear any tape debris from cutter area.
Keys not responding	Low power/device lock	Replace batteries; turn device off and on.

Reset: Remove batteries/adapter for 2 minutes, then reinstall.

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