Brother P-touch Label Maker Manual PT-1800

The Brother P-touch PT-1800 is a versatile electronic label maker designed for creating durable, adhesive labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame and underline options, a built-in cutter, and supports laminated TZe tape cartridges. Powered by AC adapter or optional batteries. 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 Features 8. Tape Cartridges 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
Full QWERTY KeyboardFor easy text entry and editing
LCD DisplayShows text, format, and tape length before printing
Built-in CutterManually cuts tape after printing
Tape Cartridge SlotAccepts 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, or 12mm wide TZe laminated tape
Power SourceAC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional)
Print FunctionThermal transfer printing on laminated tape
Formatting KeysFont, size, style, frames, underlines
Auto NumberingCreates sequential number labels
Memory FunctionStores frequently used text (up to 9 memories)
Symbols & AccentsBuilt-in library of symbols and international characters

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Insert tape cartridge: Open cartridge cover, insert TZe tape with window facing up, close cover.
  2. Connect power: Plug AC adapter into unit and wall outlet. (For battery use: Install 6 AA batteries).
  3. Power on: Press the POWER button. The display will light up.
  4. Load tape: Press FEED to advance tape until cutter blade is visible.

WARNING! Keep small parts away from children. Use only Brother TZe tape cartridges.

First-Time Operation

Power on the unit; familiarize yourself with the display and keyboard.

  1. Enter text: Type using the QWERTY keyboard. Text appears on the LCD.
  2. Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to change appearance.
  3. Preview length: The display shows approximate label length.
  4. Print label: Press PRINT. The unit will print and then advance tape for cutting.
  5. Cut tape: Manually push the cutter lever forward to cut the label.

CAUTION! Do not touch the cutter blade. Keep fingers clear during cutting.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or mode key combinations.

Main Keys: POWER, PRINT, FEED, FONT, SIZE, STYLE (Bold, Italic, Underline), FRAME, LENGTH, MEMORY, NUMBERING, SYMBOL.

Text Editing: Use SPACE, BACKSPACE, DEL, and arrow keys. Formatting: Select from multiple fonts, 5 sizes, 4 styles, 10 frames, underlines. Utility: Auto numbering (1-1000), 9 text memories, tape length preview, mirror printing. Setup: Power save mode, buzzer on/off, unit reset.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps.

  1. Turn on power.
  2. Type desired text using keyboard.
  3. Format text using FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME keys as needed.
  4. Check label length on display; adjust if necessary.
  5. Press PRINT. Wait for printing to complete.
  6. Push cutter lever forward firmly to cut label.
  7. Peel backing from label and apply to clean, dry surface.

Tip: Use FEED to advance tape without printing for spacing or testing.

Advanced Features

Utilize memory, numbering, and special printing.

  1. Auto Numbering: Press NUMBERING, enter start/end values and increment, press PRINT.
  2. Text Memory: Type text, press MEMORY, select memory number (1-9) to store. Recall with MEMORY + number.
  3. Symbols/Accents: Press SYMBOL, browse using arrow keys, select with ENTER.
  4. Mirror Printing: Access via FORMAT menu to create reversed text (e.g., for window labels).
  5. Multiple Copies: After typing, enter number of copies (1-9) before printing.

Note: Laminated tape provides water and chemical resistance.

Tape Cartridges

Supports Brother TZe series laminated tape cartridges.

Available colors: White, black, red, blue, yellow, green, clear, fluorescent. Tape widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm. To replace tape: Open cover, remove old cartridge, insert new one with window facing up, close cover, press FEED to initialize.

WARNING! Do not use non-Brother tape. Ensure tape is correctly loaded to avoid jams.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth only.

  1. Exterior: Wipe with dry cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasives.
  2. Cutter blade: Keep clean of adhesive residue. Use isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab if needed.
  3. Print head: Clean gently with dry cotton swab.
  4. Storage: Store in cool, dry place. Remove tape cartridge if storing long-term.

CAUTION! Never immerse unit in water. Avoid extreme temperatures.

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 1-877-276-8437. This product is designed for use in the US and Canada at 120V AC, 60Hz.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower connection/batteriesEnsure AC adapter plugged in securely; replace batteries if used.
Nothing printsTape cartridge/coverEnsure tape cartridge is inserted correctly; cover is fully closed.
Print is faint or missingPrint head/tapeClean print head; ensure tape cartridge is not empty or damaged.
Tape does not feed/cutCutter jam/tape misloadClear any jammed tape; reload cartridge properly.
Keys not respondingUnit lock/resetTurn unit off and on; perform reset (see manual).
Display is blankPower save modePress any key to wake unit; check power source.

Reset: Turn off. Hold down POWER and FEED while turning on. Release after display lights.

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

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