Brother P Touch Label Maker Manual PT 1880

The Brother P Touch PT 1880 is a compact, easy-to-use electronic label maker designed for home and office organization. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames and symbols, a variety of tape colors and widths, a built-in cutter, and a large LCD display. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Features 8. Tape Loading and Replacement 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: QWERTY Keyboard, LCD Display, Print Key, Power Adapter Port, Tape Cassette Compartment, Cutter Lever.

FeatureDescription
QWERTY KeyboardFor easy text entry, similar to a computer keyboard
Large LCD DisplayShows text, formatting, and preview before printing
Print KeyInitiates the label printing process
Tape Cassette SlotHouses the label tape cartridge
Built-in CutterManually cuts the tape after printing
AC Adapter PortFor power connection (Adapter included)
Battery CompartmentHolds 6 AA batteries for portable use
Function KeysAccess fonts, sizes, frames, and symbols
Cursor KeysNavigate text and menus on the display
Power SwitchTurns the label maker ON/OFF

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Insert Batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries (not included), observing polarity.
  2. Connect AC Adapter: Plug the adapter into the port and into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  3. Load Tape Cassette: Open the tape compartment, insert a Brother TZe tape cassette, and close the lid.
  4. Power On: Slide the POWER switch to the ON position.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe series tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer.

First-Time Use

Power on the device; the LCD will illuminate.

  1. Set Language: Press the FUNCTION key, use cursor keys to select LANGUAGE, choose ENGLISH.
  2. Set Units: Press FUNCTION, select UNITS, choose inches or millimeters.
  3. Create a Test Label: Type a word using the keyboard. Press PRINT to produce the label.
  4. Cut the Label: Use the manual cutter lever to cut the tape.

CAUTION! Keep fingers clear of the cutter lever when operating.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or the FUNCTION menu.

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY layout for text entry. Function Key (FUNC): Accesses menus for Font, Size, Style, Frame, Symbol. Print Key: Starts printing. Cursor Keys (Arrows): Move cursor, scroll menus. Backspace Key: Deletes characters. Space Key: Inserts a space.

Formatting: Select font (e.g., Gothic, Script), size (Small, Standard, Large), style (Bold, Italic, Underline). Decoration: Add frames (Box, Rounded) and symbols from library. Utility: Set auto-cut, length, mirror print, sequential numbering.

Creating Labels

Basic steps to create and print a label.

  1. Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
  2. Type text using the keyboard. Use cursor keys to edit.
  3. Press FUNC to format: Select FONT, SIZE, STYLE as desired.
  4. Add a frame or symbol via the FUNC menu if needed.
  5. Preview text on the LCD.
  6. Press PRINT. The label will be printed.
  7. Use the cutter lever to cut the tape.

Tip: Press and hold PRINT for multiple copies of the same label.

Advanced Features

Utilize additional functions for specialized labels.

  1. Sequential Numbering: FUNC > NUMBERING. Set start, end, and increment values.
  2. Mirror Printing: FUNC > MIRROR. Prints text reversed (for application on glass).
  3. Auto-Cut: FUNC > AUTO CUT. Automatically cuts tape after printing (if supported).
  4. Label Length: FUNC > LENGTH. Set fixed length or auto-length based on text.
  5. Memory Recall: FUNC > MEMORY. Save frequently used labels for quick recall.

Note: Not all features are available with all tape widths.

Tape Loading and Replacement

Supports Brother TZe laminated tape cassettes.

  1. Power off the device.
  2. Press the tape compartment release button and open the lid.
  3. Remove the old cassette (if present).
  4. Insert a new TZe cassette, ensuring the tape feeds under the guide.
  5. Close the lid firmly until it clicks.
  6. Power on. The tape indicator should show the new color/width.

WARNING! Do not force the cassette or lid. Use only genuine Brother tapes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasives.

CAUTION! Keep tape and printer away from dust, extreme heat, and moisture. Store in a 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 1-877-4BROTHER. This product is covered by Brother's limited warranty.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerDead batteries/loose adapterReplace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing printsEmpty tape/tape installed incorrectlyReplace tape cassette; reload tape correctly.
Print is faint or missingLow battery/dirty print headReplace batteries; clean print head with dry cotton swab.
Text does not appear on LCDContrast settingAdjust LCD contrast via FUNCTION > SETTINGS.
Tape jams or doesn't feedObstructed path/wrong tapePower off, clear obstruction; ensure correct TZe tape.

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

Service: 1-877-4BROTHER; www.brother-usa.com

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