Brother P Touch Label Maker Manual PT 1890

The Brother P Touch PT 1890 is a versatile electronic label maker designed for creating durable, laminated labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, a variety of decorative frames and symbols, a built-in cutter, and compatibility with multiple TZe tape cassettes. 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 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Label Maker Unit, AC Power Adapter, Starter TZe Tape Cassette, User Manual, Quick Setup Guide.

Feature	Description
Full QWERTY Keyboard	For easy text entry and editing
Large LCD Display	Shows text, formatting, and tape length before printing
Built-in Cutter	Automatically cuts tape to length after printing
Tape Cassette Compatibility	Supports TZe tapes in various widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Offers several font styles and adjustable character sizes
Frames & Symbols	Includes decorative borders and over 100 symbols for enhanced labels
Laminated Tape	Produces smudge-proof, water-resistant, and durable labels
Auto Formatting	Features like serial number, consecutive numbering, and text templates
Power Options	Operates via AC adapter or optional AA batteries (6x)
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels for quick recall

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage. Place the label maker on a clean, stable surface.

Insert Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover. Insert the TZe tape cassette with the tape end feeding towards the cutter and the clear window facing up. Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Connect Power: Plug the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the side of the unit, then plug the adapter into a standard 120V AC wall outlet. Alternatively, install six AA batteries (not included) into the battery compartment.
Power On: Press the POWER button. The LCD display will illuminate.

WARNING! Use only the specified Brother AC adapter. Do not force the tape cassette. Ensure the unit is placed on a flat surface during operation.

First-Time Operation

After powering on, follow these steps to create your first label.

Select Tape Width: The unit should automatically detect the tape width. Verify it matches the cassette loaded (e.g., 12mm).
Enter Text: Use the QWERTY keyboard to type your label text. It will appear on the LCD screen.
Basic Formatting: Use the FUNCTION key combined with other keys to change Font (FONT), Size (SIZE), Style (Bold/Italic/Underline - STYLE), and add Frames (FRAME) or Symbols (SYMBOL).
Preview & Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will be printed and automatically cut to length.
Apply Label: Peel the backing paper off the printed label and apply it to a clean, dry surface.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from the cutter area during and immediately after printing. The cutter blade is sharp.

Specifications

Model: Brother P Touch PT 1890.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series laminated tape cassettes.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm per second.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Power Supply: AC Adapter (included) or 6 x AA batteries (optional).
Character Capacity: Up to 2 lines of text depending on tape width and font size.
Memory: Stores up to 10 labels (exact number may vary).
Dimensions & Weight: Refer to product packaging for exact details.
Operating Environment: Standard room temperature and humidity.

Controls and Functions

Access functions via direct keys or by pressing the FUNCTION key followed by another key.

Main Keys: POWER, FUNCTION, PRINT, CUT (manual cut), FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, SYMBOL, LENGTH, ALIGN, DEL (delete), SPACE, SHIFT, CAPS, ARROWS (cursor navigation).

Function Key Combinations:
FUNCTION + FONT: Cycle through available fonts.
FUNCTION + SIZE: Cycle through character sizes (Small, Standard, Large, Extra Large).
FUNCTION + STYLE: Apply/remove Bold, Italic, Underline, Outline, Shadow.
FUNCTION + FRAME: Select from various decorative label frames.
FUNCTION + SYMBOL: Access library of symbols and clip art.
FUNCTION + LENGTH: Set fixed or auto tape length.
FUNCTION + ALIGN: Change text alignment (Left, Center, Right).
FUNCTION + PRINT: Access print options (Quantity, Mirror printing).

Creating Labels

Basic workflow for creating standard and formatted labels.

Power On & Clear: Press POWER. If text is on screen, press FUNCTION + DEL to clear.
Enter Text: Type your desired text using the keyboard.
Navigate & Edit: Use the Left/Right Arrow keys to move the cursor. Use DEL to delete characters.
Format Text: Use FUNCTION key combos (FONT, SIZE, STYLE) to format your text.
Add Elements: Press FUNCTION + FRAME to add a border. Press FUNCTION + SYMBOL to insert a symbol.
Print: Press PRINT. The label prints and is cut automatically. To print multiple copies, press FUNCTION + PRINT, then enter quantity.

Tip: Use the LENGTH function to set a specific label length for consistent sizing, especially for vertical labels.

Advanced Features

Utilize these features for more complex labeling tasks.

Serial Numbering: Enter a base text and number (e.g., "Item-1"). Press FUNCTION + PRINT, select "Serial", set increment and quantity. The printer will create a series (Item-1, Item-2, Item-3...).
Text Templates: Access pre-formatted templates for common labels like "FRAGILE", "FILE", or "NAME" via the FUNCTION menu.
Memory Storage: To save a label, create the label text/format, then press and hold the FUNCTION key, then press a number key (0-9) to assign a memory location. To recall, press FUNCTION, then the corresponding number key.
Mirror Printing: For creating labels to be viewed from the opposite side (e.g., inside a window), use FUNCTION + PRINT to access and enable the Mirror Print option.
Vertical Text: Create vertical labels by setting the tape length and using the line feed or specific formatting options.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the AC adapter or remove batteries before cleaning.

Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the casing with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn marks, dampen the cloth slightly with water. Do not use alcohol, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.
Cutter Maintenance: If the cutter does not cut cleanly, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the cutter blade area. Allow to dry completely.
Tape Path: If tape jams or feeds poorly, open the cassette cover and check for obstructions or adhesive residue. Clean the rubber roller and tape guide with a dry cloth.
Storage: Store the unit in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.

CAUTION! Never insert objects into the tape exit slot or cutter mechanism. Do not disassemble the unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. This product conforms to applicable safety standards. Copyright and trademarks are property of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / Display is blank	Power not connected / Dead batteries	Ensure AC adapter is firmly plugged in at both ends. Replace or install fresh AA batteries.
Nothing prints / Tape feeds but no text	Tape cassette not installed correctly / Tape end not aligned	Open cover, ensure cassette is fully seated and the tape feeds under the guide and towards the cutter. Manually feed tape end slightly past the cutter.
Print quality is poor (faded, blurry)	Low battery / Dirty print head / Old tape	Use AC power or new batteries. Clean print head with dry cotton swab. Use a fresh tape cassette.
Tape does not cut automatically	Cutter jam / Auto-cut setting off	Gently clear any tape debris from cutter blade. Check manual for auto-cut setting (should be ON by default).
Keyboard keys not responding	Unit locked / Internal error	Press and hold POWER for 10 seconds to force a reset, then turn on again.
"NO TAPE" or incorrect tape width message	Cassette not detected / Wrong cassette type	Reinsert the cassette firmly. Ensure you are using a supported Brother TZe tape cassette.

Reset: To restore factory defaults, turn the unit off. Press and hold the FUNCTION, FONT, and SIZE keys simultaneously, then press POWER. Release all keys after the display lights up.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Brother Customer Support at 1-877-276-8437 or visit www.brother.com.