Brother P-touch Label Maker Manual PT-1950

The Brother P-touch PT-1950 is a versatile electronic label maker designed for creating professional, durable labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, a variety of tape cassettes, and a built-in cutter. 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 Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full QWERTY keyboard, Backlit LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Cutter lever, Power adapter port, AC adapter.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	For easy text entry, includes symbols and function keys
Tape Cassette System	Accepts laminated TZe tape cassettes in various widths and colors
Built-in Cutter	Manually cuts tape after printing
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, italic, underline), and frames
Auto-Laminating Tapes	Tapes are laminated as printed for durability and smudge resistance
Power Options	Operates via AC adapter (included) or optional rechargeable battery
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels for quick recall
Preview Mode	Allows viewing of the full label on the LCD before printing
One-Touch Symbols	Quick access to common symbols and icons

Unpacking and Setup

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

Connect the AC adapter: Plug the adapter into the power port on the side of the label maker, then plug into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Turn on the power: Press the POWER button. The LCD should illuminate.
Set the language: Use the FUNCTION key and arrow keys to select your desired language from the menu.
Set the date/time (optional): Configure via the settings menu for date stamp labels.

WARNING! Use only the Brother AD-24 adapter or specified power source. Do not use near water or in damp environments.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Power on the device. Ensure the cutter lever is in the closed (up) position.

Open the cassette cover: Press the cover release button and lift the cover.
Insert the tape cassette: Place a Brother TZe series tape cassette into the compartment, aligning the guide marks. Ensure the tape feeds under the guide.
Close the cover: Firmly press down until it clicks into place.
Feed the tape: The device will automatically feed the tape to the starting position.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette or cover. Use only genuine Brother TZe tapes for optimal performance.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-1950.
Tape Compatibility: Laminated TZe tapes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Display: Backlit LCD, 1 line text display with graphic preview.
Fonts: Multiple built-in fonts and user-downloadable fonts (via PC).
Power Source: AC adapter (AD-24, included) or optional Ni-MH battery pack (PA-120).
Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).
Dimensions: Compact, portable design.
Warranty: Limited warranty as specified by Brother International.

Controls and Display

Access functions via the keyboard and FUNCTION key. Front Panel: POWER, FUNCTION, SPACE, BACKSPACE, ENTER, ARROW keys, PRINT.

Key Functions: LETTER keys for text entry. FUNCTION key accesses menus (Font, Size, Style, Frame, Length, etc.). ARROW keys navigate menus and cursor. PRINT key prints the label. Cutter lever manually cuts the tape.

Display Icons: Show battery status, tape width, font style, cursor position, and mode indicators.

Creating a Basic Label

Turn on the device and ensure tape is loaded.

Enter text: Type your desired label text using the keyboard.
Format text: Press FUNCTION, then use arrow keys to select Font, Size, or Style. Press ENTER to apply.
Add a frame (optional): Press FUNCTION, select Frame, choose a design, press ENTER.
Preview: Press FUNCTION then PREVIEW to see the full label layout.
Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will print and feed out.
Cut: Slide the cutter lever forward firmly to cut the tape. Peel off the backing to apply.

Tip: Use the SPACE key between words. The BACKSPACE key deletes characters to the left of the cursor.

Advanced Functions

Supports sequential numbering, label memory, and symbol insertion.

Sequential Numbering: Press FUNCTION, select "Numbering," set start/end values and increment.
Store/Recall Label: Press FUNCTION, select "Memory," choose "Store" to save current text or "Recall" to load a saved label.
Insert Symbols: Press the SYMBOL key, browse categories with arrow keys, press ENTER to insert.
Auto Formatting: Use predefined formats for file folders, name badges, or cable flags via the FORMAT key.
Length Setting: Manually set a fixed label length for consistent sizing.
Mirror Printing: Print text in reverse for application on the inside of glass or transparent surfaces.

WARNING! Do not pull the tape during printing. Allow the cutter action to complete fully before releasing the lever.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the adapter before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Clean the cutter blade edge gently with a cotton swab if adhesive residue builds up.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Do not attempt to disassemble the unit. Store in a cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference 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

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Adapter not connected/battery dead	Ensure adapter is firmly plugged into unit and wall outlet. Charge or replace battery.
Nothing prints	Tape not loaded/incorrectly loaded	Open cover and ensure tape cassette is inserted correctly with the tape feeding under the guide.
Print is faint or missing	Low battery/old tape/wrong tape type	Connect AC adapter or charge battery. Use a fresh, genuine Brother TZe tape cassette.
Keyboard not responding	Unit locked/frozen	Turn power off and back on. If persistent, perform a reset (see manual).
Tape jams or doesn't feed	Cassette misaligned/damaged tape	Power off, open cover, remove and reinsert the tape cassette. Check for tape obstructions.
Cutter does not cut cleanly	Dull or dirty blade	Gently clean the cutter blade edge with a cotton swab. Do not use excessive force.

Reset: Turn off. Press and hold FUNCTION + POWER while turning on to reset to factory defaults (may erase memory).

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