Brother P-touch Label Maker PT 1800 Manual

The Brother P-touch PT 1800 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home and office use. It features a QWERTY-style keyboard, a one-line LCD display, automatic tape cutting, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and a variety of tape cassettes. Powered by 6 AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. 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 Keyboard 6. Loading Tape Cassettes 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with keyboard and display, Tape cassette slot, Power compartment, Feed/Cut lever, Function keys.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	One-line, 12-character display for previewing labels
QWERTY Keyboard	Full layout for easy text entry
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, or 12mm laminated tape
Automatic Cutter	Built-in cutter separates label after printing
Power Source	6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter (AD-24)
Function Keys	Access fonts, frames, sizes, and special modes
Feed/Cut Lever	Manually advances or cuts tape
Font Styles	Includes Gothic, Sans Serif, Script, and more
Decorative Frames	Add borders and symbols to labels
Auto Power Off	Conserves battery life after period of inactivity

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all items from packaging. Inspect for damage.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment on back, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Connect AC adapter (optional): Plug adapter into DC 6V jack on side, then into wall outlet.
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
Power on: Slide POWER switch to ON position.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on the unit; LCD will illuminate.

Select language: Press FUNCTION, then LANGUAGE to choose English (default).
Set tape width: Machine auto-detects tape width from cassette.
Test print: Type "TEST" and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.
Adjust print darkness: Use FUNCTION + DARKNESS for lighter/darker print.

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

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT 1800.
Tape Widths Supported: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Tape Type: Laminated TZe series tapes (multiple colors).
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm per second.
Display: 1-line, 12-character LCD.
Fonts: 5 font styles, 4 sizes (small, normal, large, extra large).
Frames: 10 decorative frames and symbols.
Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (1.5V) or AC adapter AD-24 (6V DC).
Auto Power Off: Activates after 5 minutes of non-use.
Dimensions: Approx. 7.1" (W) x 3.9" (H) x 2.4" (D).

Controls and Keyboard

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION key combinations.

Main Keys: POWER switch, PRINT, FUNCTION, FONT, SIZE, FRAME, UNDERLINE/BORDER, FEED, CUT.

Function Menu (FUNCTION +...): LANGUAGE, AUTO CUT (On/Off), MIRROR PRINT, DARKNESS, DEMO, RESET.

Text Editing: SPACE, BACKSPACE, SHIFT for capitals, SYMBOL for special characters, ARROWS for cursor movement.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Only use genuine Brother TZe tape cassettes.

Power off the unit.
Open cassette cover by sliding latch forward.
Insert cassette with tape window facing up and arrow pointing toward print head.
Close cover firmly until it clicks.
Power on; machine will initialize tape.

Tip: Ensure tape path is clear and cassette is fully seated to prevent jams.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps.

Type text: Use keyboard to enter desired label text (max 50 characters per label).
Format text: Press FONT to cycle styles; SIZE to change size; FRAME to add border.
Preview: Text appears on LCD display.
Print: Press PRINT. Label prints and auto-cuts if AUTO CUT is on.
Manual cut: If AUTO CUT is off, press CUT lever after printing.
Apply label: Peel backing from printed label and apply to surface.

WARNING! Do not pull tape during printing. Allow automatic feed.

Advanced Functions

Auto Cut: Enable/disable in FUNCTION menu. Mirror Print: For application to inside of glass/windows. Sequential Numbering: Not supported on PT 1800. Memory: Last label text is retained after power off.

Care & Maintenance

Power off and remove batteries before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior. Clean print head with cotton swab if print quality degrades.

CAUTION! Never use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners. 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 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries, incorrect adapter	Replace batteries; use only Brother AD-24 adapter.
Nothing prints	Tape not loaded, print head dirty	Ensure tape cassette is properly installed; clean print head.
Faded print	Low battery, darkness setting	Replace batteries; adjust DARKNESS setting.
Tape jam	Cassette misaligned, foreign object	Power off, open cover, remove cassette, clear obstruction.
LCD blank	Power issue, contrast setting	Check batteries/adapter; adjust contrast via FUNCTION + key (not all models).

Reset: Press FUNCTION + RESET to restore default settings (clears memory).

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