brother p-touch label maker pt 1880 manual

The Brother P-touch PT-1880 is a versatile electronic label maker designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame and symbol options, automatic tape cutting, and compatibility with TZe tape cassettes. Below are key sections covering 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: Full QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Cutter lever, Power adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
Full Keyboard	For easy text entry and navigation
Tape Cassette System	Uses Brother TZe tape cassettes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24mm)
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing (manual override available)
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Offers various font styles and point sizes
Frames & Symbols	Includes decorative frames and practical symbols
Power Options	AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels
Print Modes	Normal, Mirror, and Multiple copy printing
Auto-Lamination	With laminated tape cassettes for durable, smudge-proof labels

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, stable surface.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into power port and into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert TZe tape cassette with window facing up, close cover.
Power on: Press the POWER button.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Do not force the cassette or cutter lever. Keep small parts away from children.

First-Time Operation

Power on the label maker; the LCD will illuminate.

Select language: Press the FUNCTION key, then use arrow keys to select language (default is ENGLISH).
Set tape width: The machine auto-detects tape width from the cassette.
Create a test label: Type "TEST" and press the PRINT key.
Adjust print darkness: Use the FUNCTION + DARKNESS keys if print is too light or dark.

CAUTION! Ensure the cutter lever path is clear. Do not touch the cutter blade.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-1880.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series tape cassettes.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24mm.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
Display: 1-line LCD (12 characters).
Fonts: 5 font styles, 1-5 font sizes.
Power Supply: AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries.
Operating Temperature: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Dimensions: Approx. 7.1" (W) x 8.3" (D) x 2.4" (H).
Weight: Approx. 1.8 lbs (with batteries).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION key combinations.

Main Keys: POWER, LETTER (case), FONT, SIZE, FRAME, SYMBOL, PRINT, CUT (manual), ARROWS, SPACE, BACKSPACE, DELETE, FUNCTION.

Text Formatting: Change font style/size, apply bold/italic/underline via FUNCTION key. Frames & Symbols: Select from library. Tape Settings: Adjust print darkness, set auto-cut on/off. Memory: Store/recall up to 9 labels. System: Set language, unit (inch/mm), beep on/off.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps.

Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
Type text using keyboard. Use SPACE, BACKSPACE for editing.
Format text: Press FONT, SIZE, or FUNCTION + B/I/U.
Add frame/symbol: Press FRAME or SYMBOL, select with arrows.
Preview on LCD.
Print: Press PRINT. Label prints and auto-cuts (if enabled).
For multiple copies: Press PRINT, then number of copies (1-9).

Tip: Use the PAUSE function (FUNCTION + PRINT) to print long labels in sections.

Advanced Features

Memory: Store a label by pressing FUNCTION + STORE, then a number (1-9). Recall with FUNCTION + RECALL. Sequential Numbering: Print labels with incrementing numbers (FUNCTION + NUM). Mirror Printing: For printing on transparent tape for application from the back (FUNCTION + MIRROR). Print Darkness Adjustment: FUNCTION + DARKNESS (Lighter/Darker). Auto-Cut Setting: Turn auto-cut on/off via FUNCTION + CUT.

Care & Maintenance

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

Exterior: Wipe with dry cloth.
Cutter blade: Keep free of adhesive residue. Use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
Tape path: Clear any jammed tape carefully.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if not used for extended periods.

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

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with 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	Dead batteries, loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing appears on LCD	Contrast setting, power	Adjust contrast (FUNCTION + CONTRAST); check power source.
Tape does not feed/print	Cassette not loaded correctly, tape jam	Reinsert cassette properly; clear any tape jam gently.
Print is faint or blurred	Low battery, print head dirty	Replace batteries; clean print head with dry cotton swab.
Cutter does not work	Auto-cut disabled, mechanical obstruction	Enable auto-cut (FUNCTION + CUT); check for tape debris.
Keyboard keys not responding	Lock function on, debris under keys	Press FUNCTION + LOCK to unlock; clean keyboard with compressed air.

Reset: Remove batteries/unplug adapter for 2 minutes to reset microprocessor.

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