brother p-touch manual ptd600

The Brother P-touch PTD600 is a professional-grade electronic label maker featuring a full keyboard, large LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape cassettes, built-in templates, memory storage, PC connectivity capabilities, and a rechargeable battery. It is designed for creating durable, laminated labels for home, office, and industrial organization. Below are key sections covering 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 Functions 8. Maintenance & Care 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full QWERTY keyboard, Large backlit LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Power adapter port, USB port (for PC connection), Print/Cut mechanism, Battery compartment.

FeatureDescription
Full KeyboardFor direct text entry and editing
Large LCD DisplayShows label text, format, and preview
Tape Cassette SystemAccepts various width laminated tape cassettes (e.g., 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Power Adapter PortFor AC power connection and battery charging
USB PortFor connecting to a computer for P-touch Editor software use
Print/Cut MechanismAutomatically prints and cuts labels to length
Battery CompartmentHolds rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack
Function KeysAccess fonts, styles, frames, symbols, and memory
Cursor KeysNavigate text and menus on the LCD
Power KeyTurns the label maker on/off

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Insert the battery: Open the battery compartment, insert the rechargeable battery pack, and close the cover.
  2. Charge the battery: Connect the AC power adapter to the label maker and a wall outlet. Charge fully before first use (approx. 3 hours).
  3. Load a tape cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert a compatible tape cassette with the cut edge facing out, and close the cover firmly.
  4. Power on: Press the POWER key. The LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only the specified Brother AC adapter and battery. Do not force the tape cassette.

First-Time Use

After setup, follow these steps to create your first label.

  1. Select language: Upon first power-on, use the cursor keys to select your language from the menu and press Enter.
  2. Set date/time (optional): Navigate to the settings menu to configure the clock if needed for timestamp labels.
  3. Type your text: Use the keyboard to type the desired label text. It will appear on the LCD.
  4. Format the label: Use the Font, Size, and Style keys to change appearance. Use the Frame key to add borders.
  5. Print the label: Press the Print key. The label will be printed, laminated, and automatically cut.
  6. Apply the label: Peel the backing paper off and apply the label to a clean, dry surface.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from the print/cut mechanism during operation.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or the menu system. Front Panel: POWER, Print, Font, Size, Style, Frame, Symbol, Memory, Cursor keys, Enter, Escape, Backspace.

Key Functions: POWER (On/Off), Print (prints and cuts), Font (cycles through fonts), Size (selects character size), Style (bold, italic, underline, etc.), Frame (adds borders/boxes), Symbol (inserts symbols), Memory (store/recall labels), Cursor/Enter (navigation and selection).

Menu Functions: Access system settings (language, date/time, auto power-off), tape width setting, print density adjustment, initialize memory, and factory reset.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process.

  1. Turn on the P-touch.
  2. Type text using the keyboard. Use Shift for capital letters.
  3. To format:
    • Press FONT repeatedly to cycle through available fonts.
    • Press SIZE to choose character height.
    • Press STYLE to apply bold, italic, underline, or outline.
  4. Press FRAME to select a border style around your text.
  5. Press SYMBOL to insert special characters or pictograms.
  6. Preview your label on the LCD. Use the cursor keys to edit.
  7. Press PRINT. The label prints, laminates, and is cut automatically.
  8. Peel off the backing and apply.

Tip: For long labels, the P-touch will print in segments if the text exceeds the memory buffer.

Advanced Functions

Utilizing memory and PC connectivity.

  1. Storing Labels: After creating a label, press MEMORY, select "Store", choose a memory number, and press Enter.
  2. Recalling Labels: Press MEMORY, select "Recall", choose the memory number, and press Enter. Edit and print as needed.
  3. Serial Numbering: Create a base text and use the numbering function to automatically increment numbers (e.g., Item-001, Item-002).
  4. PC Connection: Install P-touch Editor software from the included CD/download. Connect via USB cable to design complex labels on your computer and send them to the PTD600 for printing.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug adapter and remove battery before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Never use liquids or sprays.

Tape Cassette Care: Store unused cassettes in a cool, dry place. Ensure the cassette compartment is clean and free of adhesive residue.

Print Head Cleaning: If print quality declines, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the print head (located inside the cassette compartment). Allow to dry completely before reloading tape.

CAUTION! Do not touch the print head with fingers. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that it does not cause harmful interference. Copyright and trademarks: Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBattery depleted/not connectedConnect AC adapter; ensure battery is properly inserted and charged.
Nothing printsTape cassette empty/not loaded correctlyCheck tape cassette; reload properly; replace if empty.
Poor print qualityDirty print head/old tapeClean print head; try a new tape cassette.
Text does not appear on LCDContrast setting/LCD issueAdjust contrast in system settings; ensure device is on.
Label jams or mis-feedsMisaligned tape/mechanism issueTurn off, open cover, remove jammed tape carefully. Ensure tape path is clear.
PC not recognizedDriver/software/connectionInstall correct P-touch Editor software/drivers; check USB cable connection.

Reset: Menu > System > Initialize (resets all settings to factory default, erases memory).

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

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