Brother P-touch PT-1280 User Manual

The Brother P-touch PT-1280 is a versatile electronic labeling system featuring a full keyboard, large LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape cassettes, built-in templates, automatic tape cutting, and a rechargeable battery option. It is designed for creating professional labels for home, office, and organizational use. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Creating Labels 7. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full keyboard, Large LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Power adapter port, Battery compartment, Cutter lever.

Feature	Description
Full Keyboard	QWERTY layout for easy text entry
Large LCD Display	Shows text, formatting, and preview before printing
Tape Cassette Compartment	Accepts various width tape cassettes (3.5mm-12mm)
Power Adapter Port	For AC power connection
Battery Compartment	Holds 6 AA batteries for portable use
Cutter Lever	Manually cuts tape after printing
Function Keys	Access fonts, sizes, styles, frames, and symbols
Auto-Cut Feature	Automatically cuts tape after each label (if enabled)
Multiple Fonts	Includes various font styles and sizes
Built-in Templates	Pre-designed layouts for common labels

Installation & Setup

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

Install batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Insert tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
Connect power adapter: Plug adapter into port and into AC outlet (optional for battery use).
Power on: Press the POWER button.

WARNING! Use only recommended Brother tape cassettes. Do not force cassette into compartment.

First-Time Use

Power on the P-touch; follow on-screen prompts.

Set language: Press FUNCTION, select LANGUAGE, choose preferred language.
Set tape width: Machine auto-detects tape width; confirm on display.
Test print: Type a sample text, press PRINT to create a test label.
Adjust settings: Use FUNCTION key to set auto-cut, power save mode, etc.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from cutter area during printing and cutting.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-1280.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Display: Large LCD with backlight.
Power Source: 6 AA batteries or AC adapter (optional).
Fonts: Multiple fonts and sizes.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
Memory: Stores frequently used text and formats.
Compatibility: Brother TZ tape cassettes.
Operating Temp: 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT (manual), CURSOR keys, SPACE, BACKSPACE, SHIFT, FUNCTION.

Function Menu: Font selection, Size adjustment, Style (Bold, Italic, Underline), Frames/Borders, Symbols, Auto-cut setting, Power save, Language, Reset.

Text Entry: Use keyboard to type. Formatting: Select text then apply font/size/style. Preview: LCD shows label before printing. Print: Press PRINT to produce label; auto-cut if enabled.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation steps:

Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
Type text using keyboard.
Format text: Use FUNCTION key to select font, size, style.
Add frames/symbols if desired.
Preview on LCD.
Press PRINT to print label.
If auto-cut is off, manually press CUT lever after printing.

Tip: Use built-in templates for quick labels (name badges, file labels, etc.).

Advanced Functions

Utilize advanced features for professional labels.

Serial Numbering: Print labels with consecutive numbers.
Memory Storage: Save frequently used text for quick recall.
Mirror Printing: Print text in reverse for application on glass or transparent surfaces.
Vertical Text: Print text vertically for narrow labels.
Multiple Copies: Print up to 9 copies of the same label.
Text Alignment: Align text left, center, or right.
Barcode Printing: Create simple barcodes (select models).

WARNING! Do not pull tape during printing; allow auto-feed.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug power adapter and remove batteries before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth only; no liquids or solvents.

CAUTION! Do not spray cleaners directly on unit; keep away from dust and extreme temperatures.

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.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/adapter	Check battery polarity; replace batteries; ensure adapter is connected securely.
No text on display	Contrast setting	Adjust contrast via FUNCTION menu.
Tape not feeding	Cassette jam/improper loading	Open cover, remove and reinsert cassette properly; ensure no obstruction.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head/old tape	Clean print head with dry cotton swab; replace tape cassette.
Keyboard not responding	Low power/error state	Replace batteries; turn off and on again.
Auto-cut not working	Setting disabled	Enable auto-cut in FUNCTION menu.

Reset: Press FUNCTION + POWER to reset to factory defaults if needed.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother.com