brother p touch pt 15 owner's manual

The Brother P-touch PT-15 is a compact, easy-to-use electronic labeler designed for home and office organization. It features a full keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape cassettes, automatic tape cutting, and a clear LCD display. This manual covers safety instructions, key features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your label maker.

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 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Keyboard, LCD Display, Tape Cassette Slot, Cutter Lever, Power Adapter Jack, Battery Compartment.

Feature	Description
Full QWERTY Keyboard	For easy text entry and label creation
LCD Display	Shows text, format, and tape length before printing
Tape Cassette System	Accepts 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm laminated tape
Automatic Cutter	Cuts tape automatically after printing (manual override available)
Multiple Fonts & Frames	Offers various font styles, sizes, and decorative frames
Power Options	Operates on AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included)
POWER Button	Turns the labeler on/off
PRINT Button	Prints the created label
FUNCTION Key	Accesses secondary functions like font change, frames, and settings
Arrow Keys	Navigate menus and move cursor

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all items from the box and inspect for damage.

Insert Batteries: Open battery compartment on the bottom, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Connect AC Adapter: Plug the adapter into the DC IN jack and into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Load Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert a Brother TZ tape with the cutting edge facing out, and close the cover until it clicks.
Power On: Press the POWER button. The LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother recommended AC adapter and tape cassettes. Do not force the cassette cover.

First-Time Use

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

Power on the device. The default font and size will be shown on the LCD.
Type your desired text using the keyboard. The text appears on the LCD.
Use the FUNCTION key combined with other keys to change font, size, or add a frame.
Press the PRINT button. The label will print and automatically cut.
Peel the backing from the printed label and apply it to a clean, dry surface.

CAUTION! Keep fingers clear of the cutter area during printing. The cutter blade is sharp.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-15 Electronic Labeler.
Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm (TZ series laminated tapes).
Display: 1-line LCD, 12-character capacity.
Power Supply: AC Adapter (PS-20, 6V DC) or 6 x AA batteries.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
Key Functions: Font selection, auto numbering, multiple frames, underline, vertical text.
Memory: Last label memory function.
Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).
Dimensions (WxDxH): Approx. 6.3" x 7.1" x 2.4" (160 x 180 x 60 mm).
Weight: Approx. 1.3 lbs (600 g) without batteries and tape.

Controls and Functions

Access all features via the keyboard and FUNCTION key combinations.

Primary Keys: POWER, PRINT, SPACE, DEL, CODE, FUNCTION, Arrow Keys (Left/Right).

Function Key Combos: FONT (cycle fonts), SIZE (cycle sizes), FRAME (select border), UNDERLINE, VERTICAL (toggle vertical text), NUM (auto numbering), LENGTH (shows tape length).

LCD Indicators: Shows battery status, font, size, frame, and underline status.

Creating Labels

Basic and advanced label creation steps.

Turn on the P-touch with the POWER button.
Type your text. Use DEL to backspace and correct errors.
To format: Press FUNCTION + FONT to change font style. Press FUNCTION + SIZE to change character size.
To add a frame: Press FUNCTION + FRAME repeatedly to cycle through available frames.
Preview tape length: Press FUNCTION + LENGTH to see how much tape will be used.
Print: Press PRINT. The label prints and cuts automatically.
For multiple copies: Type text, then press PRINT, then enter the number of copies (1-9) using number keys, then press PRINT again.

Tip: Use the vertical text function for labeling narrow edges or wires.

Advanced Functions

Utilize these features for specialized labeling.

Auto Numbering: Press FUNCTION + NUM. Type starting number, press PRINT. Each subsequent press of PRINT increases the number.
Vertical Text: Press FUNCTION + VERTICAL to rotate text 90 degrees.
Underline: Press FUNCTION + UNDERLINE to toggle underline on/off for the entire label.
Last Label Memory: After printing, the last label is saved. Turn the unit off and on, then press PRINT to reprint it.
Manual Cutting: During printing, you can press the cutter lever to stop and cut the tape manually.

WARNING! Do not pull the tape during printing or cutting. Let the mechanism operate freely.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cutter Blade: Keep free of adhesive residue. Clean gently with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
Tape Path: If tape jams, refer to troubleshooting. Do not use sharp objects to clear jams.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if not used for extended periods.

CAUTION! Never immerse the labeler in water or other liquids.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with limits for a Class B digital device. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. "P-touch" is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-4BROTHER.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power (LCD blank)	Dead batteries, loose adapter	Install new batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected to unit and outlet.
Text does not print clearly	Dirty print head, old tape	Clean print head with dry cotton swab; use a fresh tape cassette.
Tape does not feed/cuts poorly	Cassette not loaded correctly, blunt cutter	Eject and reload tape cassette properly; ensure cutter lever moves freely.
Keys do not respond	Unit locked up	Turn power off, remove batteries/adapter for 2 minutes, then reconnect.
"TAPE EMPTY" on LCD	Out of tape or cassette error	Replace with a new Brother TZ tape cassette; ensure cassette is fully inserted.
Print is misaligned	Incorrect tape width setting	The unit auto-detects tape width. Eject and reinsert the cassette.

Reset: Remove batteries and AC adapter for 5 minutes to perform a full reset.

Service: 1-877-4BROTHER; www.brother-usa.com