Brother P Touch PT 1800 Manual

The Brother P Touch PT 1800 is a compact, easy-to-use electronic labeling system designed for home and office use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, automatic tape cutting, and supports a variety of laminated tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Functions 5. Basic Operation 6. Advanced Features 7. Tape Cassettes 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Keyboard, LCD Display, Tape Cassette Compartment, Power Adapter Port, Cutter Lever.

FeatureDescription
LCD DisplayShows text, settings, and preview before printing
Full KeyboardQWERTY layout for easy text entry
Tape Cassette SystemSupports laminated tape widths (e.g., 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Automatic CutterCuts tape automatically after printing (manual override available)
Fonts & StylesMultiple fonts, sizes, styles (bold, italic, underline), and frames
Power SourceAC Adapter (included) or optional AA batteries
POWER ButtonTurns the P-Touch on/off
PRINT ButtonInitiates printing of the label
FUNCTION KeyAccesses advanced features and settings
Cutter LeverManually cuts the tape if automatic cutting is disabled

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Install Tape Cassette: Open the cassette cover. Insert a Brother TZe tape cassette with the printed side facing down. Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
  2. Power the Unit: Connect the included AC adapter to the DC IN jack and then to a wall outlet. Alternatively, install 6 AA batteries (not included) into the battery compartment.
  3. Turn On: Press the POWER button. The LCD will illuminate.
  4. Set Language & Units: Use the FUNCTION key and arrow keys to select your preferred language and measurement units (mm/inch) in the initial setup menu.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe series tape cassettes. Incorrect cassettes may cause jamming.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the keyboard and FUNCTION key menu.

Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, FUNCTION, Cutter Lever, Keyboard, LCD.

Key Functions:
Letters/Numbers: Enter text.
Space: Adds a space.
Backspace (BS): Deletes character to the left.
Shift: Accesses uppercase and secondary symbols.
Code: Enters special symbols and international characters.
Size: Cycles through font sizes.
Style: Selects bold, italic, underline, outline, shadow.
Frame: Applies decorative borders around text.
Length: Sets manual or auto label length.
Arrows (← →): Moves cursor.

Basic Operation

Creating and printing a simple label.

  1. Press POWER to turn on the unit.
  2. Type your desired text using the keyboard. It appears on the LCD.
  3. Use the SIZE, STYLE, and FRAME keys to format the text as desired.
  4. Preview the label on the LCD. Use the arrows to check the full length if necessary.
  5. Press the PRINT button. The label will print and be automatically cut.
  6. Peel off the backing and apply the label.

Tip: Press and hold the PRINT button for multiple copies of the same label.

Advanced Features

Utilizing the FUNCTION menu for enhanced labeling.

  1. Press the FUNCTION key to enter the menu.
  2. Use the arrow keys to navigate:
    • Auto Numbering: Create sequential number labels.
    • Text Alignment: Align text left, center, or right.
    • Mirror Printing: Print text reversed (for application on glass).
    • Length Setting: Set fixed label length or use auto-length.
    • Margin Setting: Choose half-cut, full-cut, or chain printing (no cut).
    • System Setup: Adjust buzzer, LCD contrast, auto power off, language, units.
  3. Press FUNCTION or PRINT to confirm selections.

Tape Cassettes

Using the correct Brother TZe tape cassettes is essential.

CAUTION! Do not touch the printing mechanism inside the cassette compartment. Do not use damaged or non-Brother cassettes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the AC adapter or remove batteries before cleaning.

  1. Exterior: Wipe the casing with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
  2. Cutter Blade: If printing becomes faint or tape doesn't cut cleanly, the cutter blade may be dull. Replace the tape cassette; a new cassette has a fresh blade.
  3. Print Head: Keep clean. If print quality declines, use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the print head (visible when cassette compartment is open).
  4. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.

WARNING! Never insert objects into the tape exit slot or cassette compartment.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. This product conforms to applicable safety and EMC standards. Copyright and trademarks are property of Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-4BROTHER (1-877-427-6843).

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Unit does not power onDead batteries / loose adapterInstall new batteries or ensure AC adapter is firmly connected at both ends.
Nothing appears on LCDContrast setting / no powerAdjust LCD contrast in SYSTEM SETUP (FUNCTION menu). Check power source.
Text does not printNo tape / cassette errorEnsure a tape cassette is correctly installed. Replace empty cassette.
Print is faint or blurredDull cutter blade / dirty print headInstall a new tape cassette. Gently clean the print head with a dry cotton swab.
Tape jams or does not feedIncorrect cassette / obstructionTurn unit off. Remove the cassette, clear any obstruction, and reinsert a correct TZe cassette.
Tape is not cutMargin setting / manual modeCheck margin setting (FUNCTION menu). Ensure it's not set to "Chain Print." Use the cutter lever manually.

Reset: To restore factory defaults, turn off the unit. Press and hold the FUNCTION key while turning the power on. Release the FUNCTION key after the display initializes.

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

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