Brother P-touch PT-1830 Label Maker Manual

The Brother P-touch PT-1830 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for creating professional-looking labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and supports a variety of TZe tape cassettes. Below are key sections for 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: Main unit with QWERTY keyboard, LCD screen, Tape cassette compartment, AC adapter port, and Cut button.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, settings, and preview before printing
QWERTY Keyboard	For easy text entry and navigation
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts Brother TZe series tape cassettes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Cut Button	Manually cuts the tape after printing
AC Adapter Port	For power connection (Adapter AD-24 included)
Battery Compartment	Holds 6 AA batteries for portable use
Function Keys	Access fonts, sizes, frames, and special symbols
Auto-Cut Feature	Optional setting to automatically cut tape after each label
Multiple Fonts & Sizes	Various styles and point sizes for customization
Decorative Frames	Add borders and frames to labels

Unpacking and Setup

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

Install batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries (not included), observing polarity.
Connect AC power: Plug the AD-24 adapter into the port and then into a wall outlet (optional for corded use).
Install tape cassette: Open the cassette cover, insert a TZe tape cassette with the tape feeding towards the cut slot, and close the cover firmly.
Power on: Press the POWER button. The LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Incorrect tape may damage the printer mechanism.

First-Time Operation

Power on the label maker; follow on-screen prompts.

Set language: Press the FUNCTION key, navigate to LANGUAGE, and select your preferred language.
Set tape width: The machine automatically detects the installed tape width.
Create a test label: Type "TEST" and press the PRINT button. Press CUT to sever the label.
Adjust print density: Use FUNCTION > SETTINGS > PRINT DENSITY for darker/lighter print.

CAUTION! Keep fingers clear of the cutting mechanism when pressing the CUT button.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch PT-1830.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series laminated tape (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Power Supply: AD-24 AC adapter (included) or 6 x AA batteries.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Keyboard: QWERTY layout with function keys.
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
Memory: Stores frequently used labels and formats.
Operating Temp: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or the FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CUT, CURSOR keys, SPACE, BACKSPACE, ALPHABET keys.

Function Menu (FUNC): Font, Size, Style (Bold, Italic, Underline), Frame, Symbol, Numbering, Mirror print, Print options (Quantity, Auto-Cut).

Text Entry: Use keyboard to type. Use CURSOR keys to move, BACKSPACE to delete. Formatting: Select font (e.g., CG Times, Sans Serif), size (10pt to 24pt), and style before or after typing. Frames: Choose from various decorative borders. Settings: Language, Unit (mm/inch), Print Density, Auto-Off timer.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process.

Power on and ensure tape is loaded.
Type your text using the keyboard.
Format text: Press FUNC, select FONT, SIZE, or STYLE as desired.
Add a frame or symbol if needed via FUNC menu.
Preview on LCD. Adjust as necessary.
Press PRINT. The label will print and advance.
Press CUT to sever the label from the roll. If Auto-Cut is on, this happens automatically.

Tip: Use the SPACE key to create gaps between words or elements on your label.

Advanced Features

Numbering: Create sequential labels (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Mirror Print: For printing labels to be viewed from the reverse side (e.g., on glass). Memory: Store up to 10 frequently used labels in memory for quick recall. Auto-Cut: Enable in settings to automatically cut after each print job. Tape Margin: Set to FULL, HALF, or NONE to control space before/after text.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug or remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Clean the print head with a cotton swab if print quality degrades (power off first).

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Avoid getting tape adhesive residue inside the machine.

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-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-4BROTHER. This product uses thermal printing technology; the print head may become warm during extended use.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing prints	No tape/incorrect installation	Install a tape cassette properly; ensure the cover is closed.
Faint or poor print	Low battery/print density setting	Replace batteries; adjust PRINT DENSITY in settings.
Tape jams or doesn't feed	Obstructed path/wrong tape	Power off, remove tape, clear any obstruction, reinstall correct TZe tape.
Keys not responding	Unit locked/low power	Press and hold POWER to reset; check battery/adapter power.

Reset: Hold POWER button for 5 seconds to perform a soft reset.

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