brother p touch pt 1880 manual

The Brother P-touch PT-1880 is a compact electronic label maker designed for creating durable, adhesive labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, various tape cassettes, and a built-in cutter. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Loading the Tape Cassette 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Display 6. Creating a Basic Label 7. Advanced Formatting Options 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
Full QWERTY KeyboardFor easy text entry
LCD DisplayShows text, formatting, and preview before printing
Tape Cassette SystemAccepts various Brother TZe tape widths (e.g., 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Built-in CutterManual lever for cutting labels to desired length
Multiple Fonts & SizesSelectable font styles and character sizes
Frames & SymbolsBuilt-in decorative frames and symbols for label enhancement
Auto-LaminationLaminated tapes for durability and smudge resistance
Power OptionsAC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Memory FunctionStores frequently used labels
Print ModesMultiple copies, mirror printing, sequential numbering

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
  2. Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN jack and into a standard 120V AC outlet.
  3. Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with window facing up, close cover.
  4. Power on: Press the POWER button. The LCD will illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cassettes. Using incompatible tapes may damage the printer.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Proper loading ensures smooth operation and print quality.

  1. Ensure the power is OFF.
  2. Press the release button to open the cassette cover.
  3. Insert the tape cassette firmly into the compartment with the tape window facing upward and the Brother logo facing front.
  4. Close the cover until it clicks into place.
  5. Power on the unit. The tape width will be detected automatically.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette. Ensure it is seated correctly before closing the cover.

Specifications

Controls and Display

Access functions via the keyboard and function keys. Front Panel: POWER, FONT, SIZE, FRAME, PRINT, CUT.

Key Functions: Alphanumeric keys for text entry. Function Keys: FONT (cycle through fonts), SIZE (select character size), FRAME (add decorative borders), SYMBOL (insert symbols), PRINT (print label), CUT (feed tape for cutting).

LCD Display: Shows entered text, selected font, tape width, battery status, and print preview. Navigation: Use arrow keys to move cursor. Delete/Backspace: Correct mistakes. Shift: Access secondary functions and capital letters.

Creating a Basic Label

Follow these steps to create and print a simple text label.

  1. Power on the PT-1880.
  2. Type your desired text using the keyboard. It appears on the LCD.
  3. Press FONT to select a font style (e.g., Gothic, Script).
  4. Press SIZE to choose a character size (Small, Medium, Large).
  5. Press FRAME if you want to add a border around the text.
  6. Preview the label on the LCD.
  7. Press PRINT. The label will print and automatically feed.
  8. After printing, use the CUT lever to cut the label from the tape.

Tip: Press and hold PRINT for multiple copies.

Advanced Formatting Options

Utilize advanced features for professional-looking labels.

  1. Sequential Numbering: Access via FUNCTION menu to print labels with incrementing numbers.
  2. Mirror Printing: Print text in reverse for application on the inside of glass or transparent surfaces.
  3. Text Effects: Apply bold, underline, or italic styles using the FUNCTION key combinations.
  4. Memory Storage: Save a frequently used label format by pressing MEMORY followed by a number key (M1, M2, etc.). Recall by pressing RECALL and the corresponding number.
  5. Symbol Library: Press SYMBOL to browse and insert from hundreds of built-in symbols.
  6. Auto Formatting: The unit can automatically adjust text size to fit the selected tape width.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth only; do not use liquids or chemical cleaners.

Cleaning the Cutter Blade: If cutting becomes uneven, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the cutter blade edge. Allow to dry completely before use.

Tape Jam: If tape jams, power off, open cassette cover, and gently remove the jammed tape. Do not use sharp objects.

CAUTION! Never immerse the unit in water. Keep away from extreme heat, cold, and humidity.

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 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerDead batteries, loose adapterReplace batteries; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Nothing appears on LCDContrast setting, power issueAdjust contrast via FUNCTION key; check power source.
Text does not printEmpty tape, tape jam, print head issueReplace tape cassette; clear any jam; ensure cassette is loaded correctly.
Print quality is poorDirty print head, old tapeClean print head with dry cotton swab; use fresh tape cassette.
Tape does not feed/cutCutter jam, mechanical obstructionGently clear cutter area; ensure no foreign objects inside.
Wrong characters printLanguage setting incorrectChange language setting via FUNCTION menu.

Reset: Remove batteries/unplug adapter for 60 seconds to perform a soft reset.

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

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