Brother PT 1280 Manual

The Brother PT 1280 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home, office, and organizational use. It features a QWERTY-style keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame/border options, and supports a range of laminated tape cassettes. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with keyboard and LCD display, AC power adapter, starter tape cassette, user manual.

Feature	Description
Keyboard	Full QWERTY-style layout for easy text entry
LCD Display	Shows text and formatting before printing
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts Brother TZe series laminated tape cassettes
Print Mechanism	Thermal transfer printing for clear, durable labels
Function Keys	For accessing fonts, frames, sizes, and special functions
Cutter Lever	Built-in cutter for separating printed labels
Power Source	6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter
Auto Power Off	Conserves battery life when not in use
Multiple Fonts	Includes several font styles and sizes
Frames/Borders	Various decorative borders for labels

Unpacking and Setup

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

1. Insert batteries: Open battery compartment on the back, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
2. Connect AC adapter (optional): Plug the adapter into the DC IN jack and then into a wall outlet.
3. Load tape cassette: See Section 3 for detailed instructions.
4. Power on: Press the POWER key. The display will illuminate.

WARNING! Use only the specified AC adapter. Incorrect voltage can damage the unit.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Ensure the power is OFF before loading or replacing tape.

1. Press the cassette cover release button and open the cover.
2. Insert a Brother TZe series tape cassette into the compartment, ensuring the tape guides align.
3. Feed the tape end under the print head and out through the tape exit slot.
4. Close the cassette cover firmly until it clicks into place.
5. Power on the unit. The tape indicator on the display should show the loaded tape width.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette or cover. Ensure the tape is feeding smoothly.

Specifications

• Model: Brother PT-1280.
• Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series laminated tapes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
• Print Method: Thermal transfer.
• Display: LCD, 1 line.
• Fonts: Multiple styles (e.g., Sans Serif, Script) and sizes (from 6pt to 24pt).
• Frames/Borders: Over 10 decorative border styles.
• Power Supply: 6 AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) or optional AC adapter (AD-24).
• Auto Power Off: Approx. 5 minutes of inactivity.
• Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).
• Dimensions & Weight: Approx. 7.1" (W) x 8.3" (D) x 2.4" (H), 1.3 lbs (without batteries).

Controls and Display

Access functions via dedicated keys and the FUNCTION menu.

Main Keys: POWER, LETTER (case), FONT, SIZE, FRAME, PRINT, FEED, CLEAR.

Display Icons: Shows battery level, tape width, font style, size, frame selection, and cursor position.

Function Menu (FONT key): Cycle through font styles. SIZE key: Cycle through available point sizes. FRAME key: Cycle through border/frame options. PRINT key: Prints the current label. FEED key: Advances the tape without printing. CLEAR key: Deletes characters or exits menus.

Basic Label Creation

Creating a simple text label.

1. Power on the unit.
2. Type your desired text using the keyboard. Use the DEL key to backspace.
3. To change formatting, press FONT, SIZE, or FRAME keys to cycle through options. The display updates in real-time.
4. Preview your label on the display.
5. Press the PRINT key. The unit will print the label.
6. Once printing is complete, use the built-in cutter lever to cut the tape.
7. Peel off the backing and apply the label.

Tip: For longer labels, the text will scroll automatically on the display as you type.

Advanced Formatting Options

Utilizing the full range of label maker features.

1. Auto Formatting: Certain symbols (like "!" or "?") may trigger automatic font or size changes for emphasis.
2. Multiple Lines: Press ENTER to move the cursor to a new line within the same label.
3. Symbols: Press the SYMBOL key to access a library of special characters and icons.
4. Numbering: Use the NUMBER key for automatic sequential numbering (e.g., for bins or files).
5. Preview Mode: Hold down the PRINT key to see a full preview of longer labels before printing.

Note: Some advanced features may not be available with all tape widths.

Power and Battery Information

Operating on battery or AC power.

Battery Use: The low battery indicator will flash when power is low. Replace all 6 AA batteries at the same time. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.

AC Adapter (AD-24): For continuous use, the optional adapter is recommended. Plug it into the DC IN 9V jack. The unit will draw power from the adapter instead of the batteries.

Auto Power Off: To conserve power, the unit will automatically turn off after approximately 5 minutes of inactivity. Press POWER to turn it back on.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the AC adapter and remove batteries before cleaning.

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

Print Head: If print quality declines, clean the thermal print head with a dry cotton swab. Ensure the unit is off and the tape cassette is removed.

Tape Path: Occasionally check the tape exit slot for adhesive residue or debris and clean gently.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tape cassettes in their original packaging to prevent dust accumulation.

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

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / Display blank	Dead batteries, adapter not connected	Replace all batteries; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected to unit and outlet.
Nothing prints	Tape cassette not loaded, print head dirty	Ensure tape is loaded correctly and feeding; clean the print head.
Faint or uneven printing	Low batteries, worn tape, dirty head	Replace batteries; try a new tape cassette; clean the print head.
Tape jams or doesn't feed	Misaligned cassette, debris in path	Power off, open cover, remove and reinsert cassette. Clear any obstruction.
Keys not responding	Unit locked up	Remove batteries and AC adapter for 2 minutes, then reconnect power.
Incorrect characters print	Font or language setting issue	Check the font setting. Perform a factory reset (see manual for procedure).

Reset: To restore factory defaults, press and hold FONT and POWER simultaneously while turning on. Release after the display clears. (Note: This erases all user text).

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com