brother pt-1800/1810 label maker manual

The Brother PT-1800/1810 is a compact, portable electronic label maker designed for home and office use. It features a QWERTY-style keyboard, LCD display, multiple font styles and sizes, decorative frames, and prints on laminated TZe tape cartridges. Powered by AC adapter or optional batteries, it creates durable, adhesive labels for organization, identification, and decoration. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Loading Tape Cartridge 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, Tape cartridge slot, Cutter lever, AC adapter port, Battery compartment.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, settings, and tape length before printing
QWERTY Keyboard	For easy text entry and navigation
Tape Cartridge Slot	Accepts TZe series laminated tape cartridges
Cutter Lever	Manually cuts tape after printing
AC Adapter Port	For power connection (adapter included)
Battery Compartment	Holds 6 AA batteries (optional, not included)
Function Keys	Access fonts, sizes, frames, and special symbols
Print Key	Initiates printing of the label
Clear/Backspace Key	Deletes characters or exits menus
Power Switch	Turns label maker on/off

Installation

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

Insert batteries (optional): Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into port and into wall outlet.
Load tape cartridge: Open cartridge cover, insert TZe tape, close cover.
Power on: Slide power switch to ON position.

WARNING! Use only Brother TZe tape cartridges. Do not force tape or cartridge. Keep away from liquids.

First-Time Setup

Power on label maker; LCD will illuminate.

Set language: Press FUNCTION, then LANGUAGE to select English (default).
Set auto power off: Press FUNCTION, then SETUP to adjust auto-off timer (default 5 min).
Adjust contrast: Press FUNCTION, then CONTRAST to optimize LCD visibility.
Test print: Type sample text and press PRINT to verify operation.

CAUTION! Ensure tape cartridge is properly seated. Do not look into print mechanism during operation.

Specifications

Model: PT-1800 / PT-1810.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series laminated tape (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Fonts: Multiple styles (Gothic, Script, Sans Serif) and sizes (1-5).
Frames/Decorations: Over 100 frames, symbols, and clip art.
Power Source: AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (optional).
Display: LCD, 1-line text capacity.
Operating Temp: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Warranty: Limited 1-year.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via keyboard and FUNCTION key. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT, CLEAR, FUNCTION, Arrow keys.

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY layout, Number keys, Symbol key, Space bar.

Text Formatting: FONT (cycle styles), SIZE (1-5), STYLE (bold, underline, italic). Decoration: FRAME (select border), SYMBOL (insert clip art). Setup: LANGUAGE, CONTRAST, AUTO OFF, TAPE WIDTH detection. Utility: MIRROR printing, NUMBERING (sequential labels), MEMORY (store/recall).

Loading Tape Cartridge

Supports TZe tape cartridges (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).

Power off label maker.
Open cartridge cover: Slide cover release lever.
Insert cartridge: Align cartridge arrows, press until click.
Feed tape: Pull tape end gently to feed into cutter area.
Close cover: Ensure it snaps shut.
Power on: Machine auto-detects tape width.

Tip: Use only genuine Brother TZe tape. Ensure tape path is clear of obstructions.

Creating Labels

Create basic to advanced labels with text and decorations.

Enter text: Type desired label text using keyboard.
Format text: Press FONT, SIZE, STYLE to adjust appearance.
Add frames/symbols: Press FRAME or SYMBOL, browse with arrows, select.
Preview: LCD shows label layout and tape length.
Print: Press PRINT; wait for completion tone.
Cut tape: Use cutter lever to sever label.
Apply label: Peel backing, press onto clean surface.

WARNING! Do not touch cutter blade. Keep fingers away during printing/cutting.

Advanced Functions

Numbering: Create sequential labels (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Mirror Printing: For application inside glass/windows. Memory: Store up to 9 labels for recall. Auto Format: Automatically centers text and adjusts size.

Care & Cleaning

Power off and unplug before cleaning. Use dry, soft cloth for exterior; no liquids or abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not clean print mechanism. Avoid dust, extreme temperatures, 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

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/adapter	Check battery polarity; ensure adapter plugged in; replace batteries.
LCD blank/dim	Contrast/power	Adjust contrast via FUNCTION menu; check power source.
Tape not feeding	Cartridge/jam	Reinsert cartridge; clear jammed tape; ensure cover closed.
Print faint/missing	Tape/print head	Use new tape cartridge; clean print head with dry cloth (power off).
Keys not responding	Lock/error	Power off/on to reset; check for error message on LCD.

Reset: Remove batteries/adapter for 2 minutes, then reconnect.

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