Brother PT 1880 User Manual

The Brother PT 1880 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for home, office, and small business use. It features a full QWERTY keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame and symbol options, and a wide selection of tape cassettes for creating durable, professional-looking labels. 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. Connecting to Power 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Label Maker Unit, AC Adapter, Starter Tape Cassette, User Manual.

Feature	Description
Display	1-line LCD display for previewing text
Keyboard	Full QWERTY layout with function keys
Tape Cassette	Accepts TZe tape series in various widths and colors
Print Method	Thermal transfer printing
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, and text styles (bold, underline, etc.)
Frames & Symbols	Built-in decorative frames and symbols
Auto-Cut	Automatic tape cutting after printing (optional setting)
Power Source	AC Adapter or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Port	DC IN jack for AC adapter
Function Keys	Font, Size, Style, Frame, Print, and Power buttons

Installation

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

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries observing correct polarity.
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing up, close cover.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN jack and then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Power on: Press the POWER button to turn on the unit.

WARNING! Use only the specified Brother AC adapter. Do not mix old and new batteries.

First-Time Setup

Power on the label maker; the display will show the default settings.

Set language: Press the FUNCTION key, then use arrow keys to select your language.
Set tape width: The unit auto-detects the installed tape width.
Adjust print darkness: Press FUNCTION > SETTINGS > DARKNESS to adjust for tape type.
Set auto-cut: Press FUNCTION > SETTINGS > AUTO CUT to turn On/Off.

CAUTION! Do not touch the print head inside the tape compartment.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-1880.
Tape Width: Supports 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" TZe series tapes.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm per second.
Display: 1-line, 12-character LCD.
Memory: Stores last 9 labels for reprinting.
Fonts: 5 fonts, 6 styles, 10 sizes (from 6pt to 24pt).
Power Consumption: DC 6V, 1.0A.
Operating Temp: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Dimensions: 7.1" (W) x 8.3" (D) x 2.4" (H).
Weight: Approx. 1.5 lbs (without batteries).

Controls and Settings

Access functions via dedicated keys or FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, FRAME, PRINT, arrow keys, and DEL.

Function Menu: Press FUNCTION to access: LANGUAGE, SETTINGS (Darkness, Auto Cut, Beep), MEMORY, and SYSTEM RESET.

Text Formatting: Change font with FONT key, size with SIZE key, and style (bold, underline, outline) with STYLE key. Frames & Symbols: Press FRAME to select from built-in designs. Print Settings: Adjust darkness for optimal print quality on different tapes.

Connecting to Power

Use either AC adapter or batteries.

For AC power: Connect adapter to DC IN jack and wall outlet.
For battery power: Install 6 AA batteries in compartment.
Low battery indicator: Display shows battery icon when power is low.

Tip: For frequent use, the AC adapter is recommended to conserve batteries.

Creating Labels

Supports text entry, formatting, and printing.

Enter text: Type using the QWERTY keyboard; text appears on display.
Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, STYLE keys to customize appearance.
Add frames/symbols: Press FRAME, browse with arrows, press OK to insert.
Preview: Text with formatting is shown on the 1-line display.
Print: Press PRINT key; label prints and auto-cuts if enabled.
Manual cut: If auto-cut is off, press the cutter lever on the side.
Memory: Printed labels are saved; press FUNCTION > MEMORY to reprint.

WARNING! Do not pull the tape while printing. Keep fingers away from cutter.

Advanced Functions

Numbering: Create sequential labels (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Mirror Printing: For creating labels to view from opposite side (e.g., window signs). Memory Function: Store and recall up to 9 labels. System Reset: Restores all settings to factory defaults (FUNCTION > SYSTEM RESET).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior. Clean print head with cotton swab if print quality degrades.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Store in a cool, dry place.

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 is RoHS compliant.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/adapter	Check battery polarity; ensure adapter is firmly connected.
Display is blank	Power/contrast	Press POWER; adjust contrast via FUNCTION > SETTINGS.
Tape does not feed	Tape jam/installation	Open cover, remove and reinsert tape cassette correctly.
Print is faint	Darkness setting/tape	Increase print darkness in SETTINGS; use genuine Brother tape.
Keys not responding	Low battery/system lock	Replace batteries; turn unit off and on to reset.
Error message on display	Tape mismatch/mechanical	Ensure correct tape width; turn off, wait 10 seconds, restart.

Reset: FUNCTION > SYSTEM RESET to restore factory defaults (erases memory).

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