Brother PT 85 Label Maker Manual

The Brother PT 85 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 a variety of 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 Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Loading Tape Cassettes 7. Creating Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

Feature	Description
LCD Display	Shows text, symbols, and formatting before printing
QWERTY Keyboard	Full keyboard layout for easy text entry
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts various Brother TZe tape widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Print/Cut Button	Prints the label and automatically cuts it to length
Function Keys	Access fonts, frames, styles, and settings
AC Adapter Port	For power connection (also operates on 6 AA batteries)
Power Button	Turns the label maker on/off
Font Style Key	Cycles through available fonts (e.g., Sans Serif, Script)
Font Size Key	Adjusts text size (Small, Medium, Large)
Frame Key	Adds decorative borders and frames to labels

Unpacking and Setup

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

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 6 AA batteries (not included), observing polarity.
Connect AC adapter: Plug adapter into DC IN port and into a standard 120V AC outlet (optional).
Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover, insert tape with printed side facing out, close cover.
Power on: Press the POWER button.

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

First-Time Use

Power on the unit; the LCD will display a welcome message.

Set language: Press SETTINGS, use arrow keys to select LANGUAGE, choose ENGLISH (default).
Set auto power off: In SETTINGS, set auto-off timer to conserve batteries (e.g., 5 minutes).
Test print: Type "TEST" and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.
Adjust print darkness: In SETTINGS, select PRINT DARKNESS for lighter or darker text.

CAUTION! Do not touch the print head or cutter blade. Keep fingers clear during operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-85.
Display: 1-line LCD, 12-character capacity.
Tape Compatibility: Brother TZe series tapes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm widths).
Fonts: 5 font styles, 3 sizes, multiple frames and symbols.
Power Source: 6 AA batteries or AC adapter (AD-24ES, included).
Battery Life: Approximately 15,000 characters (alkaline batteries).
Print Method: Thermal transfer.
Operating Temperature: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C).
Dimensions: 7.1" x 3.9" x 2.4" (180 x 100 x 60 mm).
Weight: Approx. 1.1 lbs (500 g) without batteries.

Controls and Functions

Access functions via dedicated keys or the FUNCTION menu. Front Panel: POWER, PRINT/CUT, FONT, SIZE, FRAME, UNDERLINE, BOLD, ITALIC.

Keyboard: Standard QWERTY layout with additional Symbol (SYM) and Function (FNC) keys.

Text Formatting: FONT (cycle styles), SIZE (S/M/L), BOLD, ITALIC, UNDERLINE. Label Design: FRAME (add borders), SYM (insert symbols), ALIGN (left/center/right). Settings: Access via SETTINGS key for language, auto-off, print darkness, tape width setting, and unit reset.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Supports Brother TZe laminated and non-laminated tapes.

Power off the unit.
Open the cassette cover by sliding the release latch.
Insert cassette with tape end feeding toward the cutter slot and printed side facing outward.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Power on; the LCD will show the tape width automatically.

Tip: Ensure the tape is not twisted inside the cassette. Use only genuine Brother tapes.

Creating Labels

Create labels for files, bins, cables, and more.

Type text: Use keyboard to enter desired label text.
Format text: Use FONT, SIZE, BOLD, ITALIC, UNDERLINE keys.
Add frames/symbols: Press FRAME or SYM to select decorative elements.
Preview: Text appears on LCD as you type.
Print: Press PRINT/CUT to print and automatically cut the label.
Apply label: Peel backing from printed label and apply to surface.
Multiple copies: Use QTY key before printing to set number of copies (1-9).

WARNING! Do not pull tape during printing or cutting. Allow the automatic cutter to complete its cycle.

Advanced Functions

Serial Numbering: Use FNC then NUM key to create sequential labels. Memory: Store up to 9 frequently used labels in memory (FNC + MEM). Mirror Printing: For application on inside of glass/windows (SETTINGS > PRINT MODE).

Care & Maintenance

Power off and remove batteries for long-term storage. Clean exterior with dry, soft cloth. Never use liquids or abrasives.

CAUTION! Keep tape cassettes and unit away from extreme heat, cold, dust, and moisture. Replace cutter blade if cutting becomes uneven (contact Brother service).

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 covered by a limited warranty; see included warranty card for details.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Dead batteries/loose adapter	Replace batteries; ensure AC adapter is firmly connected.
Blank or faint print	Low batteries/wrong tape setting	Replace batteries; check tape width setting in SETTINGS menu.
Tape not feeding	Cassette not loaded correctly/jammed tape	Reload cassette; clear any tape jam carefully.
LCD shows "NO TAPE"	Cassette not detected	Ensure cassette is fully inserted and compatible (TZe).
Uneven cutting	Dull cutter blade/tape jam	Replace cutter blade (contact service); clear jam.
Keys not responding	Unit locked/low battery	Press and hold POWER to reset; replace batteries.

Reset: Settings > System > Initialize to restore factory defaults (erases memory).

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