Brother PT1290 User Manual

The Brother PT1290 is a compact, portable electronic labeling system designed for creating professional-looking labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, multiple font styles and sizes, various frame and underline options, and supports a wide range of Brother P-Touch laminated tape cassettes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

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

Feature	Description
Keyboard	Full layout for easy text entry and function access
LCD Display	Shows text, formatting, and tape length before printing
Tape Cassette Slot	Accepts Brother TZe tape cassettes (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Automatic Cutter	Built-in cutter lever for clean label separation
Power Options	6 AA batteries (not included) or optional AC adapter
Font Styles & Sizes	Multiple fonts and sizes (from 6pt to 24pt)
Frames & Underlines	Various decorative borders and underline styles
Auto-Lamination	Uses laminated tape for durable, smudge-proof labels
Preview Function	View label on screen before printing
Memory Function	Stores frequently used labels (capacity varies)

Installation & Power

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

1. Insert Batteries: Open battery compartment on the bottom. Insert 6 AA batteries, observing correct polarity (+/-).
2. Connect AC Adapter (Optional): Plug the adapter into the DC IN 6V port on the side. Plug the adapter into a standard wall outlet (120V AC).
3. Load Tape Cassette: See Section 7 for detailed instructions.

WARNING! Use only the recommended Brother AD-24ES or equivalent 6V DC adapter. Incorrect voltage can damage the unit.

First-Time Setup

Power on the labeler using the ON/OFF switch.

1. Set Language: Press the FUNCTION key, then use the arrow keys to select "Language." Choose your preferred language (e.g., ENGLISH).
2. Set Tape Width: The unit usually auto-detects the installed tape width. Confirm the width shown on the display matches your cassette.
3. Set Default Format: Use the FUNCTION menu to set a default font, size, and style if desired.
4. Print a Test Label: Type a few characters and press PRINT to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Keep batteries away from children. Do not mix old and new batteries or different battery types.

Specifications

• Model: Brother PT1290.
• Tape System: Brother P-Touch (TZe series laminated tape).
• Supported Tape Widths: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
• Print Speed: Approx. 10mm/sec.
• Display: LCD, 1 line.
• Character Capacity: Display: 12 characters; Print: Up to 999 characters per label.
• Power Source: 6 AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) or optional AC adapter (AD-24ES, 6V DC).
• Battery Life: Approx. 100 labels (with alkaline batteries, results vary).
• Dimensions (WxDxH): Approx. 6.1" x 7.1" x 2.4".
• Weight: Approx. 1.3 lbs (without batteries).

Controls and Display

Access functions via dedicated keys and the FUNCTION menu.

Front Panel Keys: ON/OFF, LETTER (font style), SIZE, FRAME, UNDERLINE, BOLD, ITALIC, LEFT/CENTER/RIGHT alignment, ARROW keys, DEL, SPACE, SHIFT, FUNCTION, PRINT.

Display Icons: Shows battery level, tape width, font style/size, frame/underline selection, print length, and alignment.

Function Menu: Press FUNCTION key to access: Language, Auto Power Off, Length Display (mm/inch), Mirror Print, Sequential Numbering, Memory Recall/Save, System Reset.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Use only genuine Brother TZe series laminated tape cassettes.

1. Ensure the power is ON.
2. Press the cassette compartment cover release button and open the cover.
3. Insert a tape cassette with the tape coming from the bottom and the Brother logo facing up. Push it firmly into place until it clicks.
4. Feed the tape end under the tape guide and out through the slot at the front of the cutter.
5. Close the compartment cover firmly.

Tip: The display will show the detected tape width and color. If incorrect, eject and reinsert the cassette.

Creating Labels

Basic label creation process.

1. Enter Text: Use the keyboard to type your label text. Use SHIFT for capital letters and symbols.
2. Format Text: Use LETTER, SIZE, BOLD, ITALIC, FRAME, and UNDERLINE keys to style your label. Changes are shown on the display.
3. Preview Length: The display shows the approximate print length. Use the ARROW keys to scroll through long text.
4. Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will print and advance automatically.
5. Cut: After printing, push the cutter lever forward to cut the label. For auto-cut, hold down the PRINT key for 2 seconds before printing.

WARNING! Never pull the tape out manually. Always use the cutter lever. Do not touch the print head.

Advanced Functions

Sequential Numbering: Press FUNCTION, select "Numbering." Enter start number, end number, and increment value. The labeler will print a series of numbered labels.

Memory Function: Save a frequently used label by pressing FUNCTION, then "Save." Recall it later with FUNCTION > "Recall."

Mirror Printing: (For use with transparent tape for application on the inside of glass/windows). Enable in FUNCTION menu.

Auto Power Off: The unit powers down automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity (default). Adjustable in FUNCTION menu.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug adapter/remove batteries before cleaning.

1. Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
2. Print Head: If print quality fades, clean the print head with a dry cotton swab. Gently wipe the metallic strip inside the cassette compartment.
3. Cutter Blade: Keep free of adhesive residue. Wipe carefully with a cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
4. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries if not used for an extended period.

CAUTION! Never immerse the unit in water. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.

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. "P-Touch" is a registered trademark of 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 batteries; ensure adapter is firmly plugged into unit and wall outlet.
Print is faint or missing parts	Low batteries, dirty print head, old tape	Replace batteries; clean print head; use a new tape cassette.
Tape does not feed / jams	Cassette not installed correctly, tape path obstructed	Open cover, reinsert cassette properly; clear any tape debris.
Wrong characters printed	Keyboard layout setting incorrect	Press FUNCTION, go to Language, and ensure correct keyboard layout is selected.
"NO TAPE" or incorrect width shown	Cassette not detected, incompatible tape	Eject and firmly reinsert a genuine Brother TZe cassette. Ensure it clicks into place.
Cutter lever is stiff or doesn't cut	Adhesive buildup on blade	Clean cutter blade carefully with isopropyl alcohol as per Care instructions.

Reset: Press and hold the FUNCTION key while turning the power ON to perform a system reset (erases memory).

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