Brother 1850 User Manual

USER’S GUIDE

1850

• Read this User’s Guide before you start using your P-touch.

• Keep this User’s Guide in a handy place for future reference.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the P-touch 1850!
Your new P-touch will allow you to create labels for any need. Its versatility enables you to
design custom labels by choosing from a variety of frame designs and from many characters
sizes and styles. In addition, the four tape widths (6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and 18 mm) and
variety of tape colours allow you to print personalised labels, useful for colour-coded filing.
You no longer have to worry about urgent tasks that require professional printing. In the office,
the factory, the lab and the home, the quality and performance of the P-touch 1850 makes it
an extremely practical machine.
Finally, as you may want to refer to this User’s Guide occasionally, we suggest that you keep it
in a handy place.

Declaration of Conformity

We BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.

declare that the Labelling System PT-1850 conforms with the following normative docu­ments:
EMC: EN 55022:1998 Class B

and follows the provisions of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC (as
amended by 91/263/EEC and 92/31/EEC). The AC adaptor also conforms with EN 60950
and follows the provisions of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC.
Issued by: BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Use only the adaptor designed exclusively for this machine. See
on page 3.

1-1-1, Kawagishi, Mizuho-ku,
Nagoya 467-8562, Japan

EN 55024:1998
EN 61000-3-2:1995
EN 61000-3-3:1995

P & H company
Development DIV.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

CONTENTS

Getting Started

GENERAL DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................1

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS...................................................................................3

BATTERIES ..........................................................................................................3

AC ADAPTOR ..................................................................................................... 4

TAPE CASSETTE ..................................................................................................5

ATTACHING LABELS ..........................................................................................6

PRINT HEAD & ROLLERS..................................................................................10

For Your Information

POWER KEY......................................................................................................11

CURSOR KEYS ..................................................................................................11

NAVIGATION DIAL .......................................................................................... 13

CODE, ALT & SHIFT KEYS ................................................................................13

SPACE KEY ........................................................................................................ 16

RETURN KEY.....................................................................................................16

TAB FUNCTION ...............................................................................................17

DELETE KEY ......................................................................................................19

LINE OUT FUNCTION......................................................................................20

CLEAR FUNCTION ...........................................................................................21

COMPOSITE CHARACTER KEYS.......................................................................23

ACCENT FUNCTION ........................................................................................24

SYMBOL FUNCTION........................................................................................26

AUTO FORMAT FUNCTION ............................................................................27

FONT FUNCTION ............................................................................................29

SIZE & WIDE FUNCTIONS................................................................................30

STYLE FUNCTION ............................................................................................33

UNDERLINE FUNCTION ..................................................................................35

FRAME FUNCTION...........................................................................................36

TAPE MARGIN FUNCTION ..............................................................................38

HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT FUNCTION .........................................................39

MIRROR PRINTING FUNCTION.......................................................................40

LENGTH FUNCTION ........................................................................................ 42

I

PRINT KEY ........................................................................................................43

FEED FUNCTION..............................................................................................44

NUMBERING FUNCTION ................................................................................44

REPEAT PRINTING FUNCTION ........................................................................46

CURRENCY CONVERSION FUNCTION ........................................................... 47

MEMORY FUNCTIONS.....................................................................................51

TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................56

ERROR MESSAGE LIST ...................................................................................... 57

SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................60

ACCESSORIES ...................................................................................................61

INDEX ............................................................................................................... 64

II

Getting Started

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

TOP VIEW

Tape cutter lever

Keyboard

BOTTOM VIEW

Tape compartment
cover

AC adaptor
connector

Navigation dial

LCD display

Tape exit slot

Battery compartment cover

1

KEYBOARD & LCD DISPLAY

Delete key

Cursor keys

Power keyReturn key

2

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

●

Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not have the
mark.

●

Do not pull on the tape being fed from the P-touch. This may damage the tape cassette.
Do not use the machine in dusty places, and keep it out of both direct sunlight and rain.

●

●

Do not expose the machine to high temperatures or high humidity. Never leave it on the
dashboard or in the back of your car.

Do not leave any rubber or vinyl on the machine for an extended period of time. Doing

●

so may cause staining.

●

Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Use a soft, dry cloth
only.

●

Do not put any foreign objects into or anything on the machine.

●

To avoid injuries, do not touch the cutter’s edge.

●

Use only the AC adaptor (model H or J) designed exclusively for this machine. Use of any
other adaptor may void the warranty.

Do not try to disassemble the AC adaptor.

●

●

When the machine is not being used for a long period of time and it is not necessary to
keep the text files stored in the memory, disconnect the AC adaptor, and remove the bat­teries to prevent them from leaking and damaging the machine.

●

When the AC adaptor is connected, unplugging the adaptor from the electrical outlet
before unplugging it from the machine can delete all text files in the memory, even if bat­teries are installed.

• Use six AA alkaline batteries in this machine.

BATTERIES

This portable machine can be used anywhere by installing six (6)
you change the batteries, always replace all six at the same time.

To change the batteries:

1

Remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the machine.

2

If batteries are already installed, remove them.

3

Insert six new AA alkaline batteries, making sure that their poles point in the correct
direction.

4

Attach the battery compartment cover.

AA alkaline batteries

. When

3

Be sure to insert the new batteries within five minutes of removing the old ones,

☞

otherwise the text shown in the display and any text files stored in the memory will
be lost (unless the machine is plugged into an AC outlet with the AC adaptor).

Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adaptor if you do not intend to use this
machine for an extended period of time. When the power is disconnected, all text
shown in the display and stored in the memory will be lost.

If the batteries are not installed with their positive and negative poles pointing in
the correct direction, the batteries may leak, overheat or explode, or the print head
may overheat.

AC ADAPTOR

The AC adaptor (model H or J) allows you to use this machine wherever there is an electrical
outlet.

To connect the AC adaptor:

1

Insert the plug on the adaptor cord into the connector marked DC IN 9.5V on the right
side of the machine.

2

Insert the plug on the adaptor into the nearest standard electrical outlet.

☞

Only use the AC adaptor designed exclusively for this machine.
Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adaptor if you do not intend to use this

machine for an extended period of time. When the power is disconnected, all text
shown in the display and stored in the memory will be lost.

When the AC adaptor is connected, unplugging the adaptor from the electrical out­let before unplugging it from the machine can delete all text files in the memory,
even if batteries are installed.

4

TAPE CASSETTE

Two TZ tape cassettes are supplied with this unit. However, since TZ tape cassettes are availa­ble for this machine in a wide variety of colours and sizes, it is possible to make distinctive
colour-coded and stylised labels.

In addition, this machine has been designed to allow you to change the tape cassettes quickly
and easily.

To change the tape cassette:

1

Lift open the tape compartment cover. The installed cassette is also released.

2

If a tape cassette is already installed, remove it by pulling it straight up.

3

If the ink ribbon in the tape cassette to be installed is loose, use your finger to wind the
toothed wheel in the direction of the arrow on the cassette until there is no slack in the
ribbon.
Also, make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.

☞

If you are using a new tape cassette provided with a stopper, be sure to remove the
stopper.

4

Insert the tape cassette firmly into the tape compartment, making sure that the entire back
of the cassette touches the bottom of the compartment.

☞

When inserting the tape cassette, make sure that the inner ribbon does not catch on
the corner of the metal guide.

5

Close the compartment cover, then turn on the machine if it is off.

6

Hold down

the tape cutter lever to cut off the excess tape.

c

and press

_

once to remove any slack in the tape, and then press

5

ATTACHING LABELS

ABCDEF

LAMINATED TAPE

The enclosed stick enables you to easily remove the backing from labels printed on laminated
tapes.

1

Hold the tape in your left hand, with the printed surface facing up, and hold the stick in
your right hand.

2

Pass the tape halfway through the long narrow hole in the stick.

3

Turn the stick three-quarters of a turn towards you and pull the stick away from you as
shown below.

4

Peel off the label backing.

GH

ABCDEF

NON-LAMINATED TAPE

Labels printed on non-laminated tapes can be folded in half so that the inside edges of the two
backing pieces come off the label, enabling the backing to easily be peeled off.

6

INSTANT-LETTERING TAPE (RUB-ON TRANSFERS)

Instant-lettering tape is used to transfer your text onto paper. After printing the text onto
instant-lettering tape and cutting off the label, position the label with its non-printed side fac­ing up on a sheet of paper. By simply rubbing the instant lettering tape’s non-printed side with
the enclosed stick, you can transfer the text directly onto the paper.

Hold the tape very firmly and do not move it while rubbing the tape.

☞

ABC

IRON-ON TRANSFER TAPE

Iron-on transfer tape is used to transfer your text onto garments using an iron.

1

Insert an iron-on transfer tape cassette, press

c

and press

_

to feed out more tape. Next, push down on the tape cutter lever

to cut off the label.

2

Iron the garment to flatten it before transferring the text.

3

Place the label on the garment at the location where you wish the text to be transferred.

4

Set the iron to cotton (150 to 180 ˚C), and then press down on the label with the iron for
about 15 seconds.

5

Allow the iron-on transfer to cool (for about 60 seconds), and then carefully remove the
backing paper.

p

to print the text, and then hold down

H

C

U

-TO

P

White garments made from 100% cotton with a plain (smooth) surface are best for iron-

☞

on transfers.
You can also make transfers to garments made from 100% linen or cotton/polyester
blends as long as they have a plain (smooth) surface.

The label will not adhere properly to any cloth with a rough surface, such as pile or
denim, or with a waterproof surface. Heat-sensitive materials, such as nylon, acetate or
other similar fibres, are also unsuitable as they may be damaged when pressed with an
iron at a high temperature.

7

Do not move the iron while pressing, otherwise the label may move out of the desired
position. Press the iron straight down onto the cloth.

After the backing tape has been removed, the transferred label may appear glossy. In
addition, some white spots may have appeared on the label if it was touched while the
backing tape was peeled off. These can be removed by ironing over the label with a
piece of cloth placed between the label and the iron.

Since the transferred label cannot be removed once it is applied, make all transfers with
care.

Washing:

Garments with transfer labels can be washed over 20 times if the label has been transferred
correctly. Normal biological and non-biological household detergents may be used.

The label may become discoloured if the garment is placed in bleach for an extended length
of time.

Be careful that hard objects such as buckles or buttons do not come into contact with the label
during the wash.

Do not dry clean garments which have had transfer labels applied.

Drying:

Garments with transfer labels may be dried either inside or outside out.
Do not tumble dry. The transfers will come off and may stick to other items of clothing.

Ironing:

Iron garments with transfers using normal temperature settings.
Be sure to place a piece of cloth between the iron and the label when you iron over it to pre-

vent the label from sticking to the iron.

P-TOUCH

The labels are non-toxic, however, please maintain the usual precautions, such as not placing
them in your mouth, etc.

Do not store the tape cassette in areas exposed to direct sunlight, high humidity or dust.

8

FABRIC TAPE

Fabric tape is used to attach a piece of fabric printed with your text onto garments using an
iron. After printing the text onto fabric tape and cutting off the label using scissors
label on an ironed garment at the location where you wish to attach it in such a way that the
printed text can be read correctly. Cover the label with another piece of cloth and use an iron
set to a medium-high temperature (160 to 180 °C) to press down firmly for 15 to 30 seconds.
For more details, refer to the instructions included with the fabric tape cassette.

, place the

9

PRINT HEAD & ROLLERS

Occasionally, specks of dust or dirt become attached to the machine’s print head and rollers.
This is particularly likely when you are using the unit outdoors or in a very dusty environment.
If a section of the print head is covered with dust, a blank horizontal streak may appear
through the label text. Therefore, as with a tape recorder, the machine’s print head may need
to be cleaned from time to time.

To clean the print head and rollers:

1

Turn off the machine.

2

Open the tape compartment cover, then remove the tape cassette if one is installed. The
print head and rollers are located in the tape compartment.

3

Print head: Use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the print head with an up-and-down
motion.
Rollers: Use a dry cotton swab to wipe each roller with an up-and-down motion while
rotating them with your finger.

4

Install a tape cassette, close the tape compartment cover, and then try printing again.

5

If a blank streak still appears in the label, repeat steps 3 and 4 using a cotton swab
dipped in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.

If none of the above works, contact your service representative.

Print head

Print head

Cotton swab

☞

The print head can be cleaned more easily if the optional print head cleaning cassette
(TZ-CL4) is used.

10

Rollers

Print head

For Your Information

POWER KEY

The power key ( o ) is located in the lower-right corner of the keyboard. If batteries have
been installed or the machine has been plugged in using the AC adaptor, the previous session’s
information is displayed when the machine is turned on. This feature allows you to stop work
on a label, turn off the machine, and return to it later without having to re-enter the text.

The machine will automatically turn off if no key is pressed within 5 minutes. The machine’s
internal memory stores the current session’s information and displays it when you turn on the
machine again.

To turn on the machine:

Press o. The previous session’s information appears in the LCD display.

●

To turn off the machine:

Press o. The current session’s information is stored in the internal memory.

●

CURSOR KEYS

The machine’s LCD display shows two rows of 9 characters; however, the text that you create
can be up to 99 characters long. You can review and edit your text by using the cursor keys to
move the cursor so that different parts are shown in the display.

LEFT CURSOR KEY

To move the cursor one character to the left:

Press f once.

●

☞

If this key is pressed when the cursor is at the beginning of a line following another
line, the cursor moves to the end of the previous line.

To move the cursor several characters to the left:

Hold down f until the cursor moves to the desired position.

●

To move the cursor to the beginning of the current line:

●

Hold down

c

and press f.

11

RIGHT CURSOR KEY

To move the cursor one character to the right:

Press w once.

●

☞

If this key is pressed when the cursor is at the end of a line followed by another
line, the cursor moves to the beginning of the next line.

To move the cursor several characters to the right:

●

Hold down w until the cursor moves to the desired position.

To move the cursor to the end of the current line:

Hold down c and press w.

●

UP CURSOR KEY

To move the cursor up to the previous line:

● Press h once.

☞ If the cursor is in the first line of text, it will move to the beginning of the line.

To move the cursor up several lines:

● Hold down h until the cursor moves to the desired line.

To move the cursor to the beginning of the entire text:

● Hold down c and press h.

DOWN CURSOR KEY

To move the cursor down to the following line:

● Press e once.

☞ If the cursor is in the last line of text, it will move to the end of the line.

To move the cursor down several lines:

● Hold down e until the cursor moves to the desired line.

To move the cursor to the end of the entire text:

● Hold down c and press e.

12

NAVIGATION DIAL

The navigation dial in the upper-right corner of the keyboard provides a quick way to access
many of the P-touch functions and to select from the various settings. Refer to the description
of each function for a detailed explanation on how to use the navigation dial.

To select a function or setting:

● Rotate + either clockwise or counterclockwise until the desired function or setting is

displayed.

☞ To return to the text without making a selection, press *.

To apply the selection:

● Press +. If a function was selected, the current setting is displayed. If a setting was

selected, it is applied to the text.

CODE, ALT & SHIFT KEYS

Most characters can be entered simply by pressing their keys. However, to use special func­tions or to enter uppercase letters, accented characters and some symbols, the following spe­cial keys are necessary.

CODE KEY

To use a function printed above a key:

● Hold down c and press the key immediately below the desired function.

EXAMPLE

To start the Symbol function:

● Hold down c and press s once.

1:

DANGER_

÷×\[

±

13

ALT KEY

To type in characters printed in color on the right-hand side of the keys:

1 Press a once to enter Alt mode. The Alt indicator on the left side of the display comes

on.

2 To type in a character written in colour in the lower-right corner of the key, press the key

of the desired character.

To type in a character written in colour in the upper-right corner of the key, hold down

s and press the key of the desired character.

3 To exit Alt mode, press a again. The Alt indicator goes off.

EXAMPLE

To type in “+”:

1

Press a once. The Alt indicator comes on.

Alt

1:

123_

2 Hold down s and press P.

3 Press a again.

14

Alt

1:

123+_

1:

123+_

SHIFT KEY

To type in an uppercase letter or a symbol printed in the top left-hand corner of a key:

● Hold down s and press the key of the desired letter or symbol.

EXAMPLE

To type in “%”:

1:

5 _

● Hold down s and press 5.

1:

5%_

The Caps mode is similar to holding down

s. It allows you to type uppercase letters contin-

uously.

To type in many uppercase letters:

1 Hold down c and press

a. The Caps indicator on the left side of the display

comes on.

Caps

1:

_

2 Press the keys of the desired letters or symbols.

3 To exit Caps mode, hold down c and press

a. The Caps indicator goes off.

15

SPACE KEY

The Space key ( _ ) lets you add blank spaces between characters in your text. It is differ­ent from the right cursor key ( w ), which just moves the cursor without adding blank

spaces.

To add a space:

● Press _.

EXAMPLE

To add a space:

1:

J._

● Press _.

1:

J. _

RETURN KEY

Like on a typewriter or word processor, this machine’s return key ( r ) is used to end a

line of text and start another one. When you have finished entering one line, press the return
key to make a new line and move the cursor to it.

☞ A label can only contain a maximum of five text lines. If you press r when five

lines already exist, the error message “5 LINE LIMIT!” will appear.

16

Tape widths Maximum number of lines that can be printed

6 mm 2
9 mm 2
12 mm 3
18 mm 5

The return key can also be used to select an item from a list (e.g., add a symbol or accented
character to the text) or to apply a selected setting.

Some questions asking you to confirm a command may appear on the LCD display, especially

when the function that you have chosen will delete or affect files. In these cases, pressing

r is like answering “yes”.

☞ To answer “no”, press *. Refer to DELETE KEY on page 19.

To add a new line:

● Press r. The return mark ( ) appears to indicate the end of the line.

To select an item from a list:

● Press r.

To answer “yes”:

● Press r.

TAB FUNCTION

This function allows you to separate sections of a line of text by adding tabs. This enables you
to create perfectly aligned columns without having to type in several spaces. All tabs have the
same length and are measured from either the beginning of the line or the previous tab if there
is more than one. The tab length can be set between 0.0 and 30.0 cm.

☞ The text can contain no more than 50 tabs. If the maximum number of tabs has already

been added to the text when c is held down and Q is pressed, the error message

“TAB LIMIT!” appears.

17

To set the tab length:

1 Rotate + until 08/18 TAB LENGTH is displayed, and then press + (OR hold down

c and press W once). The current tab length is displayed.

2 Rotate + (OR press h or e) until the desired length is displayed, or use the

number keys to type in the length.

3 Press + (OR press r).

To add a tab to the text:

● Hold down c and press Q once. The tab mark ( ) appears in the text to indi-

cate the position of the tab.

☞ If the text in front of a tab extends past the point where the next section of text

should start, the text will instead start at the following tab position.
For example, if the tab length is set to 3.0 cm and the following text is typed in:

1:

ABC DEF GHI

2:

JKLMNOPQRST U

the label shown below will be printed.

Margin Tab (3.0 cm) Tab (3.0 cm) Margin

EXAMPLE

To set the tab length to 2.0 cm:

Rotate + until 08/18 TAB LENGTH is dis-

1

played, and then press + (OR hold down

c and press W once).

18

TAB LENGTH

5.Ocm