Brother PT-1900 User Manual

1900

USER’S GUIDE

•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 1900!

Your new P-touch will allow you to create labels and stamps for any need. Its versatility enables you to design custom labels by choosing from a variety of frame designs and from many character sizes and styles. In addition, the four tape widths (1/4” (6 mm), 3/8” (9 mm), 1/2” (12 mm) and 3/4” (18 mm)) and variety of tape colors allow you to print personalized labels, useful for color-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 1900 makes it an extremely practical machine.

Finally, as you may want to occasionally refer to this User’s Guide we suggest that you keep it in a handy place.

Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the Department of Communications.

Switching the language of the messages between English and French

1.Erase all of the text in the display either with *or by holding down cand pressing *.

2.Hold down c and press F to display the current language setting (“ENGLISH” or “FRANÇAIS”).

3.Keep cheld down and press Fagain until the desired setting appears in the display, then release the keys.

The default setting is English.

Turning off the machine does not change the language setting.

The language cannot be changed if some text remains in the display.

Use only the adaptor designed exclusively for this machine. See “GENERAL PRECAUTIONS” on page 3.

CONTENTS
Getting Started
CONTENTS .........................................................................................................	i
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................	1
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................	3
BATTERIES .........................................................................................................	3
OPTIONAL AC ADAPTOR .................................................................................	4
TAPE CASSETTE .................................................................................................	5
ATTACHING LABELS .........................................................................................	6
PRINT HEAD & ROLLERS .................................................................................	10
For Your Information
POWER KEY .....................................................................................................	11
CURSOR KEYS .................................................................................................	11
CODE, ALT & SHIFT KEYS ...............................................................................	12
SPACE KEY .......................................................................................................	15
RETURN KEY ....................................................................................................	15
TAB FUNCTION ..............................................................................................	16
DELETE KEY .....................................................................................................	18
LINE OUT FUNCTION .....................................................................................	19
CLEAR FUNCTION ..........................................................................................	20
ACCENT FUNCTION .......................................................................................	22
SYMBOL FUNCTION .......................................................................................	23
AUTO FORMAT FUNCTION ...........................................................................	25
STAMP FUNCTION ..........................................................................................	26
FONT FUNCTION ...........................................................................................	29
SIZE & WIDTH FUNCTIONS ............................................................................	30
STYLE FUNCTION ...........................................................................................	32
UNDERLINE FUNCTION .................................................................................	34
FRAME FUNCTION ..........................................................................................	35
TAPE MARGIN FUNCTION .............................................................................	36
HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT FUNCTION ........................................................	37
MIRROR PRINTING FUNCTION ......................................................................	38
LENGTH FUNCTION .......................................................................................	39

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AUTO CUT FUNCTION ...................................................................................	41
PRINT KEY .......................................................................................................	42
FEED & CUT FUNCTION .................................................................................	43
NUMBERING FUNCTION ...............................................................................	43
REPEAT PRINTING FUNCTION .......................................................................	45
MEMORY FUNCTIONS ....................................................................................	46
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................	50
ERROR MESSAGE LIST .....................................................................................	51
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................	54
ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................	55
INDEX ..............................................................................................................	58

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Getting Started

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

TOP VIEW

Tape compartment cover

AC adaptor connector

LCD display

Keyboard

BOTTOM VIEW

Tape exit slot

Battery compartment cover

1

KEYBOARD & LCD DISPLAY

Delete key

Cursor keys Return key Power key

2

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

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

●Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine to avoid damage. Do not use tapes that do

not have the mark. Brother cannot be held responsible for trouble or damage by the use of unauthorized supplies.

●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.

●Use only the AC adaptor (model AD-60) 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.

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

BATTERIES

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

To change the batteries:

1Remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the machine.

2If batteries are already installed, remove them.

3Insert six new AA alkaline batteries, making sure that their poles point in the correct direction.

4Attach the battery compartment cover.

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).

3

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 burst, or the print head may overheat.

OPTIONAL AC ADAPTOR

The AC adaptor (model AD-60) allows you to use this machine wherever there is an electrical outlet.

To connect the optional AC adaptor:

1Insert the plug on the adaptor cord into the connector marked DC IN 9.5V on the right side of the machine.

2Insert 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

A single TZ tape cassette is supplied with this unit. However, since TZ tape cassettes are available for this machine in a wide variety of colors and sizes, it is possible to make distinctive color-coded and stylized labels.

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

To change the tape cassette:

1Lift open the tape compartment cover. The installed cassette is also released.

2If a tape cassette is already installed, remove it by pulling it straight up.

3If 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.

4Insert 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.

5Close the compartment cover, and then turn on the machine, if it is off.

6Hold down c and press _ once to advance the tape and remove any slack.

5

ATTACHING LABELS

LAMINATED TAPE

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

1Hold the tape in your left hand, with the printed surface facing up, and hold the stick in your right hand.

2Pass the tape halfway through the long narrow hole in the stick.

3Turn the stick three-quarters of a turn towards you and pull the stick away from you as shown below.

4Peel 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.

1Insert an iron-on transfer tape cassette, and then press p to print the text. If the Auto

cut function is set to ON, the label will automatically be cut off after it is printed. If the Auto cut function is set to OFF, hold down c and press _ to feed and cut off the

label.

2Iron the garment to flatten it before transferring the text.

3Place the label on the garment at the location where you wish the text to be transferred.

4Set the iron to cotton (150 to 180 ˚C), and then press down on the label with the iron for about 15 seconds.

5Allow the iron-on transfer to cool (for about 60 seconds), and then carefully remove the backing paper.

P	-	TOUCH

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

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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 pressing with an iron at a high temperature.

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 prevent 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, place the 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 (320 to 356 ˚F (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.

STAMP TAPE

Refer to pages 26 through 28 for a detailed explanation on using the stamp tape to make stamps.

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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 white horizontal streak may appear through the label text. Therefore, as with a tape recorder, the machine’s head may need to be cleaned from time to time.

To clean the print head and rollers:

1Turn off the machine.

2Open the tape compartment cover, and then remove the tape cassette if one is installed. The print head and rollers are located in the tape compartment.

3Print 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.

4Install a tape cassette, close the tape compartment cover, and then try printing again.

5If a white 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

Print head	Rollers
Cotton swab

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

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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 optional 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 different parts of the left by moving the cursor backward and forward.

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.

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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.

CODE, ALT & SHIFT KEYS

Most characters can be entered simply by pressing their keys. However, to use special functions or to enter capital 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.

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EXAMPLE

To start the Symbol function:

1: D A N G E R _

● Hold down c and press a once.

Ü Æ æ Ã ã

ALT KEY

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

●Hold down a and press the key of the desired character written in color. The Alt indicator on the left side of the display comes on while a is held down.

EXAMPLE

To type in “–”:

●Hold down a and press / once. The Alt indicator comes on while a is held down.

Alt

1: 0 1 2 _

1: 0 1 2 – _

13

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 capital letters continuously.

To type in many capital letters:

1Hold down c and press s. The Caps indicator on the left side of the display comes on.

Caps 1: _

2Press the keys of the desired letters or symbols.

3To exit Caps mode, hold down c and press s. The Caps indicator goes off.

14

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

As 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.

The text can only contain a maximum of four lines. If you press r when four text lines already exist, the error message “4 LINE LIMIT!” will appear.

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Tape widths	Maximum number of lines that can be printed
1/4" (6 mm)	2
3/8" (9 mm)	2
1/2" (12 mm)	3
3/4" (18 mm)	4
Stamp 3/4" (18 mm)	3

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 18.

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 11.8” (0.0 and 30.0 cm).

The text cannot contain 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.

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