Brother PT-300 User Manual

INTRODUCTION

This machine will help you design and print labels for any application.
Extremely versatile, it can create characters of many sizes and styles. In addition,
with the use of colorful tape cartridges, you can print labels with a variety of let­ter and background colors.

You no longer have to worry about rushing tasks that require professional-type
printing. The quality and performance of this machine make it very versatile.

Although this machine is easy to use, we suggest that you read this manual care­fully before starting. Please keep this manual in a handy place for future refer­ence.

Good luck! We hope you enjoy making beautiful custom labels.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer­ence in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accor­dance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harm­ful interference to radio or television reception, which can be deter­mined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

FCC NOTICE

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television techni­cian for help.

Patent numbers and patent publication numbers which are related to
this product are as below:

USP4839742 USP4983058 USP5120147
USP4927278 USP5009530
USP4976558 USP5069557

Use only the adaptor designed exclusively for this machine. See GENERAL PRE­CAUTIONS on page 5.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS .................................................................................................... 1

OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 2

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................. 5

BEFORE YOU START ...................................................................................... 6

INSERTING A TAPE CASSETTE................................................................. 6

INSERTING BATTERIES............................................................................ 7

CHANGING THE CUTTER UNIT............................................................. 8

STARTING................................................................................................ 9

CREATING A MESSAGE .................................................................................. 10

DISPLAY................................................................................................... 10

MOVING THE CURSOR.......................................................................... 10

CLEARING THE DISPLAY......................................................................... 11

KEY OPERATIONS ................................................................................... 12

INPUT...................................................................................................... 13

SPACE KEY............................................................................................... 14

SYMBOLS ................................................................................................ 15

EDITING A MESSAGE ..................................................................................... 18

DELETING ............................................................................................... 18

WORD OUT............................................................................................ 20

OVER TYPING......................................................................................... 21

INSERTING.............................................................................................. 22

SETTING THE FORMAT .................................................................................. 24

SIZE ......................................................................................................... 24

BIG SIZE FONT........................................................................................ 27

STYLE....................................................................................................... 28

UNDERLINE/FRAME................................................................................ 30

PRINTING A LABEL ........................................................................................ 32

PRINTING................................................................................................ 32

CUTTING ................................................................................................ 33

REPEAT PRINTING................................................................................... 34

NUMBERING........................................................................................... 35

MIRROR PRINTING................................................................................. 38

TAPE FEED............................................................................................... 39

PHRASE MEMORY OPERATION .................................................................... 42

PHRASE MEMORY................................................................................... 42

MEMORY SIZE......................................................................................... 42

STORING THE MESSAGE......................................................................... 42

RECALLING FROM PHRASE MEMORY.................................................... 44

DELETING THE PHRASE MEMORY ......................................................... 46

MESSAGE LIST ................................................................................................ 48

TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................... 49

SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 50

ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................. 51

-1-

OVERVIEW

Cover lift
Tape exit slot

Tape cartridge cover

A

A

A

A

A

STLCAPS UNDL/FRM

AC adaptor slot

UNDL/FRM

STYLE BIG RECALL M. DEL

SIZE

!

¡

1@2#3$4%57

NUMBER REPEAT

ALT

ASDFGHJKL

SYMBOL

SHIFT

CAPS

PRINT

MIRROR

CODE

TAPE INSERT STORE

¢
6

Çç

SPACE

SET

FEED

&

*
8

MEMORY

üíó

¿

Ññ

TOP

CODE key SET key ON/OFF keyPRINT key

To use functions written in pink,
you must press and hold down the CODE key,
then press the desired function key.

LCD display

Tape cutter lever

-2-

(
9

MNBVCXZ

RELOC

WORD OUT

)
0

POIUYTREWQ

úé

?

/

.

,

–

OFF

ON

CLEAR

DEL

á

:
;

’’

´

Print head

Tape cutter unit

Tape release lever

-3-

Tape exit slotBattery compartment latch

Battery compartment

-4-

Tape cutter lever

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

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

have the mark.

Four different tape widths are available: 1/4”(6mm), 3/8”(9mm), 1/2”(12mm)

and 3/4”(18mm).

Do not pull the tape. This may damage the tape cassettes.

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

Remove the batteries and/or disconnect the AC Adaptor if you do not intend
to use your machine for an extended period of time.
(Note: When power is disconnected, any messages in the working area or the
Message Memory area will be lost.)

Do not put anything onto or into the machine.

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 use the machine in dusty places. Keep it out of both direct sunlight
and rain.

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

After inserting a new tape cassette, advance the tape by holding down the

CODE key and pressing the FEED key once.

Do not touch the print head mechanism. If the head is touched, clean it
immediately with a soft wipe (e.g.cotton swab) to avoid permanent damage.

Use only the AC Adaptor, MODEL AD-30 designed exclusively for this
machine. Use of any adaptor will void warranty.

-5-

BEFORE YOU START

INSERTING A TAPE CASSETTE

Brother TZ tapes are only available in the following widths for this machine:
1/4”(6mm), 3/8”(9mm), 1/2”(12mm) and 3/4”(18mm).

To insert a new tape cassette:

(1) Lift the cassette cover so that you can reach the tape cassette easily. This will

also release the installed cassette.

(2) If there is a tape cassette already in the compartment, remove it by pulling it

straight up.

(3) Remove the stopper from a new tape cassette and if the tape is loose, use

your finger to wind it in the direction of the arrow on the tape cassette until it
is taut. If you are using a previous tape, ensure the tape is taut prior to insert­ing it into the unit.

Note:

●

Some tape cassettes are not provided with a stopper.

(4) Insert the tape cassette firmly into the compartment.
(5) Shut the compartment cover.
(6) Advance the tape by holding down the CODE key and pressing the FEED key

once, then cut the tape.

Note:

●

When inserting a tape cassette, make sure that the inner ribbon does
not get caught on the corner of the metal securing stand.

The white lever (release lever) automatically locks when the cover is

●

closed. If the white lever is manually operated, the cover can not be
closed.

-6-

INSERTING BATTERIES

The machine uses six “AA” size (AM3, LR6, SUM-3, R6) batteries.

To insert batteries:

(1) Turn the machine over. Remove the battery compartment cover by pinching

the latch and lifting.

(2) Follow the diagrams on the back of the compartment to insert the batteries in

the proper direction.
(3) After inserting the batteries, re-fit the battery compartment cover.
When “BATT” (Batteries Weak) is displayed, replace the six batteries.

●

Alkaline batteries are recommended.

●

An optional AC Adaptor is available. (Model AD-30:7V, 1.2A)

Note:

●

When replacing batteries, do so in three minutes or less. Otherwise,
unless an optional AC Adaptor is attached, any message in the work­ing area or Phrase Memory will be lost.

●

Note the following details when 1.2 V rechargeable NiCd batteries
are used in this machine.

(1) “BATT” will not appear on the display when the rechargeable

batteries are weak or empty. Instead, the power will turn off.

(2) Even after the batteries are recharged, the characters may not be

printed clearly as a result of a low recharging efficiency or the
operating conditions.

-7-

CHANGING THE CUTTER UNIT

When the cutter is not cutting well, replace it with a new one.

To replace a cutter with a dull or broken blade:

(1) Open the tape cassette compartment cover and carefully remove the tape

cassette if it is installed.
(2) Grasp the cutter with your fingers and pull it out.
(3) Grasp the new cutter with the tab on the protective film and insert the cutter

into the machine.
(4) Remove the cutter’s protective film.
(5) Insert the tape cassette, then close the tape cassette compartment cover.

WARNING: Be very careful not to cut yourself when replacing the cutter.

Note:

The expected life of the unit’s cutter is approximately 2000 cuts.

CAUTION

• When changing the cutter unit, be sure not to touch the cutter blade.

• Make sure that small children do not try to put the cutter unit in their mouths.

-8-

STARTING

To start the machine:

Press the ON/OFF key.

The machine’s internal memory retains the last message created, and displays it
when you turn on the machine. This feature allows you to stop work on a mes­sage, turn off the machine, and return to it later without having to re-enter the
message.

The machine has an automatic power down feature. If the machine is on, but is
not used for five minutes, it will automatically shut off. The message will be
retained in memory until the machine is turned on again.

-9-

CREATING A MESSAGE

DISPLAY

You are now ready to create a message on the machine.

The machine’s LCD display is four characters wide. Actually though, you can
create messages up to 55 characters in length. The four-character display is like a
window which moves across your message.

1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345

MOVING THE CURSOR

You can review and edit different parts of your message by moving the cursor
backward and forward.

To move the cursor through your message:

Press the and keys to move the cursor one space at a time.

Note:

●

Hold down the CODE key and press the TOP key to return the cur­sor to the beginning of the message.

●

Hold down the CODE key and press the RELOC key to advance the
cursor to the end of a message.

-10-

CLEARING THE DISPLAY

Before entering a new message, you will often need to clear an old message.

To erase the previous message from the display:

Hold down the CODE key and press the CLEAR key.

Example ● Erase any message from the display by pressing

+ .

CODE

CLEAR

DEL

A

A

A

A

A

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

In the following examples, we will work through a sample message, first creating
it, then editing it, next printing it, and finally storing it in the machine’s memory.

For the purpose of this example, suppose you are J. Smith, and you want to make
a label with your name on it.

-11-

KEY OPERATIONS

CODE KEY

By holding down the CODE key and pushing the appropriate key, you can use
the functions written in pink characters.

SHIFT KEY

By using the SHIFT key you can type capital letters, and symbols located on the
upper part of keys. To type a capital “A”, hold the SHIFT key down and push the
“A” key. To type a “percent” sign “%” (located above the “5”), hold the SHIFT
key down and push the “5” key.

CAPS KEY
By holding down the CODE key and pressing the CAPS key, you set the machine

into CAPS mode. When this mode is entered, the CAPS indicator on the display
turns on. In CAPS mode, capital letters can be typed simply by pressing the char­acter keys. If number keys are pressed, numbers -- not the symbols above them -­result. For this reason, CAPS mode is particularly useful for creating messages
containing many numerals and capital letters. To exit CAPS mode, hold down the

CODE key and press the CAPS key.

ALT KEY

By using the ALT key you can type various symbols marked on the keys in green.
To type a symbol located on the right side of a key, hold down the ALT key and
press the key on which the desired symbol is marked.

-12-

INPUT

You can now use the keys to enter a message.

Example To input “Mr.”:

M

● Press + to input a capital M.

SHIFT

CAPS

ñ

A

A

M

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

A

A

A

● Complete “Mr.” by pressing then .

R

A

A

?

.

/

A

A

A

M r .

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

-13-

SPACE KEY

A

A

A

A

As on a typewriter, this machine’s SPACE key lets you add a blank space into
your message.

Note:

The SPACE key and the key have different functions. The key
moves the cursor forward without adding blank spaces.

Example To complete the message “Mr. J Smith”:

Enter the initial “J”:

J

● Press + to input a capital J.

● Add a blank space by pressing once.

SHIFT

CAPS

¿

SPACE
FEED

A

A

A

M

● Complete the message by entering “Smith”.

Mr.J S

● If you make any mistakes during this input do not worry.

Simply press to remove the last character, and input correctly.

r .J

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

A

A

m ith

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

CLEAR

DEL

-14-

A

SYMBOLS

In addition to the letters, symbols, and numerals on the key tops, there are 57
symbols available in Symbol Mode. These 57 additional symbols are arranged
into 15 groups, corresponding to the numbers A to O on the keyboard.

Group No. SYMBOLS Group No. SYMBOLS

AÜ Æ æ § I
B + × ÷ = J
C •    K
D [ ] L
E ° 2
F ª º N
G

1

_
2

2

☞

♥ ★

3 4

O

☞

3

M

H

To input a symbol that is not on the key top:

(1) Hold down the CODE key and press the SYMBOL key to enter Symbol

Mode.
(2) The display will read: “A-O?”.
(3) Press the key of the number from A to O whose group contains the symbol

you want. That letter’s group of symbols will be displayed.
(4) Move the cursor to the symbol you want.
(5) Press the SET key.

Note:

●

Press the DEL key to exit Symbol Mode.

-15-

Example First, make sure that the cursor is located at the place where you want to

A

A

A

A

add a symbol. To add a telephone symbol ( ) to the message, changing
the message to “Mr. J Smith ”:

A

CODE ALT

SYMBOL

A

● Enter Symbol Mode by pressing + .

● The following message will be displayed:

A

A -O?

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

● Press the G key, as its group includes the telephone symbol.

A

A

A

A

A

2 3 4

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

● The cursor is displayed highlighting the .

A

A

A

2 3 4

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

-16-

● Push to input a .

The message should now look like this:

SET

A

A

A

A

A

Mr.J Sm

After a non-keyboard symbol has been entered, the machine automatically exits
from Symbol Mode. If you wish to enter another symbol, you must re-enter Sym­bol Mode by holding down the CODE key and pressing the SYMBOL key.

i t h

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

-17-

EDITING A MESSAGE

DELETING

The DELETE key allows you to remove characters from your message.

To delete a character:

(1) Using the and keys, position the cursor one space to the right of the

character you want to delete.
(2) Press the DELETE key.

Example To delete the from the message:

● Make sure the cursor is positioned to the right of the telephone symbol.

A

A

A

A

A

Mr.J Sm

CLEAR

● Press to remove the .

DEL

Mr.J S

i t h

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

A

m i t h

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

-18-

A

A

A

A

Now we will delete the blank space between the “J” and “S”:

● Press until the cursor is positioned to the right of the blank space

● Press to remove the blank space.

● Press to adjust the display in order to check that the blank space

TOP

(under the “S”).

Mr.J

CLEAR

DEL

Mr.J

TOP

has been deleted.

A

A

A

A

A

S mit

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

A

A

A

A

S mit

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

h

A

h

-19-

WORD OUT

A

A

This function allows you to erase one word at a time, simplifying the editing of
long messages.

To use the WORD OUT function:

(1) Position the cursor to the right of the word you want to delete.
(2) Hold down the CODE key and press the WORD OUT key.
A number or word located before the cursor and after the nearest preceeding

space will be deleted.

Example To delete the word “Mr.” from the message:

● Press to position the cursor under “J”.

● Press + to delete “Mr.”.

TOP

CODE

A

A

A

A

A

M r.J

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

WORD OUT

)

0

A

A

J Smi

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

-20-

Smith

A

th

OVER TYPING

The machine normally operates in Overtype Mode. In Overtype Mode, you can
change a character simply by typing a new one in its place.

To type over a character:

(1) Move the cursor to the character you want to change.
(2) Press the character or symbol you want.
The new character replaces the old one in the message.

Example To replace the lower-case letters “mith” with capital letters:

● Position the cursor under the “m”.

A

A

A

A

A

J Smi

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

● Switch to CAPS Mode by pressing + .
The CAPS indicator will light.

● Press the M key.

A

A

A

A

J SMi

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

● Complete the process by typing the letters “ITH”.

A

A

A

A

JS

M ITH

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

-21-

CODE

A

A

th

SHIFT

CAPS

th

INSERTING

Sometimes you may want to insert a character into the middle of your message.
To do so, you must change from Overtype Mode to Insert Mode.

To insert characters:

(1) Hold down the CODE key and press the INSERT key until display shows

“I : ”.
(2) Move the cursor to the position where you want to insert.
(3) Press the keyboard character or symbol you want to add (see SYMBOLS).

All characters following the insertion will move one space to the right.

Example To insert a period into the message, changing it to “J. SMITH”:

● Position the cursor under the “S”.

A

A

A

A

A

J

S MIT

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

● Enter Insert Mode by pressing + .

● The following display appears.

A

CODE

A

A

A

A

H

INSERT

¢
6

I : ×

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

INSERT

● Pressing the key while holding down the key toggles
between insert and overwrite mode.

¢
6

-22-

CODE

(OVERWRITE MODE)

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

(INSERT MODE)

A

A

A

I : ×

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

● Release the key when the display shows “I: ”.

● Press the key.

To leave INSERT Mode:

Holding down the CODE key press the INSERT key again.

CODE

?

•

'

A

A

A

J

. SMI

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

I :

CAPS STL UNDL/FRM

A

A

TH

-23-