Page 1
ELECTRONIC LABELING SYSTEM
Safety Precautions
WARNING
CAUTION
1
Tape
Cutter
Lever
Cassette
Cover
2
Print Head
3
Toothed
Wheel
Cutter
Edge
End of Tape
Tape
Exit Slot
Tape Guide
4
18
19
5
6
7
20
9
1
2
3
4
21
22
12
11
10
14 23
13
24
25
16
17
15
8
Full
Half
Narrow
1.6"
(41 mm)
ABC
1"
(25 mm)
ABC
ABC
159
ABC
159
Indicates a potentially hazardous
User’s Guide
English
Español
With your PT-H103W, you can create labels for multiple
applications. Select from the many frames, character sizes and
styles to design beautiful custom labels. In addition, the variety
of Tape Cassette available allows you to print labels with
different widths and exciting colors.
Read this manual carefully before you begin and keep the
manual in a handy place for future reference.
D01NM8001
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in serious injuries.
Follow these guidelines to avoid the risk of fire, burns, injury,
rupture, overheating, abnormal odor or smoke.
• Do not use the P-touch labeler in places of high humidity such as bathrooms.
• Do not allow the P-touch labeler/batteries to get wet, for example, by handling them
with wet hands or spilling beverages on to them.
• Since loss of eyesight may result when leaked fluid from batteries gets into your eyes,
immediately rinse your eyes with a large amount of clean water, and then seek
medical attention.
• Do not disassemble or modify the P-touch labeler/batteries.
• Do not allow a metal object to contact both the plus and minus ends of a battery.
• Do not use sharp objects, such as tweezers or a metallic pen, to change the batteries.
• Do not throw the batteries into fire or expose to heat.
• Remove batteries immediately and stop using the P-touch labeler if you notice
abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual while using or
storing it.
• Do not use a damaged or leaking battery as the fluid may get on your hands.
• Do not use a deformed or leaking battery or one whose label is damaged. There is a
possibility of generating heat.
Follow these guidelines to avoid personal injury, liquid
leakage, burns or heat.
• When the P-touch labeler is not being used, store it out of the reach of children. In
addition, do not allow children to put the P-touch labeler parts or labels in their
mouths. If any object has been swallowed, seek medical attention.
• Do not touch metal parts around the print head immediately after printing.
• Do not touch the cutter blade.
• If leaked fluid from batteries gets on your skin or clothes, immediately rinse them with
clean water.
• Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use the P-touch labeler.
• Do not use a battery other than that specified. Do not use combinations of old and
new batteries or combinations of different types, different charging levels, different
manufacturers or different models. Do not insert a battery with its plus and minus
ends reversed.
• Do not drop or hit the P-touch labeler.
• Do not press on the LCD display.
• Do not put your finger inside the P-touch labeler when you close the Cassette Cover.
• Before using Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, carefully read the instructions for the
batteries and battery charger, and be sure to use them correctly.
• When using Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, charge the batteries with a specialized
battery charger before using the batteries.
General Precautions
• Depending on the location, material, and environmental conditions, the label may
unpeel or become irremovable, the color of the label may change or be transferred
to other objects. Before applying the label, check the environmental conditions and
the material.
• Do not use the P-touch labeler in any way or for any purpose not described in this
guide. Doing so may result in accidents or damage the P-touch labeler.
• Use only Brother TZe tapes with the P-touch labeler. Do not use tapes that do not
have the mark.
• Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the labeler; never use alcohol or other organic
solvents.
• Use a soft wipe to clean the print head; never touch the print head.
Power Supply and Tape Cassette
Open the Cassette Cover by pressing the
above indicated area at the top end of the
machine.
If a Tape Cassette is already installed, remove it by
pulling it straight up. Also, if batteries are already
installed, remove them.
• Make sure that the power is turned off when
replacing batteries or Tape Cassettes.
LCD Display & Keyboard
Insert six new AAA alkaline batteries
(LR03) or fully charged Ni-MH batteries
(HR03), making sure that their poles
point in the correct directions.
Users of alkaline batteries:
Always replace all six batteries at the
same time with brand new ones.
Users of Ni-MH batteries:
Always replace all six batteries at the
same time with fully charged ones.
NOTE
Visit us at support.brother.com for the latest information
about the recommended batteries.
1. Size
2. Cursor
3. Caps
4. Underline/Frame
5. Width
6. Style
7. Label Length
If a specific label length has been
selected, also appears.
8. Guidance (left, right)
9. Power key
10. Cursor key : Right
11. Cursor key : Left
12. Backspace key
13. Size key
NOTE
• The LCD shows one row of 12 characters; however, the text that
you enter can be up to 80 characters in length.
• While selecting the settings, press the Space key to go back to
the default item.
• The print preview is a generated image of the label, and may
differ from the actual label when printed.
• Label length shown on LCD may slightly differ from the actual
label length when printed.
14. Style key
15. Character keys
16. Caps key
17. Preview key
18. Menu key
19. Clear key
20. Print key
21. Enter key
22. Symbol key
23. Frame key
24. Accent key
25. Space key
Insert a Tape Cassette, making sure that
it locks into place.
• Make sure that the end of the tape feeds under
the tape guides.
• Use only Brother TZe tapes with this machine.
Specifications
Dimensions:
(W x D x H)
Weight: Approx. 0.9 lb. (Approx. 390 g)
Power supply: Six AAA alkaline batteries (LR03)
Tape Cassette: Brother TZe tape (width)
*1Visit us at support.brother.com for the latest information
about the recommended batteries.
Should you encounter any problems with your product,
please do not return your product to the store!
After referring to the User's guide, if you still need
assistance, call Brother Customer Service at:
Voice: 1-877-BROTHER (1-877-276-8437)
Web: www.brother-usa.com
Fax: 1-901-379-1210
If you need to locate a service center, please call
1-877-BROTHER or visit us at www.brother-usa.com
Troubleshooting
Error message What to do when...
Message Cause/Remedy
The batteries are weak.
Low Battery!
Battery Dead
Invalid!
No Text!
Line Limit!
No Cassette!
Cutter Error
Text Full!
If using AAA alkaline batteries: Replace them with new
ones.
If using Ni-MH batteries: Charge them fully.
The installed batteries are running low.
An invalid number was entered as the label length.
• You tried to print a text file when there is no data
stored in the memory.
• is pressed when no text is entered.
• You tried to select Text Preview or Ca ble Label when
no text is entered.
• You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing .
• You tried to print or preview two lines of text while
0.13" (3.5 mm) or 0.23" (6 mm) tape is installed.
Install tape of a larger size.
You tried to print a label when there is no cassette
installed.
The tape cutter lever was used during the printing
process.
The maximum number of characters (80 characters)
have already been entered.
Message Cause/Remedy
Since the number of entered characters exceeds the
Text Limit!
No Frame OK?
OK to Feed?
Wrong Tape!
label length, reduce the text, or select [Auto] as the
label length.
Printing on 0.13" (3.5 mm) tape with invalid Frame
setting ON. (Select to print with no Frame,
to cancel.)
Feeding tape after printing when [Chain Print] is
selected. Refer to “Setting Margin”.
Use a Tape Cassette with the mark.
Problem Solution
The display stays blank
after you have turned on
the machine.
When the label is printed
out, the margin(space) is
too large on both sides of
the text.
The machine does not
print, or the printed
characters are not formed
properly.
The setting has cleared
on its own.
A blank horizontal line
appears through the
printed label.
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate
injuries.
Approx. 4.4" × 8.2" × 2.4"
(Approx. 110 (W) × 208 (D) × 59 (H) mm)
(without batteries and Tape Cassette)
Six AAA Ni-MH batteries (HR03)*
0.13" (3.5 mm), 0.23" (6 mm),
0.35" (9 mm), 0.47" (12 mm)
• Check that the batteries are correctly
inserted.
• If the batteries are weak, replace them.
• See “Setting Margin” in this users guide
and select [Half] or [Narrow] to have
smaller margins for your label.
• Check that the Tape Cassette has been
inserted correctly.
• If the Tape Cassette is empty, replace it.
• Check the Cassette Cover is properly
closed.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace
them.
• When power is disconnected for more
than three minutes, all text & formats in
the display will be lost. Language and Unit
settings will also be cleared.
• There maybe some dust on the print
head. Remove the Tape Cassette and
use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the
print head with an up-and-down motion.
1
• Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot or battery compartment, etc.
• Do not place the P-touch labeler/batteries in direct sunlight or rain, near heaters or
other hot appliances, in any location exposed to extremely high or low temperatures
(e.g., on the dashboard or in the back of your car) or high humidity, or in dusty
locations.
• Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter lever.
• Do not try to print if the cassette is empty; it will damage the print head.
• Do not pull the tape while printing or feeding; it will damage the tape and the P-touch
labeler.
• Any data stored in memory will be lost due to failure or repair of the P-touch labeler,
or if the battery expires.
• The P-touch labeler is not equipped with a charging feature for rechargeable
batteries.
• The length of the printed label may differ from the displayed label length.
• A protective clear plastic sticker is placed over the display during manufacturing and
shipping. This sticker should be removed prior to use.
• When power is disconnected for more than three minutes, all text, format settings and
any text files stored in the memory will be cleared.
Federal Communications Commission(FCC)
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:
• 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/TV technician for help.
Important
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd.
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Compliance Notice (For USA Only)
Securely close the Cassette Cover, making
sure that it locks into place.
Initial Settings
1 Start your machine.
Supply power by using six AAA batteries, and then press
.
2 Set the language.
/ [Language] /
Select a language .
3 Set the unit of measurement.
The default setting is [inch].
/ [Unit]
/ [inch/mm] .
NOTE
• The machine automatically turns off if no keys are pressed within
five minutes.
• To cancel any operation, press .
Problem Solution
The machine has “locked
up” (i.e., nothing happens
when a key is pressed,
even though the machine
is on.)
The power turns off when
you try to print.
The tape does not feed
properly or the tape gets
stuck inside the machine.
All text and format
settings need to be
cleared to create a new
label.
The LCD is set to an
incorrect language.
• Refer to “Resetting the P-touch”.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace
them.
• Check that the batteries are correctly
inserted.
• Check that the end of the tape feeds
under the tape guides.
• The cutter lever is used while printing. Do
not touch the cutter lever during printing.
• Press and select [Text&Format].
• Refer to “Initial Settings”.
BASIC USAGE
Entering Text
Switching Upper Case/Lower Case
Upper case ( ON) Lower case ( OFF)
Making Two Lines of Text
To make two lines of text, do one of following:
a)
Enter the text for the first line and then press for the
second line.
b)
Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press
.
Use either 0.35" (9 mm) or 0.47" (12 mm) wide tape for two line text .
LCD display Label image
NOTE
Do not press after the second line; otherwise the “Line Limit!”
error message will appear.
To Clear
By pressing , the letters will be deleted one by one.
To delete all text and settings :
/ [Text&Format]
To delete text only :
/ [Text Only]
Printing Labels
Preview
You can preview the text before printing.
Only the text can be previewed, not the size, font or any
additional features.
Feeding (Tape Feed)
/ [Feed]
Printing
[Copies: 1] / / -
• If you need only 1 copy of the label, press without
selecting the number of copies.
• The number of copies can also be specified by pressing a
number key.
• To prevent damage to the tape, do not touch the cutter lever
while the message "Printing..." or "Feeding..." is displayed.
• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upperright corner of the machine.
• Peel the printed label from the backing and apply the label.
• You can print up to 9 copies of each label.
Setting Margin
/ [Margin]
/ [Full/Half/Narrow/Chain Print]
[Full]/[Half]/[Narrow]
For leaving equal margins on both sides of the text.
ABC ABC
1"
[Chain Print]
For creating a label containing text in various styles.
1"
(25 mm)
1. Enter text.
2. Press , then [Copies: ] appears.
3. Press / or enter number with number keys to
select the number of copies.
4. Press . Printing will start, and then the message "OK
to Feed?" appears.
5. Press to enter more text.
6. Clear the text, enter the text for the next label, and then
press .
7. When the message "OK to Feed?" appears after the last
label is printed, press .
8. After the tape is fed, press the cutter lever to cut off the
chain of labels.
NOTE
• When [Half] or [Narrow] is set, the displayed label length is the
length from the printed dots ( ) to the end of the label.
LCD display Label image
Full
Half
Narrow
• To print more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin, set
the margin to [Narrow].
• When [Chain Print] is set, feed the tape before using the cutter
otherwise a part of the text may be cut off. Also, cut along the
printed dots ( ) with scissors so the text is centered in the label.
*Feed the tape before using the cutter.
• Do not pull the tape since this may damage the Tape Cassette.
ABC
0.47" 0.47"
(12 mm)
ABC
2.7"
(67 mm)
0.16"0.16"
(4 mm)
Entering Accented Characters
- / /
Aa
CDc d
Ee
GIg i
KLk l
NRn r
Oo
STs t
Uu
YZy z
• To cancel the current operation, press .
• The order of accented characters differs depending on the
selected LCD language.
Changing Label Length
/ [Label Length]
/ [Auto/1.2"-12.0" (30-300 mm)]
NOTE
• After the label is printed, cut along the printed dots (:) with
scissors so that the label length matches the machine setting.
• If a specific label length has been selected, also appears in
the LCD.
Saving Label Files
You can save up to 9 labels and recall them for printing at a later
date. A maximum of 80 characters can be saved per file, a
maximum total of 720 characters for the total memory. You can
also edit and overwrite the stored label.
Print
/ [File] / [Print]
/
[Copies: ] / -
Save
/ [File] / [Save]
/
Open
/ [File] / [Open]
/
NOTE
If you try to store a label when there is already a label stored to that
number, a message “Overwrite?” will appear. Press to save
your new label. Press to cancel.
Accessories
Tape Cassettes: Visit support.brother.com for a list of
Cutter Unit: TC-4 (replacement)
If the cutter blade becomes dull after repetitive use and the tape cannot
be cut cleanly, replace with a new cutter (stock no. TC-4). You may
obtain this item from an authorized Brother reseller.
Replacing the Cutter Unit
1. Pull out the two sections of the cutter unit (green) in the
direction of the arrows shown in the illustration.
2. Install a new cutter unit. Push it in until it snaps into place.
Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your fingers.
available Brother P-touch tapes.
Resetting the P-touch
You can reset the P-touch labeler when you want to initialize the
settings, or in the event the P-touch labeler is not working properly.
1
Turn off the P-touch labeler, hold down and
and then press to turn the P-touch back on.
2 Release and .
The P-touch labeler turns on with the internal memory reset.
NOTE
All text, settings and stored files are cleared.
Registering your product will provide purchase
confirmation, proof of ownership and, if you choose, allow
us to notify you of product enhancements and special offers!
You can register online at: www.registermybrother.com
Product warranty information can be found online at
www.brother-usa.com/brother-support
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER!
LIMITED WARRANTY
Frame Key
Press to select the frame design.
/ Select a frame
2
31221
41322
51423
61524
71625
817
918
10 19
11 20
NOTE
Frames cannot be printed on 0.13" (3.5mm) tape.
USEFUL FUNCTION KEYS
Text Keys / / +
1 Press or or + to select the
settings to enter the text.
or or + / Select an item
2 Press / to select the settings.
Size
Style
Width
+
Short Cut Keys
Width
Label Length
Margin
File
Cable
Feed
Unit
Language
Large
Medium
Small
Normal
Bold
Outline
Shadow
Italic
I+Bold
I+Outline
I+Shadow
Vertical
Normal
× 2
× 1/2
Cable Label
This function allows you to create cable labels
as below with 2 lines of text wrapping around
cable. We recommend using Brother Flexible
ID tape when wrapping.
Refer to the insertion sheet included with
Flexible ID tape about the recommended
conditions for use.
[Input text] ABC 159 / [Cable]
[Print OK?] [Copies: 1] / / -
NOTE
With the Cable Label function, [Auto] is automatically selected for
the label length and [Full] for the margins.
Symbol Key
Press to select various symbols.
To enter Basic symbols :
/ [Basic] / Choose a symbol
1234567
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
To enter Pictograph symbols :
/ [Pictograph] / Select category
/ Choose a symbol
For example, a shoe is displayed as in the screen.
123456789
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
To print all pictographs :
/ [Print List] [Print OK?]
NOTE
Press to return to the previous step.
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