ELECTRONIC LABELING SYSTEM
E LE CT RO N IC L AB EL IN G S YS TE M
ELECTRONIC LABELING SYSTEM
1
1
PREPARATION
2
2
OPERATION
3
3
[GETTING STARTED]
REFERENCE
USER'S GUIDE
English
www.brother.com
Printed in China
LW1704001
INTRODUCTION
With your PT-1880, you can create labels for any application. Select from the
many frames, character sizes and styles to design beautiful custom labels. In
addition, the variety of tape cartridges available allows you to print labels with
different widths and exciting colours.
Read this User’s Guide carefully before starting and keep the User’s Guide in
a handy place for future reference.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not have
the mark.
• Do not disassemble or modify the machine/AC adapter.
• Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Only use a soft, dry
cloth.
• Do not touch the print head mechanism. Use a soft wipe (e.g. a cotton swab) when
cleaning the print head.
• To avoid injuries, do not touch the cutter's edge.
• To prevent damage or breakage, do not press on the LCD display.
• Do not put any foreign objects into or heavy objects on the machine.
• Do not leave any rubber or vinyl on the machine for an extended period of time,
otherwise the machine may be stained.
• Do not get the machine/AC adapter/power plug wet, such as by handling them with
wet hands or spilling beverages on to them.
• Do not expose the machine/AC adapter to extremely high temperatures or high
humidity. Never leave them on the dashboard or in the back of your car, near heaters
or other hot appliances. Keep them out of both direct sunlight and rain.
• Avoid using the machine in extremely dusty places.
• Depending on the environmental conditions and the applied settings, some
characters or symbols may be difficult to read.
• Do not pull on the tape being fed from the P-touch labeler, otherwise the tape
cassette or P-touch labeler may be damaged.
• Do not attempt to cut the tape while printing or feeding since this will damage the tape.
• Do not try to print labels using an empty tape cassette set in the P-touch labeler. Doing
so will damage the print head.
• Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter if you do not intend to use the
machine for an extended period of time. (Note: When power is disconnected for more
than five minutes, all text, format settings and any text files stored in the memory will
be cleared.)
• Do not use old and new batteries together or mix alkaline batteries with other type
batteries, or set the positive and negative end in the wrong position. Otherwise, the
batteries may leak or be damaged.
• Do not use metallic articles, such as tweezers or metallic pen, when exchanging the
batteries.
• Always use the specified voltage and the suggested AC adapter (AD5000) for
this machine to prevent any damage or failure.
• To prevent fire or electric shock, make sure that the plug of the AC adapter is fully
inserted into the power outlet. Do not use an outlet that is loose.
Unpacking Your P-touch Labeler
Check that the package contains the following before using your P-touch labeler.
Included items may differ by distribution.
PT-1880
TZ tape cassette
User's Guide
Accessories Guide
Warranty Card
Power Supply
Make sure that the power is turned off when replacing batteries.
Turn the machine over and remove the battery compartment cover.
If batteries are already installed, remove them.
Insert six new AA-size alkaline
batteries (LR6), making sure that
their poles point in the correct
directions. Always replace all six
batteries at the same time using
brand new ones.
Attach the battery compartment cover by inserting the three hooks at the
bottom into the slots on the machine, then pushing down firmly on the
cover until it snaps into place.
When using optional AC adapter (model
AD5000)
Insert the plug on the adapter cord into
the adapter jack on the right side of the
machine.
Insert the plug into the nearest standard
electrical outlet.
For memory back up, we recommend using
AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6) together
when using the AC adapter.
Battery compartment
cover
Tape Cassettes
Make sure that the power is turned off when replacing a tape cassette.
Open the tape compartment cover by lifting up both sides at the same time.
If a tape cassette is already installed, remove it by pulling it straight up.
Insert a tape cassette, making sure that it snaps into place.
End of tape
Toothed Wheel
Tape guide
Tape compartment
cover
Keyboard & LCD
Size
Cursor
Caps
Tape cutter lever
Print key
Preview key
Font keys
Character keys
Tab key
Caps key
Shift key
Symbol key
Auto Format key
• The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the text that
you enter can be up to 80 characters in length, which will scroll
across the display.
• Use with Shift key to go to beginning/end of the text.
Underline/Frame
Label Length
Turning the Power On
Setting Language (
> [Language] / > [English] /
English/Spanish/
French/Portuguese
Setting unit (mm/inch)
> [Unit] / > [mm] /
• The machine automatically turns off if no key is pressed within 5
minutes.
• To cancel operations, press .
• To initialize the P-touch labeler back to factory settings, turn off the
machine and then while holding down and , press to
turn the machine back on. Finally, release and .
Width
Style
Esc key
OK key
Cursor keys
Power key
Function key
Backspace key
Enter key
Shift key
Accent key
Space key
(+)
(+)
Troubleshooting
Error message
Message Cause/Remedy
Battery Weak! The batteries are weak. Replace them with new ones.
Check Battery! The installed batteries are about to run out.
Invalid! • There is no text above the cursor when you set Number-
No Text! • You tried to print a text file when there is no data stored in
Line Limit! • You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing Enter key.
No Cassette! You tried to print a label when there is no cassette installed.
Cutter Error! Tape cutter lever is used in the middle of printing process.
Full! The maximum number of characters (80 characters) have
Text Too Long! The text length exceeds the selected label length or the
No Frame OK? Printing on 3.5 mm tape with invalid Frame setting ON.
ing.
• Invalid character is selected for Numbering.
• Invalid number is selected for Tab Length or Label Length.
the memory.
• The Print key is pressed when no text is entered.
• You tried to set Copies, Numbering or Mirror when no text
is entered.
• You tried to print a 2 line text when 3.5 mm or 6 mm tape is
installed.
already been entered.
selected Auto Format setting length.
(Select to print with no Frame, to cancel.)
What to do when...
Problem Solution
The display stays blank
after you have turned on
the machine.
When the label is
printed out, there is too
much margin (space) 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.
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.
• Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
• If the batteries are weak, replace them.
• Check that the AC adapter is correctly connected.
• Refer to "Setting [Margin] (Tape Margin)" on 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 tape compartment cover is properly closed.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
• When power is disconnected for more than five 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 and up-and-down motion.
• The print head can be cleaned more easily if the optional
print head cleaning cassette (TZ-CL4) is used.
• Turn off the machine, and then while holding
down and , press to turn the machine back
on. Finally, release and .
• Note: The text and formats in the display are erased. Also,
the language and unit settings will be cleared.
• 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 while holding down , and select [Text&Format].
Specifications
Item Specification
Dimensions 167 mm (W) × 215 mm (D) × 57 mm (H)
Weight 570 g (without batteries and tape cassette)
Power supply Six AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6) or optional AC adapter
Tape cassette Brother TZ tape (width) :
(model AD5000)
3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm
Accessories (Supplies may differ by distribution.)
Accessories Stock No.
• Make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
• If the ink ribbon is loose, use your finger to wind the toothed wheel in the
direction of the arrow on the cassette.
After you have installed the tape, feed the tape ( + ) once and then
push in the tape cutter lever to cut the tape.
Securely close the front cover, making sure that it snaps into place.
Tape Cassettes See the attached "Supplies and Accessories Guide".
AC Adapter model AD5000
Carrying Case CC3500
[CREATING LABELS]
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MAKING TEXT
Setting Font
image
image
Switching Upper Case/Lower Case
>
Upper case ( ON) Lower case ( OFF)
Making Two Line Text
Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press .
The return mark ( ) appears in the text to indicate the end of
the first line and the beginning of the second.
Use either 9 mm, 12 mm, or 18 mm wide tape for two line text.
Display Label image
Entering Symbols
>
Group
17
28
39
410
511
612
• To go to the next group, press .
• To cancel operations, press .
Symbols
Group
Symbols
Entering Accented Characters
>>/ > /
Accented Characters Accented Characters
Aa
Cc
Dd
Ee
Gg
Ii
Kk
Ll
Nn
Oo
Rr
Ss
Tt
Uu
Yy
Zz
• To cancel operations, press .
• The order of accented characters differ by the selected LCD language.
To Clear
To delete a character one by one
To delete all text
> [Clear] > [Text Only]
To delete all text & format
> [Clear] > [Text & Format]
You can also go into [Text & Format] / [Text Only] by pressing + .
(+)
2
2
Setting [Size]
[Large] [Medium] [Small] [MAX]
Automatically adjusts the text size according to the tape width.
Select MAX to print with maximum text size when using 18 mm tape, all texts
are in upper case, the Style setting is [Normal], and the Underline/Frame setting is [Off].
Setting [Width]
[Normal] [
Setting [Style] (Vertical)
[Normal] [Bold] [Outline]
[Shadow] [Italic] [Italic Bold]
[Italic Outl](Italic Outline)
Setting [Underline/Frame]
[Off] [Underline] [Round] [Candy] [Callout]
[Banner] [Wooden] [Vine] [Hand] [Flower]
Frames cannot be printed on 3.5 mm tape.
Setting [Label Length]
• You can also select the length by entering the length with Num keys.
• To return to [Auto], press .
DESIGNING LABELS
(+)
> [Size] > [Large]
(+)
> [Width] > [×2]
×2] [×1/2]
(+)
> [Style] > [Vertical]
[Italic Shadow] [Vertical]
(+)
> [Underline/Frame] > [Underline]
(Auto / 30 - 300mm)
> [Label Length] >
(+)
Setting [Tab]
You can make aligned texts by setting tabs.
Example: To set a tab between "ABC" and "D"
Setting [Tab Length]
• You can also select the length by entering the length with Num keys.
• To return to [Auto], press .
The cursor should be positioned where you set a tab.
>
Display Label image
ABC D
(Auto / 0 - 100mm)
> [Tab Length] >
Tab
(+)
Setting [Auto Format]
You can choose label length from six formats to create labels for various applications.
> [VHS Spine]
Application Length Application Length
VHS Spine 140 mm CD Case Spine 113 mm
MiniDV Spine 42 mm File Tab 82 mm
Audio Tape 89 mm Divider Tab 42 mm
3
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PRINTING LABELS COMPLETED LABELS
Text Preview
You can preview the text before printing.
• The LCD shows the whole text and the label length (mm/inch), then returns to the
original text.
• Only the text can be previewed, not the font, style, size, underline/frame or any
additional features.
Feeding (Tape Feed)
+
• The machine will feed 25 mm of tape, which may be needed when installing a new
tape cassette or when using the [Chain Print] feature.
Printing
• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-left corner of the
machine.
• To prevent damage to the tape, do not try to cut while the message "Print" or "Feed"
is displayed.
Setting [Margin] (Tape Margin)
> [Margin] > [Full]
[Full]/[Half]/[Narrow] is for leaving equal margins on both sides of the text.
NOTE: Cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors so the text is centered in the label.
Full Half Narrow
ABC ABC: ABC:
25mm 25mm
[Chain Print] is for printing more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin
<e.g. 1>. You can also create a label containing text in various styles; print a
text in one style, and before feeding, enter the second text in another style
<e.g. 2>. FEED THE TAPE BEFORE USING THE CUTTER (see Feeding/
Printing). Otherwise A PART OF THE TEXT MAY BE CUT OFF. Do not try to
pull the tape since this may damage the tape cassette.
Chain Print
<e.g. 1> <e.g. 2>
ABC ABC ABC ABC
12mm 12mm
ABC
(feed & cut) (feed & cut)
DEF
Using [Print Option]
[Copies]
You can print up to 9 copies of each label.
> [Print Option] > [Copies] >
You can also select the number of copies by entering with Num keys.
[Numbering]
You can print many copies of the same text while increasing a selected
number by 1 after each label is printed.
Example: To print copies of a label containing a serial number (0123, 0124 and 0125)
>>
[Numbering] >
Select the highest number you wish to be printed when setting the number.
[Mirror]
>
[
Print Option
Use a clear tape in [Mirror], so the labels can be read correctly from the opposite side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.
]
[Print Option] >
>
[
Mirror
]
>
[Mirror Print?]
(+)
4mm4mm
(+)
4
4
Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.
USEFUL FUNCTIONS
Memory (File)
You can save your original labels on to your machine. Up to five labels can
be saved and recalled for printing whenever you desire. You can also edit and
overwrite the stored label.
>> [File] >>
To Save:
> [Save] >
To Print:
> [Print] >
To Open:
> [Open] >
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.
Function Shortcuts
In addition to the basic steps to search for a function, the PT-1880 provides
you with function shortcuts so you can easily jump to a frequently used func-
tion just by pressing and the shortcut key shown in the table below. To
confirm, press .
Key Function Key Function
[Size] [Margin]
[Width] [Tab Length]
[Style] [Print Option]
[Underline/Frame] [Language]
[File] [Unit]
[Label Length] [Clear]
For Australia Only:
Warranty & Repair - For details about warranty on your Brother Product, the
details are listed on the following link: www.brother.com.au
For warranty service (repair) of your Brother product you will need to retain a
copy of your sales docket and contact the Support Centre for location of nearest Authorised Warranty Centre (AWC).
Support - For technical support for your Brother Product other than what you
can resolve through the User's Guide, please visit our website or our solutions
website for FAQs/Troubleshooting or contact the Product Support Centre for
any technical or customer care/support enquiry.
Brother International (Aust) Pty Ltd
Phone: 02 8875 6000
Fax: 02 9870 7223
Email: productsupport@brother.com.au
Web Site: www.brother.com.au
Solutions Site: http://solutions.brother.com
(+)
(+ )
under warranty.