Brother P-Touch PT-1280 User Manual

USER'S GUIDE
English
www.brother.com
INTRODUCTION
With your PT-1280, 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 colors.
Read this manual carefully before starting and keep the manual in a handy
place for future reference.
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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 to 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.
- Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not have
the mark.
• 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 of the glass, do not press hard 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 wet, such as by touching with wet hands or spilling beverages
on to the machine.
• Do not expose the machine to extremely high temperatures or high humidity. Never
leave it on the dashboard, in the back of your car, near heaters or other hot
appliances. Keep it out of both direct sunlight and rain.
• Avoid using the machine in extremely dusty places.
• Do not pull on the tape being fed from the P-touch labeler, otherwise the tape
cassette 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 three minutes, all text shown in the display and any text files stored in the
memory will be lost. Language and unit settings will also 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.
• Use only the AC adapter designed exclusively for this machine to prevent any
damage or failure.
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1

MAKING TEXT

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
Use either 3/8" (9 mm) or 1/2" (12 mm) wide tape for two line text.
Display Label image
Entering Symbols
>
Group Symbols Group Symbols
1 7
2 8
3 9
4 10
5 11
6
• To go to the next group, press .
• To cancel operations, press .
Entering Accented Characters
> > / > /
Accented Characters Accented Characters
A a
C c
D d
E e
G g
I i
K k
L l
N n
O o
R r
S s
T t
U u
Y y
Z z
• To cancel operations, press .
• The order of accented characters differ by the selected LCD language.
To Clear
By pressing the Backspace Key, the letters will be deleted one by one.
All text and settings will be cleared.
+
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1
PREPARATION
Unpacking Your P-touch Labeler
Check that the package contains the followings before using your P-touch
labeler.
P-touch 1280
TZ tape cassette
/ Español
LN9963001
Printed in China
Included items may differ by distribution.
Power Supply & Tape Cassettes
Open the back cover by pressing
in the rough 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 cassette.
Insert six new AAA-size alkaline
batteries (LR03), making sure
that their poles point in the
correct directions. Always
replace all six batteries at the
same time using brand new
ones.
Insert a tape cassette, making sure that it snaps into place.
End of tape
Toothed Wheel
Tape guide
• 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.
• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine.
Securely close the back cover, making sure
that it snaps into place.
After you have installed the tape, feed the tape
(see Feeding) once and then push in the tape
cutter lever to cut the tape.
When using optional AC adapter (model
AD-30/AD-24)
Insert the plug on the adapter cord into
the adapter jack on the top end of the
machine.
Insert the plug into the nearest standard
electrical outlet.
For memory back up, we recommend using
AAA-size alkaline batteries (LR03) together
when using the AC adapter.
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2
DESIGNING LABELS
Setting [Size]
[ ] [ ]
> Size > Large
[Large] [Medium]
Automatically adjusts the text size according to the tape width.
Setting [Width]
.
× 2
> [ ] > [ ]
Width
×
[Normal] [ 2]
Setting [Style]
(Vertical)
> [ Style ] > [ Vertical
[Normal] [Bold]
[Shadow] [Italic]
[Italic Outl](Italic Outline) [Italic Shadow]
Setting [Underline/Frame]
> [ Underline/Frame ] >
[Off] [Underline] [Round]
[Callout] [Banner] [Wooden]
Frames can not be printed on 9/64" (3.5mm) tape.
Setting [Tab]
You can make aligned texts by setting tabs.
Example: To set a tab between "ABC" and "D"
The cursor should be positioned where you set a tab.
[
> > Tab
Display Label image
• You can also set a tab by using the Tab Key on the keyboard.
Setting [Tab Length]
(Auto / 0.0" - 4.0")
> [ Tab Length ] >
• You can also select the length by entering the length with Num keys.
• To return to [Auto], press .
Setting [Label Length]
[ ]
> Label Length >
• You can also select the length by entering the length with Num keys.
• To return to [Auto], press .
Setting [Auto Format]
You can choose label length from six formats to create labels for various ap-
plications.
> [ Auto Format ] >
Application Length
VHS Spine 5.5" CD Case Spine
MiniDV Spine 1.6" File Tab
Audio Tape 3.5" Divider Tab
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OPERATION
Keyboard & LCD
Size
Cursor
User's Guide
Caps
Accessories Guide
Warranty Card
Power key
Function key
Favorite keys
Character key
Tab key
Caps key
Shift key
Print head
Symbol key
Auto Format key
Tape cutter lever
The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the text that you
enter can be up to 80 characters in length.
Initial Setting
Start your machine
Supply power by using six AAA batteries or the optional AC adapter, and then
press .
Set the language (English/Spanish/French/Portuguese)
Choose a language with
Set the unit (inch/mm)
Cutter's edge
Choose a unit with
• The machine automatically turns off if no key is pressed within 5
minutes.
• To cancel operations, press
• To initialize the settings, turn off the machine and then while
Tape exit slot
holding down
Finally, release

Creating Labels

See the under side for steps of creating labels.
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3
PRINTING LABELS
Text Preview
( + )
You can preview the text before printing.
[Small]
• The LCD shows the whole text and the label length (inch/mm), 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)
× +
[ 1/2]
Printing
( + )
]
• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-right corner of the
[Outline]
machine.
• To prevent damage to the tape, do not try to cut while the message "Print" or "Feed"
is displayed.
[Italic Bold]
Setting [Margin]
[Vertical]
> [Margin]
[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
[ Underline ]
ABC
1" 1"
[Candy]
[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 texts 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>
ABC ABC ABC
]
Using [Print Option]
ABC D
Tab
[Copies]
You can print up to 9 copies of each label.
( + )
> [ Print Option
You can also select the number of copies by entering with Num keys.
[Numbering]
(Auto / 1.2" - 12.0")
( + ) 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
[VHS Spine]
Application Length
Use clear tape in [Mirror], so the labels can be read correctly from the oppo-
4.4"
site side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.
3.2"
1.6"
3
3
Troubleshooting
Error message
Width
Style
Battery Weak!
Check Battery!
Invalid!
Underline/Frame
Label Length
No Text!
Print key
Cursor key
(Use with Shift key
to go to top/end of
Line Limit!
the text.)
Preview key
OK key
ESC key
No Cassette!
Backspace key
Cutter Error!
Full!
Enter key
Shift key
Text Too Long!
Accent key
Space key
No Frame OK?
What to do when...
The display stays blank
after you have turned on
the machine.
The machine does not
print, or the printed
characters are blurred.
The printed characters
are not formed properly.
The memory has
cleared on its own.
A blank horizontal line
appears through the
printed label.
and press / .
The machine has
"locked up" (i.e., nothing
happens when a key is
pressed, even though
the machine is on).
and press / .
Specifications
.
and , press to turn the machine back on.
Dimensions
and .
Weight
Power supply
Tape cassette
Accessories
Tape Cassettes
AC Adapter
Cutter Unit
Carrying Case
If the cutter blade becomes blunt after repetitive use and the tape cannot be
cut cleanly, replace with new cutter unit (stock no. TC-5) by obtaining from an
authorized brother reseller.
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4
Memory
You can save and print your favorite label in seconds at the touch of a button.
There are three Favorite Keys (
To Save:
(Tape Margin)
( + )
To Print:
> [Full]
To Open:
Half Narrow
: ABC : ABC
When the saved text contains more than 8 characters, use
through the text.
1/6" 1/6"
1/2" 1/2"
Function Shortcuts
In addition to the basic steps to search for a function, PT-1280 provides you
with function shortcuts so you can easily jump to a frequently used function
just by pressing
firm, press
Key
<e.g. 2>
ABC
ABC
DEF
(feed & cut) (feed & cut)
( + )
] > [ Copies ] >
> > [ ] >
Print Option
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:
] > [ Mirror ] > [Mirror Print?]
If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-800-284-HELP or visit
us at www.brother.com

[GETTING STARTED]

REFERENCE
Message Cause/Remedy
The batteries are weak.
The installed batteries are about to run out.
• There is no text above the cursor when you set Number-
ing.
• Invalid character is selected for Numbering.
• Invalid number is selected for Tab Length or Label Length.
• You tried to print a text file when there is no data stored in
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 enter a 3rd line by pressing Enter key.
• You tried to print a 2 line text when 9/64" (3.5mm) or 1/4"
(6mm) tape is installed.
You tried to print a label when there is no cassette installed.
Tape cutter lever is used in the middle of printing process.
The maximum number of characters (80 characters) have
already been entered.
The text length exceeds the selected label length or the
selected Auto Format setting length.
Printing on 9/64" (3.5 mm) tape with invalid Frame setting
ON. (Select to print with no Frame, to cancel.)
Problem Solution
• Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
• If the batteries are weak, replace them.
• Check that the AD-30/AD-24 adapter is correctly connected.
• Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
• If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
• There may be 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.
• The print head can be cleaned more easily if the optional
print head cleaning cassette (TZ-CL3) 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 and all text files
stored in the memory are erased. Also, the language and
unit settings will be cleared.
Item Specification
6.4" (W) × 6.0" (D) × 2.4" (H)
(160 mm (W) × 151 mm (D) × 60 mm (H))
1.03 lbs. (470 g) (without batteries and tape cassette)
Six AAA-size alkaline batteries (LR03) or optional AC
adapter (model AD-30/AD-24)
Brother TZ tape (width) :
9/64" (3.5 mm), 1/4" (6 mm), 3/8" (9 mm), 1/2" (12 mm)
(Supplies may differ by distribution.)
Accessories Stock No.
See the attached "Supplies and Accessories Guide".
model AD-30/AD-24
TC-5 (replacement)
CC1000
[CREATING LABELS]
COMPLETED LABELS
Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.

USEFUL FUNCTIONS

(Favorites)
~ ) to store your three favorite labels.
> >
> >
to scroll
( +
and the shortcut key shown in the table below. To con-
.
Function Key Function
[Size] [Tab Length]
[Width] [Label Length]
[Style] [Auto Format]
[Underline/Frame] [Margin]
[Tab] [Print Option]
Voice : 1-877-4-PTOUCH
Web : www.brother.com
Fax : 1-901-379-1210
)