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.
PREPARATION
Unpacking Your P-touch Labeler
Check that the package contains the followings before using your P-touch labeler.
Included items may differ by distribution.
Power Supply & Tape Cassettes
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Insert a tape cassette, making sure that it snaps into place.
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.
4. 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.
OPERATION
Keyboard & LCD
The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the text that you enter can be up to 80 characters in length.
Initial Setting
1. Start your machine
Supply power by using six AAA batteries or the optional AC adapter, and then press
2. Set the language (English/Spanish/French/Portuguese)
Choose a language with and press /
3. Set the unit (inch/mm)
Choose a unit with and press /
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 holding down and , press to turn the machine back on. Finally, release and
Creating Labels
See the under side for steps of creating labels.
REFERENCE
Troubleshooting
Error message
Message
Cause/Remedy
Battery Weak!
The batteries are weak.
Check Battery!
The installed batteries are about to run out.
Invalid!
• There is no text above the cursor when you set Numbering.
• Invalid character is selected for Numbering.
• Invalid number is selected for Tab Length or Label Length.
No Text!
• 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.
Line Limit!
• You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing Enter key.
• You tried to print a 2 line text when 0.13" (3.5 mm) or 0.23" (6 mm) tape is installed.
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 already been entered.
Text Too Long!
The text length exceeds the selected label length or the selected Auto Format setting length.
No Frame OK?
Printing on 0.13" (3.5 mm) tape with invalid Frame setting ON. (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.
• 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.
The machine does not print, or the printed characters are blurred.
• Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
• If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
The printed characters are not formed properly.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
The memory has cleared on its own.
• The batteries may be weak. Replace them
A blank horizontal line appears through the printed label.
• 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.
The machine has "locked up" (i.e., nothing happens when a key is pressed, even though the machine is on).
• 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.
Specifications
Item
Specification
Dimensions
6.4" (W) × 6.0" (D) × 2.4" (H)
(160 mm (W) × 151 mm (D) × 60 mm (H))
Weight
1.03 lbs. (470 g) (without batteries and tape cassette)
Power supply
Six AAA-size alkaline batteries (LR03) or optional AC adapter (model AD-30/AD-24)
Accessories (Supplies may differ by distribution.)
Accessories
Stock No.
Tape Cassettes
See the attached "Supplies and Accessories Guide"
AC Adapter
model AD-30/AD-24
Cutter Unit
TC-5 (replacement)
Carrying Case
CC1000
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.
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
To go to the next group, press .
To cancel operations, press .
Entering Accented Characters
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.
DESIGNING LABELS
Setting [Size] ( + )
[Large]
[Large]
[Medium]
[Small]
Automatically adjusts the text size according to the tape width.
Setting [Width] ( + )
[Width] [×2]
[Normal]
[×2]
[×1/2]
Setting [Style] (Vertical) ( + )
[Style] [Vertical]
[Normal]
[Bold]
[Outline]
[Shadow]
[Italic]
[Italic Bold]
[Italic Outl](Italic Outline)
[Italic Shadow]
[Vertical]
Setting [Underline/Frame] ( + )
[Style] [Vertical]
[Normal]
[Bold]
[Outline]
[Shadow]
[Italic]
[Italic Bold]
[Italic Out](Italic Outline)
[Italic Shadow]
[Vertical]
Setting [Underline/Frame] ( + )
[Underline/Frame] [Underline]
[Off]
[Underline]
[Round]
[Candy]
[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](Auto / 1.2" - 12.0") ( + )
[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 applications.
[Auto Format] [VHS Spine]
Application
Length
VHS Spine
5.5"
MiniDV Spine
1.6"
Audio Tape
3.5"
CD Case Spine
4.4"
File Tab
3.2"
Divider Tab
1.6"
PRINTING LABELS
Text Preview
You can preview the text before printing.
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)
Printing
To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-right 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
[Chain Print] is for printing more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin . 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 .
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
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)
[Print Option]
[Numbering]
Select the highest number you wish to be printed when setting the number.
[Mirror]
[Print Option] [Mirror] [Mirror Print?]
Use clear tape in [Mirror], so the labels can be read correctly from the opposite side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.
COMPLETED LABELS
Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label
USEFUL FUNCTIONS
Memory (Favorites)
You can save and print your favorite label in seconds at the touch of a button. There are three Favorite Keys ( ~ ) to store your three favorite labels.
To Save:
To Print:
To Open:
When the saved text contains more than 8 characters, use to scroll through the text.
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 and the shortcut key shown in the table below. To confirm, press
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.com
Fax : 1-901-379-1210
If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-800-284-HELP or visit us at www.brother.com
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and press 
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and 
, press 
to turn the machine back on. Finally, release 
and 
to print with no Frame, 
to cancel.)
and 
, press 
to turn the machine back on. Finally, release 
and 
.
ON)
.
.
.
.
+ 
)
[Large] 
+ 
)
[Width] 
[×2] 
)
[Style] 
[Vertical] 
)
[Style] 
[Vertical] 
[Underline/Frame] 
[Underline] 
[Tab] 
)
[Tab Length] 
)
[Label Length] 
.
)
[Auto Format] 
[VHS Spine] 
+ 
)
[Margin] 
[Full] 
. 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 
.
+ 
)
[Print Option] 
[Copies] 
[Print Option] 
[Numbering] 
[Print Option] 
[Mirror] 
[Mirror Print?] 
~ 
) to store your three favorite labels.
to scroll through the text.
and the shortcut key shown in the table below. To confirm, press 
