[GETTING STARTED]

E LE C T R O N
IC L A B E LI
NG SYSTEM
1 PREPARATION 2 OPERATION 3 REFERENCE
Unpacking Your P-touch Labeler Keyboard & LCD Troubleshooting
Check that the package contains the followings before using your P-touch Error message
USER'S GUIDE labeler.
P-touch 1280
Size Width
Style Message Cause/Remedy
Battery Weak! The batteries are weak.
Cursor Check Battery! The installed batteries are about to run out.
English / Español TZ tape cassette
User's Guide Invalid! • There is no text above the cursor when you set Number-
Printed in China ing.
Caps Underline/Frame
LW6436001 Label Length • Invalid character is selected for Numbering.
Accessories Guide • 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
[Link] the memory.
Warranty Card
Print key • The Print key is pressed when no text is entered.
• You tried to set Copies, Numbering or Mirror when no text
Cursor key
INTRODUCTION Included items may differ by distribution. Power key (Use with Shift key
to go to top/end of Line Limit!
is entered.
• You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing Enter key.
the text.)
With your PT-1280, you can create labels for any application. Select from the • You tried to print a 2 line text when 0.13" (3.5 mm) or 0.23"
many frames, character sizes and styles to design beautiful custom labels. In Power Supply & Tape Cassettes Function key
Favorite keys
Preview key
OK key (6 mm) tape is installed.
addition, the variety of tape cartridges available allows you to print labels with ESC key No Cassette! You tried to print a label when there is no cassette installed.
Character key Backspace key
different widths and exciting colors. Open the back cover by pressing Cutter Error! Tape cutter lever is used in the middle of printing process.
Tab key
in the rough area at the top end Enter key Full! The maximum number of characters (80 characters) have
Read this manual carefully before starting and keep the manual in a handy Caps key
of the machine. already been entered.
place for future reference. If a tape cassette is already Shift key Shift key
Print head Text Too Long! The text length exceeds the selected label length or the
installed, remove it by pulling it Symbol key Accent key selected Auto Format setting length.
FCC NOTICE
straight up. Also, if batteries are Tape cutter lever Auto Format key Space key
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
No Frame OK? Printing on 0.13" (3.5 mm) tape with invalid Frame setting
already installed, remove them.
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation. • Make sure that the power is ON. (Select to print with no Frame, to cancel.)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to turned off when replacing
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful batteries or tape cassette. What to do when...
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 The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the text that you Problem Solution
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular enter can be up to 80 characters in length. The display stays blank • Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
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 after you have turned on • If the batteries are weak, replace them.
Insert six new AAA-size alkaline
one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
batteries (LR03), making sure
that their poles point in the
Initial Setting the machine.
The machine does not
•
•
Check that the AD-30/AD-24 adapter is correctly connected.
Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
- 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. correct directions. Always print, or the printed • If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. replace all six batteries at the Start your machine characters are blurred.
- Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the user’s same time using brand new Supply power by using six AAA batteries or the optional AC adapter, and then The printed characters • The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
authority to operate the equipment.
ones. press . are not formed properly.
The memory has • The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
Set the language (English/Spanish/French/Portuguese) cleared on its own.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS A blank horizontal line
appears through the
• There may be some dust on the print head. Remove the
tape cassette and use a dry cotton swab to gently wipe the
• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not have printed label. print head with an up-and-down motion.
the mark. Insert a tape cassette, making sure that it snaps into place. Choose a language with and press / . • The print head can be cleaned more easily if the optional
• Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Only use a soft, dry print head cleaning cassette (TZ-CL3) is used.
End of tape Set the unit (inch/mm) The machine has • Turn off the machine, and then while holding
cloth.
• Do not touch the print head mechanism. Use a soft wipe (e.g. a cotton swab) when Toothed Wheel "locked up" (i.e., nothing down and , press to turn the machine back on.
cleaning the print head. happens when a key is
Cutter's edge pressed, even though Finally, release and .
• To avoid injuries, do not touch the cutter's edge. • Note: The text and formats in the display and all text files
Choose a unit with and press / . the machine is on).
• To prevent damage or breakage of the glass, do not press hard on the LCD display. stored in the memory are erased. Also, the language and
• Do not put any foreign objects into or heavy objects on the machine. unit settings will be cleared.
• Do not leave any rubber or vinyl on the machine for an extended period of time, • The machine automatically turns off if no key is pressed within 5
otherwise the machine may be stained.
• Do not get the machine wet, such as by touching with wet hands or spilling beverages
Tape guide minutes. Specifications
• To cancel operations, press .
on to the machine.
• Do not expose the machine to extremely high temperatures or high humidity. Never • To initialize the settings, turn off the machine and then while Item Specification
Tape exit slot holding down and , press to turn the machine back on.
leave it on the dashboard, in the back of your car, near heaters or other hot
• Make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides. Finally, release and . Dimensions 6.4" (W) × 6.0" (D) × 2.4" (H)
appliances. Keep it out of both direct sunlight and rain. (160 mm (W) × 151 mm (D) × 60 mm (H))
• Avoid using the machine in extremely dusty places. • If the ink ribbon is loose, use your finger to wind the toothed wheel in the
• Do not pull on the tape being fed from the P-touch labeler, otherwise the tape
cassette may be damaged.
direction of the arrow on the cassette.
• Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine.
Creating Labels Weight
Power supply
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)
• Do not attempt to cut the tape while printing or feeding since this will damage the tape. Securely close the back cover, making sure Tape cassette Brother TZ tape (width) :
• Do not try to print labels using an empty tape cassette set in the P-touch labeler. Doing that it snaps into place. 0.13" (3.5 mm), 0.23" (6 mm), 0.35" (9 mm), 0.47" (12 mm)
so will damage the print head. After you have installed the tape, feed the tape
• 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
(see Feeding) once and then push in the tape
cutter lever to cut the tape.
Accessories (Supplies may differ by distribution.)
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.) Accessories Stock No.
• Do not use old and new batteries together or mix alkaline batteries with other type
Tape Cassettes See the attached "Supplies and Accessories Guide".
batteries, or set the positive and negative end in the wrong position. Otherwise, the
batteries may leak or be damaged. See the under side for steps of creating labels. AC Adapter model AD-30/AD-24
When using optional AC adapter (model Cutter Unit TC-5 (replacement)
• Use only the AC adapter designed exclusively for this machine to prevent any
damage or failure.
AD-30/AD-24) Carrying Case CC1000
Insert the plug on the adapter cord into If the cutter blade becomes blunt after repetitive use and the tape cannot be
the adapter jack on the top end of the
machine. cut cleanly, replace with new cutter unit (stock no. TC-5) by obtaining from an
Insert the plug into the nearest standard authorized brother reseller.
electrical outlet.
For memory back up, we recommend using
AAA-size alkaline batteries (LR03) together
when using the AC adapter.

[CREATING LABELS]

1 MAKING TEXT 2 DESIGNING LABELS 3 PRINTING LABELS 4 COMPLETED LABELS

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case Setting [Size] ( + ) Text Preview
> [Size] > [Large] You can preview the text before printing.

[Large] [Medium] [Small]

Upper case ( ON) Lower case ( OFF)
• The LCD shows the whole text and the label length (inch/mm), then returns to the
original text.
Automatically adjusts the text size according to the tape width. • Only the text can be previewed, not the font, style, size, underline/frame or any
Making Two Line Text Setting [Width] ( + )
additional features.

Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press .
> [Width] > [×2]
Feeding (Tape Feed)
Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.
Use either 3/8" (9 mm) or 1/2" (12 mm) wide tape for two line text.
[×2] [×1/2] +
USEFUL FUNCTIONS
Display Label image [Normal]

Printing
Setting [Style] (Vertical) ( + )
Entering Symbols Memory (Favorites)
> [Style] > [Vertical]
• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-right corner of the
> You can save and print your favorite label in seconds at the touch of a button.
[Normal] [Bold] [Outline] machine.
There are three Favorite Keys ( ~ ) to store your three favorite labels.
• To prevent damage to the tape, do not try to cut while the message "Print" or "Feed"
Group Symbols Group Symbols is displayed. To Save:
[Shadow] [Italic] [Italic Bold]
1 7 > >
Setting [Margin] (Tape Margin) ( + )
2 8
[Italic Outl](Italic Outline) [Italic Shadow] [Vertical] To Print:
3 9 > [Margin] > [Full]
4 10 [Full]/[Half]/[Narrow] is for leaving equal margins on both sides of the text. To Open:
5 11
Setting [Underline/Frame] ( + ) NOTE: Cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors so the text is centered in the label.
> >
Full Half Narrow
6 > [Underline/Frame] > [Underline] ABC : ABC : ABC When the saved text contains more than 8 characters, use to scroll
• To go to the next group, press . [Off] [Underline] [Round] [Candy] 1" 1"
1/2" 1/2" 1/6" 1/6" through the text.

Function Shortcuts
• To cancel operations, press . [Chain Print] is for printing more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin
[Callout] [Banner] [Wooden] <e.g. 1>. You can also create a label containing texts in various styles; print
( + )
Entering Accented Characters a text in one style, and before feeding, enter the second text in another style
In addition to the basic steps to search for a function, PT-1280 provides you
Frames can not be printed on 9/64" (3.5mm) tape. <e.g. 2>.
with function shortcuts so you can easily jump to a frequently used function
> > / > / FEED THE TAPE BEFORE USING THE CUTTER (see Feeding/Printing).
Setting [Tab] ( + ) Otherwise A PART OF THE TEXT MAY BE CUT OFF. Do not try to pull the
just by pressing
firm, press .
and the shortcut key shown in the table below. To con-

Accented Characters Accented Characters tape since this may damage the tape cassette.
You can make aligned texts by setting tabs. Chain Print Key Function Key Function
A a Example: To set a tab between "ABC" and "D" <e.g. 1> <e.g. 2>
[Size] [Tab Length]
C c The cursor should be positioned where you set a tab. ABC
ABC ABC ABC ABC DEF [Width] [Label Length]
D d > > [Tab] (feed & cut) (feed & cut)
[Style] [Auto Format]
E e
Display Label image
G g
ABC D
Using [Print Option] ( + ) [Underline/Frame]
[Tab]
[Margin]
[Print Option]
I i Tab
K k • You can also set a tab by using the Tab Key on the keyboard. [Copies]
You can print up to 9 copies of each label.
L l Setting [Tab Length](Auto / 0.0" - 4.0") ( + )
> [Print Option] > [Copies] >
N n
O o > [Tab Length] >

R r • You can also select the length by entering the length with Num keys.
You can also select the number of copies by entering with Num keys.
S s • To return to [Auto], press .
[Numbering]
T t
Setting [Label Length](Auto / 1.2" - 12.0") ( + ) You can print many copies of the same text while increasing a selected
U u number by 1 after each label is printed.
Y y > [Label Length] > Example: To print copies of a label containing a serial number (0123, 0124 and 0125)

Z z > > [Print Option] >

• You can also select the length by entering the length with Num keys. Should you encounter any problems with your product, please do not
• To cancel operations, press . • To return to [Auto], press . [Numbering] > return your product to the store!
• The order of accented characters differ by the selected LCD language.
Setting [Auto Format] ( + ) Select the highest number you wish to be printed when setting the number. After referring to the User's guide, if you still need assistance, call Brother

To Clear
Customer Service at:
You can choose label length from six formats to create labels for various ap- [Mirror]
Voice : 1-877-BROTHER(1-877-276-8437)
plications. > [Print Option] > [Mirror] >[Mirror Print?]
By pressing the Backspace Key, the letters will be deleted one by one. Web : [Link]
> [Auto Format] > [VHS Spine] Fax : 1-901-379-1210

Application Length Application Length If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-800-284-HELP or visit
All text and settings will be cleared. Use clear tape in [Mirror], so the labels can be read correctly from the oppo- us at [Link]
VHS Spine 5.5" CD Case Spine 4.4"
+ MiniDV Spine 1.6" File Tab 3.2" site side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.
Audio Tape 3.5" Divider Tab 1.6"