1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the proper use and maintenance of your Brother PT-1600 P-Touch Label Maker. The PT-1600 is a portable labeling device designed for creating durable, laminated labels suitable for various applications, including telecom, datacom, electrical equipment, and asset management. Its robust design, featuring an easy grip and rubber impact guards, makes it ideal for field use.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the device to ensure safe and efficient use and to maximize the lifespan of your label maker.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the label maker.
- Power Source: Use only the specified power adapter or batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries.
- Handling: Do not drop or subject the label maker to strong impacts. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
- Maintenance: Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the label maker yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Tape Cassettes: Use only genuine Brother TZ tapes. Using non-Brother tapes may damage the device and void the warranty.
- Cutter Blade: The cutter blade is sharp. Exercise caution when operating the cutter lever and avoid touching the blade directly.
3. What's in the Box
Upon unpacking, ensure all the following items are present:
- Brother PT-1600 Label Maker
- Custom Carrying Case
- One 1-inch TZ Flexible ID Laminated Tape Cassette
- One 1/2-inch Black-on-White Extra-Strength Adhesive Tape Cassette
- Rubber Impact Guards (pre-installed or separate)
- Adjustable Neck Strap
- User's Guide (this document)
- Separator Stick (for tape removal/cleaning)
Figure 3.1: Included items with the Brother PT-1600. Please verify all components are present upon unboxing.
4. Setup
4.1. Battery Installation
- Ensure the label maker is turned off.
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the unit.
- Slide the cover off in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- Insert six (6) AA alkaline batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as marked inside the compartment.
- Replace the battery compartment cover until it clicks securely into place.
Figure 4.1: Correct battery insertion for the PT-1600 label maker.
4.2. Tape Cassette Installation
- Ensure the label maker is turned off.
- Open the tape cassette cover, typically located on the top or side of the unit.
- Insert a Brother TZ tape cassette firmly into the compartment, ensuring the tape end feeds into the tape guide.
- Close the tape cassette cover until it clicks.
- Press the Feed/Cut button (if available) to advance a small amount of tape and ensure it is loaded correctly.
Figure 4.2: Installing a TZ tape cassette into the PT-1600.
4.3. Powering On/Off
- To turn on: Press the Power button. The display will illuminate.
- To turn off: Press the Power button again. The display will turn off. The device may also have an auto-power off feature to conserve battery life.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Basic Label Creation
- Enter Text: Use the ABCD keyboard to type your desired label text. The display shows up to 15 characters across 2 lines.
- Adjust Font Size/Style: Use the Size and Style buttons to select from various font sizes and styles. The PT-1600 supports multiple type sizes and styles.
- Add Symbols: Press the Symbol button to access built-in symbols, including telecom and data symbols.
- Rotate Text: Utilize the rotated text feature for specialized labeling needs, such as for cable wraps.
Figure 5.1: The PT-1600 keyboard and display for text entry and formatting.
5.2. Printing Labels
- After composing your label, press the Print button.
- The label maker will print the label and advance the tape.
- Wait for the tape advancement to pause completely before operating the cutter.
5.3. Using the Cutter
- Once printing is complete and the tape has advanced, push the cutter lever (usually located on the side of the tape exit slot) to cut the label.
- Important: Always wait for the label maker to finish advancing the tape before cutting. Premature cutting can lead to a "Cutter Error" and may require reprinting.
5.4. Advanced Features
- Bar Codes: The PT-1600 supports 9 industry-standard bar codes. Refer to the on-screen menu for selection and input.
- Telecom/Datacom Templates: Utilize built-in templates for common telecom and datacom labeling applications to streamline your work.
- Multiple Lines: Print custom labels up to 7 lines, depending on the selected tape width and font size.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your label maker.
6.1. Cleaning the Print Head
- Turn off the label maker and remove the tape cassette.
- Gently wipe the print head with a dry cotton swab. Do not use alcohol or other solvents.
- Alternatively, use a Brother print head cleaning cassette (sold separately) if available for your model.
Figure 6.1: Cleaning the print head for clear label output.
6.2. Cleaning the Tape Cutter
- Turn off the label maker and remove the tape cassette.
- Use the provided separator stick or a similar non-sharp, thin tool to carefully remove any adhesive residue or tape fragments from the cutter blade area.
- Exercise extreme caution as the blade is sharp.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your PT-1600 label maker.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Cutter Error" message appears. | Tape was cut before printing finished or tape advancement paused. Adhesive residue on cutter. | Wait for the tape to fully advance after printing before cutting. Clean the cutter blade area as described in Section 6.2. |
| Poor print quality (faint, streaky, or missing characters). | Print head is dirty. Tape cassette is low or improperly installed. Batteries are low. | Clean the print head (Section 6.1). Replace the tape cassette. Replace batteries. |
| Label maker does not power on. | Batteries are depleted or incorrectly installed. | Replace all batteries with new ones, ensuring correct polarity. |
| Tape does not feed or jams. | Tape cassette improperly installed. Tape is tangled inside cassette. | Reinstall the tape cassette, ensuring it clicks into place. If tangled, replace the cassette. |
8. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Brother PT-1600 P-Touch Label Maker:
- Model Name: PT-1600
- Brand: Brother
- Printing Technology: Dot Matrix
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Maximum Media Size: 1 inch (24mm)
- Compatible Tapes: Brother TZ Tapes (various widths up to 1 inch)
- Display Type: 15 Characters x 2 Lines
- Resolution: 203 x 203 dpi (Max Print Resolution Black and White: 240 dpi)
- Power Source: 6 x AA Batteries (not included) or optional AC adapter (sold separately)
- Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Special Features: Portable, Rotated Text, Bar Code Symbologies, Telecom/Datacom Templates
- Hardware Interface: USB (for potential future connectivity or updates, though primary operation is standalone)
- Control Method: Touch (via keyboard)
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Brother website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Brother Customer Support: For further assistance, please contact Brother customer support through their official channels. Contact details can typically be found on the Brother website or in the product packaging.