Brother P-Touch PT-80 User's Guide

INTRODUCTION

The Brother P-Touch PT-80 is an electronic labeling system designed to create custom labels for various applications. It offers a selection of frames, character sizes, and styles, along with a variety of tape cartridges in different widths and colors.

Please read this manual carefully before use and keep it for future reference.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

• Use only Brother M tapes with this machine.
• Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents; use a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not touch the print head mechanism. Use a soft wipe (e.g., a cotton swab) for cleaning.
• To avoid injuries, do not touch the cutter's edge.
• To prevent LCD glass damage, do not press on the display.
• Do not insert foreign or heavy objects into the machine.
• Avoid leaving rubber or vinyl on the machine for extended periods to prevent staining.
• Keep the machine dry; do not handle with wet hands or spill beverages on it.
• Do not expose the machine to extreme temperatures or humidity, direct sunlight, or rain.
• Avoid using the machine in extremely dusty places.
• Character readability may vary based on environmental conditions and settings.
• Do not pull on the tape being fed, as this can damage the tape cassette or labeler.
• Do not attempt to cut the tape while printing or feeding.
• Do not print with an empty tape cassette to avoid damaging the print head.
• Remove batteries if the machine will not be used for an extended period. (Note: Power disconnection for over two minutes clears text, format, language, unit, and clock settings.)
• Ensure the power is off when replacing batteries or tape cassettes.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, or different battery types, or insert batteries incorrectly, as this may cause leakage or damage.

PREPARATION

Unpacking Your P-Touch Labeler

Check the package contents: PT-80 labeler, M tape cassette, User's Guide, Accessories Guide, Warranty Card. (Included items may vary by distribution.)

Visual Description: The package typically contains the label maker unit, a sample tape cassette, and documentation.

Power Supply & Tape Cassettes

Steps:

1. Remove the back cover by pressing the rough area at the top. Remove any existing tape cassette or batteries. Ensure power is off.
2. Insert four new AAA-size alkaline batteries (LR03), observing correct polarity. Replace all batteries simultaneously with new ones.
3. Insert a tape cassette until it snaps into place. Ensure the tape end feeds under the tape guides.
4. Attach the back cover by aligning the bottom hooks and pushing down until it clicks.
5. After installing tape, feed the tape once using the [Feed] operation (represented by [Enter] key) and then push the tape cutter lever to cut the tape.

Visual Description: Diagrams show the label maker's back cover being removed, the battery compartment, the tape cassette slot, and the correct insertion of batteries and tape cassette. The print head, tape guide, cutter's edge, end of tape, and tape exit slot are also indicated.

Keyboard & LCD

Visual Description: The keyboard features alphanumeric keys, function keys ([Shift], [Caps], [Num Lock], [Symbol], [Space], [Accent], [Fn], [Time/Date], [Cursor], [Backspace], [Enter], [Print], [Preview], [Power]). The LCD displays up to 12 characters per row, with text entry up to 80 characters scrolling across.

Use [Shift] + [Cursor] keys to navigate to the beginning/end of text.

Initial Setting

Steps:

1. Supply power using four AAA batteries and press the [Power] key.
2. Set Language: Choose from English, Spanish, French, Portuguese using [Cursor] keys and press [Enter].
3. Set Unit: Choose between inch (in) or millimeter (mm) using [Cursor] keys and press [Enter].
4. Set Date (MM/DD/YY) and Time (hh:mm): Enter values using character keys and [Enter]. For example, to set March 20th, 2006, 10:30 AM:
   • Date: Input "03" for Month, "20" for Day, "06" for Year.
   • Time: Input "10" for Hour, "30" for Minute.
   • Select AM/PM using [Cursor] keys and press [Enter].

The machine automatically turns off after 5 minutes of inactivity. Press [Cancel] to cancel operations.

To reset to factory settings: Turn off the machine, then hold [Shift] and [Caps] keys while pressing [Power]. Release [Shift] and [Caps].

OPERATION

This section covers the core functions of the label maker.

MAKING TEXT

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

Use the [Caps] key to toggle between [Caps ON] (Upper Case) and [Caps OFF] (Lower Case).

Entering Numbers

Use the [Num Lock] key to toggle between [Num Lock ON] (Numbers) and [Num Lock OFF] (Letters).

Entering Symbols

Press the [Symbol] key. Use [Cursor] keys to navigate through symbol groups. Press [Enter] to go to the next group, or [Cancel] to exit.

Visual Description: Displays show symbol groups with various characters like numbers, punctuation, and special symbols.

Entering Accented Characters

Press the [Accent] key. Use [Cursor] keys to select accented characters. Press [Enter] to insert. The order of characters may vary by LCD language setting.

Visual Description: Shows tables of accented characters for both upper and lower case (e.g., A, a, C, c, etc.).

Making Two Line Text

Move the cursor to the desired position for the second line and press [Enter] to start a new line.

DESIGNING LABELS

Setting [Size]

Use the [Size] key to select label text size: [Large] or [Small].

Setting [Width]

Use the [Width] key to select text width: [Normal], [×2] (double width), or [×1/2] (half width).

Setting [Style]

Use the [Style] key to select text styles: [Normal], [Bold], [Outline], [Shadow], [Italic], [I+Bold], [I+Outl], [I+Shadow], [Vertical].

Setting [Undl/Frm] (Underline/Frame)

Use the [Undl/Frm] key to select: [Off], [Undl] (Underline), or various frame styles like [Round], [Candy], [Callout], [Banner], [Wooden].

Setting [Length] (Label Length)

Use the [Label Length] key to select [Auto] or a specific length (e.g., 1.2" to 12.0"). You can also enter the length directly using the number keys.

Setting [A/F] (Auto Format)

Choose from five predefined formats for specific applications. Use the [A/F] key to select formats like [VCR VHS], [MiniDV], [Audio Cassette], [File Tab], [Divider Tab]. Each format has a recommended label length.

Visual Description: A table shows applications (e.g., VCR VHS Cassette spine) and their corresponding label lengths (e.g., 5.5").

To Clear

Press the [Backspace] key to delete one character at a time. Hold [Backspace] to delete a whole line.

To Clear All the Text and the Settings

Press [Shift] + [All Clear] (represented by [Enter] and ▶️). This action clears text and formats but does not affect Time & Date or language settings.

PRINTING LABELS

Text Preview

Use the [Preview] key to see the entered text and estimated label length on the LCD before printing. This preview shows text only, not formatting.

Feeding (Tape Feed)

Press the [Feed] operation (represented by [Enter] key) to advance approximately 1.0" of tape. This is useful when installing a new tape cassette.

Printing

Press the [Print] key. To cut the label, push the tape cutter lever located on the upper-left corner of the machine. Do not touch the cutter lever during printing or feeding.

Using Copies

Use the [Copies] key to print multiple copies (up to 9) of a label. You can also enter the number of copies directly.

COMPLETED LABELS

After printing, peel the label from its backing and apply it.

Removing the Label Backing

The machine has a built-in peeler. Insert the printed label face down into the peeler, fold the label to the right, and pull quickly to separate the backing.

USEFUL FUNCTIONS

Time & Date Function

Insert the current time and date into your labels using the [Time/Date] key. There are 8 available formats. You can change the displayed time/date by adjusting the clock settings.

To add Time & Date: Position the cursor where you want to insert it and press [Time/Date].

To select format: Use [Cursor] keys to choose from the 8 available formats (e.g., M/D/Y, M/D/Y hm, D/M/Y, D/M/Y hm, etc.) and press [Enter].

To change Clock Setting: Follow the prompts to set Month, Day, Year, Hour, Minute, and AM/PM.

Visual Description: Tables show date/time formats and examples, and the steps for setting the clock.

Function Shortcuts

Access frequently used functions quickly by pressing [Fn] plus the corresponding shortcut key. Press [Enter] to confirm.

REFERENCE

Troubleshooting

Should you encounter any problems, consult the following table. If issues persist, contact Brother Customer Service.

Specifications

Refer to the "Supplies and Accessories Guide" for detailed tape variations.

Support

If you encounter problems, do not return the product to the store. After consulting this guide, if you still need assistance, contact Brother Customer Service:

• Voice: 1-877-4-PTOUCH
• Web: www.brother.com
• Fax: 1-901-379-1210

To locate a service center, call 1-800-284-HELP or visit www.brother.com.