Brother PT-7100 P-Touch Electronic Labeling System

INTRODUCTION

With the PT-7100, 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.

WARNING

• Always use the specified voltage and the suggested AC adapter (AD-24) for this machine to prevent any damage or failure.
• Unplug the power cord immediately and stop using the P-touch labeler during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
• Do not use the AC adapter in places of high humidity such as bathrooms.
• Do not overload the power cord.
• Do not place heavy objects on, or damage the power cord or plug. Do not forcibly bend or pull the power cord. When disconnecting the power cord from the power outlet, always hold the plug.
• To prevent fire or electric shock, make sure that the plug is fully inserted to the power outlet. Do not use an outlet that is loose.
• Do not get the machine/AC adapter/power plug wet, such as by handling them with wet hands or spilling beverages on to them.
• Do not disassemble or modify the machine/AC adapter/batteries.
• Disconnect the AC adapter, remove batteries and stop using immediately if you notice any abnormal odor, heat, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual while in use, or in storage.
• Do not use metallic articles, such as tweezers or a metallic pen, when exchanging the batteries.
• Do not throw into fire or heat up the battery.

CAUTION

• To avoid injuries, do not touch the blade of the cutter unit or any metal parts near the print head.
• Do not apply excessive pressure to the cutter lever.
• 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 two minutes, all text & formats in the display will be lost. Language, Unit and Time/Date 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.
• To prevent damage or breakage, do not drop or hit the machine/AC adapter and press on the LCD display.
• Depending on the location, material, and environmental conditions, the label may unpeel or become irremovable, the color of the label may change or be transferred to other objects. Before applying the label, check the environmental condition and the material.
• Any data stored in memory will be lost due to failure or repair of the P-touch labeler, or if the battery expires.

General Precautions

• Do not use the P-touch labeler in any way or for any purpose not described in this guide. Doing so may result in accidents or damage the machine.
• 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 with your fingers. Use a soft wipe (e.g. a cotton swab) when cleaning the print head.
• Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot or AC adapter connector, etc.
• Do not place the P-touch labeler in direct sunlight or rain, near heaters or other hot appliances, dashboard or in the back of your car, in any location exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity, or dusty locations. Standard operating temperature range: 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C).
• Do not try to print labels using an empty tape cassette in the P-touch labeler. Doing so will damage the print head.
• Do not pull the tape being fed from the P-touch labeler, otherwise the tape cassette or P-touch labeler may be damaged.

1 PREPARATION

Power Supply & Tape Cassettes

To install batteries and tape cassettes:

1. Open the tape compartment cover by pressing in the indicated 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. Ensure the power is turned off when replacing batteries or tape cassettes.
2. Insert six new AAA 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 it snaps into place. Ensure 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 it snaps into place.
5. After installing the tape, feed the tape once and then push in the tape cutter lever to cut the tape.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the P-touch PT-7100 label maker with key parts labeled: Tape compartment cover, Print head, Tape cutter lever, End of tape, Tape guide, Cutter's edge, Toothed Wheel, Tape exit slot.

When using optional AC adapter (AD-24)

1. Insert the plug on the adapter cord into the adapter jack on the bottom end of the machine.
2. Insert the plug into the nearest standard electrical outlet.
3. For memory backup, it is recommended to use AAA alkaline batteries (LR03) together when using the AC adapter.

2 OPERATION

Keyboard & LCD

The LCD shows one row of 12 characters; however, the text that you enter can be up to 80 characters in length.

Key descriptions:

• Power: Turns the machine on/off.
• Cursor: Moves the cursor left/right/up/down.
• Caps: Switches between uppercase and lowercase modes.
• Symbol: Accesses the symbol menu.
• Print: Prints the label.
• Enter: Confirms selections or moves to the next line.
• Backspace: Deletes characters one by one.
• Function: Accesses various functions and settings.
• Character: Enters text characters.
• Accent: Enters accented characters.
• Space: Inserts a space.
• Number: Enters numbers.
• Time/Date: Inserts the current time and date.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the keyboard layout with keys labeled: Size, Cursor, Caps, Power key, Function key, Character key, Clear key, Caps key, Symbol key, Width, Style, Underline/Frame, Label Length, Print key, Cursor key, Backspace key, Accent key, Space key, Time/Date key, Number key.

Initial Settings

Start your machine: Supply power by using six AAA alkaline batteries or the optional AC adapter, and then press the Power key.

1. Set the language: The default setting is "English". Navigate to Language, choose a language using the Cursor keys, and press Enter. Available languages include: English, Español, Français, Hrvatski, Italiano, Magyar, Nederlands, Norsk, Polski, Português, Română, Slovenski, Slovensky, Suomi, Svenska, Dansk, Deutsch.
2. Set the unit: The default setting is "inch". Navigate to Unit, choose your preferred unit (inch/mm) using the Cursor keys, and press Enter.
3. Set Date (MM/DD/YY) and Time (hh:mm): Navigate to Time/Date, then Clock. Use the Cursor keys to input the date (e.g., 10/21/09) and time (e.g., 10:30). Select AM/PM with the Cursor keys and press Enter. You can confirm figures and move to the next setting using the right cursor key.

Notes:

• The machine automatically turns off if no keys are pressed within 5 minutes.
• To cancel operations, press the Clear key.
• To initialize settings, turn off the machine, then while holding down the Cursor Up and Cursor Left keys, press the Power key. Release the Cursor Up and Cursor Left keys.

3 REFERENCE

Troubleshooting

Error Messages

Common Problems and Solutions

Specifications

Accessories

If the cutter blade becomes blunt and the cutter stopper wears 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.

[CREATING LABELS]

1 MAKING TEXT

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

Use the Caps key to switch between uppercase (Caps ON) and lowercase (Caps OFF) modes.

Diagram Description: Shows the display changing between uppercase and lowercase text.

Making Two Line Text

Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press the Enter key. Use either 3/8" (9 mm) or 1/2" (12 mm) wide tape for two line text.

Entering Symbols

Press the Symbol key to access symbols. Use the Cursor keys to navigate through groups and select symbols. Press Enter to insert a symbol. Press Clear to cancel.

Symbol Groups:

• Group 1: [Symbols]
• Group 2: [Symbols]
• Group 3: [Symbols]
• Group 4: [Symbols]
• Group 5: [Symbols]
• Group 6: [Symbols]
• Group 7: [Symbols]
• Group 8: [Symbols]
• Group 9: [Symbols]
• Group 10: [Symbols]
• Group 11: [Symbols]
• Group 12: [Symbols]
• Group 13: [Symbols]
• Group 14: [Symbols]
• Group 15: [Symbols]
• Group 16: [Symbols]
• Group 17: [Symbols]

Diagram Description: Shows the keyboard and LCD display when accessing symbols.

Entering Accented Characters

Press the Accent key, then use the Cursor keys to select the desired accented character and press Enter to insert it. Press Clear to cancel. The order of accented characters may differ based on the selected LCD language.

Accented Characters:

Diagram Description: Shows the keyboard and LCD display when accessing accented characters.

To Clear

• Press the Backspace key to delete letters one by one.
• Press the Function key, select Txt&Format, then Clear All to clear all text and settings.
• Press the Function key, select Txt&Format, then Text Only to clear only the text.

2 DESIGNING LABELS

[Size]

Adjusts the text size. Navigate to Size, then select Large, Medium, or Small. The machine automatically adjusts text size according to the tape width.

Diagram Description: Shows examples of different text sizes.

[Width]

Adjusts the text width. Navigate to Width, then select Normal, ×2 (double width), or ×1/2 (half width).

Diagram Description: Shows examples of different text widths.

[Style]

Applies text styles. Navigate to Style, then select from options like Normal, Bold, Outline, Shadow, Italic, Italic Bold (I+Bold), Italic Outline (I+Outl), Italic Shadow (I+Shadow), or Vertical.

Diagram Description: Shows examples of different text styles.

[Underline/Frame]

Adds underlines or frames to text. Navigate to Undl/Frm, then select Off, Undl (Underline), or choose from various frame styles like Round, Candy, Callout, Banner, or Wooden. Frames cannot be printed on 9/64" (3.5mm) tape.

Diagram Description: Shows examples of underlines and frames.

[Tab]

Allows creation of aligned text by setting tabs. Position the cursor where you want to set a tab. Press the Function key, then Tab. The example shows setting a tab between "ABC" and "D".

Diagram Description: Illustrates setting a tab between text elements.

[Tab Length]

Set the tab length. Navigate to Tab Length. You can select Auto or enter a specific length (0.0" - 4.0" or 0-100mm) using the number keys. Press Clear to return to Auto.

[Label Length]

Set the overall label length. Navigate to Length. You can select Auto or enter a specific length (1.2" - 12.0" or 30-300mm) using the number keys. Press Clear to return to Auto.

[Auto Format]

Choose from six predefined label formats for various applications. Navigate to A/F, then select an application format.

You can also use Function shortcuts: Press the Function key and the shortcut key shown next to the menu title, then press Enter to confirm.

3 PRINTING LABELS

Text Preview

You can preview the text before printing. Navigate to Preview. The LCD shows the entire text and the label length (inch/mm), then returns to the original text. Only the text can be previewed, not font, style, size, underline/frame, or other features.

Feeding (Tape Feed)

Navigate to Feed to feed the tape. Feed the tape before using the cutter, otherwise a part of the text may be cut off. After pressing Feed, "OK to Feed?" will appear. Press Enter to feed, or press Clear to cancel. Do not try to pull the tape, as this may damage the tape cassette.

Printing

• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-right corner of the machine.
• Do not try to cut while the message "Print" or "Feed" is displayed to prevent damage to the tape.
• When Chain Print is set, "OK to Feed?" will appear.

[Margin] (Tape Margin)

Set margins on both sides of the text. Navigate to Margin, then select Full, Half, or Narrow. These options leave equal margins.

Diagram Description: Shows examples of "Full", "Half", and "Narrow" margins with text and margin indicators.

Note: Cut along the printed dots (:) with scissors so the text is centered in the label.

[Chain Print] (Chain Printing)

Chain Print allows printing multiple copies of a label with minimum margin. You can also create a label containing texts in various styles: enter a text in one style and press Enter. After that, cancel feeding, and enter the second text in another style.

Diagram Description: Shows examples of chain printing with single and multiple styles.

Using [Print Option]

[Copies]

You can print up to 9 copies of each label. Navigate to Print Option, then Copies, and select the number of copies using the number keys.

[Numbering]

Print multiple copies of the same text while incrementing a selected number by 1 after each label is printed. Example: To print labels with serial numbers (0123, 0124, 0125). Navigate to Print Option, then Numbering. Select the highest number you wish to be printed.

[Mirror]

Print text in mirror image. Navigate to Print Option, then Mirror. Use clear tape in [Mirror] mode so labels can be read correctly from the opposite side when attached on glass or other transparent surfaces.

4 COMPLETED LABELS

Peel the printed label from its backing and apply it to the desired surface.

USEFUL FUNCTIONS

File (Memory)

You can save your original labels to the machine's memory. Up to nine labels can be saved and recalled for printing whenever desired. You can also edit and overwrite stored labels.

• To Save: Navigate to File, then Save.
• To Print: Navigate to File, then Print.
• To Open: Navigate to File, then Open.

If you try to store a label when one already exists at that number, a "Overwrite?" message will appear. Press Enter to save your new label, or press Clear to cancel.

Time/Date Function

You can insert the desired time and date into your text at the touch of a button. Eight formats are available for printing time and date. You can change the time/date format by changing the clock setting.

To add Time/Date to your text: Position the cursor where you wish to insert the time and date.

To select the format of Time/Date: Navigate to Time/Date, then select the desired format.

To change the Clock Setting: See step 4 of the "Initial Settings".

Format Examples:

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 into 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.

Support Information

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 Web: www.brother.com Fax: 1-901-379-1210

If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-877-BROTHER or visit us at www.brother-usa.com.