Brother 1280 User Manual

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ELECTRONIC L

ABELING SYSTEM

ELECTRONI

C L ABELING

 SYSTEM

ELECTRONIC L

ABELING SYSTEM

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USER'S GUIDE

 / Français

www.brother.ca

LN9978001

Printed in China

English

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.

• 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 or 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 labeller, 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 labeller. 

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.

INTRODUCTION

Industry Canada Compliance Statement (Canada Only)

Avis de conformité aux normes d’Industrie Canada (Canada seulement)

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Unpacking Your P-touch Labeller

Check that the package contains the followings before using your P-touch labeller.

Power Supply & Tape Cassettes

Make sure that the power is turned off when replacing batteries or tape cassette.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TZ tape cassette

Accessory Order Form

P-touch 1280

User's Guide

Warranty Card

Print head

Tape cutter lever

End of tape

Tape guide

Cutter's edge

Tape exit slot

Toothed Wheel

Keyboard & LCD

Initial Setting

Start your machine

Supply power by using six AAA batteries or the optional AC adapter, and then 
press

.

Set the language (English/Spanish/French/Portuguese)

Choose a language with

and press

/

.

Set the unit (inch/mm)

Choose a unit with

and press

/

.

Creating Labels

The LCD shows one row of 15 characters; however, the text that you 
enter can be up to 80 characters in length.

• 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

.

Size

Cursor

Caps

Power key

Function key

Favorite keys

Character key

Tab key

Caps key

Shift key

Symbol key

Auto Format key

Width
Style

Underline/Frame

Label Length

Print key

Cursor key

(Use with Shift key 
to go to top/end of 
the text.)

Preview key
OK key

ESC key

Backspace key

Enter key

Shift key

Accent key
Space key

See the under side for steps of creating labels. 

Troubleshooting

Error message

What to do when...

Specifications

Accessories 

(Supplies may differ by distribution.)

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.

Contact Information

Contact may differ by country. See the Web site. (http://www.brother.ca/)

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 Number-

ing.

• 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 9/64" (3.5mm) or 1/4" 

(6mm) 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 9/64" (3.5 mm) tape with invalid Frame setting 

ON. (Select 

 to print with no Frame, 

 to cancel.)

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.

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)

Tape cassette

Brother TZ tape (width) :
9/64" (3.5 mm), 1/4" (6 mm), 3/8" (9 mm), 1/2" (12 mm) 

Accessories

Stock No.

Tape Cassettes

See the attached "Accessory Order Form".

AC Adapter

model AD-30/AD-24

Cutter Unit

TC-5 (replacement)

Carrying Case

CC1000

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

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.

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.

+

Group

Symbols

Group

Symbols

1

7

2

8

3

9

4

10

5

11

6

Accented Characters

Accented Characters

A

a

C

c

D

d

E

e

G

g

I

i

K

k

L

l

N

n

O

o

R

r

S

s

T

t

U

u

Y

y

Z

z

Upper case (

ON)

Lower case (

OFF)

Display

Label image

Setting [Size]

>

[

Size

]

>

[

Large

]

Automatically adjusts the Large, Medium and Small text size according to the 
tape width.

Setting [Width]

>

[

Width

]

>

[

×

2

]

Setting [Style] 

(Vertical)

>

[

Style

]

>

[

Vertical

]

Setting [Underline/Frame]

>

[

Underline/Frame

]

>

[

Underline

]

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

]

• 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 ap-
plications.

>

[

Auto Format

]

>

[VHS Spine]

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.

[Chain Print]

 is for printing more than 1 copy of a label with minimum margin 

<e.g. 1>. 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 
<e.g. 2>.
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.

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 oppo-
site side when attached on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces.

Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.

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 

(for editing)

:

>

>

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 con-

firm, press

.

[Large]

[Medium]

[Small]

[Normal]

[

×

2]

[

×

1/2]

[Normal]

[Bold]

[Outline]

[Shadow]

[Italic]

[Italic Bold]

[Italic Outl](Italic Outline) [Italic Shadow]

[Vertical]

[Off]

[Underline]

[Round]

[Candy]

[Callout]

[Banner]

[Wooden]

Application

Length

Application

Length

VHS Spine

5.5" (140 mm)

CD Case Spine

4.4" (113 mm)

MiniDV Spine

1.6" (42 mm)

File Tab

3.2" (82 mm)

Audio Tape

3.5" (89 mm)

Divider Tab

1.6" (42 mm)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

Display

Label image

ABC

D

Tab

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

1"(25mm)

1/2"(12mm)

1/2"(12mm)

1/6"(4mm) 1/6"(4mm)

ABC

ABC

:

ABC

:

1"(25mm)

Full

Half

Narrow

ABC     ABC     ABC

ABC

ABC
DEF

<e.g. 1>

<e.g. 2>

(feed & cut)

(feed & cut)

Chain Print

(

+

)

Key

Function

Key

Function

[Size]

[Tab Length]

[Width]

[Label Length]

[Style]

[Auto Format]

[Underline/Frame]

[Margin]

[Tab]

[Print Option]

(

+

)

PREPARATION

OPERATION

REFERENCE

[GETTING STARTED]

[CREATING LABELS]

MAKING TEXT

DESIGNING LABELS

PRINTING LABELS

COMPLETED LABELS

USEFUL FUNCTIONS