Brother PT-80 User Manual

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ELECTRONIC L

ABELING SYSTEM

ELECTRONIC L

ABELING SYSTEM

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USER'S GUIDE

 / Español

www.brother.com

LN8233001

Printed in China

English

With your PT-80, 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 M 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 LCD glass, do not press on the 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 handling the machine 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, 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.

• Depending on the environmental conditions and the applied settings, some 

characters or symbols may be difficult to read.

• Do not pull on the tape being fed from the P-touch labeler, otherwise the tape 

cassette or P-touch labeler 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 labeler. Doing 

so will damage the print head.

• Remove the batteries 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 and 

format settings will be cleared. Language, unit and clock settings will also be cleared.)

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

• 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.

INTRODUCTION

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.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Unpacking Your P-touch Labeler

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

Included items may differ by distribution.

Power Supply & Tape Cassettes

Remove 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.
• Make sure that the power is turned off 

when replacing batteries or tape 
cassette.

Insert four new AAA-size alkaline 
batteries (LR03), making sure that 
their poles point in the correct 
directions. Always replace all four 
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.
• Use only Brother M tapes with this machine.

Attach the back cover by inserting two 
hooks at the bottom into the slots on 
the machine, then pushing down 
firmly on the cover until it snaps into 
place.

• After you have installed the tape, feed

the tape (

+

) once and

then push in the tape cutter lever to cut
the tape.

M tape cassette

Accessories Guide

PT- 80

User's Guide

Warranty Card

Print head

Tape guide

End of tape

Cutter's edge

Tape exit slot

Keyboard & LCD

Initial Setting

Start your machine

Supply power by using four AAA batteries, 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

.

Set Date (MM/DD/YY) and Time (hh:mm)

Example: setting the clock to March 20th 2006, 10:30AM

You can also confirm the figure and move to the next setting by using 
right cursor key.

• The LCD shows one row of 12 characters; however, the text that

you enter can be up to 80 characters in length, which will scroll
across the display.

• Use Cursor key while holding down Shift key to go to beginning /

end of the text.

Date (MM/DD/YY)

>

>

input “03”

input “20”

input “06”

Time (hh:mm)

>

>

input “10”

input “30”

Select AM/PM with

and press

.

• The machine automatically turns off if no key is pressed within 5

minutes.

• To cancel operations, press

.

• To initialize the P-touch labeler back to factory settings, turn off the 

machine and then while holding down

and

, press

to 

turn the machine back on. Finally, release

and

.

Fn

Fn

Time/Date

Shi

ft

Shi

ft

Caps

Caps

Space

Accent

Accent

Symbol

Symbol

Num

Num

Q

W

E

R

T

Y

U

I

O

P

A

S

D

F

G

H

J

K

L

/

Z

X

C

V

B

N

M

'

-

,

.

Size

Cursor

Caps

Power key

Shift key

Caps key

Num Lock key

Symbol key

Width
Style

Underline/Frame

Label Length

Cursor key

Enter key

Shift key

Accent key

Space key

Num Lock

Print key

Preview key

Function key

Time/Date key

Backspace key

Character keys

Troubleshooting

Error message

What to do when...

Specifications

See the attached “Supplies and Accessories Guide” for detailed info of tape 
variation.

Message

Cause/Remedy

Battery

The batteries are weak.
Replace them with new ones.

Invalid

Invalid number is selected for Label Length setting.

No Text

• The Print key or Preview key is pressed when no text is 

entered.

• You tried to set Copies (copy printing) when no text is 

entered.

Line Lmt

Line Limit. Printable lines are limited up to 2 lines.
You tried to enter a 3rd line by pressing Enter key.

Full

The maximum number of characters (80 characters) have 
already been entered.

Text Lmt

Text Limit. The text length exceeds the selected label length 
or the selected Auto Format setting length.

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.

Language setting of the 
machine is incorrect.

• 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 are erased. Also, 

the language, unit and clock settings will be cleared.

The machine does not 
print, or the printed 
characters are not 
formed properly.

• Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
• If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
• Check the cassette cover is properly closed.

The setting has cleared 
on its own.

• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
• When power is disconnected for more than two minutes, 

all text & formats in the display will be lost. Language, unit 
and clock settings will also be cleared.

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 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 are erased. Also, 

the language, unit and clock settings will be cleared.

The power turns off 
when you try to print.

• The batteries may be weak. Replace them.

The tape does not feed 
properly or the tape gets 
stuck inside the machine.

• Check that the end of the tape feeds under the tape 

guides.

• The cutter lever is used while printing. Do not touch the 

cutter lever during printing.

All text and format 
settings need to be 
cleared to create a new 
label.

• Press Backspace key while holding down Shift key, or go 

into Function mode and select 

Item

Specification

Dimensions

6.8" (W) 

×

 4.0" (D) 

×

 2.3" (H)

(172 mm (W) 

×

 100 mm (D) 

×

 58 mm (H))

Weight

0.5 lbs. (240 g) (without batteries and tape cassette)

Power supply

Four AAA-size alkaline batteries (LR03)

Tape cassette

Brother M tape (width) :
3/8" (9 mm), 1/2" (12 mm) 

Switching Upper Case/Lower Case

>

Entering Numbers

>

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.

Making Two Line Text

Move the cursor to where the second line starts and press

.

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)

Caps

Num Lock ON

Num Lock OFF

Num

Display

Label image

Setting [Size]

>

[

Size

]

>

[

Large

]

Setting [Width]

>

[

Width

]

>

[

×

2

]

Setting [Style] 

(Vertical)

>

[

Style

]

>

[

Vertical

]

Setting [Undl/Frm] (Underline/Frame)

>

[

Undl/Frm

]

>

[

Undl

]

Setting [Length] 

(Label Length)

(Auto / 1.2" - 12.0")

>

[

Length

]

>

• You can also select the length by entering the length with 

.

• To return to [Auto], press 

.

Setting [A/F](Auto Format)

You can choose label length from five formats to create labels for various 
applications.

>

[

A/F

]

>

[VCR VHS]

To Clear

By pressing the backspace key you will delete a character. 
(To delete a whole line of text, keep pressing the Backspace key)

To Clear All the Text and the Settings

+

>

>

• This will not affect Time & Date or language settings.

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)

+

• The machine will feed 1.0” of tape, which may be needed when installing a new tape 

cassette.

Printing

• To cut off the label, push in the tape cutter lever on the upper-left corner of the 

machine.

• To prevent damage to the tape, do not try to cut while the message "Print" or 

"Feed" is displayed.

Using Copies

You can print up to 9 copies of each label.

>

[

Copies

]

>

You can also select the number of copies by entering with 

.

Peel the printed label from backing and apply the label.

Removing the Label Backing

This machine is equipped with a peeler that allows you to easily remove the 
backing from labels.

Insert the label, with the printed surface facing down, as far as possible 
into the built-in peeler.

Fold back the label to the right and quickly pull out the label. The end of 
the backing is separated from the label.

Time & Date Function

You can insert the desired time and date to your text at the touch of a button.
8 Formats are available for printing time and date.
You can change the number of time/date by changing the clock setting.

To add Time & Date to your text:

The cursor should be positioned where you wish to insert the time & date.

To select the format of Time & Date:

To change the Clock Setting:

Example: setting the clock to March 20th 2006, 10:30AM

>

You can also confirm the figure and move to the next setting by using right cursor key.

Function Shortcuts

In addition to the basic steps to search for a function, PT-80 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 confirm, press

.

[Large]

[Small]

[Normal]

[

×

2]

[

×

1/2]

[Normal]

[Bold]

[Outline]

[Shadow]

[Italic]

[I+Bold] (Italic Bold)

[I+Outl](Italic Outline)

[I+Shadow](Italic Shadow) [Vertical]

[Off]

[Undl] (Underline) [Round]

[Candy]

[Callout]

[Banner]

[Wooden]

LCD

Application

Length

VCR VHS

Cassette spine

5.5"

MiniDV

Cassette spine

1.6"

Audio

Cassette case spine

3.5"

File Tab

File tab

3.2"

Divider

Divider Tab

1.6"

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

(

+

)

Format

Description

Example 

(March 20th 2006, 3:30PM)

M/D/Y

Month/ Date/ Year

03/20/06

M/D/Y hm

Month/ Date/ Year time

03/20/06 03:30PM

D/M/Y

Date/ Month/ Year

20/03/06

D/M/Y hm

Date/ Month/ Year time

20/03/06 03:30PM

D.M.Y

Date.Month.Year 20.03.06

D.M.Y hm

Date.Month.Year time

20.03.06 03:30PM

Y-M-D

Year- Month- Date

06-03-20 

Y-M-D hm

Year- Month- Date time

06-03-20 03:30PM

Setting Month (MM), Date (DD), Year (YY)

>

>

input “03”

input “20”

input “06”

Setting Hour (hh) and Minute (mm)

>

input “10”

input “30”

Select AM/PM with

and press

.

Key

Function

Key

Function

Size

Auto Format

Width

Copies

Style

Time & Date

Underline/Frame

All Clear

Label Length

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 :

1-877-4-PTOUCH

Web :

www.brother.com

Fax

:

1-901-379-1210

If you need to locate a service center, please call 1-800-284-HELP or visit
us at www.brother.com

(

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)

Time/Date

(

+

)

PREPARATION

OPERATION

REFERENCE

[CREATING LABELS]

MAKING TEXT

DESIGNING LABELS

PRINTING LABELS

COMPLETED LABELS

USEFUL FUNCTIONS

Tape cutter lever

[GETTING STARTED]