Brother P-Touch 18R User manual

P. 8

• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, USA.
• The names of other software or products used in this document are trademarks or
registered trademarks of the respective companies that developed them.
Declaration of Conformity
(Europe only)
We, BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8561, Japan
declare that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and
other relevant provisions of Directives 2004/108/EC and 2005/32/EC.
The Adapter AD-18ES is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of Directive 2006/95/EC.
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is on our Web site. Please go to
http://solutions.brother.com -> choose region (eg. Europe) -> choose country ->
choose your model -> choose "Manuals"-> choose Declaration of Conformity
(*Select Language when required).

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zINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the P-touch PT-18R.
Your new P-touch is an easy to operate, feature packed labelling system that makes
creating professional, high quality labels a breeze. In addition to easy label creation via
pre-formatted label layouts, the P-touch editing software features advanced label
formatting, block formats, bar codes and auto-numbering functions.
• Carry your compact,
rechargeableP-touch
with you anywhere
without worrying
about power supply.
• The battery charger
also serves as a
convenient storage
stand, so the P-touch
is always at hand and
ready for use.
• You can quickly
increase your
labeling power, and
design and print
complex labels from
your computer using
the software
provided.
Refer to the Software Installation Guide for more details and installation directions.

INTRODUCTION
2
Creating Your First Label
This section introduces you to the methods used to create simple labels with your P-touch.
By creating a simple label, you will become familiar with the procedure for creating
general label layouts.
 Creating a label with the P-touch
Prepare the P-touch.
Enter the label text.
Print the label.
Creating Your First Label
1
Install and charge
the battery.
Set a tape cassette. Turn the P-touch on.
P. 16 P. 19 P. 21
To create a label if the battery is not charged, connect the AC adapter directly to the P-touch
machine. Refer to “AC Adapter” on page 19.
2
In addition to entering text, the P-touch
has a large range of editing functions.
"Create labels like these"
Enter the label text from the keyboard.
P. 23
3
You can check the layout of your label
before printing.
Checking the label preview before
printing prevents wasting tape on
incomplete labels.
"Preview function"
Print the label you have created.
P. 45

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zINTRODUCTION
Creating Your First Label
 Create a label with your personal computer
Prepare the P-touch. (Refer to step 1 in the previous section.)
Prepare the personal computer.
Enter the label text using P-touch Editor.
Print the label.
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Install the software.
Software Installation Guide P. 21 Software Installation Guide
Connect the USB
cable.
Turn the P-touch on.
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Software Help "Create labels with complex designs like these"
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Software Help

INTRODUCTION
4
Safety Precautions
Please read the following directions for safe use and handling before using your P-
touch. These safety precautions are provided for your benefit to prevent unnecessary
injury to you and those around you, and to prevent damage to the product. Please read
and follow them carefully.
The following symbols indicate the level of danger associated with not using the
product within the specified guidelines.
The following symbols indicate specific directions.
Safety Precautions
WARNING
This symbol denotes that improper handling poses a risk of
causing death or serious injury.
CAUTION
This symbol denotes that improper handling poses a risk of
causing injury or damage to the product.
:This symbol denotes that the action poses a risk of danger.
:This symbol denotes that the action is prohibited.
:This symbol denotes that the action is required.
WARNING
Rechargeable battery
Failure to observe the following may result in fluid leaking, overheating, rupture, or fire,
causing burns or other injuries.
• Do not throw the battery into a fire, or heat, solder or weld, disassemble or modify
the battery.
• Do not allow metallic articles to short-circuit the terminals of the battery.
• Do not carry or store the battery together with metallic articles.
• Do not remove or damage the plastic cover on the battery, or use a battery with
the plastic cover removed or damaged.
• Use only the battery charger designed exclusively for the rechargeable battery
provided. Do not use any other battery charger.
• Do not charge the battery in high temperature locations.
• Do not use the battery with the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals connected
incorrectly.
• If the battery leaks or emits an odour, it must be moved away from fire
immediately.
• Do not let the battery get wet.
• If the battery leaks, be careful not to let battery fluid contact your eyes.
Battery fluid contacting your eyes may result in the loss of eyesight. If battery
fluid comes into contact with your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water and
seek medical attention immediately.

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zINTRODUCTION
Safety Precautions
WARNING
• If the battery begins to emit an odour, overheat, discolour, deform, or any other
change occurs during use, charging, or storage, remove the battery immediately
and discontinue use.
Battery charger
Failure to observe the following may result in fire, overheating, or failure.
• Do not allow metallic articles to short-circuit the terminals of the charger.
• Do not let the charger get wet. If water or other liquids get in the charger, unplug
the AC adapter immediately.
• Do not use the charger while the charger terminals are wet or have condensation
on them.
• Do not use this charger with any product other than the P-touch.
• Use only the AC adapter provided with the P-touch.
• If the charger begins to emit an odour, overheat, discolour, deform, or any other
change occurs during use, charging, or storage, remove the P-touch from the
charger immediately, disconnect the AC adapter, and discontinue use.
AC adapter
Failure to observe the following may result in fire, electric shock, or failure.
• Always use the specified voltage (230V) and the AC adapter (AD-18ES)
provided.
• Do not overload the power outlet.
• Do not place heavy objects on, damage or modify the power cord or plug. Do not
forcibly bend or pull the power cord.
• Do not use a damaged power cord.
• Do not touch the AC adapter or power plug with wet hands.
• Make sure that the plug is fully inserted to the power outlet. Do not use an outlet
that is loose.
P-touch
Failure to observe the following may result in fire, electric shock, or failure.
• Do not disassemble or modify the P-touch.
• Do not drop, hit or otherwise damage the P-touch.
• Do not spill drinks or other liquids on the P-touch, or otherwise let the P-touch
become wet.
• Do not use the P-touch if any foreign object has entered the P-touch.
If any foreign object has entered the P-touch, immediately turn the power off,
disconnect the AC adapter, remove the battery, and discontinue use.
• If the P-touch begins to emit an odour, overheat, discolour, deform, or any other
change occurs during use, charging, or storage, remove the P-touch from the
charger immediately, disconnect the AC adapter, remove the battery, and
discontinue use.
• Do not let children play with the empty package that the P-touch came in when
purchased. Store the empty package in location out of the reach of children, or
dispose of it. Empty packaging can be a choking or suffocation hazard for
children.

INTRODUCTION
6
Safety Precautions
CAUTION
Rechargeable battery
Failure to observe the following may result in fluid leaking, overheating, rupture, or
deteriorated performance and life span.
• Do not hit or throw the battery.
• Do not use or leave battery exposed in direct sunlight, near heaters or other hot
appliances, or in any location exposed to extremely high temperatures.
• Remove the battery when not using the P-touch for any extended period of time.
• If battery fluid comes into contact with skin or clothes, wash the affected areas
thoroughly with clean water. Battery fluid is harmful to skin.
Battery charger
Failure to observe the following may result in fire, electric shock, or short circuit.
• Do not use or place the battery charger in direct sunlight, near heaters or other
hot appliances, in any location exposed to extremely high temperatures, high
humidity, or dusty locations.
• Do not disassemble or modify the battery charger.
• Do not hit or throw the battery charger.
• Do not carry or store the battery charger together with metallic articles.
AC adapter
• Be sure to disconnect the AC adapter and battery charger from the power outlet
and the P-touch when not using the P-touch for any extended period of time.
• Always hold the plug when disconnecting the power cord from the power outlet.
Tape cutter
• Do not touch the tape cutter with your hands. This may result in injury.
Usage/storage location
• Do not place the P-touch or battery charger in unsafe locations such as unstable
platforms or high shelves, etc. It may fall down and cause an injury.
• Do not place heavy objects on the P-touch or battery charger. It may fall down
and cause an injury.
Memory
• Any data stored in memory will be lost due to failure or repair of the P-touch, or
if the battery expires.
Tape
• Depending on the environmental conditions and the material and condition of
the affixing surface, the label may peel off or the colour of the tape may change.
When removing labels, adhesive may remain, the tape's colour may be
transferred to the surface, or the surface beneath the label may otherwise be
damaged. Be sure to test the label on the intended surface and material before
affixing the label.

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zINTRODUCTION
General Precautions
• Do not use the P-touch in any way or for any purpose not described in this guide. Doing
so may result in accidents or damage the machine.
• Use only genuine TZ tapes, with the mark, in the P-touch.
• Do not pull or press on the tape in the cassette.
• Do not put any foreign objects into the tape exit slot, AC adapter connector, or USB port,
etc.
• Do not try to print labels using an empty tape cassette or without a tape cassette set in the
P-touch. Doing so will damage the print head.
• Do not touch the print head with your fingers.
• Note that all data stored in memory will be lost if you disconnect BOTH the AC adapter
AND the rechargeable battery.
• Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other organic solvent to clean the P-
touch.
• Do not place the P-touch in direct sunlight, near heaters or other hot appliances, in any
location exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity, or dusty locations.
Standard operating temperature range: 10
° C to 35 ° C.
• Be careful not to scratch the CD-ROM. Do not place the CD-ROM in any location exposed
to high or low temperatures. Do not place heavy objects on the CD-ROM or bend it.
• The software on the CD-ROM is intended for use with the P-touch and may be installed
on more than one PC.
• We strongly recommend that you read this User’s Guide carefully before using your P-
touch, and then keep it nearby for future reference.
The following symbols are used throughout this guide to indicate additional information.
General Precautions
Symbols Used in this Guide
:
This symbol indicates information or directions that may result in damage or injury if
ignored, or operations that will result in errors.
:
This symbol indicates information or directions that may help you understand and use
the P-touch more efficiently.

INTRODUCTION
8
Quick Index
Quick Index
To format the label...
Text/Label format
functions
To enter text, symbols
and accent characters...
Entering
text/symbols/accent
characters
To change the cutting
and margin settings
Tape cutting options
To print multiple
copies (with auto-
numbering)...
Multiple copy/auto-
numbering functions
To create and print
bar code labels...
Bar code function
To save a label
layout...
Memory function
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P. 49
P. 52
P. 28
P. 46
P. 23
P. 32
ABC
auto-format
function
ABC
ABC
ABC
Quick
Index
Quick
Index
This section provides quick and easy access to
information on tasks often needed by users.
Simply look for your task below and then go to
the page indicated.
If the task you are looking for is not shown here,
try the Contents or Index pages.
12345678
12345678
ABC

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INTRODUCTION
Contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 1
Creating Your First Label .............................................................................................. 2
Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................ 4
General Precautions...................................................................................................... 7
Symbols Used in this Guide .......................................................................................... 7
Quick Index ................................................................................................................... 8
Contents........................................................................................................................9
GETTING STARTED ............................................................................. 11
Unpacking Your P-touch ............................................................................................. 11
General Description..................................................................................................... 12
LCD Display & Keyboard............................................................................................. 13
LCD Display .......................................................................................................... 13
Key Names and Functions.................................................................................... 14
Power Supply .............................................................................................................. 16
Rechargeable Battery ........................................................................................... 16
AC Adapter ........................................................................................................... 19
Inserting a Tape Cassette ........................................................................................... 19
Turning Power On/Off ................................................................................................. 21
Feeding Tape .............................................................................................................. 22
LCD Contrast............................................................................................................... 22
EDITING A LABEL................................................................................. 23
Entering and Editing Text ............................................................................................ 23
Entering Text from the Keyboard.......................................................................... 23
Adding a New Line................................................................................................ 23
Moving the Cursor................................................................................................. 23
Inserting Text ........................................................................................................ 23
Deleting Text......................................................................................................... 24
Entering Symbols ........................................................................................................ 24
Entering Symbols Using Key ........................................................................... 24
Entering Symbols Using the Symbol Function...................................................... 25
Entering Accented Characters .................................................................................... 26
Entering Accented Characters Using Key ....................................................... 26
Entering Accented Characters Using Composite Character Keys........................ 26
Entering Accented Characters Using the Accent Function ................................... 27
Setting Character Attributes ........................................................................................ 28
Setting Label Attributes ............................................................................................... 30
Creating a Bar Code Label.......................................................................................... 32
Setting Bar Code Parameters ............................................................................... 32
Contents

INTRODUCTION
10
Contents
Entering Bar Code Data.........................................................................................33
Editing and Deleting a Bar Code ...........................................................................35
Using Auto-Format Layouts .........................................................................................35
Using Templates - Example creating an Asset Tag...............................................35
Using Block Layouts ..............................................................................................38
Automatic Currency Conversion ..................................................................................42
Currency Conversion Setup...................................................................................42
Converting Currency..............................................................................................44
LABEL PRINTING ................................................................................. 45
Label Preview...............................................................................................................45
Printing a Label ............................................................................................................45
Printing a Single Copy ...........................................................................................45
Printing Multiple Copies .........................................................................................46
Auto-numbering Labels..........................................................................................47
Mirror Printing ........................................................................................................48
Tape Cutting Options ...................................................................................................49
Attaching Labels...........................................................................................................51
USING THE FILE MEMORY ................................................................. 52
Storing a Label into Memory ........................................................................................52
Opening a Stored Label File ........................................................................................53
Deleting a Stored Label File.........................................................................................54
MAINTAINING YOUR P-touch .............................................................. 55
Resetting the P-touch...................................................................................................55
Maintenance.................................................................................................................55
Cleaning the Main Unit ..........................................................................................55
Cleaning the Print Head.........................................................................................55
Cleaning the Tape Cutter.......................................................................................56
Cleaning the Charging Terminals ..........................................................................56
TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................... 57
What to do when... .......................................................................................................57
Error Messages............................................................................................................60
APPENDIX ............................................................................................ 63
Specifications ...............................................................................................................63
INDEX.................................................................................................... 65

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Unpacking Your P-touch
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zGETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
Check that the package contains the following before using your P-touch.
Unpacking Your P-touch
P-touch PT-18R TZ tape cassette
CD-ROM USB cable
AC adapter
The plug may differ by countries.
Rechargeable battery
Battery charger User’s Guide
Software Installation Guide

GETTING STARTED
12
General Description
Battery charger
General Description
LCD display
AC adapter
connector
Keyboard
USB port
Charging terminals
When shipped from the factory, the
LCD display is covered with a
protective sheet to prevent damage.
Remove this sheet before using the P-
touch.
Tape viewer
Back
cover
Tape exit
slot
AC
power
lamp
Back cover
opening grip
Rechargeable battery
Release lever
Tape
cutter
Tape cassette
case
Rechargeable battery
case cover
Print
head
AC adapter connector
Charging terminals

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zGETTING STARTED
LCD Display & Keyboard
LCD Display
1. Line number
Displayed at the beginning of each line, this mark indicates the line number within
the label layout.
2. Cursor
Indicates the current position of the cursor. New characters are entered to the left of
the cursor, and the character to the left of the cursor is deleted when the
key
is pressed.
3. Return mark
Indicates the end of a line of text.
4. Caps mode
Indicates that the Caps mode is on.
5.~8. Style guidance
Indicates the current font (5), character size (6), character style (7) and frame (8)
settings.
9. Tape length
Indicates the tape length for the text entered.
10.Cursor selection
Indicates that you can use the cursor keys to select the items on the screen. Use
the and keys to select a menu item, and the and keys to change the
setting.
LCD Display & Keyboard
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GETTING STARTED
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LCD Display & Keyboard
Key Names and Functions

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zGETTING STARTED
LCD Display & Keyboard
(Power):
• Turns the P-touch on and off.
:
• Prints the current label design onto the
tape.
• Opens the Print Options menu when
used in combination with the key.
(Preview):
• Displays a preview of the label.
(Feed & Cut):
• Feeds 22.5 mm of blank tape and then
automatically cuts the tape.
:
• Opens the Text menu, where you can
set character attributes for the label.
:
• Opens the Label menu, where you can
set label attributes for the label.
(Auto-Format):
• Opens the Auto-Format menu, where
you can create labels using pre-defined
templates or block formats.
:
• Opens the Tools menu, where you can
set operating preferences for the P-
touch.
:
• Clears all text entered, or all text and
current label settings.
(Backspace):
• Deletes the character to the left of the
cursor.
• Cancels the current command and
returns the display to the data entry
screen or the previous step.
:
• Turns the Caps mode on and off. When
the Caps mode is on, uppercase letters
can be entered by simply pressing a
character key.
~ :
• Use these keys to type letters or
numbers.
• Uppercase letters, symbols or accent
characters can be entered using these
keys in combination with the , ,
or keys.
:
• Use this key in combination with the
letter and number keys to type
uppercase letters or the symbols
indicated on the number keys.
:
• Use this key in combination with keys
that have blue characters above them to
type the accented characters or
symbols indicated, or to activate the
function indicated.
:
• Use this to select and enter a symbol
from a list of available symbols.
:
• Use this to select and enter an accented
character from the list of available
characters.
:
• Enters a blank space.
• Returns a setting to the default value.
(Return):
• Enters a new line when entering text.
• Selects the option displayed when
setting label attributes in the function
menus, or when entering symbols or
accent characters.
(Escape):
• Cancels the current command and
returns the display to the data entry
screen or the previous step.
:
• Moves the cursor in the direction of the
arrow when entering or editing
characters, entering symbols or
accented characters, and when setting
label attributes in the function menus.

GETTING STARTED
16
Power Supply
Your P-touch has a rechargeable battery that allows you to use it anywhere when
charged, and an AC adapter that allows you to use it while connected to an electrical
outlet when the battery’s charge becomes low.
Rechargeable Battery
The battery can be recharged by placing the P-touch on the battery charger stand.
 Installing the rechargeable battery
Press on the back cover opening grip and open the
back cover.
Slide the battery case cover in the direction of the
arrow and open the case.
Connect the battery as shown in the figure. Make
sure that the wires to the connector match the black
and red stickers on the case.
Power Supply
Connect the AC adapter directly to the P-touch to use it immediately after purchase or when the
battery’s charge becomes low.
• Disconnect power to the P-touch when installing or removing the rechargeable battery.
• Use only the battery charger designed exclusively for the rechargeable battery provided with
your P-touch.
• Do not remove or damage the plastic cover on the rechargeable battery, or use a battery with
the plastic cover removed or damaged.
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zGETTING STARTED
Power Supply
Insert the battery into the battery case and push the
wires into the compartment so that they do not get
damaged by the battery case cover.
Attach the battery case cover and close the back cover.
 Charging the battery
Insert the plug on the AC adapter cord into
the connector on the battery charger and
insert the AC adapter plug into a standard
electrical outlet.
Place the P-touch on the battery charger.
When it is sitting on the battery charger
correctly, the AC power lamp on the P-
touch lights.
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Release lever
Make sure that the release lever is up when closing the back cover. The back cover cannot be
closed if the release lever is pressed down.
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Charging time approx. 12 hours
The P-touch can be placed in the battery
charger in either direction.
AC power lamp
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GETTING STARTED
18
Power Supply
 Replacing the rechargeable battery
Replace the battery when the P-touch can only be used for a short time even after
recharging. The battery may not be charged sufficiently when the power supply is less
than the rated voltage. While the replacement period varies depending on the
conditions of use, the battery will generally need to be replaced after approximately one
year. Be sure to replace it with the specified rechargeable battery (BA-18R).
Press on the back cover opening grip and open the back cover.
Slide the battery case cover in the direction of the arrow and open the case.
Remove the expired battery and disconnect the
connector.
Connect the connector on the battery wires and insert the new battery into the
case. Refer to “Installing the rechargeable battery” on page 16.
Attach the battery case cover and close the back cover.
• The AC power lamp lights when the P-touch is set in the battery charger and the AC adapter
is connected to the battery charger, or when the AC adapter is connected directly to the P-
touch, regardless of whether a battery is fitted or charging is complete.
• Be sure to charge the battery before using the P-touch.
• Connect the AC adapter directly to the P-touch to use it when the battery’s charge becomes
low.
• Return the P-touch to the battery charger after use. Even when not used the battery will run
down if the P-touch is not placed on the battery charger.
• Leaving the P-touch on the charger even when the battery is fully charged will not damage it.
• The battery may not be charged sufficiently when the power supply is less than the rated
voltage.
Be sure to charge the new battery for 12 hours after replacement.
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• Be sure to dispose of the expired battery as directed by local regulations for the disposal of
nickel metal hydride batteries.
• Do not remove or damage the plastic cover on the expired battery, or attempt to disassemble
the expired battery.