Brother PT 1700 - Electronic Labeler User manual

®
•Read this User’s Guide before you start using your P-Touch.
•Keep this User’s Guide in a handy place for future reference.
USER’S GUIDE
PT-1700

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CONTENTS
CONTENTS .................................................................................................... 1
OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 2
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................. 5
BEFORE YOU START ...................................................................................... 6
INSERTING A TAPE CASSETTE................................................................. 6
INSERTING BATTERIES ............................................................................ 7
CHANGING THE CUTTER UNIT............................................................. 8
STARTING................................................................................................ 9
CREATING A MESSAGE .................................................................................. 10
DISPLAY................................................................................................... 10
MOVING THE CURSOR.......................................................................... 10
CLEARING THE DISPLAY......................................................................... 11
KEY OPERATIONS ................................................................................... 12
INPUT...................................................................................................... 13
SPACE KEY............................................................................................... 14
COMPOSITE CHARACTERS..................................................................... 15
SYMBOLS ................................................................................................ 16
EDITING A MESSAGE ..................................................................................... 19
DELETING ............................................................................................... 19
WORD OUT............................................................................................ 21
OVER TYPING......................................................................................... 22
INSERTING .............................................................................................. 23
SETTING THE FORMAT .................................................................................. 25
SIZE ......................................................................................................... 25
BIG SIZE FONT........................................................................................ 28
STYLE....................................................................................................... 29
UNDERLINE/FRAME................................................................................ 31
PRINTING A LABEL ........................................................................................ 33
PRINTING & CUTTING ........................................................................... 33
HOW TO REMOVE LABEL BACKING (OPTIONAL)................................. 34
REPEAT PRINTING................................................................................... 35
NUMBERING........................................................................................... 36
MIRROR PRINTING................................................................................. 39
TAPE FEED............................................................................................... 40
PHRASE MEMORY OPERATION .................................................................... 43
PHRASE MEMORY................................................................................... 43
MEMORY SIZE......................................................................................... 43
STORING THE MESSAGE......................................................................... 43
RECALLING FROM PHRASE MEMORY.................................................... 45
DELETING THE PHRASE MEMORY ......................................................... 47
MESSAGE LIST ................................................................................................ 49
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................... 50
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 51
ACCESSORIES................................................................................................. 52
ACCESSORY ORDER FORM

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the P-Touch 1700!
Your new P-Touch will allow you to design and print labels for any application.
Since it is extremely versatile, you will be able to create characters of many sizes
and styles. In addition, by using the variety of tape cassettes available, you can
print labels with different widths and exciting colors.
You no longer have to worry about urgent tasks that require professional printing.
In the office, the factory, the lab and the home, the quality and performance of
the P-Touch 1700 makes it a very versatile machine.
Finally, as you may want to refer to this manual occasionally, we suggest that you
keep it in a handy place.
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing
equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the Depart-
ment of Communications.

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OVERVIEW
LCD display
To use functions written in pink,
you must press and hold down the CODE key,
then press the desired function key.
Tape cutter lever
CODE key SET key ON/OFF keyPRINT key
Tape exit slot
Cover lift
AC adaptor slot
Tape cartridge cover
SIZE STYLE BIG RECALL M. DEL
WORD OUT
CLEAR
!
1@ 2# 3$ 4% 57
*
8( 9) 0DEL
POIUYTREWQ
ALT
SYMBOL
ASDFGHJKL ;
?
.´
/
,–
MNBVCXZ
SHIFT
CAPS
PRINT
MIRROR
CODE SPACE
FEED SET TOP
RELOC OFF
:
ˆ
çÇ
¨
’’
`´
NUMBER REPEAT
UNDL/FRM
TAPE INSERT STORE
¢
6&
STLCAPS UNDL/FRM
A A A A A
MEMORY
ON

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Tape cutter unit
Print head
Tape release lever

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Battery compartment
Tape exit slotBattery compartment latch
Tape cutter lever

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GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
● Use only Brother TZ tapes with this machine. Do not use tapes that do not
have the mark.
● Four different tape widths are available: 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and 18 mm.
● Do not pull the tape. This may damage the tape cassettes.
● Do not clean the machine with alcohol or other organic solvents. Use only a
soft, dry cloth.
● Remove the batteries and/or disconnect the AC adaptor if you do not intend
to use your machine for an extended period of time.
(Note: When power is disconnected, any messages in the working area or the
Message Memory area will be lost.)
● Do not put anything onto or into the machine.
● Do not expose the machine to high temperatures or high humidity. Never
leave it on the dashboard or in the back of your car.
● Do not use the machine in dusty places. Keep it out of both direct sunlight
and rain.
● Do not leave any rubber or vinyl on the machine for an extended period of
time. Doing so may cause staining.
● After inserting a new tape cassette, advance the tape by holding down the
CODE key and pressing the FEED key once.
● Do not touch the print head mechanism. If the head is touched, clean it
immediately with a soft wipe (e.g.cotton swab) to avoid permanent damage.
● Use only the AC adaptor, MODEL AD-30 designed exclusively for this
machine. Use of any adaptor will void warranty.

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BEFORE YOU START
Brother TZ tapes are only available in the following widths for this machine:
6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and 18 mm.
To insert a new tape cassette:
(1) Lift the cassette cover so that you can reach the tape cassette easily. This will
also release the installed cassette.
(2) If there is a tape cassette already in the compartment, remove it by pulling it
straight up.
(3) Remove the stopper from a new tape cassette and if the tape is loose, use
your finger to wind it in the direction of the arrow on the tape cassette until it
is taut. If you are using a previous tape, ensure the tape is taut prior to insert-
ing it into the unit.
Some tape cassettes are not provided with a stopper.
(4) Insert the tape cassette firmly into the compartment.
(5) Shut the compartment cover.
(6) Advance the tape by holding down the CODE key and pressing the FEED key
once, then cut the tape.
●
When inserting a tape cassette, make sure that the inner ribbon does
not get caught on the corner of the metal securing stand.
●
The white lever (release lever) automatically locks when the cover is
closed. If the white lever is manually operated, the cover can not be
closed.
INSERTING A TAPE CASSETTE
Note:
Note:

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The machine uses six “AA” size (AM3, LR6, SUM-3, R6) batteries.
To insert batteries:
(1) Turn the machine over. Remove the battery compartment cover by pinching
the latch and lifting.
(2) Follow the diagrams on the back of the compartment to insert the batteries in
the proper direction.
(3) After inserting the batteries, re-fit the battery compartment cover.
When “BATT” (Batteries Weak) is displayed, replace the six batteries.
●
Alkaline batteries are recommended.
● An optional AC adaptor is available. (Model AD-30:7V, 1.2A)
●
When replacing batteries, do so in three minutes or less. Otherwise,
unless an optional AC adaptor is attached, any message in the work-
ing area or Phrase Memory will be lost.
●
Note the following details when 1.2 V rechargeable NiCd batteries
are used in this machine.
(1) “BATT” will not appear on the display when the rechargeable
batteries are weak or empty. Instead, the power will turn off.
(2) Even after the batteries are recharged, the characters may not be
printed clearly as a result of a low recharging efficiency or the
operating conditions.
INSERTING BATTERIES
Note:

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When the cutter is not cutting well, replace it with a new one.
To replace a cutter with a dull or broken blade:
(1) Open the tape cassette compartment cover and carefully remove the tape
cassette if it is installed.
(2) Grasp the cutter with your fingers and pull it out.
(3) Grasp the new cutter with the tab on the protective film and insert the cutter
into the machine.
(4) Remove the cutter’s protective film.
(5) Insert the tape cassette, then close the tape cassette compartment cover.
WARNING: Be very careful not to cut yourself when replacing the cutter.
The expected life of the unit’s cutter is approximately 2000 cuts.
CHANGING THE CUTTER UNIT
CAUTION
• When changing the cutter unit, be sure not to touch the cutter blade.
• Make sure that small children do not try to put the cutter unit in their mouths.
Note:

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To start the machine:
Press the ON/OFF key.
The machine’s internal memory retains the last message created, and displays it
when you turn on the machine. This feature allows you to stop work on a mes-
sage, turn off the machine, and return to it later without having to re-enter the
message.
The machine has an automatic power down feature. If the machine is on, but is
not used for five minutes, it will automatically shut off. The message will be
retained in memory until the machine is turned on again.
STARTING

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CREATING A MESSAGE
You are now ready to create a message on the machine.
The machine’s LCD display is four characters wide. Actually though, you can
create messages up to 55 characters in length. The four-character display is like a
window which moves across your message.
You can review and edit different parts of your message by moving the cursor
backward and forward.
To move the cursor through your message:
Press the and keys to move the cursor one space at a time.
●
Hold down the CODE key and press the TOP key to return the cur-
sor to the beginning of the message.
●
Hold down the CODE key and press the RELOC key to advance the
cursor to the end of a message.
DISPLAY
MOVING THE CURSOR
1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345
Note:

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Before entering a new message, you will often need to clear an old message.
To erase the previous message from the display:
Hold down the CODE key and press the CLEAR key.
In the following examples, we will work through a sample message, first creating
it, then editing it, next printing it, and finally storing it in the machine’s memory.
For the purpose of this example, suppose you are J. Smith, and you want to make
a label with your name on it.
CLEARING THE DISPLAY
Example ● Erase any message from the display by pressing
+ .
CODE CLEAR
DEL
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
A A A A A

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CODE KEY
By holding down the CODE key and pushing the appropriate key, you can use
the functions written in pink characters.
SHIFT KEY
By using the SHIFT key you can type capital letters, and symbols located on the
upper part of keys. To type a capital “A”, hold the SHIFT key down and push the
“A” key. To type a “percent” sign “%” (located above the “5”), hold the SHIFT
key down and push the “ 5 ” key.
CAPS KEY
By holding down the CODE key and pressing the CAPS key, you set the machine
into CAPS mode. When this mode is entered, the CAPS indicator on the display
turns on. In CAPS mode, capital letters can be typed simply by pressing the char-
acter keys. If number keys are pressed, numbers -- not the symbols above them --
result. For this reason, CAPS mode is particularly useful for creating messages
containing many numerals and capital letters. To exit CAPS mode, hold down the
CODE key and press the CAPS key.
ALT KEY
By using the ALT key you can type various symbols marked on the keys in green.
To type a symbol located on the right side of a key, hold down the ALT key and
press the key on which the desired symbol is marked.
KEY OPERATIONS

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You can now use the keys to enter a message.
INPUT
Example To input “Mr.”:
● Press + to input a capital M.
● Complete “Mr.” by pressing , then .
SHIFT
CAPS M
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
M
A A A A A
R
.
?‘
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
M r .
A A A A A

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As on a typewriter, this machine’s SPACE key lets you add a blank space into
your message.
The SPACE key and the key have different functions. The key
moves the cursor forward without adding blank spaces.
SPACE KEY
Example To complete the message “Mr. J Smith”:
Enter the initial “J”:
● Press + to input a capital J.
● Add a blank space by pressing once.
● Complete the message by entering “Smith”.
● If you make any mistakes during this input do not worry.
Simply press to remove the last character, and input correctly.
Note:
SHIFT
CAPS J
SPACE
FEED
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
r .J
M
A A
A A
A
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
m ith
Mr.J S
A A
A A
A
CLEAR
DEL

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You can create composite characters, consisting of a letter and an accent.
The accent available are ¨, ´, ` and ˆ.
To input a composite character:
(1) Press the appropriate keys to enter the accent you want.
(2) Type the letter you wish to combine with it. The entered mark and character
will flash alternately on the LCD display and will be printed together when
you print your label.
●
If the letter cannot be properly combined with the accent, the letter
will take the place of the accent.
●
If you press the key, key, SPACE key, or PRINT key after input-
ting the accent, the screen will display the ERROR message, then
return to the normal display. To continue inputting your message,
you must either choose a letter that can be combined with the
accent or delete the accent.
COMPOSITE CHARACTERS
Accent Letters which can be used
¨ a e i o u A E I O U
´e E
` a e u A E U
ˆ a e i o u A E I O U
Note:

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In addition to the letters, symbols, and numerals on the key tops, there are 39
symbols available in Symbol Mode. These 39 additional symbols are arranged
into 10 groups, corresponding to the numbers A to J on the keyboard.
To input a symbol that is not on the key top:
(1) Hold down the CODE key and press the SYMBOL key to enter Symbol
Mode.
(2) The display will read: “A-J?”.
(3) Press the key of the number from A to J whose group contains the symbol
you want. That letter’s group of symbols will be displayed.
(4) Move the cursor to the symbol you want.
(5) Press the SET key.
●
Press the DEL key to exit Symbol Mode.
SYMBOLS
Group No. SYMBOLS Group No. SYMBOLS
A Æ æ § F
B + × ÷ = G
C •    H
D [ ] I
E °
2 3
J
♥ ★
☞
☞
2
1
_
Note:

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Example First, make sure that the cursor is located at the place where you want to
add a symbol. To add a telephone symbol ( ) to the message, changing
the message to “Mr. J Smith ”:
● Enter Symbol Mode by pressing + .
● The following message will be displayed:
● Press the A key, as its group includes the telephone symbol.
● Press to move the cursor under .
CODE ALT
SYMBOL
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
A -J?
A A A A A
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
Ææ§
A A A A A
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
Ææ§
A A A A A

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After a non-keyboard symbol has been entered, the machine automatically exits
from Symbol Mode. If you wish to enter another symbol, you must re-enter Sym-
bol Mode by holding down the CODE key and pressing the SYMBOL key.
● Push to input a .
The message should now look like this:
SET
CAPS STL UNDL/FRM
i t h
Mr.J Sm
A A A A A