VTSS20/VTSS30
V. 04
–
07/02/2014
4
©Velleman nv
4.
Features
LED indication:
o
VTSS20: LED bar temperature readout (12 LEDs)
o
VTSS30: digital display for selected and actual temperature
with on/off switch
with stand for left- or right-handed use
standard tip (incl.): Ø 0.8 mm.
5.
Overview
Refer to the illustrations on page 2 of this manual.
1
on/off switch
7
rubber cable
2
temperature control
8
handle
3
sponge
9
antiskid rubber
4
iron stand
10
heating element with incorporated temperature sensor
5
fuse holder
11
bit
6
temperature read-out
12
bit holder
6.
Operating Temperature
The most common soldering alloys used in the electronics industry consist of 60 % tin and 40 % lead. The
operating temperature of this type of solder is detailed below and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
However, to meet RoHS requirements, these solders are no longer allowed and are replaced by lead-free
solders that require a working temperature which is ± 30 °C (54 °F) higher.
Leaded solder
Lead-free solder
Melting point
215 °C (419 °F)
220 °C (428 °F)
Normal operation
270
–
320 °C (518
–
608 °F)
300
–
360 °C (572
–
680 °F)
Production line operation
320
–
380 °C (608
–
716 °F)
360
–
410 °C (680
–
770 °F)
7.
Tip Maintenance
The soldering uses extremely high temperatures. Make sure that the unit is switched off and cooled down
for maintenance purposes.
Remove the tip and clean it after heavy or moderate use. We recommend cleaning the tip daily if the
station is used frequently.
Always tin the tip before returning it to the holder, before turning off the station or before storing it for long
periods of time. Wipe the tip on a wet sponge or use our tip cleaner before activating the device.
Using excessive temperatures (more than 400 °C or 750 °F) will shorten the life span of the tip.
Do not exercise excessive pressure on the tip while soldering, as this may cause damage to the tip.
Never clean the tip with a file or with abrasive materials.
Do not use flux containing chloride or acid. Use only resinous fluxes.
If an oxide film has formed, you should remove it by buffing carefully with a 600
–
800 grit emery cloth or by
using isopropyl alcohol and then applying a new protective layer of solder.
Set the temperature to 250 °C (482 °F). When the temperature is reached, tin the tip, and allow it to idle
for three minutes. Then set the desired soldering temperature and work normally.
Wet the sponge only with water.
Important
: Remove and clean the tip daily. Remove excess solder from the barrel nut assembly when
installing a new tip, otherwise the tip may be fused to the heating element or to the retaining assembly.
8.
Maintenance
Soldering tips can be replaced simply by unscrewing the barrel nut assembly. Turn off the station and allow
it to cool down first. You can damage the soldering station if you switch it on without the tip in place.
After removing the tip, blow out any oxide dust that may have formed in the tip receptacle. Be careful not
to get dust in your eyes. Replace the tip and tighten the screw. You can use pliers to avoid contact with hot
surfaces
but use with caution
because over-tightening may cause damage to the element or fuse the tip
to the element.
Clean the outer cover of the iron and station with a damp cloth and a small amount of liquid detergent.
Never submerge the unit in liquid or allow any liquid to enter the case of the station. Never use any solvent
to clean the case.
If the iron or station become faulty or, for some reason do not operate normally, return them to the service
department of your authorized dealer or service agent.
