Velleman VTSSC10N - Manual (Page 4)

VTSSC10N
V. 02 – 06/02/2013 4 ©Velleman nv
Damage caused by disregard of certain guidelines in this manual is not covered by the warranty and the
dealer will not accept responsibility for any ensuing defects or problems.
Do not switch the device on immediately after it has been exposed to changes in temperature. Protect the
device against damage by leaving it switched off until it has reached room temperature.
4. Features
manual temperature setting
power-on LED indication
with on/off switch
ceramic heating element with temperature sensor
with stand for left- or right-handed use
standard tip (incl.): BITC10N1 (1.6 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 power on/off indication LED 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)
A good joint is assured if the iron's operating temperature is set within the parameters suitable for the type of
solder being used. The solder will flow too slowly if the temperature is too low; if the temperature is too high,
the flux in the solder may burn which will give rise to billowing white smoke. In turn, this will result in a dry
joint or in permanent damage to the PCB.
7. Common Causes for Tip Failure
The tip is not sufficiently tinned.
Wiping the tip on a surface with high sulphur content or on a dirty or dry sponge or rag.
Contact between the tip and organic or chemical substances such as plastic, silicone, grease, etc.
Impurities in the solder and/or solder with a low tin content.
Note: The heating element may be damaged when its temperature reaches 430 °C (806 °F).
8. 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.
The supplied soldering tip is made of copper covered with a layer of iron. It will retain its projected life span
if used properly.
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 the included tip cleaner before activating the device.
Wet the sponge with nothing but water.
Using excessive temperatures (more than 410 °C or 770 °F) will shorten the life span of the tip.