Sparkfun Electronics 937b User Manual page 3

Setting up
&
Operating the Unit
CAUTION!
The sponge
is
compressed. It will swell=---
when moistened with water. Before using
the unit, dampen the sponge with the
water and squeezed
it
dry. Failure to do
S?
may result in damage to the soldering
tip.
1. Iron Holder
• Small Cleaning Sponge. Dampen the small
cleaning sponge with water and then
squeeze it dry. Place it in one of the 4
openings of the iron holder base.
• Add water to approximately the level as
shown. The small sponge will absorb water
to keep the larger sponge above it wet at all
times. The large sponge may be used alone
(wlo small sponge & water).
• Dampen the large cleaning sponge and
place it on the iron holder base.
CAUTION:
Be to turn off the
power switch before connection or
disconnecting the soldering iron. Failure
to do so may damage the P. C. B.
2. Connections
• Connect the cord assembly to the receptacle.
• Place the soldering iron in the iron holder.
• Plug the power cord into the power supply.
Be sure to ground the unit.
3. Set the Temperature
• Set the temperature control knob to the
desired temperature.
• Lock the knob. The sparkfun937 station is
equipped with a temperature control knob
l?ck. After setting the desired temperature,
tighten the hex nut on the underside ofthe
knob mount using the supplied hex wrench.
TU11l t he nut clockwise to tighten the knob
lock.
t,
CAUTION: -
DOII't
overtighten the
knob lock. -
DOII't
attempt to turn the
knob when the knob lock is
011.
4. Turn on the Power Switch.
The heater lamp blinks on and off when the tip
temperature reaches the set temperature. The
unit is now ready to perform soldering work.
CAUTION:
The soldering iron must be
placed
ill
the iron holder when not in use.
1. Tip Temperature
High soldering temperatures can degrade the
hp.
Use the lowest possible soldering
temperature: The excellent thermal recovery
characteristics ensure efficient and effective
soldering even at low temperatures.
2. Cleaning
Clean the tip regularly with a cleaning sponge,
as oxides and carbides from the solder and flux
can form impurities on the tip.
These impurities can result in defective joints
or reduce the tip's heat conductivity.
When using the soldering iron continuously, be
sure to loosen the tip and remove all oxides at
least once a week.
This helps prevent seizure and reduction of the
tip temperature.
3. When Not in Use
Never leave the soldering iron sitting at high
temperature for long periods of time as the
tip's solder plating will become
covered
with
oxide, which can greatly reduce the tip's heat
conductivity.
4. After Use
Wipe the tip clean and coat the tip with fresh
solder. This helps prevent tip oxidation.