• LCD display with digital temperature scale (°C or °F)
• with on/off switch
• ceramic heating element with temperature sensor
• HEATER/SENSOR FAILED DETECTION: if the sensor circuit fails, the display reads “S--E” and heater
power is cut. If heater circuit fails the display will read “H--E” and heater power is cut.
• TEMPERATUE “LOCK-OUT” FEATURE: the temperature can be locked with a password which might be
useful in a production line.
• ESD SAFE AND SPIKE FREE CIRCUITRY: the “Zero Voltage” electronic switching design also protects
voltage and current sensitive components (CMOS devices, etc.) against overcurrent and transient
voltage spikes.
• LIGHTWEIGHT SOLDERING IRON: ergonomic mini handle that stays cool and prevents operator
fatigue.
• isolated power supply: high-quality 32Vac transformer designed for lead-free soldering
• temperature stability: tip temperature accurate to within ±3°C (6°F)
• available options:
o spare soldering bits: 0.4mm (BITC03), 0.8mm (BITC201)
o spare soldering iron: VTSSC7/SP1
5. Overview
Refer to the illustrations on page 2 of this manual.
VTSSC70 5 soldering iron connection
1 display 6 power switch
2 SET-button 7 power connector
3 down-button (▼) 8 fuse
4 up-button (▲) 9 earth jack
display B temperature unit (°C or °F)
A temperature indication C heating indication
6. Description
• This soldering station is designed to meet the present and future needs of the electronic production
industry. The VTSSC70 is engineered to meet the stringent demands of hobbyists, maintenance
personnel and production people alike.
• A high-quality sensor and heat transfer technology ensure precise temperature regulation which is
essential for making consistent, reliable soldered connections.
• The aluminium alloy housing has several advantages: strong, good heat sink and very resistant to
electro-magnetic interference.
• The VTSSC70s’ electronic circuitry enables the user to set soldering temperatures between 200 and
480°C (392 to 896°F) without having to replace the tip or the heating element. The temperature is
maintained to within ± 3°C (± 6°F) of the normal operating temperature by a thermocouple sensor
placed in the head of the heating element. The 80W power results in a rapid heat-up and fast
recovery.
• The revolutionary "zero voltage" switching design also protects voltage- and current-sensitive
components (CMOS devices, etc.) against the damaging current and transient voltage spikes
commonly produced by less efficient, mechanically switched stations. The heating elements are
galvanically isolated from the electrical supply by an isolating transformer that prevents the system
from using a max. tension higher than a (safe) 32VAC.
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
Melting point 215°C (419°F) 220°C (428°F)
Normal Operation 270-320°C (518-608°F) 300-360°C (572-680°F)
A good joint is assured if the iron's operating temperature is set within the parameters suitable for the
Production Line Operation 320-380°C (608-716°F) 360-410°C (680-770°F)
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.
8. Operating instructions
Refer to the illustrations on page 2 of this manual.
Verify whether the operating voltage of the unit is identical to that of the electrical supply.
GENERAL
• Make sure the unit's power switch [6] is in the "OFF"-position.
• Plug in the soldering iron [5]. Note that the connector has a notch so it only fits in one way. Do not
• Connect the AC power cord to the power connector [7]. Connect the other end to a suitable mains
• When applicable, connect an earth wrist strap to the earth jack [9] at the back of the station.
PARAMETER SETTINGS
• Switch on the station [6]
• Press the SET-button [2] and hold for at least5 seconds until the display shows “— — —”
• In the setup menu, the display will show “F-0”. Press the ▲[4]- or ▼ [3]-button to select modes. If
force.
outlet.
(flashing).Use the ▲-button [4] to enter the mode lock password “010” (default) and press the set-
button [2] to go into setup menu. A wrong password will return to normal working mode
(temperature indication).
no button is pressed within 15 seconds the device will return to normal operation mode.
•F-0: exit menu mode
Press the SET-button [2] when the display shows F-0 to exit the setup menu and return to
temperature indication.
•F-1: password mode
When password mode is enabled, the user can not change the temperature settings on the
station unless he or she knows the password.
Press the set-button [2] once to enter password mode. Press the ▲[4]- or ▼ [3]-button to
change display between 000 and 100, with 000 indicating password mode disabled and 100
indicating password enabled. Press the set-button [2] to return to the setup menu.
•F-2: temperature correction mode
Press the set-button [2] once to enter temperature correction mode. Press the ▲[4]- or ▼ [3]-
button to enter a correction factor for the temperature, e.g. when the display shows 300°C but
the actual temperature is only 290°C, add 10°C to the shown correction value.
When in °C negative values are indicated with a minus in front; in °F negative values are
indicated by a blinking display (5s interval). Press the set-button [2] to return to the setup
menu.
•F-3: unit of temperature
Press the set-button
[2] once to enter temperature mode. Press the ▲[4]- or ▼[3]-button to
change between °C and °F. Press the set-button [2] to return to the setup menu.
Do not use temperatures in excess of 410°C (770°F) for normal soldering and desol
The device can be used at higher temperatures for short periods of time. EXERCISE GREAT CAUTION
WHEN DOING SO.
CAUTION
Do not touch the metal parts of the soldering iron while the unit is being used or while it is cooling in
order to avoid burns.
• Set the power switch [6] to the “ON”-position.
• Press the up-button (▲) [4] until the display [1] indicates 250°C (or 482°F). The unit [B] is shown
next to the temperature [A]. When the temperature is stable, the heating indication [C] is off.
Note: to change the indicated unit, see § parameter settings above.
• Tin the surface of the soldering tip by applying a new protective layer of solder.
• Set the iron to the desired working temperature.
• Always return the soldering iron to its stand between uses.
dering purposes.
9. Common causes for tip failure
• The temperature of the tip exceeds 410°C (770°F)
• The tip is not sufficiently tinned
• Wiping the tip on a surface with a high sulphur content or on a dirty or dry sponge
• Contact with organic or chemical substances such as plastic, resin, silicone and grease
• Impurities in the solder and/or a low tin content
10. Tip maintenance
The soldering uses extremely high temperatures. Make sure that the unit is switched off 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, prior to turning off the station or to 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 consequently applying a new protective layer of solder.
• Set the desired temperature after allowing the unit to idle at 250°C for three minutes. The station
will be ready for use once the set temperature is reached.
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.
11. Maintenance
• Soldering tips can be replaced simply by unscrewing the barrel nut assembly. Turn off the station and
allow it to cool down first. Damage to the soldering station may occur if the system is left on and the
removed tip has not been replaced.
• After removing the tip, you should 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. Pliers can
be used to avoid contact with hot surfaces BUT SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION because overtightening may cause damage to the element or fuse the tip to the element.
• The outer cover of the iron and station may be cleaned with a damp cloth using small amounts of
liquid detergent. Never submerse 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 should become faulty or, for some reason does not operate normally, the
system should be returned to the service department of your authorized dealer or service agent.