FKIRONS Spektra Halo 2 Tattoo Machine User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- FKIrons
Table of Contents
FKIRONS Spektra Halo 2 Tattoo Machine
MACHINE OVERVIEW
PACKAGE CONTENTS
- User Manual
- Halo 2 Body
- StrokeWheel MotorBolt
- Oil Lubricant
- 0.05” Allen Key
- Spare 4-40 3/16” Stroke Set Screw
- 2.8mm Stroke Wheel
- 4.0mm Stroke Wheel
- Spare spacer washer
- Spare shaft securing O-ring
MACHINE FEATURES
- Compatible with standard style needles and tubes or cartridges without the need for removing or changing parts
- Patent pending needle clip and needle stabilizer eliminates the need for grommets or rubber bands
- Interchangeable stroke wheels in 2.8mm, 3.4mm and 4.0mm sizes
- Dually compatible patent pending collet vise system supports standard back stem (5/16” – 8mm dia.) and screw on adjustable grips
- Lightweight at only 3 ounces
- Newly designed cam system allows for increased torque and even less vibration
- Designed to push all needle groupings from single needle up to 55mags
- Adjustable give system can be modified on-the-fly to suit all styles of tattooing
- 4.5 watt Swiss Maxon Motor
- Made in the USA
MACHINE PARTS
- Motorola
- Give Adjustment Knob
- Slider
- Armature / Needle Clip
- Needle Stabilizer
- Vise Chuck
- Machine Body
- MotorBolt O-Ring
- RCA Connection
MACHINE PARTS
- Spring
- Spacer Washer (White)
- Armature / Needle Clip
- Shaft Securing O-Ring
- Slider
- Slider Shaft
- Give Knob
ARMATURE ASSEMBLY
When assembling the machine it is important to ensure that the Armature/
Needle Clip is inserted with the extended end pointing toward the vise of the
machine.
USING THE VISE & NEEDLE CLIP
The Spektra Halo 2’s patent pending collet vise system is compatible with both
standard backstem style tubes (5/16” – 8mm dia.) and Screw-on style adjustable
cartridge grips(with an M16x1mm female threading). As assembled in the box the
machine is set up to accept a standard backstem style tube.First, you will
insert the needle by unscrewing the outer vise chuck (1) (enough to loosen the
knob but not fully remove it) and gently guiding the looped end of a standard
needle or cartridge drive bar through the chuck, collet (2), and vise receiver
(3), then, once aligned over the Needle Clip, gently press the needle bar loop
onto the Needle clip in order to secure it in place, ensuring that the needle
is centered under the Needle Stabilizer.The Needle Clip is made to fit most
standard sized needle loops; if you encounter needle loops that are too large
or too small for the Needle Clip you are able to gently open or expand them
with needle nosed pliers in order to allow them to snugly fit over the Needle
Clip.It is not necessary to bend the needle as the Needle Clip and Needle
Stabilizer system have been designed to accept needles straight out of their
packaging, however, additional bend may be added if you desire. Be cautious
not to add too much bend as excessive tension on the needle will cause
additional friction on the slider of the machine.Now, you may gently glide the
back the stem of the tube over the drive bar or needle and insert it into the
opening through the vise chuck and collet, tightening the chuck to lock in the
grip.
In order to use a screw on style grip you will fully unscrewthe vise chuck and remove the chuck and the exposed collet from the machine. You will need to attach the drive bar to the needle clip then carefully insert the grip over the exposed drive bar and attach it to the exposed threads (3). Store the removed chuck and collet in a safe place. To transition the machine back to accept standard backstems simply reinsert the collet with the narrow end inserted into the vise opening and secure the chuck onto the male threading. To remove the needle or drive bar from the needle clip simply lift from the rear or side of the needle loop using your fingers. Do not attempt to pull off from the needle bar shaft or use tools in order to leverage the removal of the needle as this will cause damage to the needle clip.
CHANGING THE STROKE
The stroke of the Halo 2 is interchangeable between 2.8mm, 3.4mm, and 4mm
sizes using the included Stroke Wheels. In order to change the stroke of the
machine, release the MotorBolt unit (1) from the Machine Body and locate the
set screw opening of the mounted Stroke Wheel (3). Once you have located the
set screw opening, use the included 0.05” Hex Screwdriver to loosen the screw
(4) (it is not necessary to remove the screw completely) and release the
mounted Stroke Wheel. Gently pull the full Stroke Wheel upward from the Motor
Shaft (2) to remove it. Next, use the Hex Screwdriver to loosen the set screw
of the new Stroke Wheel, and gently push it fully onto the motor shaft until
it is level and touching the brass washer at the base of the exposed motor
shaft. Firmly secure the set screw in place (being carful not to over torque
or strip the set screw) in order to lock the new stroke wheel, and reinsert
the motor in order to use your machine with the desired stroke
length.
OPTIMAL VOLTAGE
The Spektra Halo 2 will run on any high quality rotary compatible power supply
from 6.5v-14v depending on the brand of needle / cartridge and size of the
grouping used. Optimal voltage for the machine is generally achieved between
7.5-10v.Be aware that it is not suggested to run the machine above 12v to
avoid over-working the skin due to the high RPMs reached.
ADJUSTING THE GIVE
Your new machine comes with a fully adjustable resistance system. To fully
eliminate the “give” of the machine, turn the Give Adjustment Knob clockwise
until it stops. If you prefer to work with give, simply turn the Give
Adjustment knob counter-clockwise until the desired resistance is achieved.
The Halo 2 has an effective 5mm of give travel that has been specifically
designed to work with standard as well as cartridge style needles, taking into
account the internal tension of the needle cartridge. Starting with the knob
turned completely clockwise to the stopped position, turn the knob counter
clockwise in full turn increments to begin opening the give. 8 full counter
clockwise turns of the knob will provide the full range of give achieved by
the machine; It is not necessary to turn the give knob beyond 8 full turns as
this will result in no additional give but will begin disassembling the
machine.
It is important to note that different brands of cartridge needles contain
different types of internal tensioners, so the give response will need to be
adjusted accordingly.
LUBRICATION
The slider of the Spektra Halo 2 is made of an Acetal Resin that contains PTFE
and Teflon in its composition thatwill reduce friction and ensure the overall
smoothness and low vibration of the machine. To prolong the life of the
machine, it is recommended to apply lubricant to the slider at least once per
month/ 100 hours, or when the machine begins to provide audible indication
that the slider has become dry and thus causing additional friction.
To lubricate the machine you will apply the included lubricant at at the base
of the slider where it meets the Needle Clip using 1 drop in the front of the
opening and 1 drop at the rear of the opening.. You will then run the machine
at 15v for 5-6 seconds in order to disperse the lubricant, and the process is
complete. Be careful not to over-lubricate the machine as excess lubricant
introduced into the tight tolerances may cause decreased slider performance.
LIFETIME WARRANTY
FK Irons warrants that the product will perform efficiently when used by a
Professional Tattoo Artist. AllMachineBody components not subjected to normal
wear and tear will be covered under warranty for the life of the machine. The
enclosed Maxon Motor will be covered under warranty for 1 year from the date
of purchase. Should this product be defective, FK Irons will repair or replace
the product for a current available model of equal value.
This warranty will become null and void if the machine is altered or
excessively mistreated in any form, including over-lubrication of the machine
components or motor. For warranty claims, replacement parts, or general
service inquiries, please read the Frequently Asked Questions section at
www.fkirons.com or contact a representative via
email at service@fkirons.com or phone at
1-855-FKIRONSFor service inquiries, warranty claims or replacement parts
please contact service@fkirons.com or phone at
1-855-FKIRONS. For additional tips and tutorials, please visit
Youtube.com/fkirons