FK Irons Halo 2 Crossover Machine User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- FK Irons
Table of Contents
FK Irons Halo 2 Crossover 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
- MotorBolt
- 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 back stem 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. 1 2 3 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 unscrew the vise chuck (1) and remove the chuck and the exposed collet (2) 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 back stems 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-12v 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.
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
counterclockwise in full turn increments to begin opening the give. 8 full
counterclockwise 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 that will 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. All MachineBody 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-FKIRONS