FKIrons EXO Cartridge Machine User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- FKIrons
Table of Contents
- FKIrons EXO Cartridge Machine
- SAFETY NOTICE
- MACHINE OVERVIEW
- THE GRIP
- THE BODY
- THE POWERBOLT
- THE RCA MODULE
- POWER OPTIONS
- CONNECTING YOUR MACHINE
- ADJUSTING NEEDLE DEPTH
- eGIVE WITH RCA MODULE
- eGIVE WITH POWERBOLT
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
FKIrons EXO Cartridge Machine
SAFETY NOTICE
CLASS III SYMBOL
A Class III appliance is designed to be supplied from a separated/safety
extra-low voltage (SELV) power source. The voltage from a SELV supply is low
enough that under normal conditions a person can safely come into contact with
it without risk of electrical shock. The extra safety features built into
Class I and Class II appliances are, therefore not required. For medical
devices, compliance with Class III is not considered sufficient protection,
and more stringent regulations apply to such equipment.
TECHNICAL DATA
Operating Voltage: 5 – 12 V DC
Current : 1 A
Stitch Frequency: 25 -160 Hz
Stroke: 2.5, 3.2 or 4 mm
Connection: USB-C
Drive: Brushless 9-watt motor
Operating Mode: Continuous operation
Ambient Temperature: +10 to +35° C
Relative Humidity: 30 to 75%
Dimensions (Ø X L): 35 x 125 mm
Weight: Approx. 189 g
BARRIER PROTECTING YOUR MACHINE
Although the grip is autoclavable, we strongly suggest the use of barrier
products to protect your machine. For a visual demonstration of many barrier
protection methods, please visit FK Irons’
YouTube channel.
This device is only for use by trained tattoo artists and not for the use by children or persons of reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.
MACHINE OVERVIEW
FK Irons’ first modular tattoo machine, offering the freedom to choose your
power source:
use a traditional RCA cable or the wireless, Bluetooth-enabled PowerBolt.
Ready for anything. Simply unstoppable.
THE GRIP
The EXO grip allows artists ratcheting control over needle depth. The standard grip has a diameter of 40 mm. Other grip options will be available soon. The grip is crafted from a solid rod of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This polished and anodized grip is safe to be sterilized under steam, in an autoclave or wiped down with cold sanitation solutions.
THE BODY
The Body is the core of the machine. Constructed from a solid rod of 6061 T6
aircraft-grade aluminum, this module should only be sanitized by wiping it
with cold sterilization solutions.
Caution: Avoid getting fluids into the housing.
THE POWERBOLT
LED indicator:
Solid Color = Whole Value
Blinking Color = Half Increment
Ex. Solid green indicates 10V
Flashing green indicates 10.5V
Battery level check: Press and hold power button until white. A blinking colored light indicates remaining charge.
Note: LED flashes while battery charges. Once < 15% is reached, red light will blink alternately with voltage.
Working with modes: Modes work by pressing and releasing the power
button.
Bluetooth – Hold the power button until a blue light appears and
immediately release the power button. A blue blinking light indicates pairing
mode is available for 60 seconds. To deactivate Bluetooth, hold the power
button and release when the yellow light flashes.
Travel Mode (hard shutoff) – Press and hold the power button until the
red light flashes. Use this mode to avoid unnecessary discharge and/or comply
with travel laws. To reactivate, connect/disconnect to a USB-C port.
Reset (factory settings) – Should you experience abnormal behavior, hold
the power button and the voltage down button at the same time, then quickly
release.
THE RCA MODULE
DETACHABLE RCA MODULE
The EXO’s outstanding feature is that the power module is detachable.
Rapidly switch from the RCA module to the PowerBolt battery pack with a simple
quarter-turn action. (instructions on next page) No matter the circumstances,
the EXO is unstoppable, therefore, you are unstoppable.
POWER OPTIONS
To detach your PowerBolt or RCA module, ensure you have a firm grip on the body and grip. Turn the PowerBolt/RCA module counterclockwise and pull apart. To attach the PowerBolt/RCA module, push in while twisting clockwise. Ensure lock mechanism moves freely. PowerBolt/RCA module must be flush to ensure power leads align correctly. Avoid contact with the leads on either module while recharging or servicing.
CONNECTING YOUR MACHINE
HOW TO CHARGE YOUR MACHINE
Insert the provided USB-C cable into the back of the PowerBolt and connect
to a Hover or power socket. Make sure the cable is properly seated and is
fully inserted into PowerBolt. The PowerBolt is not designed to operate while
plugged in. The USB-C connection is intended only for charging your PowerBolt.
PowerBolt can be recharged while not attached to the EXO. If connecting to a
Hover,
the charge speed will be up to 1 A.
ADJUSTING NEEDLE DEPTH
To adjust needle depth, hold the machine body and PowerBolt while turning the grip. A counterclockwise turn decreases depth, while a clockwise turn increases depth (also known as needle hang). Each time you turn the grip you can feel the tactile feedback of the ratcheting mechanism. Each “click” displaces your needle 0.2 mm and allows you to set your needle precisely without involuntarily turning while tattooing.
eGIVE WITH RCA MODULE
Currently, controlling eGive via the app is only available by connecting the
RCA cable to the Hover power supply.
You can control eGive on the PowerBolt itself without the app.
eGIVE ADJUSTMENT
With this feature you’ll be able to control the amount of “give,” or
resistance of the needle upon impact with the skin, even on direct drive
tattoo machines. This enables the artist to take advantage of the softness or
hardness of hit to achieve specific results. 0 has no effect, 5 offers the
maximum amount of eGive.
SETTING eGIVE
There are 6 settings for eGive, 0 through 5. Change the setting by swiping the
bars up or down. The higher the setting the higher the amount of give.
0 = no give, 5 = maximum give.
eGIVE INDICATOR
The number displayed is the current eGive setting.
eGIVE WITH POWERBOLT
eGIVE ADJUSTMENT WITH POWERBOLT
When using the EXO with the PowerBolt, the eGive will be controlled on the
PowerBolt, not the app. You must update the PowerBolt with the latest Darklab
app version to download that feature.
HOW TO CHECK THE CURRENT eGIVE SETTING
- Hold down the power button until the light goes from white to solid blue.
- Release the power button.
- The following blinking color that the LED displays indicates the give that the unit is currently set at. For example:
- a white blinking light indicates the lowest at 0 (zero)
- a yellow blinking light indicates level 1 eGive
- an orange blinking light indicates a softness of 2 eGive
- a red blinking light indicates a softness of 3 eGive
- a pink blinking light indicates a softness of 4 eGive
- a green blinking light indicates a softness of 5 (softest eGive setting)
CHANGING eGIVE
To raise or lower the give:
- Hold down the power button until the light goes from white to solid blue.
- Release the power button and immediately use the up or down arrows to change the give. The colors should change accordingly.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VOLTAGE PARAMETERS
While best voltage is a preference that will vary from artist to artist, this
machine has been tested to operate at a minimum of 5 Volts and a maximum of 12
Volts. Depending on the type of needle configuration or brand you use, feel
free to adjust the voltage to obtain the desired performance.
ACCEPTED NEEDLES
Use only cartridge needles with an internal membrane. This will avoid
accidental contamination inside your machine. Fluids such as ink, water or oil
will void warranty of the device and may require replacement of internal
parts.
MAINTENANCE
- The EXO is sold pre-lubricated from the factory and does not require internal lubrication.
- Prevent any type of external elements from entering inside the machine as they will disrupt the motion of the component and contaminate the lubricant.
- The grip of the machine is autoclavable. Use only steam autoclaves at temperatures no higher than 270° Fahrenheit or 132.222° Celsius. Add a hint of ointment or PTFE grease around internal opening of grip or on stabilizing friction O-rings for optimal functionality after autoclaving. Refer to page 5 for additional information.
- Machine Body and PowerBolt can be sanitized on the outside with cold sterilization products.
- Never spray the surface directly. Prevent fluids from entering the machine. Use no-lint rags or paper towels.
- DO NOT DISASSEMBLE MACHINE.
WARRANTY
- All the housing components (Grip, Machine Body and PowerBolt) are covered by a lifetime warranty.
- Internal parts are subject to wear and the motor itself is covered by a 1 year warranty from the date of purchase.
- Motor warranty is void if motor shows signs of being dropped, of internal fluids entering the motor and/or IF motor shows signs of being tampered with in any way.
HANDY TIPS
The following tips will help you get the most out of your EXO and avoid potential issues:
- Always secure your machine. Dropping the machine can cause damage to the magnets, bearings and brushes of the motor.
- Use only cartridges with membranes to avoid contamination.
- Rinse your needle frequently to avoid pigment drying up and slowing down your cartridges. When rinsing your needle, ensure to dip only the tip of the cartridge to avoid back flow of fluids.
- Inspect your needles prior to use.
- Avoid scratching any part of the surface.
- Use only FDA-approved cold sterilization solutions for disinfection.
- Do not lubricate machine unless instructed otherwise.
- Store your machine in a secure place.
- Before first use, charge battery for a minimum of 3 hours.
TROUBLESHOOTING
-
Machine manufacturer
FK Irons: 1771 NW 79th Avenue, Doral, Florida 33126 -
Servicing your machine
Just like any mechanical device subject to wear, FK Irons strongly suggests that you service your product at least once a year for a proper diagnosis of all working parts. This ensures the optimal condition of all working parts including internal machine clean up and fresh lubrication. Routine servicing will ensure that your machine remains functioning like the very first day. Service is subject to fees. -
Warning
Disconnect machine from any power source before making any adjustments.
For service inquiries, please contact
service@fkirons.com
For additional tips and tutorials, please visit Youtube.com/fkirons