Operating and Maintaining the Mark V Soldering Station
Document No.:11144
2 of 3
ID: BUL11144
Revision 08-21-14 micro-measurements@vpgsensors.com www.micro-measurements.com
Instruction Bulletin
B-144-7
to loosen slightly after initial use; if this occurs, turn the
control unit off and readjust per previous instructions.
Troubleshooting
If the solder does not begin to melt within several
minutes, check the indicator light on the control unit. If the
lamp is not lit, turn the unit off; check the power line for
proper voltage, and check the fuse on the back panel for
continuity.
If the iron takes longer than five minutes to reach full heat,
check the internal transformer connections to be certain
they are set for the correct line voltage. If the transformer
connection appears normal, disconnect the polarized plug
from the control unit and recheck the fit of the soldering
tip. A loosely fitting tip may retard heat transfer from the
heating element to the soldering tip.
The element may be checked for continuity with an
ohmmeter. If an open circuit is detected or the resistance
is less than 5 ohms, return the pencil to Micro-
Measurements for repair or replacement.
MAINTENANCE
The Mark V Soldering Station requires little maintenance
when operated under normal circumstances and
according to directions. The soldering tip should be
cleaned prior to each use by removing the tip and tapping
the open end lightly on a hard surface to dislodge any
oxidized material on the inside. Proper tip maintenance
will prevent the tip from seizing on the heating element
through continued use. Periodically tighten all screws
and inspect cables and strain-relief clamps.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Micro-Measurements warrants the Mark V control unit for
a period of two years, and the soldering pencil for six
months, under normal operating conditions, against
defects in workmanship and material. Warranty does not
cover normal tip wear or damage due to improper use.
Adjustment will be limited to repair or replacement of any
parts which Micro-Measurements warranty inspection
determines to be defective.
HELPFUL SOLDERING HINTS
High Temperature Soldering
When using +570°F [+300°C] high-lead solder, the M5S-
D soldering iron tip is recommended. If either the A, B, or
C tip is used, it may be difficult to keep the tip properly
tinned, particularly if long idling periods are involved. If
one of these tips will be used with +570°F [+300°C]
solder, performance can be improved considerably by
carefully filing of the iron cladding, and tinning the
exposed pure copper tip. This practice should not be
followed with high-tin solder alloys, because the molten
solder will quickly erode pure copper tips.
When the soldering iron is idling at an elevated
temperature, keep the working surface covered with
molten solder. For extended idle periods, reset the
selector switch to 7 or 8 to retard oxidation and erosion of
the copper.
Inconvenient Gage Locations
To allow soldering in inconvenient gage locations, it may
be practical to bend the iron-clad tip to a more appropriate
shape. After removing the tip from the element, a mandrel
of 1/2-in [13 mm] diameter or more may be employed
without damaging the clad surface; a smaller diameter,
however will cause cracking and shorten the life of the tip
considerably.
If special applications require modifications to the tip
configuration, remove the cladding and file to the shape
desired, always producing a flat working surface. A
conical point may damage the strain gage foil, produce
high local heating, or tend to lift the solder from the gage
tabs.
Cleaning and Re-tinning Oxidized Tips
Negligent maintenance practices, or wiping with materials
that char on the soldering tip, will produce a buildup of
oxidation that impairs soldering. Following is the
recommended procedure for cleaning and re-tinning tips:
1. Set the selector switch to the appropriate temperature
for the solder being used.
2. Place several drops of M-Flux SS on a glass plate.
3. Re-tin the tip by holding it in the SS Flux while feeding
solid core solder. Avoid inhaling the fumes. A generous
amount of solder is essential.
4. Wipe with gauze sponge.
If tinning is not uniform, gently abrade the tip surface with
220- or 320-grit silicon-carbide paper and repeat Steps 1
through 4.
