ALIENTEK T90B Smart Soldering Iron User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ALIENTEK T90B Smart Soldering Iron. This manual provides detailed instructions to help you understand and utilize all its features effectively.

The T90 series smart soldering irons are multi-functional tools designed for precision welding. Key features include:

• Tip Compatibility: T90A uses T210 tips, T90B uses T245 tips, and T90C uses T65 tips. Note that these tips are not interchangeable.
• Power & Charging: Features a Type-C interface for power supply, supporting PD3.1 and QC3.0 fast charging protocols.
• Voltage Range: Operates within a DC 9-28V working voltage range.
• Adjustable Heating Power: Power is adjustable from 18W to 140W.
• Display: Equipped with a 0.99' IPS LCD (160*40 Pixel) for clear information display.
• Rapid Heating: Achieves tin melting in approximately 3.5 seconds (T90B @140W).
• Temperature Control: Offers fast temperature recovery and maintains a stability of 2%.
• Smart Features: Includes hand-held induction for smart sleep mode, saving energy.
• Design: Compact size (L178mm Ø16mm) with an ergonomic CNC aluminum alloy body for a comfortable grip.

Image: Overview of T90A/B/C Smart Soldering Iron features including adjustable heating power, IPS LCD screen, USB-C port, PD3.1/QC3.0 protocols, CNC aluminum alloy body, fast tin melting, and PID temperature control.

2. Parts Overview

The ALIENTEK T90B Smart Soldering Iron comes with several components. Familiarize yourself with each part:

Image: Diagram illustrating the differences between T90A, T90B, and T90C models, highlighting their respective tips (T210, T245, T65), Type-C port, anti-slip silicone cover, control keys (A and B), and 0.99' IPS LCD display.

• Main Unit: The core body of the soldering iron with the IPS LCD and control buttons.
• Soldering Iron Tip: The heating element that comes into contact with solder. For T90B, this is a T245 series tip.
• USB Cable: A C2C data cable (140W - 1.2m) for power connection.
• Instruction Manual Card: This document.
• Mini Silicone Soldering Iron Stand TH30: For safely resting the hot iron.
• Exquisite Packaging Box: For storage and transport.

Image: Standard delivery list showing the intelligent electric soldering iron T90 main unit, soldering iron tip, USB cable, instruction manual card, mini silicone soldering iron stand TH30, and exquisite packaging box.

3. Specifications

The following table details the specifications for the T90 series smart soldering irons:

Additional Specifications:

• Dimensions: L178mm * 16mm
• Smart Device: Yes
• Certification: CE

Image: Detailed table comparing the specifications of T90A, T90B, and T90C models.

Important Notes on Specifications:

• The T90A is recommended to operate at 65W. Exceeding this power rating may degrade the lifespan of the iron tips.
• The T90C iron tip has a resistance of 6Ω. According to the formula P = V²/R, when powered by 28V, its maximum heating power reaches 130W.

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Soldering Tip Installation (T90A/B)

For T90A and T90B models, simply insert the soldering tip fully into the main unit.

Image: Diagram illustrating the full insertion of the soldering tip into the T90A/B main unit.

4.2 Soldering Tip Installation (T90C)

1. Open the silicone cover and loosen the screws on the main unit.
2. Insert the T65 soldering iron tip into the unit.
3. Secure the tip by tightening the screws.

4.3 ESD Safety Measures

When using a fast-charging adapter to power the soldering iron, there may be induced electricity. While this is generally not an issue for ordinary components, sensitive components can be damaged. To ensure ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety:

• Recommended: Use a fast-charging power bank to power the device.
• Alternative: Connect the device to the ground through an adapter board.

Steps for Grounding with an Adapter Board:

1. Required Materials: 1 power cord, 1 adapter board, 2 C2C cables.
2. Cut off the Live (L) and Neutral (N) wires of the power cord.
3. Solder the ground wire to the GND (Ground) terminal of the adapter board.
4. Connect the modified power cord to a power strip.

Image: Diagram showing how to cut the L/N wires of a power plug and solder the ground signal to the GND of an adapter board for ESD safety.

5. Operation

5.1 Main Interface

The main display shows the target temperature, real-time temperature, and a handheld marker. A power bar indicates heating activity, and heating power is displayed.

Image: Multifunctional menu display showing options like Sleep, Stdby, Shut down, Vol Info, and Temp Step.

5.2 Warning Interface

The device provides warnings for:

• No tip: Soldering iron tip not detected.
• Vol low: Input voltage below 9V, heating disabled.
• Tip res-Err: Abnormal resistance of the iron tip.

5.3 Starting Heating

To start heating, press button A. The display will prompt you to do so.

5.4 Temperature Adjustment

Click button A or B to enter the temperature adjustment UI. Release the button, then click or long-press to adjust the temperature. The device will automatically return to the main UI after 3 seconds.

5.5 Quick-Access Temperature Settings

Long-press button A to cycle through three preset temperature levels: 200°C, 350°C, and 450°C.

5.6 Manual Shutdown

Long-press button B to enter the standby UI. The temperature will drop to 50°C, and the device will then shut down.

5.7 Menu Navigation

Click buttons A and B simultaneously to enter the menu. Use A and B to slide through menu options. Long-press A to exit the menu, and long-press B to enter the next menu item.

5.8 Parameter Setting

Within the menu, click A or B to increase or decrease parameter values. Long-press B to save the parameters and exit. Note that simply exiting without long-pressing B will not save changes.

5.9 Power Fine-Tuning

On the power tuning interface:

1. Click A or B to select the unit (including the unit/decade/OK).
2. Long-press B to confirm selection and trim. Long-press A to deselect.
3. Select OK and long-press B to save and exit.

Image: Instructions for adjusting power from 18W to 140W, including default gear settings and power fine-tuning steps.

5.10 Working Voltage

The device supports automatic and manual selection of working voltage levels. By default, it operates in automatic mode.

• Automatic Mode: When using a PD input, the device automatically utilizes the maximum power of the fast charger. For QC input, it selects one of 20V 1.5A/12V 2A/9V 2A based on the maximum voltage. For DC input, it uses 3A.
• Different Voltage Levels: You can manually select specific voltage levels (e.g., 20V 3.3A 65W). If the device restarts due to power mismatch, manually adjust the voltage to a lower setting (e.g., 12V).

Note: Regardless of the method, a heating restart can be performed by entering the menu settings for power adjustment. When the working voltage is set to automatic, power fine-tuning parameters will not be remembered after a power failure.

6. Maintenance

• First Use of New Tip: It is essential to heat the new tip with tin to 250°C to prevent dry burning and oxidation.
• Temperature Stability: A new tip may experience temperature fluctuations initially, which will stabilize after a few hours of use.
• After Use Care: Always apply a layer of tin to the soldering iron tip before disconnecting the power supply to prevent oxidation.
• Optimal Temperature: The soldering iron operates normally between 300°C and 380°C. Avoid prolonged use above 420°C to extend tip lifespan.
• Handling: Do not force the tip when welding.
• Cleaning: If the tip surface is not oxidized, wipe it with a cloth or other tool, then heat to 200°C and immediately apply tin to prevent re-oxidation.
• Sponge Usage: Use a semi-dry sponge for cleaning; a wet sponge can cause the tip to oxidize easily.
• Flux: Avoid using flux containing chlorine or excessive acid to prevent corrosion.

7. Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Here are solutions to common problems you might encounter:

8. Firmware Upgrade & Boot Animation Update

8.1 Firmware Upgrade

1. Scan the QR code provided in the official user manual (or visit the ALIENTEK website) to download the latest firmware file (e.g., T90_APP.atk).
2. Power off the device.
3. Press and hold button B.
4. While holding B, connect the USB Type-C cable to your computer to power on the device.
5. After approximately 4 seconds, the screen will display "Upgrade...". Release button B.
6. Open the upgrade software on your PC. Wait for the device to automatically connect, or click the re-connect button.
7. Select the local firmware file (.atk) and click to start the upgrade. Wait for completion.

8.2 Boot Animation Update

1. Prepare an image with a resolution of 160x40 pixels.
2. Follow the firmware upgrade procedures outlined above to upload your custom boot animation.

Tip: Firmware and boot animation updates are independent. If you prefer not to display the boot animation, you can set the "Po_heat" option to "on" in the menu.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1 Warranty Information

The ALIENTEK T90A/B/C main unit comes with a one-year free warranty service for non-artificial damage. Please contact your dealer for warranty service. Soldering tips are considered consumables and are not eligible for return due to quality issues once used.

9.2 Contact Information

• Official Website: www.alientek.com
• Download Page: www.alientek.com/download
• Aliexpress Store: www.aliexpress.com/store/1102909571
• Email Support: fae-smt@alientek.com

For further assistance, please refer to the full PDF user manual: User Manual (PDF)

10. User Tips

• Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling solder fumes.
• Regularly clean your soldering tip to ensure efficient heat transfer and prolong its life.
• Use the correct type of solder and flux for your specific electronic components to achieve strong, reliable joints.
• When not in use, always place the soldering iron in its stand to prevent accidental burns or damage.