Spektra Halo 2 Crossover Machine User Manual

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

[Diagram: Spektra Halo 2 machine with numbered parts]

1. MotorBolt
2. Give Adjustment Knob
3. Slider
4. Armature / Needle Clip
5. Needle Stabilizer
6. Vise Chuck
7. Machine Body
8. MotorBolt O-Ring
9. RCA Connection

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.

[Diagram: Internal components of the MotorBolt assembly with numbered parts 1-7] [Image: Machine with separate collet and insertion arrow]

Machine Parts Diagram (Internal Components):

1. Spring
2. Spacer Washer (White)
3. Armature / Needle Clip
4. Shaft Securing O-Ring
5. Slider
6. Slider Shaft
7. Give Knob

OPERATION

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.

Inserting a Needle:

1. Unscrew the outer vise chuck (1) partially (enough to loosen the knob but not fully remove it).
2. Gently guide the looped end of a standard needle or cartridge drive bar through the chuck, collet (2), and vise receiver (3).
3. Once aligned over the Needle Clip, gently press the needle bar loop onto the Needle clip to secure it in place, ensuring that the needle is centered under the Needle Stabilizer.

Needle Clip Fit: The Needle Clip is made to fit most standard sized needle loops. If you encounter needle loops that are too large or too small, you can gently open or expand them with needle-nosed pliers to allow them to snugly fit over the Needle Clip.

Needle Bending: 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.

Securing the Tube/Grip: Gently glide the back of the stem of the tube over the drive bar or needle and insert it into the opening through the vise chuck and collet. Tighten the chuck to lock in the grip.

Using Screw-on Grips:

1. Fully unscrew the vise chuck (1) and remove the chuck and the exposed collet (2) from the machine.
2. Attach the drive bar to the needle clip.
3. Carefully insert the grip over the exposed drive bar and attach it to the exposed threads (3).

Storing Parts: 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.

Removing Needle: 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.

[Diagram: Vise chuck, collet, and receiver with numbered labels 1, 2, 3] [Image: Machine with vise system]

CHANGING THE STROKE

The stroke of the Halo 2 is interchangeable between 2.8mm, 3.4mm, and 4mm sizes using the included Stroke Wheels.

Procedure:

1. Release the MotorBolt unit (1) from the Machine Body.
2. Locate the set screw opening of the mounted Stroke Wheel (3).
3. Use the included 0.05" Hex Screwdriver to loosen the screw (4) (it is not necessary to remove the screw completely).
4. Gently pull the full Stroke Wheel upward from the Motor Shaft (2) to remove it.
5. Use the Hex Screwdriver to loosen the set screw of the new Stroke Wheel.
6. Gently push the new Stroke Wheel fully onto the motor shaft until it is level and touching the brass washer at the base of the exposed motor shaft.
7. Firmly secure the set screw in place (being careful not to over torque or strip the set screw) in order to lock the new stroke wheel.
8. Reinsert the motor in order to use your machine with the desired stroke length.

[Diagram: Stroke wheel assembly with numbered labels 1, 2, 3, 4]

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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, which 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.

Procedure: Apply the included lubricant 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.

For 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.