Spektra Edge X Cartridge Machine User Manual

Machine Overview

Package Contents

• User Manual, Spektra Edge Body
• Hex Drive MotorBolt
• Oil Lubricant
• 0.05" Hex Screwdriver
• Spare 4-40 3/16" Stroke Set Screw
• Spare Vise O-ring
• Attached Precision DrivePin
• Plunger DrivePin

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 eliminate 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
• Newly designed cam system allows for increased torque and even less vibration
• Adjustable give system can be modified on-the-fly to suit all styles of tattooing
• Designed to push all needle groupings from single needle up to 55mags
• Lightweight at only 3 ounces
• 4.5 watt Swiss Maxon Motor
• Made in the USA

Machine Parts

The Spektra Edge X machine components are illustrated and numbered 1 through 11:

1. Drive Bar
2. Vise Knob
3. Vise Collet
4. Screw on Vise Threading
5. Give Knob (Edge X Only)
6. Slider Guard
7. Slider
8. Machine Housing
9. Motor Securing O-Ring
10. Hex Drive MotorBolt
11. RCA Connection

Changing the Stroke

The stroke of the Spektra Edge is adjustable to 2.8mm, 3.5mm, and 4.25mm lengths, with the ability to fine-tune between these settings.

To adjust the stroke:

1. With the motor housing removed, gently use your finger to turn the inner bearing of the machine from the bottom.
2. Align the set screw (2) of the stroke bearing with the cutout (1) on the back of the machine.
3. Use the included 0.05" hex screwdriver to gently loosen the set screw to lock it in the cutout (1). Do not remove the set screw completely.
4. Loosen the screw halfway.
5. Adjust the stroke by carefully sliding the stroke bearing (4) left or right inside the slot of the stroke plate (3) using the hex screwdriver.
6. Positioning the "Edge" engraving of the machine facing you:
   • Bearing aligned all the way to the left (indicated by 1 engraved dot): 2.8mm stroke.
   • Centered evenly: 3.5mm stroke.
   • Aligned all the way to the right (indicated by 2 engraved dots): 4.25mm stroke.
7. After selecting the desired stroke, use the screwdriver to re-secure the set screw completely.

It is recommended to push inward with the tool while tightening to prevent stripping the locking screw. Using a paper towel around the screwdriver handle can help ensure sufficient torque is applied.

A diagram illustrates the stroke adjustment points, with numbered callouts for the set screw cutout (1), set screw (2), stroke plate (3), and stroke bearing (4).

Optimal Voltage

The Spektra Edge operates on any high-quality rotary compatible power supply from 6v-12v, depending on the needle cartridge and grouping used. Optimal voltage is generally achieved between 7.5v-10v. It is not recommended to run the machine above 12v to avoid over-working the skin due to the high RPMs.

Adjusting the Give

Your machine features a fully adjustable needle resistance system (give). To eliminate the "give" entirely, turn the Give Adjustment Knob clockwise until it stops, being careful not to over-torque it to prevent locking the slider.

For working with give, turn the Give Adjustment Knob counter-clockwise until the desired resistance is achieved.

The Edge X offers an effective 1.5-1.8mm of give travel, specifically designed for cartridge style machines to account for internal needle cartridge tension. To adjust:

• Start with the knob turned completely clockwise to the stopped position.
• Turn the knob counter-clockwise in 1/8 turn increments to begin opening the give.
• 1.5 full counter-clockwise turns of the knob provide the full range of give. Do not turn the give knob beyond 1.5 full turns, as this will result in no additional give and may disengage the knob.

Note that the give knob does not act as an armature and does not provide tactile feedback. Different cartridges may require varying adjustments of the give knob due to differences in internal tensions.

Lubrication

The slider of the Spektra Edge is constructed from Acetal Resin containing PTFE and Teflon, resulting in reduced friction, overall smoothness, and low vibration.

To prolong the machine's life, it is recommended to apply lubricant to the slider at least once per month or every 120 hours, or when audible friction is detected.

To lubricate:

• Apply 1 drop of the included lubricant at the base of the slider where it meets the slider guard, or at the base of the give knob on the Edge X version.
• Run the machine with a grip installed at 15v for 5-6 seconds to disperse the lubricant.

Caution: Avoid over-lubricating, as excess lubricant can negatively impact slider performance.

Detachable DrivePin System

The Spektra Edge features a drive bar system with a detachable DrivePin, allowing for easy sterilization of the cartridge-contacting portion of the bar and interchangeability for various grip styles.

Out of the box, the machine is assembled with the straight PrecisionPin, suitable for DarkLab RPG grips and other cartridge grips with internal guides. A PlungerPin is also included, compatible with cartridge grips requiring a 3mm plunger guide.

The 3mm plunger of the PlungerPin can be detached for conversion into a secondary PrecisionPin.

To detach the DrivePin:

• Hold the base of the drive bar steady.
• Twist the base of the connected DrivePin counter-clockwise at the connecting joint until it is fully detached.

The DrivePin may be autoclaved or cleaned with liquid sterilant products. Ensure it is fully dried immediately after sterilization.

To re-attach a drive bar:

• Hold the end of the drive bar steady.
• Screw the base of the DrivePin onto the male threading of the connecting joint until it fits securely.

Using the Dually Compatible Vise

The Spektra Edge's patent-pending collet vise system is compatible with both standard backstem grips (5/16" - 8mm dia.) and screw-on style adjustable cartridge grips (with M16x1mm female threading).

As assembled, the machine is set up to accept a standard backstem style tube.

To insert a backstem tube:

• Unscrew the outer vise chuck (2) partially (enough to loosen the knob but not fully remove it).
• Gently guide the backstem of the tube over the drive bar (1) and insert it into the opening.
• Tighten the chuck to secure the tube in place.

To use a screw-on style grip:

• Fully unscrew the vise chuck (2) and remove the chuck and the floating collet (3) from the machine.
• Carefully insert the grip over the exposed drive bar and attach it to the exposed threads (4).

Store the removed chuck and floating collet in a safe place.

To transition back to accepting standard backstems:

• Reinsert the collet with the narrow end inserted into the vise opening.
• Secure the chuck onto the male threading. Do not insert the floating collet in the reversed position.

A diagram shows the components of the vise system: 1. Drive bar, 2. Vise chuck, 3. Floating collet, 4. Exposed threads.

Additional Information

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 voided if the Maxon Motor is removed from the MotorBolt casing, if the machine has undergone unnecessary rough handling, repeated dropping, over exposure to moisture and/or lubricant, or neglect.

For warranty claims, replacement parts, or general service inquiries, please read the Frequently Asked Questions at www.fkirons.com or contact a representative via email at Service@fkirons.com.

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.