Velleman VTSSC30N Soldering Station

Introduction & Environmental Information

This manual provides instructions for the Velleman VTSSC30N Soldering Station. For residents of the European Union, important environmental information is provided: the symbol ♻️ on the device or packaging indicates that disposal after its lifecycle may harm the environment. Do not dispose of the unit as unsorted municipal waste; it should be taken to a specialized company for recycling. Return the equipment to your distributor or a local recycling service, respecting local environmental rules. Contact local authorities if in doubt.

Thank you for choosing Velleman! Please read this manual thoroughly before use. If the device was damaged during transit, do not install or use it and contact your dealer.

Safety Instructions

This device can be used by children aged 8 years and above, and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, provided they are given supervision or instruction concerning safe use and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the device. Cleaning and maintenance should not be done by children without supervision.

Read and understand this manual and all safety signs before using the appliance.

Use indoors only. Protect the device from rain, moisture, splashing, and dripping liquids. Never place objects filled with liquids on or near the device.

Always disconnect mains power when the device is not in use or when servicing. Handle the power cord by the plug only.

Caution! After switching off, leave the power cord plugged in for a few minutes. The automatic cooling function will blow cool air through the heater pipe to protect the heater and extend its lifetime. Do not disconnect during this cooling process.

Do not crimp or damage the power cord. Warning! If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid hazard.

Ensure the available voltage does not exceed the specified voltage. Plug into a suitable, earthed mains outlet.

⚡ Risk of electroshock: Do not disassemble or open the housing yourself. Touching live wires can cause life-threatening electroshocks. Have the device repaired by qualified personnel. Do not operate with wet hands.

Never use the device on live electronic circuits. Ensure power to the work piece is cut and capacitors are discharged.

? Risk of fire: Do not use near flammable products or in explosive atmospheres. Heat can cause fire to flammable products. Use only in properly ventilated rooms.

Incorrect use may cause fire. Do not touch hot shafts, tips, or hot air gun as this can cause serious burns. Keep tips and hot air away from body, clothes, or other flammable material. Do not aim hot air gun at eyes. Use gloves and/or heat-resistant tools for handling PCB assemblies. Always return irons and gun to their stands between uses. Let the device cool down after use and before storage.

Place the device on a level, stable, and fire-resistant working surface.

⚠️ WARNING! Place the tool on its stand when not in use; do not leave the tool unattended when switched on.

☠️ Harmful Fumes: Do not inhale solder fumes. Vapours released during soldering are harmful. Use only in well-ventilated areas or under an exhaust hood (solder fume extractor). Dispose of fume filters and solder residue according to local regulations.

• Use the soldering iron on a heatproof workbench.
• Place the soldering iron in its holder after use.
• Let a hot soldering iron cool down naturally and do not immerse in water.

General Guidelines

Refer to the Velleman® Service and Quality Warranty on the last pages of this manual.

• Use indoors only. Protect from rain, moisture, splashing, and dripping liquids. Never place liquid-filled objects on the device.
• Protect from dust and extreme heat. Ensure ventilation openings are clear at all times.
• Protect from shocks and abuse. Avoid brute force when operating.
• Familiarize yourself with the functions before use.
• Unauthorized modifications are forbidden for safety reasons. Damage from modifications is not covered by warranty.
• Use only for intended purpose. Improper use voids the warranty.
• Damage from disregarding guidelines is not covered by warranty. Dealer is not responsible for ensuing defects.
• Do not switch on immediately after temperature changes. Protect against damage by leaving it switched off until room temperature is reached.

Overview

Refer to the illustrations on page 2 of this manual.

Working Temperature

Soldering alloys commonly used in electronics are 60% tin and 40% lead. The operating temperature varies by manufacturer. Lead-free solders, required by RoHS, need a working temperature approximately 30°C (54°F) higher.

A good connection is ensured when the soldering iron's working temperature matches the solder type. Too low a temperature causes slow flow; too high a temperature burns the flux, causing dense smoke, dry joints, or permanent damage to the PCB.

Tip Maintenance

The soldering iron operates at extremely high temperatures. Switch off the unit for maintenance.

Remove and clean the tip after intensive use. Clean the tip daily if the station is used frequently.

• Always tin the tip before returning it to the holder, before switching off, or for long periods of inactivity. Wipe the tip on a wet sponge or use a tip cleaner before activating.
• Using excessive temperatures (>400°C / 750°F) shortens tip life.
• Do not apply excessive pressure on the tip while soldering.
• Never clean the tip with a file or abrasive materials.
• Do not use flux containing chloride or acid; use only resinous fluxes.
• If an oxide film forms, remove it by buffing with 600-800 grit emery cloth or isopropyl alcohol, then apply a new solder layer.
• Set desired temperature after allowing the unit to idle at 250°C for three minutes. The station is ready when the set temperature is reached.
• Wet the sponge with water only.

IMPORTANT: Clean the tip daily. Remove excess solder from the barrel nut assembly when installing a new tip.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Soldering tips can be replaced by unscrewing the barrel nut assembly. Turn off the station and allow it to cool down first. Damage may occur if the system is left on and the removed tip is not replaced.

After removing the tip, blow out any oxide dust from the tip receptacle. Protect your eyes! Replace the tip and tighten the screw. Use pliers to avoid contact with hot surfaces, but be cautious as overtightening may damage the element or fuse the tip.

Clean the iron and station exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Never submerge the unit in liquid or allow liquid to enter the case. Do not use solvents.

If the iron or station is faulty or does not operate normally, return it to your authorized dealer or service agent.

Technical Specifications

• Max. heater power for soldering iron: 48 W
• Power supply: 220-240 V~, 50 Hz
• Temperature range: 160-480 °C
• Operating voltage: 24 V
• Weight: 1.75 kg
• Dimensions: 120 x 170 x 90 mm (without stand and iron)
• Replacement bits: BITC10N2 (1.0 mm), BITC10N3 (3.0 mm), BITC10N4 (2.0 mm)
• Replacement soldering iron: VTSSC10N/SP

Warranty Information (Summary)

Velleman® offers a 24-month warranty on production flaws and defective material from the original date of purchase. Velleman may replace or refund the product if a valid complaint cannot be resolved through repair or replacement, or if costs are disproportionate. The warranty covers 100% of the purchase price within the first year and 50% in the second year. Warranty exclusions include indirect damage, data loss, consumables (batteries, lamps), damage from fire, water, accidents, natural disasters, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial/professional use (6-month warranty), improper packing, and unauthorized modifications or repairs. Articles for repair must be returned to the dealer with the original receipt and a clear flaw description. Checking the manual before returning can save costs. Repairs after warranty expiration incur shipping costs.