FK Irons Spektra Flux Cartridge Machine User Manual
Model Year: 2021
Safety Notice
CLASS III SYMBOL
A Class III appliance is designed to be supplied from a separated/safety extra-low voltage (SELV) power source. The voltage from a SELV supply is low enough that under normal conditions a person can safely come into contact with it, without risk of electrical shock. The extra safety features built into Class I and Class II appliances are, therefore, not required. For medical devices, compliance with Class III is not considered sufficient protection, and more stringent regulations apply to such equipment.
TECHNICAL DATA
Operating Voltage: | 5 - 12 V DC |
Current: | 1 A |
Stitch Frequency: | 25 - 160 Hz |
Stroke: | 4 mm |
Connection: | USB-C |
Drive: | Brushless 9-watt motor |
Operating Mode: | Continuous operation |
Ambient Temperature: | +10 to +35°C |
Relative Humidity: | 30 to 75% |
Dimensions (Ø X L): | 35 x 125 mm |
Weight: | Approx. 180 g |
BARRIER PROTECTING YOUR MACHINE
Although the grip is autoclavable, FK Irons strongly suggests the use of barrier products to protect your machine. For a visual demonstration of many barrier protection methods, please visit FK Irons' YouTube channel.
This device is only for use by trained tattoo artists and not for the use by children or persons of reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.
Machine Overview
The Spektra Flux is the first wireless pen style machine featuring detachable batteries, complete Bluetooth connectivity, and a whole new sense of freedom.
- USB-C connectivity: Dynamic power path management USB-C Li-ion battery with capacity and voltage LED indicator.
- Bluetooth-enabled: Pair with Darklab app.
- Detachable battery: Instantly switch to auxiliary battery (sold separately).
- 9-Watt brushless motor
- Ratcheted, adjustable needle depth system
- Direct Drive: 4 MM stroke
- Ergonomic autoclavable grip design for tattooing
The Grip
The Flux grip allows artists ratcheting control over needle depth. The standard Grip has a diameter of 33 mm. Other grip options will be available soon. The Grip is crafted from a solid rod of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This polished and anodized grip is safe to be sterilized under steam, in an autoclave or wiped down with cold sanitation solutions. It is compatible with most membrane needle cartridges on the market.
The Body
The Body is the core of the machine. Constructed from a solid rod of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, this module should be sanitized by wiping it with cold sterilization solutions only.
Caution: Avoid getting fluids into the housing.
Features a ratcheted disk system and friction stabilizing O-rings.
The PowerBolt
LED indicator:
- Solid Color = Whole Value
- Blinking Color = Half Increment
- Ex. Solid green indicates 10V, Flashing green indicates 10.5V
Battery level check:
Press and hold power button until white. A blinking colored light indicates remaining charge.
Note: LED flashes while battery charges. Once < 15% is reached, red light will blink alternately with voltage.
Working with modes:
Modes work by pressing and releasing the power button.
- Bluetooth: Hold the power button until a blue light appears and immediately release. A blue blinking light indicates pairing mode is available for 60 seconds. To deactivate Bluetooth, hold the power button and release when the yellow light flashes.
- Travel Mode (hard shutoff): Press and hold the power button until the red light flashes. Use this mode to avoid unnecessary discharge and/or comply with travel laws. To reactivate, connect / disconnect to a USB-C port.
- Reset (factory settings): Should you experience abnormal behavior, tap the power button and the voltage down button at the same time, then quickly release.
Device reset: [reset-symbol]
Detaching the PowerBolt
To detach your PowerBolt, ensure you have a firm grip on the Body and Grip. Turn the PowerBolt counterclockwise and pull apart.
To attach the PowerBolt, push in while twisting clockwise. Ensure lock mechanism moves freely. PowerBolt must be flush to ensure power leads align correctly. Avoid contact with the PowerBolt leads while recharging or servicing.
USB-C Connection
This connecting terminal is compatible with most USB-C cables on the market. FK Irons recommends using the included cable to charge the PowerBolt. Fast charging speed: up to 1.0 A.
The USB-C connection is intended only for charging your PowerBolt. PowerBolt can be recharged while not attached to the Flux. If connecting to a Hover, the charge speed will be up to 1.0 A.
Connecting Your Machine (Charging)
- Plug the USB-C cord into the PowerBolt connector. [plug-symbol]
- Insert the provided USB-C cable into the back of the PowerBolt and connect to a Hover or power socket. Make sure the cable is properly seated and is fully inserted into PowerBolt.
- The PowerBolt is not designed to operate while plugged in.
Best connection: [check-mark-symbol]
Improper connection: [cross-mark-symbol]
Adjusting Needle Depth
To adjust needle depth, hold the machine body and PowerBolt while turning the Grip.
- A counter-clockwise turn decreases depth.
- A clockwise turn increases depth (also known as needle hang).
Each time you turn the grip, you can feel the tactile feedback of the ratcheting mechanism. Each “click” displaces your needle 0.2 mm and allows you to set your needle precisely without involuntarily turning while tattooing.
Turning the grip as shown increases needle depth.
Turning the grip as shown decreases needle depth.
eGive
eGive Adjustment
With this feature, you can control the amount of “give” or resistance of the needle upon impact with the skin, even on direct drive tattoo machines. This enables the artist to take advantage of the softness or hardness of hit to achieve specific results. 0 has no effect, 5 offers the maximum amount of eGive.
How to Check the Current eGive Setting
- Hold down the power button until the light goes from white to solid blue.
- Release the power button.
- The following blinking color that the LED displays indicates the give that the unit is currently set at. For example:
- A white blinking light indicates the lowest at 0 (zero)
- A yellow blinking light indicates level 1 eGive
- An orange blinking light indicates a softness of 2 eGive
- A red blinking light indicates a softness of 3 eGive
- A pink blinking light indicates a softness of 4 eGive
- A green blinking light indicates a softness of 5 (softest eGive setting)
Changing eGive
To increase or decrease the give:
- Hold down the power button until the light goes from white to solid blue.
- Release the power button and immediately use the up or down arrows to change the give. The colors should change accordingly.
eGive Levels:
- White - eGive of 0
- Yellow - level 1 eGive
- Orange - level 2 eGive
- Red - level 3 eGive
- Pink - level 4 eGive
- Green - level 5 eGive (softest setting)
Additional Information
Voltage Parameters
While best voltage is a preference that will vary from artist to artist, this machine has been tested to operate at a minimum of 5 Volts and a maximum voltage of 12 Volts. Depending on the type of needle configuration or brand you use, feel free to adjust the voltage to obtain the desired performance.
Accepted Needles
Use only cartridge needles with an internal membrane. This will avoid accidental contamination inside your machine. Fluids such as ink, water or oil will void warranty of the device and may require replacement of internal parts.
Maintenance
- Flux is sold pre-lubricated from factory and does not require internal lubrication.
- Prevent any type of external elements from entering inside the machine as they will disrupt the motion of the component and contaminate lubrication.
- The grip of the machine is autoclavable. Use only steam autoclaves at temperatures no higher than 270° Fahrenheit or 132.222° Celsius. Add a hint of ointment or PTFE grease around internal opening of grip or on stabilizing friction O-rings for optimal functionality after autoclaving. Refer to page 5 for additional information.
- Machine Body and PowerBolt can be sanitized from the outside with cold sterilization products. Never spray the surface directly to prevent fluids from entering the machine. Always use pads or disposable paper towels to apply sterilization products.
- DO NOT DISASSEMBLE MACHINE.
Warranty
- All the housing components (Grip and Machine Body) are covered by a lifetime warranty.
- Internal parts are subject to wear and the motor itself will be covered by a 2 year warranty from the date of purchase.
- FK Irons will repair / replace the device free of charge under warranty, as applicable. Motor warranty is void if motor shows signs of being dropped, of internal fluids entering the motor, and/or IF motor shows signs of being tampered with in any way.
Handy Tips
- Always secure your machine. Dropping the machine can cause damage to the magnets, bearings and brushes of the motor.
- Use only cartridges with membranes to avoid contamination.
- Rinse your needle frequently to avoid pigment drying up and slowing down your cartridges. When rinsing your needle, ensure to dip only the tip of the cartridge to avoid back flow of fluids.
- Inspect your needles prior to use.
- Avoid scratching any part of the surface.
- Use only FDA-approved cold sterilization solutions for disinfection.
- Do not lubricate machine unless instructed otherwise.
- Store your machine in a secure place.
- Before first use, charge battery for a minimum of 3 hours.
Troubleshooting
- Machine manufacturer
FK Irons: 1771 NW 79th Avenue, Doral, Florida 33126 - Servicing your machine
Just like any mechanical device subject to use, FK Irons strongly suggests that you service your product at least once for a proper diagnosis of all working parts. This ensures the optimal condition of all working parts including internal machine clean up and fresh lubrication. Routine servicing will ensure that your machine remains functioning like the very first day. Service is subject to fees. - Warning
Disconnect machine from any power source before making any adjustments.
For service inquiries, please contact service@fkirons.com.
For additional tips and tutorials, please visit Youtube.com/fkirons