Solder Pot Operating Instructions

Models SP-500T/TP and SP-150T/TP

Warning: Solder pots generate high temperatures, and therefore have hot surfaces which present burn hazards. Always exercise caution around a solder pot that is on or is hot. Wear eye protection and hand protection. Beware of splattering or splashing of molten solder.

Setting up the solder pot

1. Unpack the solder pot and check for any signs of external damage.

2. Place the unit on a stable, flat work surface. Level the pot by adjusting the leveling screws, using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Filling the solder pot with solder

1. Place two (2) two-pound solder bars into the crucible.

2. Follow the procedure under “Normal Operation of the Unit” to apply power and set the desired temperature.

Normal operation of the unit

Caution: Do not stand immediately over or around a solder pot containing frozen or solid solder while heating. Do not leave the unit unattended whenever the pot is hot or heating.

1. Plug the unit into a properly-grounded receptacle and turn the POWER switch to the “ON” position. The red pilot light located above the switch should illuminate. If it does not illuminate, check to see if the solder pot is properly plugged-in, and verify that power is available at the receptacle.

2. Push down- and hold the spring-loaded PRESET switch, while viewing the LCD display. The display reading will change from the actual solder temperature to the programmed solder temperature.

3. Continuing to hold down the PRESET switch, turn the TEMP SELECTION knob to adjust the programmed temperature to the desired value. Rotating the knob clockwise will increase the preset temperature, while rotating it counter-clockwise will reduce the preset temperature.

4. Release the PRESET switch. The LCD display should change back to the actual solder temperature.

5. Allow approximately one hour for the pot to stabilize at normal operating temperatures when starting it from room temperature. Changes made in the temperature of a pot that is already hot should take significantly less time.

Note that the SP-500T/TP can operate from ambient temperature to approximately 925º F., and the SP-150T/TP can operate between ambient temperature and approximately 500º C. Operation at the high end of these ranges will significantly reduce heater life, as well as rapidly increasing the rate of dross production and oxidation of the solder. Therefore, it is always advisable to operate the solder pot at the lowest temperature that will achieve the desired soldering results.

Calibration

Danger: Risk of Electric Shock! The solder pot temperature controller box contains high voltages that present danger of electric shock. The box should not be opened while the unit is plugged in, nor should any metal tool or implement be inserted through the calibration hole or any other opening into the temperature controller box.

Your solder pot was carefully calibrated at the factory when it was assembled. It is desirable to periodically recalibrate the temperature control mechanism to compensate for slight changes in the characteristics of the controller due to the effects of heat and age. In performing this procedure, you should select a calibration temperature that is near the middle of the range in which you intend to operate the solder pot, as the controller is most accurate near this value.

1. Turn on the solder pot, and heat it to the desired calibration temperature, per the instructions under “Normal Operation of the Unit.” Be sure to allow enough time for the temperature to become completely stable.

2. Insert a calibrated temperature probe to a depth of ½” into the molten solder at the center point of the crucible. If the temperature indicated on the LCD and the temperature probe device are not the same, continue with step 3. Otherwise, the unit is already calibrated.

3. Remove the chassis plug from the left side of the temperature controller box. You should see a potentiometer shaft inside the controller box through this hole.

Danger: Risk of Electric Shock! The solder pot temperature controller box contains high voltages that present a danger of electric shock. The box should not be opened while the unit is plugged in, nor should any metal tool or implement be inserted through the calibration hole or any other opening into the temperature controller box.

4. Insert a plastic (or other non-metallic, non-conducting) screwdriver through the hole into the potentiometer slot.

5. Rotate the potentiometer with the plastic screwdriver until the LCD indicates the same value as the temperature probe device. Turning the potentiometer clockwise decreases the reading on the LCD, while turning the potentiometer counter-clockwise increases the reading on the LCD.

6. After adjustment, the actual temperature displayed will be different from the preset temperature. Allow the solder pot sufficient time for the actual temperature to return to the preset temperature, and repeat steps 4 through 6 as required until the preset and actual controller temperatures match the reading on the temperature probe device.

7. Reinstall the chassis plug into the hole in the temperature controller box.