InkMachines Cobra User manual

InkMachines
Cobra Rev 1.0 / 2021-12-20 1 (33)
Manual for tattoo machine rev.1

InkMachines
Cobra Rev 1.0 / 2021-12-20 2 (33)
Manufacturer:
InkMachines Sweden AB
Grusåsvägen 8
352 42 VÄXJÖ, Sweden
Document history
Date (YY-MM-DD)
Changes
Revision
2021-12-20
Released
1.0
This document has been produced by
InkMachines Sweden AB
Grusåsvägen 8
352 45 VÄXJÖ, Sweden

Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Document history....................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4
Document information............................................................................................................... 4
Description .......................................................................................................................... 5
Parts of the tattoo machine ....................................................................................................... 5
Intended use............................................................................................................................... 5
Approvals............................................................................................................................. 6
Identification labels.................................................................................................................... 6
Safety ................................................................................................................................... 7
Regulations................................................................................................................................. 7
Product ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Customer.................................................................................................................................... 7
Cleaning and hygiene ................................................................................................................. 7
Delivery ................................................................................................................................ 9
Unpacking................................................................................................................................... 9
Instruction...........................................................................................................................10
Battery connection................................................................................................................... 10
RCA connection ........................................................................................................................ 10
Basic setup instructions............................................................................................................ 11
After each tattoo session ......................................................................................................... 14
Converting to regular cartridges (Neo version)........................................................................ 15
Adjusting the give hardness ..................................................................................................... 18
Converting to Neo-cartridges................................................................................................... 19
Adjusting the stroke length...................................................................................................... 22
Change the drive magnet......................................................................................................... 23
Service and maintenance ..................................................................................................24
Lubrication................................................................................................................................ 24
Trouble shooting ................................................................................................................25
Waste ..................................................................................................................................26
Technical specification ......................................................................................................27
Cobra ........................................................................................................................................ 27
Warranty..............................................................................................................................28
Part-list................................................................................................................................29
Disassembly .......................................................................................................................31
Assembly ............................................................................................................................32
DoC......................................................................................................................................33
App.
Declaration of Conformity for FCC and CE
Warranty
Certificate Electromagnetic compatibility

Introduction
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Introduction
Document information
This Manual does not teach any form of tattooing techniques and only covers the aspects and
handling the Cobra machine itself.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. InkMachines assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
Stylistic conventions
In this manual all references texts are shown in the text font italic.
Cautions and Notes are shown as below.
Text

Description
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Description
Cobra is a tattoo machine intended for tattooing of humans for the use by professional tattoo artists.
The machine is intended to use together with Neo or regular cartridge tattoo needles depending on
the version purchased. It is prepared for wireless use with Cobra Powerpacks and the associated
wireless foot switch. Cobra can also be connected to TPS-500 X2 or other power supply units
intended for the purpose, by RCA cable with the RCA adapter (if purchased).
Cobra is provided with active vibration damping which means when the tattoo needle is mounted
the vibrations from the machine is extremely low which makes it very ergonomic to work with.
When used together with Neo-Cartridge tattoo needles. The needle movement is driven
magnetically. This together with the needle design with a one-piece housing minimizes the risk of
cross-contamination between the needle and the tattoo machine.
Parts of the tattoo machine
Tattoo machine,
Cobra
1. Powerpack (Battery powersupply)
2. Machine body
3. Grip
4. Needle (Neo-Cartridge)
5. Identification LED halo
6. Control panel
7. USB-C contact
Intended use
The Cobra tattoo machine is designed and developed solely for tattooing of humans for the use by
professional tattoo artists with good knowledge of hygiene, how to prevent spreading infections and
local regulations regarding this.

Approvals
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Approvals
This product complies with the Europe requirements for CE-marking towards the Machine Directive,
2006/42/EC.
See Declaration of conformity in the end of the manual.
Identification labels
The product is labelled according to below;

Safety
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Safety
Regulations
Always follow local regulations concerning the tattoo operation. It is the operator’s responsibility to
follow regulations and to provide a reliable environment for their customers.
The manufacturer does not have responsibility for any kind of material or personal damage or
infection caused by the operator. Negligence or misuse of the machine or the components attached
to the machine is the operator’s responsibility.
The manufacturer does not have responsibility for contamination or infection.
Product
To keep your product in good shape handle it with care!
The product should not under any circumstances come in direct contact with fluids. If fluids will get
in contact with the electronics, it can damage the product.
Keep the product away from warm places.
Customer
InkMachines only provide products for professional tattoo artists and the product may only be used
by professionals with knowledge about diseases and how to maintain a clean working environment
and a sterile equipment.
Always use:
-sterile grips and needles
-rubber/disposable gloves
-plastic bags and wraps for tattoo equipment; around the power supply and the machine
with the Powerpack or the power cord
Always keep your equipment clean! See below for further instruction.
Cleaning and hygiene
Cleaning
Caution! Never spray or pour fluids directly on any of the units, it can cause short circuit and will void the
warranty.
It is important for the tattoo operation to keep a clean and hygienic environment to
avoid infection.
Do NOT use strong alkaline (high pH) or acid (low pH) cleaning agents. Only use pH neutral cleaning
agents and alcohol disinfectants. Use a damped piece of paper or cloth to gently wipe off surfaces of
the units.
Hygiene
•Do not touch sterilized grip or sterile needles with bare hands. Use disposable gloves!

Safety
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•Clean the work surface thoroughly and cover the surface with plastic film before the tattoo
session.
•Wrap the equipment with plastic film and arrange it as described in chapter Getting started
on page 10.
•Follow local laws and regulations concerning the tattoo operation.

Delivery
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Delivery
When your package is delivered, please check that:
-there are no transport damages
-everything is delivered accordingly.
Unpacking
Note! Before unpacking make sure the area is cleaned!
Standard parts delivered with the Neo-cartridge version:
1pc Cobra, tattoo machine
1pc Magnet Blue (in the kit). Black standard in the machine
1pc Stand for tattoo needles (For Neo-Cartridges)
1pc oiler
1pc Precision tool kit No-90
1pc Conversion kit No.110
For the Regular cartridge version, the following items are excluded:
No. 146 - Grip adapter
No. 24 - Stay up spring
No. 217 - Counter weight assy
No. 220 - Drive magnet STD (Black)
No. 221 - Drive magnet (Blue)
No. 150 - Neo needle stand

Instruction
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Instruction
Battery connection
The powerpack is attached and removed by push/pull. The powerpack is securely held in place with
magnets and the power connection also has a magnetic contact for optimal power transmission and
reliability. The powerpack can be attached in any angle around the axis and can be repositioned at
any angle. The needle depth is adjusted by rotating the powerpack. For operating instructions of the
powerpack see the powerpack manual
RCA connection
To use a regular power supply with cable you need the RCA adapter (option).
The RCA adapter and cover is also attached and removed by push/pull. First push the RCA cover in
place to prevent dirt from entering the machine body. The notch on the cover prevents the machine
from rolling of the table and can be used as an indicator to help see the needles twist location when
the machine is wrapped. Push the RCA adapter on to the machine and insert the RCA cable in the
RCA contact. Only Rotate the grooved part of the RCA adapter to adjust needle depth.
The RCA adapter is swivelling to prevent the RCA cable from twisting during operation and when the
needle depth is adjusted.

Instruction
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Basic setup instructions
1. Make sure the workspace is thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected.
2. Use disposable gloves when preparing the
tattoo machine and work surface.
3. Cover the work surface with plastic film.
4. Hold the tattoo machine and turn grip 30°
counterclockwise to remove the grip from
the tattoo machine.
5. Sterilize the grip.
If disposable grips are used; discard the
grip and use a new one.
6. Fit the grip as shown in the picture.
7. Turn the grip 30° clockwise.
Note! The Cobra grips only fit
in one position
8. Make sure that the Powerpack is charged.

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9. Wrap the tattoo machine and the
powerpack, or cable if used, with plastic
film or similar.
Seal with tape on the sterile grip.
10. Tape the needle stand to the table.
11. Wrap the needle stand with plastic film.
12. Prepare needles. Check that the dots at
the bottom of the needle package are NOT
Blue. If the dots are blue the needle
package is not sterile and should not be
used.
13. Remove a needle package from the other
and open it.

Instruction
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Note! When a needle package is to be
parted from the other do not tear them
apart. Fold back and forth repeatedly until
the package releases from the rest.
Otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
adjacent package. The needle in the
package is then no longer sterile and should
not be used.
Note! When handling the needle, do not touch
the part of the needle that is to be inserted into
the tattoo machine
14. Place the number of needles needed
during the work in the needle stand.
The needles should be placed as shown.
15. Insert a needle in the tattoo machine.
1 2

Instruction
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16. Turn the needle 90° to lock it.
17. Set the voltage on the powerpack
Appropriate start value: 8 – 10V.
18. Adjust the needle’s protrusion (depth) by
turning the powerpack. One revolution
equals 2mm.
19. The tattoo machine is now ready for use.
After each tattoo session
After each tattoo session the used tattoo needles should be destructed. Consumables and packaging
such as plastic film, plastic bags, needle packaging etc. should be disposed.
Remove the grip from the tattoo machine and sterilize it. Wipe down the machine with alcohol and
stir the magnet in a cup of alcohol (Neo version).

Instruction
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Converting to regular cartridges (Neo version)
InkMachines recommends that Neo-cartridges are used for optimal performance and safety with the
Cobra machine. With regular cartridges some advantages will be lost. For example, the Neorail
cannot be used, the safety and healing advantages will also be lost.
Caution! InkMachines does not have responsibility for any fluids or pigments entering the machine after
using other cartridges than original Neo-cartridges. InkMachines does not have responsibility for
contamination or infection of any kind. To avoid cross-contamination between the needle and the tattoo
machine with regular cartridges, always use cartridges with membrane.
Never use cartridges without a sealing membrane.
You need one Conversion kit No. 110 for regular cartridges and one Precision tool kit No. 90.
Conversion kit No. 110
Stay up spring No. 24 (optional use)
Give adapter No. 148
Grip adapter No. 146
Precision tool kit No. 90

Instruction
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1. Remove the grip from the tattoo
machine and turn the battery
counter clockwise so the inner tube
(motor) is as far out as possible, it
will make it easier to reach all
components.
2. Remove the Drive magnet by loosen
the Magnet holder screw on the
side of the plastic slide with the 1.3
Hex key from the Precision tool kit
No.90.
3. Leave the Magnet holder screw in
the Magnet holder to prevent the
screw from disappearing. Keep the
magnet in a plastic bag to keep free
from dirt.
4. Use the 1.3 Hex key to remove the
Counterweight screw on the “1”
side of the machine, remove the
Counterweight.

Instruction
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5. Mount the Give adapter No. 148
(included in Conversion kit No. 110)
on the slide of un-marked side,
make sure the screw goes smooth
into the Give adapter, if not back
the screw out, align and try again so
that the thread is not damaged.
Tighten gently.
6. Remove the Stay up spring No. 24
on the side "1", by pressing down
the spring with the small flat
screwdriver. Put one corner of the
screwdriver between the fourth and
fifth coil and press the spring down
as straight as possible until it comes
clear and can be taken out. Keep
your thumb over it so it doesn’t
spring away.
Note! Be careful when pressing down the spring not to bend it.
7. If you don’t have a one-piece grip for regular
cartridges and want to use a Neo grip with
the adapter. Place the Grip adapter No. 146
(included in the Conversion kit No. 110) in
the grip and turn the grip adapter 90°
clockwise. The Grip adapter is only for metal
grips and not for disposable grips.
8. Tighten the screw with the 0.9 Hex key (red)
from the Precision tool kit No. 90. Make sure
the key engages in the screw properly
before tightening so the screw is not
damaged. Tighten medium hard and make
sure you don’t bend to the side which can
damage the key or screw.

Instruction
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Adjusting the give hardness
Softest setting Hardest setting
9. Adjust hardness of the give.
If the screw driver is used the grip
does not have to be removed and
can be done during session. The
hardness can be controlled (felt)
by pushing on the Give adapter.
10.Fit the grip and then turn the grip
30° clockwise.
The tattoo machine is now ready to be used with regular membrane cartridges.

Instruction
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Converting to Neo-cartridges
If you have the regular cartridge version you need the No. 270 - Regular to Neo Kit.
1. Remove the grip from the machine.
2. Remove the Give adapter No.148 from the
plastic slide by using the 1.3 Hex key from
the Precision tool kit No.90.
3. Mount the Counterweight on the Slide on
the side marked "1". When correct
mounted, the counterweight and the spring
should both be located on the "1" side of
the machine.
Note! Do not tighten the screw to tight.

Instruction
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4. Mount the Magnet holder with magnet on
the Slide on the un-marked machine side.
5. Mount the Stay up spring No. 24 placed on
the machine side "1", by pressing down the
spring with the small flat screwdriver. Put
one corner of the screwdriver between the
fourth and fifth coil and press the spring
down as straight as possible until it comes
clear and can be inserted.
6. Loosen the grip adapter screw with the
0.9mm hex key from the Precision tool kit
No. 90.
7. Turn the grip adapter 90° counterclockwise
and remove it from the grip.