Pace ST 40A Manual

Operation & Maintenance Manual
ST 40A Systems

i
© 1997 PACE Incorporated, Laurel MD. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
PACE Incorporated retains the right to make changes to specifications contained
herein at any time, without notice.
Contact your local authorized PACE Distributor or PACE Incorporated to obtain the
latest specifications.
The following are registered trademarks and/or servicemarks of PACE
Incorporated, Laurel Maryland U.S.A. and may only be used to identify genuine
PACE products or services:
AdapTip, Arm-Evac, Cir-Kit, ComForm I, ConducTweez, CRAFT,
Dual Path, Flo-D-Sodr, FuseSet, HandiPik, HotSpot, LapFlo, MBT,
Micro Portable, MicroChine, MiniChine, Mini-Wave, PACE, Pacenter,
Ped-A-Vac, PETS,Pik-Vac, PRC,PRINT,Pro-Evac,Redi-Rak, ResisTweez,
SensaTemp, SMR, Snap-Vac, Sodr-Pen, Sodr-X-Tractor, SR-3, SR-4, ST,
StripTweez, SwaPlater, ThermoBand, Thermo-Drive, ThermoJet,
ThermoPart, ThermoPik, ThermoTweez, Tip-Evac, VisiFilter.
The following are trademarks and/or servicemarks of PACE Incorporated, Laurel
Maryland U.S.A. and may only be used to identify genuine PACE products or
services:
Auto Off, Cubby-Vac, Datastore, Dust Evac, EKO, Fume Scoop, HeatWave,
Lab Evac, PaceLink, PaceNet, Pik & Paste, Pik-Tip, Prep-Set, Pulse Plate,
Sodrtek, ThermoBond,ThermoFlo, TinSpin,Toolnet, TweezPik, Uni-Frame,
V-A-N, Ventur-Evac.
Since 1958, PACE Incorporated has provided advanced technology
training in all aspects of hand soldering, rework and repair.
Additional copies of this manual or other PACE literature may be
obtained from:
PACE Incorporated (301) 490 - 9860
Sales Administration (301) 498 - 3252 Fax
9893 Brewers Court
Laurel MD 20723-1990

1
For any questions regarding this Operation & Maintenance Manual, contact your
local authorized PACE distributor or contact PACE directly at:
Telephone [phone], Fax [phone]
PACE Incorporated
9893 Brewers Court
Laurel MD 20723-1990
MANUAL NUMBER 5050-0361
REV. D
SYSTEM QUICK START
The ST 40A system is very easy to operate and can be
quickly set up for use in standard soldering operations.
To begin operation of your new system quickly,
perform the "Set-Up" and "Quick Start - Basic
Operation" procedures detailed on pages 6-11 & 16-17
of this manual. A shaded title bar on each of these pages
highlight their location.

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Table of Contents
TITLE PAGE
General Information ................................................................................................ 4
Introduction .................................................................................................. 4
Specifications................................................................................................ 4
Parts Identification........................................................................................ 5
Safety ....................................................................................................................... 6
Set-Up...................................................................................................................... 6
System .......................................................................................................... 6
SP Tip & Tool Stand................................................................................ 7
Handpiece Connection ............................................................................ 8
Air Hose Routing .................................................................................... 8
System Power Up .................................................................................... 8
Heater Burn In .............................................................................................. 9
PaceLink ..................................................................................................... 11
Handpiece Tips ...................................................................................................... 12
Tip Selection & Use.................................................................................... 12
Tip Installation ............................................................................................ 14
Quick Start - Basic Operation ............................................................................... 16
Introduction ................................................................................................ 16
Quick Start Procedure................................................................................. 16
Operation ............................................................................................................... 18
Definitions .................................................................................................. 18
Auto Tip Temperature Compensation......................................................... 19
Password ..................................................................................................... 19
Basic Operation .......................................................................................... 20
Digital Readout Operation .................................................................... 20
Power Up............................................................................................... 22
Panel Controls ....................................................................................... 22
Temperature Setback .................................................................................. 27
Activation .............................................................................................. 27
Operation ............................................................................................... 27
Exiting Temperature Setback ................................................................ 28
Auto Off Safety System.............................................................................. 28
Operation ............................................................................................... 28
Exiting Auto Off.................................................................................... 28
Factory Settings .......................................................................................... 29

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Table of Contents
TITLE PAGE
Set-Up Mode ......................................................................................................... 30
Introduction ................................................................................................ 30
Entering Set-Up Mode................................................................................ 30
Operation .................................................................................................... 31
Password................................................................................................ 31
°F/°C Digital Readout ........................................................................... 32
Temperature Limits ............................................................................... 32
Temperature Setback ............................................................................. 33
Auto Off Safety System ........................................................................ 34
Digital Readout Accuracy........................................................................... 34
Corrective Maintenance ........................................................................................ 35
Digital Readout Message Codes................................................................. 35
Power Source .............................................................................................. 36
Handpieces.................................................................................................. 37
Heater Replacement.................................................................................... 38
Replacement Parts ................................................................................................. 40
SP-1A/SP-2A Handpieces .......................................................................... 40
Accessory Items.......................................................................................... 41
Manual Improvement & Comment Form ............................................................. 42
TABLE PAGE
Table I Single Point Tips................................................................................. 13
Table II Factory Settings .................................................................................. 29
Table III Digital Readout Message Codes ........................................................ 35
Table IV Power Source Corrective Maintenance .............................................. 36
Table V Heater Assembly Checkout Procedures ............................................. 37
Table VI SP-1A/SP-2A Parts............................................................................. 40
Table VII Accessory Items.................................................................................. 41

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the PACE model ST 40A Digital Soldering System. This
manual will provide you with the information necessary to properly set up, operate
and maintain the ST 40A system.
The ST 40A system utilizes the model PPS 25A power source which incorporates a
highly responsive SensaTemp (closed loop) control system providing up to 80
Watts of total power to a single output channel. The standard SP-2A Sodr-Pen
(uses 3/16" shank tips) provides high capacity heating necessary to perform
thru-hole soldering and SMT component removal/replacement operations. The
optional SP-1A Sodr-Pen (uses 1/8" shank tips) incorporates a smaller profile
heater assembly to access solder joints on very densely populated assemblies.
Other available PACE SensaTemp handpieces may be used with the ST 40A system
to perform a wide variety of advanced surface mount & thru-hole component
removal/replacement operations. These include:
TT-65 ThermoTweez Handpiece TJ-70 Mini ThermoJet Handpiece*
TP-65 ThermoPik Handpiece*SX-70 Sodr-X-Tractor Handpiece*
*These handpieces require an air source. Any of these handpieces can be used if the
system power source is connected to a PACE ST 60 system (via PaceLink Receptacle).
Alternatively, a Ped-A-Vac III Foot Pedal may be purchased and connected to a 60-90
p.s.i. air supply to provide a vacuum source for theseAir Handpieces.
Specifications
System Power Source Power Requirements:
The system power sources are available in either the 115 VAC, 230 VAC or 100VAC
version as listed below. The 230 VAC version system bears the CE Conformity
Marking which assures the user that it conforms to all the requirements of council
directive EMC 89/336/EEC. Exposure to radio frequency interference in the range of
27-400 MHz may cause 230VAC system resets or loss of handpiece temperature; the
system functions normally once interference is removed.
PPS 25A (ST 40A system) Operates on 97-127 VAC, 50/60Hz
90 Watts maximum at 115 VAC, 60Hz
PPS 25AE (ST 40AE system) Version operates on 197-264 VAC 50/60Hz
80 Watts maximum at 230 VAC, 50Hz
PPS 25AJ (ST 40AJ system) Version operates on 90-115 VAC 50/60Hz
80 Watts maximum at 100 VAC, 50/60Hz
General Information

5
Temperature Specifications:
Tip Temperature Range: 38°C to 482°C (100°F to 900°F) nominal.
Temperature Stability: ±1.1°C (±2°F) at idle from set tip temp.
NOTE - Actual minimum and maximum Operating Tip Temperatures may
vary depending on Handpiece, Tip selection and application.
EOS/ESD Specifications:
The specifications shown below apply except on "Soft Ground Systems"
which have a 1 meg ohm current limiting resistance and a label placed on
the power source front panel referring to EN 100015-1.
Tip-To-Ground Resistance: Less than 5 ohms.
AC Leakage: Less than 2 Millivolts RMS from 50Hz to 500Hz.
Parts Identification
General Information

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The following are safety precautions which personnel must understand and follow
when using or servicing this product.
1. SensaTemp handpiece heaters and installed tips are hot when the
handpiece is powered on. DO NOT touch either the heater or the tip.
Severe burns may result.
2. The enclosed SP Tip & Tool Stand has been designed specifically for use
with the Sodr-Pen (SP-1A & SP-2A) and houses the handpiece in a
manner which protects the user from accidental burns. Always store the
handpiece in the SP Tip & Tool Stand.
3. Always use this system in a well ventilated area. A fume extraction
system such as those available from PACE are highly recommended to
help protect personnel from solder flux fumes.
4. Exercise proper precautions when using materials (e.g., fluxes & solder
paste). Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) supplied with each
material and follow to all safety precautions recommended by the
manufacturer.
5. POTENTIAL SHOCK HAZARD - Repair procedures on this product
should be performed by Qualified Service Personnel only. Line voltage
parts will be exposed when the equipment is disassembled. Service
personnel must avoid contact with these parts when troubleshooting the
power source.
Safety
System
Set up the ST 40A system using the following steps and associated drawings.
1. Store the shipping container(s) in a
convenient location. Reuse of these
containers will prevent damage if you
store or ship the system.
2. Place the Power Switch in the “OFF” or
“0” position.
3. Place 4 of the supplied Rubber Feet on
the base (bottom) of the power source.
Remove the paper backing and place in
corner indentations.
Set-Up

7
Set-Up
SP Tip & Tool Stand
4. Place the 4 remaining Rubber
Feet on the bottom corners of the
enclosed SP Tip & Tool Stand.
5. The SP Tip & Tool Stand may be
used as “free standing” or may be
attached to either side of the
power source. Attach the stand
using the following procedure.
a) Insert the 2 enclosed Mounting
Screws (head first) into the 2
power source mounting slots
shown. Slide the screws toward
the rear of the power source.
b) Place the SP Tip & Tool Stand
beside the power source, inserting
ends of the 2 Mounting Screws
into the 2 SP Tip & Tool Stand
lower mounting holes shown.
c) Install a knurled Thumb Nut onto
the end of each Mounting Screw.
Tighten Thumb Nuts to secure the
stand in position.
6. Place the supplied sponge in the
SP Tip & Tool Stand using the
following procedure.
a) Remove the 2 small punched out
center portions of the sponge &
place into the sponge well of the
stand in the position shown.
b) Place the large sponge section into
the sponge well as shown.
c) Dampen the sponges with water.
7. Place the handpiece into the SP Tip &
Tool Stand.

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Handpiece Connection
8. Connect the handpiece connector plug into the Power Receptacle in the
following manner.
a) With the Connector Key end facing
the power source, turn the Locking
Ring fully counterclockwise .
b) Align the Connector Key with the
Receptacle Keyway.
c) Insert the connector into the Power
Receptacle.
d) Turn the Locking Ring fully
clockwise to secure in place.
Set-Up
System Power Up
9. Insert the female end of the power cord into the AC Power Receptacle at
the rear panel of the power source.
10. Plug the the prong end (male end) of the power cord into a 3 wire
grounded AC supply receptacle. The system is now ready for operation.
CAUTION
To insure operator safety, the AC supply receptacle must be checked for
proper grounding before initial operation.
11. Read the “Operation” section of this manual thoroughly before operating
the system.
Air Hose Routing
When using anAir Handpiece (e.g., SX-70
Sodr-X-Tractor) or a Tip-Evac Fume Extraction
System, route any associated air hose(s) through
the 2 Air Hose Feed Thru holes located on the
bottom of the power source.

9
Heater Burn In
To insure optimum performance and long life, new handpieces must undergo a burn
in procedure. A Red tag is attached to each handpiece and with replacement heater
assemblies which describes the proper procedure. The ST 40A system however,
has a Burn In feature which, when activated will burn in the heater in a similar
manner as is described on the tag. Use this feature when setting up a new ST 40A
system (burn in all handpieces) or when replacing a handpiece heater assembly.
NOTE
As receivedfrom thefactory, the SetTemperature will be"OFF". The system
power source must have an entered Set Temperature before using this
feature. IftheSetTemperatureis"OFF",enteratemperatureatthistime(see
Operation section of this manual).
Ensure that the system is placed in a well-ventilated area. Smoke will be
emitted from the heater assembly during the burn in cycle.
Use the following instructions to perform the Heater Burn In procedure.
1. Place the Power Switch in the “OFF” (0) position.
2. Ensure that the handpiece is connected to the system power source.
3. Some handpieces heater assemblies are shipped with a plastic cap
installed on the end of the heater assembly. If this cap is present, remove
the cap and discard. The cap is used for shipping purposes only.
Set-Up
4. Press and hold the Set and Scroll
Up (▲) keys together.
5. Place the Power Switch in the
“ON” (I) position. The Digital
Readout will display “VERSION
X.X”.
6. Immediately release the Set and
Scroll Up (▲) keys.
7. Press the Set Key to enter the
Burn In Mode.

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8. The system is now in the Burn In
Mode. The handpiece heater will
begin to heat up with the temperature
displayed (in °C or °F) on the Digital
Readout. The message “Heater Burn
In” (flashing off and on) and an hour
glass graphic will appear and will
continue to be displayed until the
conclusion of the burn in cycle.
9. The temperature of the heater will
stabilize at 315°C (or 600 °F) and
remain at that temperature for 10
minutes.
10. At the conclusion of the 10 minute
period, the heater temperature will
increase to 427°C (or 800°F) and
remain at that temperature for 15
minutes.
11. At the conclusion of the 15 minute
time period, power is removed from
the heater. The Digital Readout will
display “Burn In Complete”. Press
and release the Set Key to “EXIT”
Heater Burn In and return the system
to the Temperature Display Mode
(normal operation).
NOTE
The microprocessor circuitry within the unit monitors the system to insure
proper results. If any abnormalities are encountered, the Burn In cycle will
beinterruptedandanerrormessagedisplayed. Ifthissituationshouldoccur,
turn the system off and perform the procedure again. If the cycle is
interrupted a second time, refer to Table V and check for handpiece
malfunction. Ifasecondhandpieceisavailable,performtheprocedureusing
that handpiece.
Set-Up

11
CAUTION
SystemsconnectedtogetherthroughthePaceLinkmustbeusedandcontrolled
by a single operator. Any attempt to operate by more than one individual can
create a hazard condition and will cause a deterioration in performance.
Ensure that only one air hose is connected to the AUTO SNAP-VAC or
Controllable PRESSURE port at one time. Attachment to both ports
simultaneously will cause a deterioration in performance.
PACELINK
The PaceLink Receptacle on the front panel of the power source allows the you to
link your ST 40A system to the AUTO SNAP-VAC and Controllable PRESSURE
features of a ST 60 system . If an air handpiece (SX-70, TP-65 or TJ-70) is
connected to the ST 40A, actuation of its finger switch will activate air flow
through the AUTO SNAP-VAC and Controllable PRESSURE ports of the ST 60
system. To link your ST 40A system to a ST 60 system, perform the following
procedure.
1. Place your ST 40A & ST 60 systems
adjacent to each other (side by side
or stacked one on top of the other).
2. Use a PaceLink cable (available from
your local PACE distributor)) to
connect the systems. Place the plugs
ends of the cable into the PaceLink
Receptacles on both systems.
3. Ensure that a VisiFilter assembly is
connected to the ST 60 AUTO
SNAP-VAC Port.
4. Connect the Air Hose of the
handpiece currently in use to the
VisiFilter assembly or Controllable
PRESSURE Port.
Set-Up

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Tip Selection & Use
1. HEAT TRANSFER: Maximize thermal
transfer by selecting the shortest, fattest tip with
the largest surface contact area which
appropriately fits the work. Keep the tip clean
and freshly tinned, and clean the work of oxides
or other residues.
When soldering, angle the tip to the joint so that
there is maximum surface contact area. The use
of a “solder bridge” to enhance “thermal
linkage” will also improve heat transfer.
Handpiece Tips
5. HANDPIECES: The SP-2A Sodr-Pen (which comes standard with your
ST 40A system) uses 3/16" shank tips providing maximum heat transfer
for Surface Mount and multilayer board applications.
The optional SP-1A Sodr-Pen uses 1/8" shank tips and features a slimmer,
more compact heater for easier access on densely populated assemblies.
2. TIP ACCESS & VISIBILITY: The tip selected must easily contact the
joint without touching the board substrate, adjacent components or other
solder joints.
Longer, thinner, more tapered tips allow the operator to more easily
access and view the solder joint during soldering for better process
control. However, such tips generally have much less heat transfer
ability than shorter, fatter tips.
3. TIP TEMPERATURE: Use the lowest tip temperature which will
achieve rapid yet controllable melt of the entire joint(s). Begin with a
temperature of 316°C (600°F) and adjust as necessary to suit the
particular application and operator skill level. Lower tip temperatures
reduce the risk of damage and increase tip life.
4. SMT REMOVAL: Tips for SMT removal
applications must fit over (or around) the
component body, and contact all the solder
joints at once. When all the solder joints reflow
completely, remove the component.

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Shown below is a partial listing of available single point and SMT tip
configurations. Contact your local authorized PACE distributor for the
Tip & Applications catalog which contains a complete list of tips.
Handpiece Tips
3/16" SHANK TIPS
(for SP-2A Sodr-Pen)
3/16" SHANK EXTENDED REACH
TIPS
(for SP-2A Sodr-Pen)
DESCRIPTION PART # DESCRIPTION PART#
1/64" Conical 1121-0357 1/64"Conical 1121-0528
1/64" BentConical 1121-0363 1/32"Conical 1121-0527
1/32"Chisel 1121-0359 1/16"Chisel 1121-0533
1/32"BentChisel 1121-0361 3/32"Chisel 1121-0529
1/32" Conical 1121-0336 1/8"Chisel 1121-0530
1/16" Chisel (MicroFine) 1121-0349 3/16"Chisel 1121-0531
1/16"Chisel 1121-0335 SingleSided Chisel 1121-0532
1/16" Chisel (High Capacity) 1121-0414 3/16" SHANK THERMO-DRIVE TIPS
(for SP-2A Sodr-Pen)
1/16" Chisel (Extended Reach) 1121-0499
1/16" BentChisel (Ext. Reach) 1121-0500 1/64" Conical 1121-0516
3/32"Chisel 1121-0360 1/64"BentConical 1121-0526
1/8"Chisel 1121-0337 3/64"Chisel 1121-0524
3/16"Chisel 1121-0358 3/64"BentChisel 1121-0525
SingleSided Chisel 1121-0406 1/16"Chisel 1121-0510
1/4" Flat Blade 1121-0402 1/8"Chisel 1121-0518
0.40" FlatBlade 1121-0305 1/8" SHANK TIPS*
(for SP-1A Sodr-Pen)
Mini-Wave 1121-0490
*These tips (1/8" shank) can be installed
in the SP-2A Sodr-Pen using the PACE
AdapTip (Part Number1360-0083-P1).
1/32" Conical 1121-0503
1/16"Chisel 1121-0502
1/8"Chisel 1121-0501
Table I. Single Point Tips
FlatPack Tip
SOIC Tip
Socket Tip
3/16" Shank Chisel Tip
3/16" Shank Thermo-Drive
Chisel Tip

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NOTE
Periodically, clean the heater bore with a properly sized wire brush (3/16"
O.D.forSP-2Aand1/8"O.D.forSP-1A)toinsureoptimumheattransferand
proper tip grounding.
Tip Installation
For maximum productivity and proper fit, install tips into your Sodr-Pen when the
heater is hot.
CAUTION
Hold the handpiece with the heater pointed up at an angle to prevent injury
to personnel.
1. Select the proper tip for your application. Refer to Table I or the PACE
Tip & Applications Catalog.
2. Install the selected tip in the following manner.
a) Hold the handpiece with the heater up at an angle (heater hot).
b) Insert the Tip all the way into the heater bore using the supplied Tip
Tool.
c) Gently tighten the heater Set Screw.
3. Recheck the tip Set Screw periodically to insure that it remains snug.
Handpiece Tips

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16
Introduction
The ST 40A system is very easy to operate. As received from the factory, the system
can be quickly set up for use in standard soldering operations. Simply perform the
following Quick Start Procedure to begin system operation.
Quick Start Procedure
1. Insure that the Set-Up procedure has been performed; including the
Heater Burn In procedure. Check for the following:
a) Handpiece connection to the power source.
b) Proper tip installed in handpiece.
c) Power cord connection between house AC supply receptacle and the
power source.
2. Turn the Power Switch “On” (“1”).
3. Press the Set Key.
Set Temp = OFF
Press SET then
Quick Start - Basic Operation

17
4. Immediately press the Scroll Up (▲) Key
to increase the desired Tip Temperature.
Press the Scroll Down (▼) Key to
decrease the desired Tip Temperature.
5. Press the Set Key.
6. Observe the Digital Readout as the “Set
Temp” stabilizes at the desired Tip
Temperature
NOTE
Readthe“Operation”and“Set-UpMode”sectionsofthismanualtoutilizethe
full capabilities of the system. This is especially important when using large
soldering tips or other SensaTemp handpieces.
Quick Start - Basic Operation
C
Temp = XXX
Set Temp = XXX
C
Temp = XXX C
XXX
C

18
Operation
IMPORTANT
PACE recommends that you not read the “Set-Up Mode”section until after
you feel comfortable with system operation. Please read the following
“Operation" section thoroughly before changing the system settings.
Definitions
Please read and become familiar with the definitions of each of the following terms
which are used repeatedly in the following operational procedures.
AUTO OFF - Safety feature which turns power off (30-120 minutes) after the
system has entered Temperature Setback.
OPERATING TIP TEMPERATURE - The true tip temperature at which the
handpiece tip operates at any given time. This temperature is displayed on the
Digital Readout (“Temp = XXX”)in normal operation.
SET TIP TEMPERATURE - The operator selected idle tip temperature (“Set
Temp = XXX”) entered into the system memory in Tip Temperature Set Mode for
the connected handpiece/tip combination.
SET-UP MODE - Mode of operation in which the operator can quickly and easily
adjust the system parameters (e.g., temperature limits, password, setback time).
TEMPERATURE DISPLAY MODE (normal operation) - Normal operating mode
of the system in which the Operating Tip Temperature is displayed. Additionally, the
Set Tip Temperature will also be displayed after temperature adjustment until the
temperature stabilizes. In Temperature Display Mode, "**" will be displayed on the
Digital Readout if the Tip Offset Constant value is greater than 0.
TEMPERATURE SETBACK - System feature which, when enabled, will
independently set back the Set Tip Temperature to 177°C (350°F) after a user
selected period of handpiece inactivity (5 to 120 minutes settable in 1 minute
increments). This feature is enabled (or disabled) in the Set-Up Mode.
TIP OFFSET CONSTANT - Specific value for a given handpiece/tip combination
upon which the system automatically calculates the correct Tip Temperature Offset
at any entered Set Tip Temperature. This value is the temperature loss (Tip
Temperature Offset) at 371°C (700°F).
TIP OFFSET MODE - Mode of operation in which the system’s Tip Offset
Constant value can be viewed or altered. In this mode, the stored value appears on
the top line of the Digital Readout (Set Tip Temperature appears on the bottom line).
TIP TEMPERATURE SET MODE - Mode of operation in which the Set Tip
Temperature can be viewed or altered. In this mode, the stored value appears on
the top line of the Digital Readout (the Tip Offset Constant appears on the bottom
line if greater than 0).