XTRONIC 3020-XTS User manual

- 1 -
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE
USING YOUR NEW X-TRONIC Model
#3020-XTS SOLDERING STATION
This manual is provided to make a safe and effective use of the X-Tronic
3020-XTS soldering station and to maintain this instrument in proper
working condition. Be sure to keep this manual in a handy place near the
unit for future reference.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model XTR-3020-XTS
Dimensions (assembled) 7.5” L x 5.5” W x 10” H
Weight 1.5 lbs
Working Environment 32°F ~ 104°F / 0°C ~ 40°C
Storing Environment -4°F ~ 176°F / -20°C ~ 80°C
Storage Humidity 35% - 45%
Temperature Range 392°F ~ 896°F / 200°C ~ 480°C
Temperature Stability ± 3.6°F / 2.0°C (Static)
Grounded Tip Voltage < 1 mV
Tip Impedance < 1Ω
Cord Length ≥ 40 in
PACKAGE CONTENTS
• Main Power Unit with LED Display
• 75 Watt Soldering Iron with Ergonomic Grip
• Attachable Helping Hands (set of two)
• Small Wrench (to Tighten Helping Hands)
• Spring Steel Soldering Iron Holder
• Solder Roll Holder (attaches to side of main unit)
• Brass Sponge Soldering Tip Cleaner with Cleaning Flux
• Wet Sponge Soldering Tip Cleaner

- 2 -
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. When not in use always turn the power off and unplug the unit from
the electrical outlet.
2. Never use the soldering iron near any flammable substance,
material, or gas.
3. Never touch the metallic components of the soldering iron while
they are in use. The items are extremely hot and will cause serious
burns instantly. Allow the unit to properly cool to room temperature
before attempting to touch them.
4. Do not use the unit for any application other than soldering.
5. Do not tap the soldering tip against the work surface to remove
residual solder - this can damage the soldering tip and/or heating
element.
6. Do NOT modify the unit in any way.
7. When replacing consumable parts, only use approved
manufacturer parts.
8. Do not get the unit wet or use when your hands are wet.
9. The soldering process can produce smoke - ensure the area is
well ventilated.
UNIT PARTS
1
345
6
7
8
2
9
1. Power Switch
2. Solder Roll Holder
3. Digital LED Temperature
Readout
4. Temperature Adjustment
Knob
5. Temperature Readout Toggle
6. Wet Sponge Tip Cleaner
7. Brass Sponge with Rosin
Flux Tip Cleaner
8. Soldering Iron Holder
9. Helping Hands

- 3 -
SET-UP
1. Open the package and check that all parts are present and are
not damaged. If anything is missing or damaged, please contact
X-Tronic immediately for assistance (see back cover for contact
information).
2. Attach the solder roll holder to the left side of the unit with the
screws provided.
3. Firmly press the steel spring solder iron holder into place on the
right side of the base, ensure it fully seated before placing the
soldering iron in it.
4. Plug the 3-Prong AC cord into a grounded outlet to prevent electric
shock or injury.
5. Turn the power on using the power switch on the top of the control
module.
6. Once the power is on the Blue LED Screen located on the front of
the control module will light up.
7. Set the desired working temperature by turning the aluminum
knob on the front of the control module. The temperature of the
soldering iron can be set anywhere from 392°F ~ 896°F/200°C ~
480°C.
8. Moving the temperature control potentiometer clockwise will raise
the temperature on the soldering iron, and rotating the temperature
control potentiometer counterclockwise will lower the soldering iron
tip temperature.
9. Moisten the sponge and place it in the sponge holding space in the
iron cradle.
10. IMPORTANT: Remove the iron from the cradle and flood the tip
with a good quality rosin core solder-preferably 63/37 or 60/40
grade solder (See page 4).
11. Wipe the tip across the moist sponge or dip the tip into the brass
sponge to remove excess solder. The tip should then be bright and
shiny if it is tinned properly.
12. The soldering iron is now ready to solder. Proceed according to
your standard working practice.
WARNING: Do NOT leave the unit on full power for any long period
of time. This will greatly reduce the life of the soldering iron,
soldering tip, and heating element.

- 4 -
FUNCTION OPERATION
TEMPERATURE CONVERSION
This unit can readout temperatures in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.
To change from one to the other, simply toggle the switch on the
front of the unit to either °F or °C.
SLEEP FUNCTION
When the soldering iron is placed in the holder, the iron will go into
sleep mode after 10 minutes. The display will show “SLP” to signify
this and the temperature of the soldering iron will ramp down to
392°F / 200°C. When the soldering iron is removed from the holder
to use again, the temperature of the soldering iron will ramp back
up to the temperature it was previously being used at within 5-10
seconds.
TROUBLESHOOTING
ISSUE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Unit does not
have power
• Ensure the power cord is not damaged and in good
working condition.
• Ensure that the outlet is functional.
Soldering Iron
“Rattles”
• This is expected behavior. The “rattle” is a small ball
that allows the unit to determine when the soldering
iron is not in use and it should go into Sleep Mode.
S-E Error • The unit is no longer sensing the element - the
heating element may be cracked or worn out
and needs to be replaced. Replacements can be
purchased on our website: www.XTronicUSA.com.
Tip is not
heating up as
expected
• Ensure the soldering iron is not damaged and in
good working condition.
• The soldering tip could be oxidized, it is important to
always tin the tip and keep it clean. See Soldering
Tip Preparation on page 5.
• The heating element may need to be replaced.
Replacements can be purchased on our website:
www.XTronicUSA.com.
Note: Running the soldering iron in the 600°F ~ 650°F / 315°C ~ 343°C
range, which is the normal temperature range for most soldering
applications, the heating element should last for 6 to 12 months
depending on hours of use.

- 5 -
SOLDERING TIP PREPARATION
• Keep the soldering tip properly tinned. Always use solder with
sufficient rosin flux or the tip will de-wet. A well tinned tip will be bright
all over when hot, with no dull or discolored spots.
• To tin the soldering iron tip:
1. Plug in the iron and allow it to reach solder melt temperature.
2. Flood the tip with solder and let it stand for one minute.
3. Apply more solder to the tip, allow it to idle for one or two more
minutes, wipe it lightly on the sponge. Do not remove all of the
solder, but use the sponge to remove excess solder and wipe
solder onto non-tinned areas.
• Do not file or attempt to reshape the tip. This will destroy the plating
and shorten tip life. Do not use chloride and acid fluxes; they will also
shorten tip and heater life.
• For maximum tip life, always apply solder to the heated connections
or joints. Repeated application of solder directly to the tip will shorten
the tip life.
WARNING: Do NOT use anti-seize or any other lubricant on the tip
retainer or heater of the soldering iron.
MAINTENANCE
UNIT
1. Keep the unit plugged into a GROUNDED outlet at all times during
operation.
2. Keep the unit and all components free from dirt, debris, and liquid
at all times.
3. Make sure the power cord is plugged in correctly and safely off the
floor to prevent accidents.
4. Keep all cords in the immediate workspace and avoid letting them
hang off the side of a table or bench top.
5. Wipe the unit down, when needed, with a dry, static-free cloth.

- 6 -
WARNING
DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE REPLACING A
SOLDERING TIP AND/OR A HEATING ELEMENT
REPLACING THE SOLDERING TIP
1. Turn off the soldering station, unplug the power cord from the
power source and allow the soldering iron to cool down to room
temperature. Never attempt to remove the tip while the iron is hot.
2. Unscrew the small metal tip retaining screw cap at the bottom of
the soldering irons metal shaft. Slide off or remove the soldering tip
retaining collar. Now, remove the tip by sliding it forward.
(There is NO need to remove the black Bakelite screw cap to
change the tip.)
3. Slide a new tip over the exposed ceramic heating element, slide
the metal retaining collar over the new soldering tip back onto the
soldering iron.
4. Tighten the metal tip retaining screw cap to secure the tip into
place. Do not over tighten the metal tip retaining screw cap.
5. Plug the soldering iron AC cord into a grounded outlet to resume
soldering.
BLACK BAKELITE SCREW CAP TIPS
• Bakelite is a strong and stable material when handled correctly. This
part cannot be made of metal for heat transfer safety reasons.
• The black Bakelite screw cap does NOT need to be removed to
replace the tip. This is only removed to access the heating element.
• The Bakelite screw cap should never be tightened or re-tightened
when the iron is hot. If the iron is not at room temperature when the
Bakelite screw cap is removed it can cause it to crack.
• When tightening the Bakelite screw cap, at room temperature, it only
needs to be snug - DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.

- 7 -
REPLACING THE SOLDERING IRON HEATING ELEMENT
Cord
Soldering Tip
Collar
Metal Tip
Retaining
Screw Cap
Bakelite Screw Cap Spring
Heating
Element
Ergonomic
Grip
Handle
1. Turn off the unit and unplug it from the outlet. Allow the soldering
iron to cool down to room temperature.
Never attempt to handle the tip while the iron is hot.
2. Unscrew the Black Bakelite Screw Cap and slide off the full tip
assembly.
3. Push the Cord through the bottom of the soldering iron while
simultaneously pulling gently on the heating element to expose the
heating element circuit board.
4. De-solder the 2 Thin (red or white) wires and the 2 Thick (blue)
wires that have heat shielding on them from the circuit board and
pull the heating element away from the board.
Please take note of the location of the wire thickness/color for
installation of new heating element (see diagram below).
5. On one side of the circuit board solder a thin wire to 1and a thick
wire to 2(see diagram below).
6. Flip the circuit board over and solder a thin wire to 3and a thick
wire to 4(see diagram below).
7. Pull the cord back gently and align the circuit board to the slots on
the iron so the cord can be pulled back to its original position.
8. Replace black Bakelite Screw Cap and screw back on and hand
tighten - Do NOT over-tighten.
9. Install the soldering tip, slide the metal soldering tip retaining collar
and hand tighten it. Plug the AC cord back into a grounded outlet.
SIDE A SIDE B
1 2 3 4
NOTE: The wires on the heating element can be soldered onto either
side of the circuit board, as there is no polarity for the element.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU
MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, AS THEY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT
WWW.XTRONICUSA.COM/SUPPORT/WARRANTY.
WE WARRANT THAT DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD, THE PRODUCT
WILL BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP.
WE LIMIT THE DURATION AND REMEDIES OF ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THE
DURATION OF THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY.
SOME STATES HAVE DIFFERENT LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN
IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY
TO YOU.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECTIVE GOODS IS LIMITED TO REPAIR,
REPLACEMENT OR REFUND AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN THIS WARRANTY
STATEMENT.
WHO MAY USE THIS WARRANTY?
X-Tronic International Inc. located at 2159 Magnum Circle, Lincoln, Nebraska
68522 (“we”) extend this limited warranty only to the consumer who originally
purchased the product in the United States, the District of Columbia or Canada
(“you”). It does not extend to (a) any subsequent owner or other transferee of
the product, (b) any product shipped outside of the United States, the District of
Columbia or Canada, or (c) anyone who may have purchased it from someone
other than X-Tronic International Inc.. Proof of purchase is required for in-
warranty service. We recommend you promptly register this product on our
website (www.XTronicUSA.com) to facilitate verification of the date of the original
purchase. Keep the product manual and your sales receipt together for future
reference.
WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY COVER?
This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of the product
for the Warranty Period as defined below. In addition, during the Initial Warranty
Period, this limited warranty also covers defects occurring in the initial shipment
of the product to you.
3-YEAR LIMITED
WARRANTY

WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY NOT COVER?
This limited warranty during the Warranty Period does not cover any damage due
to: (a) improper use; (b) failure to follow the product instructions or to perform any
preventive maintenance; (c) modifications; (d) unauthorized repair; (e) normal
wear and tear that comes with household use; or (f) external causes such as
accidents, abuse, or other actions or events beyond our reasonable control. It
also does not cover consumable parts.
WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE?
This limited warranty starts on the date of your purchase and lasts for 3 years
(“The Warranty Period”), which shall be divided into two periods: (1) the first
30 days from the date of your purchase (“Initial Warranty Period”); and (2) the
remainder of the 3 year period after the Initial Warranty Period has expired (the
“Remainder Warranty Period”). The Warranty Period is not extended if we repair
or replace the product. We may change the availability of this limited warranty at
our discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive.
WHAT ARE YOUR REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY?
With respect to any defective product during the Initial Warranty Period, we will,
in our sole discretion either (a) replace such product (or the defective part) free of
charge, or (b) refund the purchase price of such product.
With respect to any defective product during the Remaining Warranty Period,
we will repair such product free of charge and provide a full-service inspection
of your product. You will be responsible for all shipping and handling fees to and
from our facility.
HOW DO YOU OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE?
To obtain warranty service, you must call 844-861-4762 or email us at Info@
XTronicUSA.com during the Warranty Period to open a service request. Proof of
purchase will be required to open a service request.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
THE REMEDIES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDIES AND OUR ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY. OUR LIABILITY SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
EXCEED THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE DEFECTIVE
PRODUCT, NOR SHALL WE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR
LOSSES, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT.
SOME STATES HAVE DIFFERENT LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND
EXCLUSIONS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.

QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS
OR COMPLIMENTS?
Thank You for purchasing this
X-Tronic International Product!
We are grateful for your business!
All of our X-Tronic International Products are inspected
then sealed with our NEW Product Seal prior to
shipment. Our goal is to ensure Quality, Completeness,
and Satisfaction for your order.
For Any Questions, Problems, or
Compliments please call or email us.
If you would like to shop for other X-Tronic International Products
Please visit our website
www.XTronicUSA.com
Toll Free: 844-861-4762
[e-mail]
Our Business Hours are:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4pm CST
Friday: 8am - Noon CST

