Michael N4NMR wrote: I suspect my temp controlled soldering station is going south on me. In building my K2, I've noticed that it takes longer to get the solder flowing.
I'll take other recommendations just in case I have to go on-line to order one. ----------------------------------- Not knowing the manufacturer makes it tough to suggest ways to 'fix' the current one. 1- If it is a "fixed temp" tip, try a new tip. A bad thermostat can cause a tip to run cool. Apparently your tip is heating because you do eventually melt solder. 2 - If just the soldering tip is replaceable, remove it and make sure it is clean *inside* where it attaches. Corrosion that builds up at the attachment point (threads, sleeve, etc.) can really cut down the heat transfer from the element to the tip. 3 - If you "give up" on it, consider a Hakko 936-ESD. No, you can't get it today if no one in town sells one, but they are available in two or three days via web order if you want it shipped priority from various places. They aren't "better" than Weller, nor is Weller "better" than the Hakko. After all it's just a soldering station! The magic is in the hands that wield it, not in the tool itself. I've used both, although I haven't use the newer Weller stations. When I was last in the market for a new soldering station, the Hakko price was the best. I really like the front-panel knob temperature control. I think where a lot of ops go wrong is using too COOL of an iron. Desoldering braid is nearly non-functional with a 700F iron. At the least, it's likely you'll lift a trace by leaving it "cook" too long. Cleaning enameled wire by the "blob" method also is very poor at 700F, not to mention soldering larger terminals instead of a board trace. The ability to tweak the knob up to 800F, wait 5 seconds, then go to work is a real advantage of the variable temperature stations to me. Ron AC7AC P.S. We don't do "wars" here. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
