Re: [Elecraft] Soldering Station recommendation

[Kevin Stover]

Hakko 888D.

On 6/13/2016 12:00 PM, Eddy Avila wrote:

Greetings Elecraft afficiados, I'm looking for a recommendation for a soldering 
station, my Weller temperature-controled station of 20 years is dying an 
agonizing death and its time to upgrade!


I don't use my soldering station a lot, maybe once a month and once in a while 
put a kit together, so I don't need a really expensive unit, but probably one 
under $100 for my needs with temperature control.


Any suggestions? Thanks much


73


Ed ~ k6sdw

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NAQCC #3441


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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering Station recommendation

[Russ]

Ed:

Pace ST-50 - we use them at work - can't beat 'em if you can't afford a Metcal.
The tips are integrated into the heating element and they are a breeze to 
change.
They also regulate FAST.
Here's one on e-Bay for $150 (I got the same one for $100)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Soldering-station-PACE-ST50-with-handpiece-and-extra-Tips-3-FREE-SHIPPING-/231974507997?hash=item3602c215dd:g:YYoAAOSwvg9XWQEx

Russ KD4JO

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Eddy Avila
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2016 1:00 PM
To: Elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering Station recommendation

Greetings Elecraft afficiados, I'm looking for a recommendation for a soldering 
station, my Weller temperature-controled station of 20 years is dying an 
agonizing death and its time to upgrade!


I don't use my soldering station a lot, maybe once a month and once in a while 
put a kit together, so I don't need a really expensive unit, but probably one 
under $100 for my needs with temperature control.


Any suggestions? Thanks much


73


Ed ~ k6sdw

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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering Station recommendation

[Mike Reublin NF4L]

I like my Aoyue 937. Amazon has 'em for $59.95.

73, Mike NF4L

> On Jun 13, 2016, at 1:00 PM, Eddy Avila  wrote:
> 
> Greetings Elecraft afficiados, I'm looking for a recommendation for a 
> soldering station, my Weller temperature-controled station of 20 years is 
> dying an agonizing death and its time to upgrade!
> 
> 
> I don't use my soldering station a lot, maybe once a month and once in a 
> while put a kit together, so I don't need a really expensive unit, but 
> probably one under $100 for my needs with temperature control.
> 
> 
> Any suggestions? Thanks much
> 
> 
> 73
> 
> 
> Ed ~ k6sdw
> 
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[Elecraft] Soldering Station recommendation

[Eddy Avila]

Greetings Elecraft afficiados, I'm looking for a recommendation for a soldering 
station, my Weller temperature-controled station of 20 years is dying an 
agonizing death and its time to upgrade!


I don't use my soldering station a lot, maybe once a month and once in a while 
put a kit together, so I don't need a really expensive unit, but probably one 
under $100 for my needs with temperature control.


Any suggestions? Thanks much


73


Ed ~ k6sdw

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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[OK1RP/M0SIS]

Hi Mark,

any kind of Weller is good with proper tip mounted. 
Do not use extremelly tiny tip as it could make warming through issues.
Most important is grounding your Weller properly as same as using ESD mat
grounded.

Good luck in building your K1 and see you on the air soon Mark,

73 - Petr, OK1RP




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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[Barry N1EU]

I've got the digital readout WESD51, very pleased, and good assortment of
tips available.

Barry N1EU

On Sun, Jan 24, 2016 at 5:13 AM, AB2E Darrell <a...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Ditto here on the WES51 solder station, very well-built and reliable.
> 73 Darrell AB2E
>
> 
> From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Phil
> Wheeler <w...@socal.rr.com>
> Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 11:47 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation
> forbuilding a K1
>
> Here a WES51, too. An excellent choice.
>
> Phil W7OX
>
> On 1/23/16 8:01 PM, Tom wrote:
> >
> > Hi I use a Weller WES51.  You can get it and all
> > accessories at digikey
> > 73 Tom
> > va2fsq.com
> >
> >
> > -Original Message- From: Mark Petrovic
> > Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:11 PM
> > To: elecr...@qth.net
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station
> > recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1
> >
> > Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1,
> > and am seeking a
> > recommendation for a temperature controlled
> > soldering station
> > mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[Stephen Shearer]

I use a WELLER SOLDERING STATION -- MODEL WTCPN 60 watt
BUT my REAL recommendation is to get Kester 62, 36, 2 Sn, Pb, Ag solder. 
 It can be had in 1# AND smaller packs.  It DOES a great job.  The 2% 
silver is what makes it work super...


73, Steve WB3LGC

On 24-Jan-16 4:04 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:

I built my K2 with an old Weller TC-202 I have here; it's my "go to" iron
for most of my projects. That iron was "gifted" to me after serving hard
time at the local community college.  It's not super pretty, but it still
works and well at that.  You would be hard pressed to find a better deal
IMO.  One can generally pick them up on eBay for ~45 or more in working
condition.  Great iron, and as with most things Weller, one can still
always find parts out there.

HTH
Reuben
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Re: [Elecraft] : Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

I tend to prefer my American Beauty model 3138 for
light work.

73, Charlie k3ICH

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Brendon Whateley
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2016 5:17 PM
To: Edward R Cole <kl...@acsalaska.net>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector Reflector
<Elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] : Soldering station
recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

Hi Edward,

Do you do much SMD work? If so, what do you use
for that? I'm thinking of getting a hot air rework
station to make life easier with SMD, which seems
to be the future.

- Brendon KK6AYI

On Sun, Jan 24, 2016 at 9:06 AM, Edward R Cole
<kl...@acsalaska.net> wrote:

> I have the genuine HAKKO FX-951 (ESD safe)
solder station which is 
> essential for good soldering.  It does cost
double the other guys but 
> the "sleep" mode is very nice as tip temp is
dropped to 450F when 
> solder iron is parked in its holder.  It returns
to 670F (temp fully 
> adjustable) a few seconds after I take the iron
out of the holder.  
> This feature really extends life of the tips.
Having a professional 
> station really makes my little business of
building kits much better/easier.
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> dubus...@gmail.com
>
>
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> bren...@whateley.com
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[Elecraft] : Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[Edward R Cole]

I have the genuine HAKKO FX-951 (ESD safe) solder station which is 
essential for good soldering.  It does cost double the other guys but 
the "sleep" mode is very nice as tip temp is dropped to 450F when 
solder iron is parked in its holder.  It returns to 670F (temp fully 
adjustable) a few seconds after I take the iron out of the 
holder.  This feature really extends life of the tips.  Having a 
professional station really makes my little business of building kits 
much better/easier.



73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
dubus...@gmail.com

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[Elecraft] Soldering Station Recommendation

[Dauer, Edward]

On the advice of Jim, K9YC, I bought a Hakko to build a K2 recently, along
with a couple of tips of different sizes as Don, W3FPR, suggests.  Worked
great.  I haven¹t built a K1, but based on my experience with a K2 I would
strongly recommend you buy a ³solder sucker² as well.  Very inexpensive,
works amazingly well, and saves a great deal of embarassment.

Ted, KN1CBR


-Original Message-
From: Mark Petrovic
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:11 PM
To: elecr...@qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation
forbuilding a K1

Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

-- 
Mark
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[Kevin Stover]

I have the Hakko 936D which isn't made anymore. It's been replaced by 
the FX-888.

I second Don's recommendation for the 1/16" chisel tip.
I built my loaded K2/100, KAT-100, 2T-gen, N-Gen, and XG2 with the 936 
using the 1/16" and 1/8" chisel tips.


On 1/23/2016 9:11 PM, Mark Petrovic wrote:

Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.




--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
ARRL
FISTS #11993
SKCC #215
NAQCC #3441


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Re: [Elecraft] : Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[Brendon Whateley]

Hi Edward,

Do you do much SMD work? If so, what do you use for that? I'm thinking of
getting a hot air rework station to make life easier with SMD, which seems
to be the future.

- Brendon KK6AYI

On Sun, Jan 24, 2016 at 9:06 AM, Edward R Cole  wrote:

> I have the genuine HAKKO FX-951 (ESD safe) solder station which is
> essential for good soldering.  It does cost double the other guys but the
> "sleep" mode is very nice as tip temp is dropped to 450F when solder iron
> is parked in its holder.  It returns to 670F (temp fully adjustable) a few
> seconds after I take the iron out of the holder.  This feature really
> extends life of the tips.  Having a professional station really makes my
> little business of building kits much better/easier.
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> dubus...@gmail.com
>
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[Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[Reuben Popp]

I built my K2 with an old Weller TC-202 I have here; it's my "go to" iron
for most of my projects. That iron was "gifted" to me after serving hard
time at the local community college.  It's not super pretty, but it still
works and well at that.  You would be hard pressed to find a better deal
IMO.  One can generally pick them up on eBay for ~45 or more in working
condition.  Great iron, and as with most things Weller, one can still
always find parts out there.

HTH
Reuben
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Re: [Elecraft] : Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[David Anderson]

I got one of these hot air rework stations with a digital temperature 
controlled iron on eBay in the UK. Takes regular Hakko soldering iron tips.  It 
is model 862D+ and is well made, and excellent value for money.  I already had 
another analog temperature controlled iron but prefer this one now.  I imagine 
there must be equivalents available over there designed for USA voltages.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Soldering-Iron-Desoldering-Unsoldering-Station-Hot-Air-Rework-Gun-Display-/181456682143

I also have a very old Weller temperature controlled iron, but as it uses the 
magnastat type of tips it isn't ESD safe as the tip doesn't have a solid earth 
connection. Saying that I have built things like 10 GHz GaAsFET preamps etc 
with this old iron (when I didn't know any better) with no damage.

73 from David GM4JJJ

> On 24 Jan 2016, at 22:17, Brendon Whateley  wrote:
> 
> Hi Edward,
> 
> Do you do much SMD work? If so, what do you use for that? I'm thinking of
> getting a hot air rework station to make life easier with SMD, which seems
> to be the future.
> 
> - Brendon KK6AYI
> 
>> On Sun, Jan 24, 2016 at 9:06 AM, Edward R Cole  wrote:
>> 
>> I have the genuine HAKKO FX-951 (ESD safe) solder station which is
>> essential for good soldering.  It does cost double the other guys but the
>> "sleep" mode is very nice as tip temp is dropped to 450F when solder iron
>> is parked in its holder.  It returns to 670F (temp fully adjustable) a few
>> seconds after I take the iron out of the holder.  This feature really
>> extends life of the tips.  Having a professional station really makes my
>> little business of building kits much better/easier.
>> 
>> 
>> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>> http://www.kl7uw.com
>>"Kits made by KL7UW"
>> Dubus Mag business:
>>dubus...@gmail.com
>> 
>> __
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>> Message delivered to bren...@whateley.com
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[Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[Mark Petrovic]

Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

-- 
Mark
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[Tom]

Hi I use a Weller WES51.  You can get it and all accessories at digikey
73 Tom
va2fsq.com


-Original Message- 
From: Mark Petrovic

Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:11 PM
To: elecr...@qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation 
forbuilding a K1


Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

--
Mark
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[Phil Wheeler]

Here a WES51, too. An excellent choice.

Phil W7OX

On 1/23/16 8:01 PM, Tom wrote:


Hi I use a Weller WES51.  You can get it and all 
accessories at digikey

73 Tom
va2fsq.com


-Original Message- From: Mark Petrovic
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:11 PM
To: elecr...@qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station 
recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1


Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, 
and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled 
soldering station

mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.



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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[Don Wilhelm]

Mark,

Most any temperature controlled soldering station will do a good job for 
you.
I use the Hakko 936 soldering station although I believe that has been 
discontinued.  Circuit Specialists does have a knock-off of the Hakko 
936 which takes the same tips.  You might want to consider something 
like that.  You want an iron that can be adjusted in temperature and has 
replacable tips.
I like the 1/16 inch screwdriver tip for most applications - the flats 
on the tip will transfer heat better than a conical tip, but your 
experience may vary, there are many who swear by the conical tips.


Do not use a regular non-temperature controlled soldering iron. They get 
too hot and can damage the board.  Those irons were fine when soldering 
to vacuum tube bases, but those days are in the past unless you are 
restoring boat anchor gear.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/23/2016 10:11 PM, Mark Petrovic wrote:

Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.



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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for building a K1

[Gary K9GS]

I have the Hako FX888D

I love it.  I work in electronics manufacturing and our factory 
equipment guy recommended them.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_1_5_acs_h_2i_2593162011_13837391?ie=UTF8=1453611442=8-5-acs=13837391=2593162011=hakko+soldering+station




On 1/23/2016 9:11 PM, Mark Petrovic wrote:

Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.


--
73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org



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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[David Christ]

Circuit Specialists in the Phoenix area has a nice assortment.  I have found 
them a reliable mail order source as have others.  Just a customer.

<http://www.circuitspecialists.com/soldering-stations>

David K0LUM


> On Jan 23, 2016, at 10:01 PM, Tom <tom...@videotron.ca> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi I use a Weller WES51.  You can get it and all accessories at digikey
> 73 Tom
> va2fsq.com
> 
> 
> -Original Message- From: Mark Petrovic
> Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:11 PM
> To: elecr...@qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation for 
> building a K1
> 
> Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1, and am seeking a
> recommendation for a temperature controlled soldering station
> mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.
> 
> Any suggestions?
> 
> Thank you.
> 
> -- 
> Mark
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David K0LUM

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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1

[AB2E Darrell]

Ditto here on the WES51 solder station, very well-built and reliable.
73 Darrell AB2E


From: Elecraft <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Phil Wheeler 
<w...@socal.rr.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 11:47 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station recommendation in preparation 
forbuilding a K1

Here a WES51, too. An excellent choice.

Phil W7OX

On 1/23/16 8:01 PM, Tom wrote:
>
> Hi I use a Weller WES51.  You can get it and all
> accessories at digikey
> 73 Tom
> va2fsq.com
>
>
> -Original Message- From: Mark Petrovic
> Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:11 PM
> To: elecr...@qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station
> recommendation in preparation forbuilding a K1
>
> Hi.  I am preparing to build the Elecraft K1,
> and am seeking a
> recommendation for a temperature controlled
> soldering station
> mentioned in the K1 assembly guide.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thank you.
>

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[Elecraft] Soldering station

[Mike]

I got an AOYUE 937+ soldering station for Christmas, to build Elecraft kits 
with, of 
course.

Included (in a plastic bag of its own) was a plastic rod with 4 wires sticking 
out of 
it. No mention in the manual, and I can't divine its purpose. It's about 6 
long. 
Anybody know what it is?

73, Mike NF4L
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[Mike]

On 12/26/2010 8:01 AM, Pierfrancesco Caci wrote:
 Mike == Miken...@nf4l.com  writes:

  Mike  I got an AOYUE 937+ soldering station for Christmas, to build
  Mike  Elecraft kits with, of course.

  Mike  Included (in a plastic bag of its own) was a plastic rod with
  Mike  4 wires sticking out of it. No mention in the manual, and I
  Mike  can't divine its purpose. It's about 6 long.  Anybody know
  Mike  what it is?

 maybe the spare heating element:


 http://www.aoyue.com/en/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=373

 

 Package content:

 937 station, B001 Soldering iron, 2630 Soldering iron holder, C001 Soldering 
 iron spare heating element.

 


BINGO, that looks like it. Not a mention in the manual.

73, Mike
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[k2qi . nyc]

Mike, that is the replacement heating element.

James K2QI
--Original Message--
From: Mike
Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
To: Elecraft Reflector
ReplyTo: n...@nf4l.com
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station
Sent: Dec 26, 2010 07:38

I got an AOYUE 937+ soldering station for Christmas, to build Elecraft kits 
with, of 
course.

Included (in a plastic bag of its own) was a plastic rod with 4 wires sticking 
out of 
it. No mention in the manual, and I can't divine its purpose. It's about 6 
long. 
Anybody know what it is?

73, Mike NF4L
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Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The Weller WES51 and the Aoyue 937 were both highly recommended (I don't
have experience with either. I use a Hakko 936, also an excellent soldering
station). The Hakko has a grounded tip. I don't know whether the others are
isolated or grounded.  

I note that Amazon.com has a sale going on featuring the WES56 and Aoyue
937. Don't know how competitive the prices are overall - I didn't check
other sites. 

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-

Gang 

last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered one
I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
could
someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
I believe it had an isolated tip etc

Bob K3DJC

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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Paul Christensen]

One point not mentioned earlier is that there's a difference between 
temperature control, where the tip contains a sensor and soldering 
stations advertised as variable temperature.  The better stations contain 
a tip temperature sensor.  It's easy to be deceived in purchasing the wrong 
type of station based on unusually low price and the wording used in an ad.

Paul, W9AC


- Original Message - 
From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz
To: riese-k3...@juno.com; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 12:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] soldering station


 The Weller WES51 and the Aoyue 937 were both highly recommended (I don't
 have experience with either. I use a Hakko 936, also an excellent 
 soldering
 station). The Hakko has a grounded tip. I don't know whether the others 
 are
 isolated or grounded.

 I note that Amazon.com has a sale going on featuring the WES56 and Aoyue
 937. Don't know how competitive the prices are overall - I didn't check
 other sites.

 Ron AC7AC

 -Original Message-

 Gang

 last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered one
 I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
 could
 someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
 I believe it had an isolated tip etc

 Bob K3DJC

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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Egad! Are they still around? Decades ago we used to make variable
temperature irons plugging a conventional iron into a Variac. The ARRL
handbook included a piece on using a (then new) lamp dimmer to vary the
power to a conventional iron. 

I can say for from experience that the Hakko has a temp sensor and is
variable temperature. It is spec'd at maintaining idle tip temperature
within 1 degree C. 

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-

One point not mentioned earlier is that there's a difference between 
temperature control, where the tip contains a sensor and soldering 
stations advertised as variable temperature.  The better stations contain 
a tip temperature sensor.  It's easy to be deceived in purchasing the wrong 
type of station based on unusually low price and the wording used in an ad.

Paul, W9AC


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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Mel Farrer]

Well, my favorite is the METCAL PS2E-01.  Takes all tip configurations and temp 
ranges.  An older unit, but has never failed in over 15 years.  Price used is 
$130 up but worth every penny.  Check them out on the web. 


Mel, K6KBE





From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Sun, November 14, 2010 9:48:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

Egad! Are they still around? Decades ago we used to make variable
temperature irons plugging a conventional iron into a Variac. The ARRL
handbook included a piece on using a (then new) lamp dimmer to vary the
power to a conventional iron. 

I can say for from experience that the Hakko has a temp sensor and is
variable temperature. It is spec'd at maintaining idle tip temperature
within 1 degree C. 

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-

One point not mentioned earlier is that there's a difference between 
temperature control, where the tip contains a sensor and soldering 
stations advertised as variable temperature.  The better stations contain 
a tip temperature sensor.  It's easy to be deceived in purchasing the wrong 
type of station based on unusually low price and the wording used in an ad.

Paul, W9AC


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[Elecraft] soldering station

[Erik Basilier]

A few years ago I needed to get a new soldering station suitable for SMT
work. Since my old station made by Weller was still going strong after some
40 years, I looked to the same brand. Almost got a WES51, but then I noticed
that I could have an 80 watt unit, WD1002, that still had a very compact
pencil (50 mm from tip to handle) and with a wide selection of very fine
tips. This unit was touted as particularly good for lead-free work, likely
to become common soon. I splurged and got this unit that is currently about
$300. Maybe overkill for an amateur, but I don't think I will need to buy
another in my lifetime. The unit consists of a WD1 power station with
digital display, a pencil stand and a WP80 pencil. 3 pushbuttons allow easy
change between 3 favorite adjustable temperatures. ESD safe of course. The
tip is connected to a jack on the power unit, and can be left floating or
connected to ground or a potential of your choosing. In today's economic
climate I might have gone for the cheaper unit, but no regrets, I enjoy this
unit every time I use it.

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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Greg Beat]

Bob -

IF you are looking for ANY Weller parts, contact me -- I will be happy to 
help or just advise.
Read the eHam.net forum and ASK questions HERE, OR send me a personal 
e-mail.

So tidbits, not yet mentioned.

1. The Weller WLC100 (orange station) is an OEM light dimmer and ungrounded 
iron.
NOT ESD, Grounded or Temperature controlled.
I do not recommend for Elecraft K1 or K2 builders.

2. The Haako 936-12 while widely popular (and copied/clones by every mfg. in 
China) -- 
has been discontinued by Haako earlier this year!
http://www.hakko.com/english/discontinue/index.html

It has been replaced by the new Haako FX-888
http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888.html

3. The Weller WES-51 and WESD-51 are very good stations and use the same ET 
tips that
were used with the Weller EC series (1975-2002)

4. Aouye is one of the better known Haako clone makers from China.
The Chinese ceramic heaters are not as good as the Japanese original product 
from Haako
(The Chinese have yet to perfect quality control at Japanese levels -- so 
keep that in mind if you purchase that route).

I have a demo WSD81 soldering station (WSP80 iron) with the hard to find 
base programmer that I would like to
pass on to an Elecraft builder.

IF you have a broken Weller unit, I do have documentation and parts for the 
older TCP units
(e.g. SFA-1 springs and funnels for original PU-1 units) -- documentation 
can be found on BAMA from my library.

Lastly, in 1957 Carl Weller, founder of Weller Electric wrote in his US 
Patent application the foundation and definition for temperature controlled
soldering.  It is freely available US document for any citizen to read and 
understand.
For the Metcal/OKI crowd -- the OKI stations are based upon Carl's Magnetic 
Switch (Magnistat) works and acknowledges his 3 patents in
their products as well as an earlier 1905 US patent for induction heating - 
the foundation for their RF/induction tip heating method.

Greg
w9gb

- Original Message - 
From: Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz
To: riese-k3...@juno.com; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] soldering station


 The Weller WES51 and the Aoyue 937 were both highly recommended (I don't
 have experience with either. I use a Hakko 936, also an excellent 
 soldering
 station). The Hakko has a grounded tip. I don't know whether the others 
 are
 isolated or grounded.

 I note that Amazon.com has a sale going on featuring the WES51 and Aoyue
 937. Don't know how competitive the prices are overall - I didn't check
 other sites.

 Ron AC7AC

 -Original Message-

 Gang

 last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered one
 I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
 could
 someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
 I believe it had an isolated tip etc

 Bob K3DJC


 

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[Elecraft] soldering station

[riese-k3djc]

Gang 

last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered one
I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
could
someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
I believe it had an isolated tip etc

Bob K3DJC


Get Free Email with Video Mail  Video Chat!
http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210
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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Don Wilhelm]

  Bob,

The Hakko 936 gets very high marks with most of those who have one, but 
there are others that are also good.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/13/2010 8:48 PM, riese-k3...@juno.com wrote:
 Gang

 last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered one
 I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
 could
 someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
 I believe it had an isolated tip etc

 Bob K3DJC

 
 Get Free Email with Video Mail  Video Chat!
 http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210
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[Elecraft] soldering station

[Johnny Siu]

Oh yes, my Aoyue only costs me US$20 in Hong Kong.
 cheers, 


Johnny VR2XMC 



- 郵件原件 
寄件人﹕ Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net
收件人﹕ elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期﹕ 2010/11/14 (日) 11:10:56 AM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] Re： soldering station

The Aoyue, CSI, and Hakko should use interchangeable tips and heaters.  The 
Aoyue 937/937+ appears identical to the Circuit Specialist (CSI) and 
essentially the same has the Hakko 936/937.  Analog Aoyue/CSI sells for 
about USD $40.  Digital about $5 more.  I think if I was going to pay 
Hakko's price, I would lean toward the Weller WES51 at USD $95.

Paul, W9AC


- Original Message - 
From: James Sarte k2qi@gmail.com
To: d...@w3fpr.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2010 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re： soldering station


I use an Aoyue 937+ which I bought for around 50 dollars. Has lots of tip
 choices. I believe the Hakko tips will fit also.  This soldering station's
 temperature is digitally controlled and the tip is ESD protected.

 73,
 James K2QI

 On Sat, Nov 13, 2010 at 9:44 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:

  Perhaps this is the soldering station being sold by Circuit
 Specialists that looks like a Hakko 936 knockoff.
 I buy quality tools, and do not fool with less expensive imitations.  In
 my experience, that has been a good decision.  The times I have tried
 inexpensive substitutes, there has always been some sort of
 disappointment - like finding parts at a later date, or cheap tools that
 break and cause injury (the best example is inexpensive mechanics
 wrenches).
 When I am in the market for tools, I will choose quality and proven
 reliability over price - low quality tools can be dangerous in my
 experience.  While cost is still a consideration, if one is to have
 these tools for years, quality  and a reliable source of replacement
 parts should be a major factor.

 A Chinese knockoff that you must purchase tips from Japan to obtain
 similar performance does not sound like a good and long life alternative
 to me.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 11/13/2010 9:24 PM, Johnny Siu wrote:
  Hello Gentleman,
 
  I am using a 'Chinese version' of Hakko 936 which is 1/4 of the price.
  The
  trick is to replace the original soldering tip with the same from 
  'Goot'
 - made
  in Japan.
   cheers,
 
 
  Johnny VR2XMC
 
 
 
  - 郵件原件 
  寄件人﹕ Don Wilhelmw3...@embarqmail.com
  收件人﹕ riese-k3...@juno.com
  副本(CC) Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  傳送日期﹕ 2010/11/14 (日) 10:18:21 AM
  主題： Re: [Elecraft] soldering station
 
     Bob,
 
  The Hakko 936 gets very high marks with most of those who have one, but
  there are others that are also good.
 
  73,
  Don W3FPR
 
  On 11/13/2010 8:48 PM, riese-k3...@juno.com wrote:
  Gang
 
  last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered
 one
  I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
  could
  someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
  I believe it had an isolated tip etc
 
  Bob K3DJC
 
 
 
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 73 de James K2QI
 President UNARC/4U1UN
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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Dale Putnam]

As we consider the lowly soldering station, may I ask the consesus of the hot 
air/soldering station combo... i.e. which is the preferred, and has the best 
longevity?
 I've had two of the KADA 852 units and three hot air guns break, within hours 
of initial use. Anyone for any better results? 
I need hot air, temp and volume controllable, and a temp controlled solder iron 
similar to the weller. AND.. it would be real nice if it would shut itself off 
after a short period of nonuse. Say... 10 minutes. And the hot air gun/wand, 
could shut off when returned to its holder. Not a tuff circuit to build.
  Any suggestions? And no, I am not looking for the $1000 plus machines either. 
  

--... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy


 

  
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[Elecraft] soldering station - desoldering gun

[Johnny Siu]

On the other hand, my desoldering gun is from Goot.  I don't feel Chinese made 
desoldering gun is good.

I think Chinese made soldering stations are ok and they are widely used in 
radio 
repair shops in Hong Kong.  Regrettably, I still can't find a Chinese made 
desoldering gun up to my satisfaction.
 cheers, 


Johnny VR2XMC 



- 郵件原件 
寄件人﹕ Johnny Siu vr2...@yahoo.com.hk
收件人﹕ Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期﹕ 2010/11/14 (日) 11:13:44 AM
主題： soldering station

Oh yes, my Aoyue only costs me US$20 in Hong Kong.
 cheers, 


Johnny VR2XMC 



- 郵件原件 
寄件人﹕ Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net
收件人﹕ elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期﹕ 2010/11/14 (日) 11:10:56 AM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] Re： soldering station

The Aoyue, CSI, and Hakko should use interchangeable tips and heaters.  The 
Aoyue 937/937+ appears identical to the Circuit Specialist (CSI) and 
essentially the same has the Hakko 936/937.  Analog Aoyue/CSI sells for 
about USD $40.  Digital about $5 more.  I think if I was going to pay 
Hakko's price, I would lean toward the Weller WES51 at USD $95.

Paul, W9AC


- Original Message - 
From: James Sarte k2qi@gmail.com
To: d...@w3fpr.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2010 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re： soldering station


I use an Aoyue 937+ which I bought for around 50 dollars. Has lots of tip
 choices. I believe the Hakko tips will fit also.  This soldering station's
 temperature is digitally controlled and the tip is ESD protected.

 73,
 James K2QI

 On Sat, Nov 13, 2010 at 9:44 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:

  Perhaps this is the soldering station being sold by Circuit
 Specialists that looks like a Hakko 936 knockoff.
 I buy quality tools, and do not fool with less expensive imitations.  In
 my experience, that has been a good decision.  The times I have tried
 inexpensive substitutes, there has always been some sort of
 disappointment - like finding parts at a later date, or cheap tools that
 break and cause injury (the best example is inexpensive mechanics
 wrenches).
 When I am in the market for tools, I will choose quality and proven
 reliability over price - low quality tools can be dangerous in my
 experience.  While cost is still a consideration, if one is to have
 these tools for years, quality  and a reliable source of replacement
 parts should be a major factor.

 A Chinese knockoff that you must purchase tips from Japan to obtain
 similar performance does not sound like a good and long life alternative
 to me.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 11/13/2010 9:24 PM, Johnny Siu wrote:
  Hello Gentleman,
 
  I am using a 'Chinese version' of Hakko 936 which is 1/4 of the price.
  The
  trick is to replace the original soldering tip with the same from 
  'Goot'
 - made
  in Japan.
   cheers,
 
 
  Johnny VR2XMC
 
 
 
  - 郵件原件 
  寄件人﹕ Don Wilhelmw3...@embarqmail.com
  收件人﹕ riese-k3...@juno.com
  副本(CC) Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  傳送日期﹕ 2010/11/14 (日) 10:18:21 AM
  主題： Re: [Elecraft] soldering station
 
     Bob,
 
  The Hakko 936 gets very high marks with most of those who have one, but
  there are others that are also good.
 
  73,
  Don W3FPR
 
  On 11/13/2010 8:48 PM, riese-k3...@juno.com wrote:
  Gang
 
  last week there was a thread on soldering stations,, before I ordered
 one
  I lost a week of e mail... I dont want to start the thread again but
  could
  someone off list give me a head up on the recommended station
  I believe it had an isolated tip etc
 
  Bob K3DJC
 
 
 
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[Elecraft] soldering station

[Johnny Siu]

Hi James,

Very true indeed.  If I were using soldering iron for a living, I would go for 
the best without single hesitation.

At first, I also hesitate to use Aoyue 937 until I saw them frequently used in 
local repair shops.
 cheers, 


Johnny VR2XMC 



- 郵件原件 
寄件人﹕ James Sarte k2qi@gmail.com
收件人﹕ d...@w3fpr.com
副本(CC) elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期﹕ 2010/11/14 (日) 3:13:07 PM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] Re： soldering station

Hi Don,

The Aoyue 937 that I have isn't as well built as its American counterparts.
However, it gets the job done well at an affordable price.  Personally, I
don't solder too often, so spending a lot of money on a quality station
didn't really make sense to me.  On the other hand, someone like you or
someone who uses a soldering iron for a living should definitely invest in a
better product.  There's no argument from me there.

BTW, the tips that I purchased all came from Stan Rubinstein and Associates
here in the USA:  http://www.sra-solder.com/

The tips also work in the Hakko units.

73,
James K2QI

On Sat, Nov 13, 2010 at 9:44 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:

  Perhaps this is the soldering station being sold by Circuit
 Specialists that looks like a Hakko 936 knockoff.
 I buy quality tools, and do not fool with less expensive imitations.  In
 my experience, that has been a good decision.  The times I have tried
 inexpensive substitutes, there has always been some sort of
 disappointment - like finding parts at a later date, or cheap tools that
 break and cause injury (the best example is inexpensive mechanics
 wrenches).
 When I am in the market for tools, I will choose quality and proven
 reliability over price - low quality tools can be dangerous in my
 experience.  While cost is still a consideration, if one is to have
 these tools for years, quality  and a reliable source of replacement
 parts should be a major factor.

 A Chinese knockoff that you must purchase tips from Japan to obtain
 similar performance does not sound like a good and long life alternative
 to me.

 73,
 Don W3FPR



  
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[Elecraft] Soldering Station Choice

[Paul Agoglia]

Thanks to all who replied.  Lots of information was received and even some that 
I need to sift through on assembly of the K2/100.  Real good stuff.
Now for the winner of the soldering station choices.  I went with the Weller 
WESD51.  After reviewing things and realizing my 11 year old son KC2WWC will 
inherit everything from me at some point, I figured I would spend a bit more 
and get the Weller with a track record.

I guess he will get the K2/100 as well!!Darn, can't take it with me!

73 de WN2K

Paul
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[Elecraft] Soldering station

[Nelson Wittstock]

I just ordered the new KXV3 RXA board for my K3.  The instructions state 
requirements for the soldering station to be used in the installation of the 
new board.  My workshop has never had need for high tech soldering and 
consequently I do not own a soldering station.   I have several assorted 
soldering irons and guns that have served me well in the past but I guess I 
will have to join the modern world.  Since I would like to keep updating my 
K3 it looks like I will need to buy a soldering station.  In looking through 
Googled references I see many stations in the $100 and up range.  Is it 
absolutely necessary to spend that much to ensure the safety of my radio or 
are there some less expensive suitable alternatives?


Nelson - K8DJC 



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RE: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I just ordered the new KXV3 RXA board for my K3.  The instructions state 
requirements for the soldering station to be used in the installation of the

new board.  My workshop has never had need for high tech soldering and 
consequently I do not own a soldering station.   I have several assorted 
soldering irons and guns that have served me well in the past but I guess I 
will have to join the modern world.  Since I would like to keep updating my 
K3 it looks like I will need to buy a soldering station.  In looking through

Googled references I see many stations in the $100 and up range.  Is it 
absolutely necessary to spend that much to ensure the safety of my radio or 
are there some less expensive suitable alternatives?

Nelson - K8DJC 

--

That mod is one of the easiest in terms of soldering. You are soldering two
fine wires to closely-spaced connector terminals that, if overheated, will
melt the connector header or lift traces. But it's not nearly as critical as
many component installations in other locations. Two more leads are
connected to BNC connector terminals that require significant heat in any
case. The RXA board comes with the leads pre-attached, so there's no
soldering to do to the RXA board itself.

It's a judgment call. Elecraft wants you to be successful and your chance of
having trouble is greatly reduced by using the right tools, and a good
soldering station is a tool you'll use again and again if you do any work on
your rigs.  

You can get away with less. I've repaired a lot of SMD circuit boards
sitting cross-legged on the deck in the navigating bridge of a ship using a
portable butane-powered soldering iron while holding a flashlight in my
teeth. 

I've also had lots and lots of practice over decades of soldering that lets
me judge the temperature of the tip by the smell and, by being very, very
careful, I've yet to destroy a board or parts. I did have the advantage of
growing up with the pc board industry, first working on boards back in the
1960s that had large push-in pins to which leads were soldered, then boards
with big thick, wide traces that have slowly evolved into the tissue-thin,
tiny traces we find on many boards today. 

Even so, whenever possible I'll use a temperature-controlled soldering
station in a comfortable, well-lit shop. 

Over time, I've found that a good soldering station costs me pennies a month
to own and use. I don't consider that too much to spend to protect circuit
boards, almost any one of which is worth more than the iron. 

I currently have a Hakko 936 that cost me less than $100 several years ago
from www.tequipment.net.  

Bottom line, it's a matter of how skilled you are at soldering and how much
risk you are comfortable taking with the pc board and components. 

Ron AC7AC


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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[Bill W4ZV]

Nelson Wittstock K8DJC wrote:
 
 Since I would like to keep updating my 
 K3 it looks like I will need to buy a soldering station.  In looking
 through 
 Googled references I see many stations in the $100 and up range.  Is it 
 absolutely necessary to spend that much to ensure the safety of my radio
 or 
 are there some less expensive suitable alternatives?
 

No it's not necessary.  The Circuit Specialists CSI-STATION1A is a virtual
clone of the Hakko 936...same circuit diagram, same ESD protection, same
physical construction and uses the same tips...but it only costs $39.95.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307

It comes with a 0.8 mm conical tip (good for fine pitch SMD digital devices)
but I would also recommend a 1.6 mm chisel tip (KD-M-1.6D for $4.95) for
general use (including all recent K3 mods, K2 thru-hole assembly, etc).

If you order at least $50.00 worth, you can also get a DMM free.

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/190

73,  Bill  W4ZV



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[Elecraft] Soldering Station

[Arthur Laurent]

Tom asks,

...What is the best soldering station to use in construction a K2- and why ?

The one you already have!  Which, in my case is a good ol' Weller WTCPT, which 
I've owned since 1980 or so.  I use the smallest conical tip, 700 degrees F, 
which appears to work quite well.  It's also useful for assembling adapter 
cables, soldering RF connectors (small ones!) and the like.  (Who don't 
manufacturers standardize on connectors?)
 
73 de Art KD4CSO
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[Elecraft] soldering station

[Sain'T Tom]

What is the best soldering station to use in construction a K2- and why ?

Thanks/73
Tom K4RV
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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Sam Morgan]

Sain'T Tom wrote:

What is the best soldering station to use in construction a K2- and why ?


to help you catch up with what has already been posted on this topic,
may I suggest you check out the reflector archives, you might start here:
http://www.elecraft.com/elist.html

where you will find a link to the most recent archives:
http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/

I got 23 hits for soldering station
and another 8 hits for soldering stations

--
GB  73's
KA5OAI
Sam Morgan
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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

The 'best' soldering station is a personal choice.  If you do a lot of 
soldering, choose one from the semi-professional class (Hakko, Weller, 
etc.) which will offer a lasting supply of replacement parts, tips and 
other related items.  If you plan only to build the K2 and its options, 
a lesser price soldering station will do the job adequately.  Let your 
ham budget and your personal preferences be your guide.


73,
Don W3FPR

Sain'T Tom wrote:

What is the best soldering station to use in construction a K2- and why ?

Thanks/73
Tom K4RV

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RE: [Elecraft] soldering station

[Edward Dickinson III]

I notice the Hakko Clone at
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 has apparently sold
near 20 units in the past few days.


Regards,
Dick - KA5KKT/4

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RE: [Elecraft] soldering station info, from a guy who

[david feldman]

 As you'd expect, for professional use, the Pace and
 the Metcal are the most costly - and the best at
 what they do.

I'm curious what makes one unit better than another other than the obvious
differences between a temperature-controlled iron and a $10 radio shack
unit. Are you thinking of technical issues like recovery time and 
supporting

multiple irons/accessories or is it subjective issues like size, weight,
feel, cord length, etc?

I've got a Hakko 936 that does a fine job, and I'm having a hard time
imagining what else it could do that would make it better.



I thought I'd chime in here about Metcal - I bought a Metcal SP200 on advice 
from a friend some years ago (late 90s); the SP200 was at the time probably 
their cheapest and most basic model, and I hadn't heard of hakko, etc. It 
was not terribly expensive, but at the high end of pricing for some other 
types I looked at (I don't recall how much.)


Anyway, the Metcal (at least this one) has no controls at all - just on/off 
- temperature is controlled by interaction of the power supply and 
composition of materials in the body of the tip, but as I began using it, I 
discovered it could handle very tiny soldering without overheating (or 
underheating) the joint then quickly handle a very large, thermally massive 
object (such as tinning or soldering a large metal object such as a PL259), 
and then be able to go back to some small solder joint, all without waiting 
but a few seconds at most between applications or from a cold start (I can 
hear the power supply unit hum slightly when it's  heating the solder tip, 
and the hum would persist a bit more while soldering a large object.)


From what I've read recently about soldering with the new types of non-lead 
solder involved (I've not tried), I'm not sure if it would be satisfactory 
(perhaps it's got an upgrade - I haven't checked) as the temperature is set 
by the tip itself and seemed calibrated to garden-variety solder of the 
time.


Anyway, just posting this to help satisfy curiosity about Metcal...

73 Dave WB0GAZ [EMAIL PROTECTED]


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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station info

[Alexandra Carter]

I'll second all of that!! Good rundown on slobbering irons.

I deal in electronic surplus and see broken temp-adjustable irons all 
the time, at the same time there are tons of Magnetrol type Wellers out 
there, some as old as I am, still working fine. (Got the tuner, key, 
and first part of my KX1 done with my trusty Weller myself last night.) 
73 de Alex NS6Y


On Apr 15, 2006, at 6:55 AM, G. Beat wrote:


Some comments, each station design has its strengths and weaknesses

The Haako 936 uses ceramic heaters - some users swear by them other 
swear at them.
The true Haako replacement heaters are NOT cheap - and their are 
already Chinese copies of poorer quality (users beware of future 
cheap replacements.  IF you drop the iron - the ceramic can (and 
does crack) - causing failures.


The Weller EC series (EC1002, EC2002) was discontinued by Weller in 
2002. The Weller WES51 (WES50 earlier) was introduced around 1999 as a 
direct competitor for the Haako 936.  The Pace ST-25 is also of this 
same class of station


The price points (~ $90 ) are virtually identical for the Haako 936 
and WES51 (Fry's Electronics still has cheapest price for a walk-in 
store purchase in US)  - both are temperature controlled (knob up 
front) - as well as the Pace.


The WES51 offers a magnetic wand to set or lock the temperature.  
The replacement iron for the WES51 is $30 .. significantly less than 
the Haako or its heater.


The more expensive units (Hakko, OKI, Weller, Pace etc.) feature 
temperature set-backs


The Weller TCP series is still a tremendous bargain (and still made 
after 40 years of production and 50 years after first patent filing.  
Either used or new - any competent Elecraft builder can repair it !
The surface mounted control board (knob and all) stations -- require 
expensive control boards, thermostats or heater assemblies - and MUST 
be properly calibrated for temperature - or the knob has NO meaning !!


w9gb


Sometime simplicity

Like you, I have a Hakko 936. The reason I like it over the Weller in 
a $100
soldering station is for the Hakko's front-panel temperature control 
instead
of changing tips to change temperatures. Of course Weller offers 
front-panel

temperature change too, but at substantially more money than the Hakko.


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[Elecraft] soldering station info, from a guy who does it all day: slightly OT

[Steve Jackson]

I am fortunate enough to have, either at work or at
home, at least one each of the several top-grade
soldering stations Pace, Metcal, Hakko, Edsyn,
Weller ... and several versions of each of these
manufacturers' product lines as well, in some cases.

As you'd expect, for professional use, the Pace and
the Metcal are the most costly - and the best at
what they do.  In general, some of these stations cost
far more than a completely loaded K2, putting them out
of consideration for someone doing hobby work!

And, for hobby work, the reality is that almost any
decent, temperature-controlled iron will do nicely. 

Your K2 (or any Elecraft kit) is REALLY engineered to
be straightforward to do, and doesn't take much in the
way of specialized tools.  It *IS* much easier with a
good iron, to be certain, and such can be had for
$40-$125 new, depending on how fancy you want to get,
or a fraction of that cost used.  

Definition of a 'good iron' is one that isn't a $10
non-temp-controlled pencil, and which also has a tip
suitable for use on common DIP parts, and which is
used with a suitable way of keeping the tip clean and
tinned.

To answer the next question ... what do I use myself,
since I do this for a living?  Well, at home, I have
two WTCP- series Wellers, plus a Metcal 500
dual-output unit, with an RM3 iron using 700 degree
tips, and Talon/TATC tweezers, and a Hakko 808.  At
work, my personal bench hols a pair of Weller
stations, one WSL2 and a WSL, supporting two irons on
the WSL2 and hot tweezers on the WSL, and another
Hakko 808.  The manufacturing shop uses top-line Pace
gear, mostly, and some trusty old Edsyns too, which
don't get the applause they deserve.

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RE: [Elecraft] soldering station info, from a guy who does it all day: slightly OT

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Craig, NZ0R asked:

I'm curious what makes one unit better than another other than the obvious
differences between a temperature-controlled iron and a $10 radio shack
unit. Are you thinking of technical issues like recovery time and supporting
multiple irons/accessories or is it subjective issues like size, weight,
feel, cord length, etc?

I've got a Hakko 936 that does a fine job, and I'm having a hard time
imagining what else it could do that would make it better.



If you look at the soldering stations offered by these manufacturers, there
is little difference in price or features compared to the Hakko. 

The Pace and Edsyn soldering stations are in the $130 range. The OKI (was
Metcal) soldering stations like the Wellers with front-panel temperature
controls get up near $200. Of course, they all have special purpose tools
that cost much, much more, but which do different things such as provide far
higher heats one would ever use on a PCB (up to 1000F), desoldering tools,
etc.

Like you, I have a Hakko 936. The reason I like it over the Weller in a $100
soldering station is for the Hakko's front-panel temperature control instead
of changing tips to change temperatures. Of course Weller offers front-panel
temperature change too, but at substantially more money than the Hakko. 

In the sort of work I do servicing and building I find that it's important
to crank up the temperature for soldering large pads or those connected to a
ground plane, or for those fairly rare occasions that I use desoldering
braid instead of my pump. Maybe I'm a bit lazy, but if I'm faced with
changing a soldering tip to change temperature, it's too easy for me to try
to use the cooler tip for those things and cook the pads longer than I
should. The danger of debonding a trace or pad has to do with how long it is
kept hot as well as with how hot it gets. Indeed, keeping the time the pad
is hot at a minimum may be more important the temperature used.  

With the Hakko, I crank up the knob to 800F and by the time I've grabbed the
iron and got it to the work, the tip is up to the requested temperature. Set
it back to 700F for routine work and it's ready to solder small pads and
joints without excess heating of the PCB or parts.

Ron AC7AC

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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station info, from a guy who does it all day: slightly OT

[Bob Nielsen]

On Apr 14, 2006, at 12:40 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:



The Pace and Edsyn soldering stations are in the $130 range. The  
OKI (was
Metcal) soldering stations like the Wellers with front-panel  
temperature
controls get up near $200. Of course, they all have special purpose  
tools
that cost much, much more, but which do different things such as  
provide far
higher heats one would ever use on a PCB (up to 1000F), desoldering  
tools,

etc.

Like you, I have a Hakko 936. The reason I like it over the Weller  
in a $100
soldering station is for the Hakko's front-panel temperature  
control instead
of changing tips to change temperatures. Of course Weller offers  
front-panel
temperature change too, but at substantially more money than the  
Hakko.




The premium for a Weller soldering station isn't quite that much if  
you shop around a bit. There are several variable-temperature Weller  
models available.  The one which is most like the Hakko 936 is the  
WES-51.  I bought the predecessor WES-50 for about $90 a few years  
back and a quick Google search found the WES-51 for $99 at Action.  I  
also have a Xytronic which is quite similar and was in the $60 range  
when I bought mine about ten years ago.


73,
Bob, N7XY


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Re: [Elecraft] soldering station info, from a guy who does it all day: slightly OT

[Alexandra Carter]

There are cheapie soldering irons made by almost everyone, including 
Weller. The minimum Weller model is the WTCPT, the minimum Hakko is 
whatever model is in that same price range. 73 de Alex NS6Y


On Apr 14, 2006, at 1:16 PM, Bob Nielsen wrote:



On Apr 14, 2006, at 12:40 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:



The Pace and Edsyn soldering stations are in the $130 range. The OKI 
(was
Metcal) soldering stations like the Wellers with front-panel 
temperature
controls get up near $200. Of course, they all have special purpose 
tools
that cost much, much more, but which do different things such as 
provide far
higher heats one would ever use on a PCB (up to 1000F), desoldering 
tools,

etc.


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RE: [Elecraft] Soldering station report

[G. Beat]

 Message: 1
 Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 06:18:58 -0800 (PST)
 From: Mark Baugh, W5EZY
 Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station report
 To: Elecraft Reflector
 
 Hey, guys, I just purchased one of the Circuit
 Specialist CSI Station1 ESD Safe soldering stations
 for $34.95.  I really like it.  I have been using a
 borrowed Weller WTCPT, and the CSI1 is every bit as
 good or better plus it has temperature control at the twist
 of a knob.  You can't beat it for the price.  You can
 get a CSI Station2 with digital display of temperature, but I
 see that as something else to fail, then you don't
 know what your temperature is.  You know the old principle...
 KISS.  If you're on a budget, this is a good one.
 I have no financial interest in Circuit Specialists or
 this product.  

  73,
 Mark Baugh
 W5EZY

Mark,

It is always useful to get reviews of new tools and products - such as the CSI 
Station1.
http://www.web-tronics.com/cispdeesdsas.html

The adjustable temperature stations (e.g., CSI Station1, Haako 936-12, Weller 
WES51, Pace ST-25)
are convenient -- BUT they can often teach newcomers improper soldering 
knowledge, skills and techniques.

Specifically, the proper usage (and balance) of tip profile, tip mass and 
temperature for soldering.  
Unfortunately, this sometimes requires the change of a soldering tip to get the 
proper mass or profile.  
For example, when changing from PC board soldering to wire lugs or large pins 
on switches, jacks and plugs.  

The Elecraft kit builds are often properly structured to allow the usage of a 
given tip per session or module - 
before requiring a change to a better sized tip.  
If I would add one item to the build instructions, it would be a reminder to 
builders about this point.

Fortunately, you previously used a Weller TCP series (WTCPT) that really forced 
you to think about the 
3 factors (profile, mass and temperature) as equals for soldering .

The CSI replacement iron for this station:  CSI936 IRON-A  is only $ 11.95

If you are using a 1/16 / 1.6 mm chisel as a standard tip and your soldering 
varies (board, lugs, wire) day to day -- 
that a second iron with a different tip profile (e.g., 1/8 / 3.2 mm chisel; 
3/32 / 2.4 mm chisel; 3/64 / 1.2 mm; 1/32 / 0.8 mm) can provide both an 
inexpensive and flexible solution -- without having to physically change the 
tip.

Greg
w9gb 
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[Elecraft] Soldering station report

[Mark Baugh]

Hey, guys, I just purchased one of the Circuit
Specialist CSI Station1 ESD Safe soldering stations
for $34.95.  I really like it.  I have been using a
borrowed Weller WTCPT, and the CSI1 is every bit as
good or better plus it has temp control at the twist
of a knob.  You can't beat it for the price.  You can
get a CSI Station2 with digital display of temp, but I
see that as something else to fail, then you don't
know what your temp is.  You know the old principle...
KISS.  If you're on a budget, this is a good one.  I
have no financial interest in Circuit Specialists or
this product.  

=
73,
Mark Baugh
W5EZY
Grenada MS



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[Elecraft] Soldering station questions (please, no wars)

[Michael Bower N4NMR]

1) Mine may be going bad:

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.

Are there any _cheap_ but somewhat accurate ways of testing a station like
this?  (Sorry, don't remember the brand name but it is one of the known
ones.)


2) recommendations (again, please, no wars here):

If I have to replace my current station, can someone tell which of the
Weller stations are good and which are ones to avoid.  It seems that Weller
is the only thing that I can get in town.

(I'll take other recommendations just in case I have to go on-line to order
one.)


Thanks, folks, in advance.

Hope you are all having a safe, fun holiday.

Michael N4NMR



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RE: [Elecraft] Soldering station questions (please, no wars)

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

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. 



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RE: [Elecraft] Soldering station questions (please, no wars)

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Kirb, VE6IV asked:

I'm also in the market for a good variable temp station. Where is a good 
place to buy on-line?



I got my Hakko 936 ESD at T-equipment here:

http://www.tequipment.net/

Here's a direct link to their page showing the Hakko station I have:
http://tinyurl.com/56r3n

After looking at the bewildering array of options on the web site, I called
them on the telephone to discuss their recommendations about tips, etc.
Their telephone rep was very knowledgeable and helpful. 

That was my only dealing with them. The name came to me through Tom Hammond,
N0SS, who mentioned them in a post here. 

Ron AC7AC


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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[redmen1969]

Mike and all,

 Thanks for the heads up, Mike.  I'm wondering if anyone has ordered and 
received the Circuit Specialists soldering stations which looked like Hakko 
936's ?  If so could they give us a similar report on that unit?  

At $35.00 it is indeed a tempting buy, but with Mike's post...?

Thanks,
Tom McCulloch, WB2QDG
k2 1103

- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Mike S)
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2004 10:53 pm
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station

 (this is a resend to the list, the first was bounced by QTH.net 
 because their postmaster has some brain-dead SMTP spam checking 
 misconfiguration which produces false positives (for the subject 
 line Circuit Specialists 701 rework station:. Gr.)
 
 About a week ago, Tom Hammond pointed out that Circuit Specialists 
 had some soldering stations which looked like Hakko 936's ( 
 http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 ) for a 
 good price. I noticed that they had a through hole rework station 
 ( http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7789 ) which 
 also looked very similar to a Hakko offering. There has been some 
 conjecture that these are the same as the Hakko units, but are 
 being sold by an OEM to Hakko for considerably less.
 
 Since my 20 year old Pace desoldering station recently died, I 
 thought I'd try out one of these, especially since the $200 price 
 was by far better than anything else available. This is about 20% 
 of what a similar Hakko unit runs.
 
 I receive my station today, and can report that these are very 
 obviously NOT the same as real Hakko products. They're Chinese 
 clones. As mentioned earlier, these are made by Aoyue ( 
 http://www.aoyue.com/english/index.htm ). From the looks of this 
 unit, I doubt Aoyue OEMs anything to Hakko - some things are 
 close, others are functional, but none are of the same quality.
 
 The desoldering handpiece is of decent quality. It appears that it 
 will take Hakko spares, including heaters and tips. It could 
 definitely use a better tip - this one is chrome (?) plated and 
 won't tin. The soldering pencil has a rubber grip instead of the 
 heat insulating foam a real Hakko has, but is overall of decent 
 quality. Both use multipin microphone style circular connectors, 
 which is different than what Hakko uses.
 
 The station itself is workable, the electronics seem to do what 
 they're supposed to (they regulate tip temperature and have an LED 
 which lights when power is applied to the tip, so it blinks when 
 the tip is at the set temp). The controls (switches and pots) are 
 pretty cheap, I'll probably upgrade these. They silk screened 
 Circuit Specialists on the front, but didn't bother with a 
 Fahrenheit temperature scale. The manufacturer took time to grind 
 the markings off the ICs on the circuit board (they copied Hakko, 
 but don't want to be copied themselves, I guess), and no schematic 
 is provided in the manual.
 
 The biggest obvious difference is that it uses a completely 
 different vacuum pump than a real Hakko - meaning no ready source 
 of spare parts. The pump  actually works better than that on my 
 old Pace. One strange thing though, is that the instruction manual 
 (in pretty good Engrish [ http://www.engrish.com/ ]) clearly shows 
 how to disassemble and clean a Hakko pump. The actual pump is 
 completely different than that illustrated in the manual.
 
 All things considered, it works well. Time will tell how this unit 
 holds up, but it seems to be a good deal. A couple of better 
 quality switches and pots, some real Hakko desoldering tips, and a 
 bit of time should take care of the minor issues. 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[Anthony Luscre K8ZT]

My order arrived yesterday but the soldering station was back ordered. 
There were items in stock (according to web site) when I ordered mine.
By the way the free gift VOM Multimeter (when you order $50 of stuff) is 
very nice, big digits, nonslip rubber housing, etc.

Anthony


[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


Mike and all,

Thanks for the heads up, Mike.  I'm wondering if anyone has ordered and received the Circuit Specialists soldering stations which looked like Hakko 936's ?  If so could they give us a similar report on that unit?  


At $35.00 it is indeed a tempting buy, but with Mike's post...?

Thanks,
Tom McCulloch, WB2QDG
k2 1103

- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Mike S)
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2004 10:53 pm
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station

 

(this is a resend to the list, the first was bounced by QTH.net 
because their postmaster has some brain-dead SMTP spam checking 
misconfiguration which produces false positives (for the subject 
line Circuit Specialists 701 rework station:. Gr.)


About a week ago, Tom Hammond pointed out that Circuit Specialists 
had some soldering stations which looked like Hakko 936's ( 
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 ) for a 
good price. I noticed that they had a through hole rework station 
( http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7789 ) which 
also looked very similar to a Hakko offering. There has been some 
conjecture that these are the same as the Hakko units, but are 
being sold by an OEM to Hakko for considerably less.


Since my 20 year old Pace desoldering station recently died, I 
thought I'd try out one of these, especially since the $200 price 
was by far better than anything else available. This is about 20% 
of what a similar Hakko unit runs.


I receive my station today, and can report that these are very 
obviously NOT the same as real Hakko products. They're Chinese 
clones. As mentioned earlier, these are made by Aoyue ( 
http://www.aoyue.com/english/index.htm ). From the looks of this 
unit, I doubt Aoyue OEMs anything to Hakko - some things are 
close, others are functional, but none are of the same quality.


The desoldering handpiece is of decent quality. It appears that it 
will take Hakko spares, including heaters and tips. It could 
definitely use a better tip - this one is chrome (?) plated and 
won't tin. The soldering pencil has a rubber grip instead of the 
heat insulating foam a real Hakko has, but is overall of decent 
quality. Both use multipin microphone style circular connectors, 
which is different than what Hakko uses.


The station itself is workable, the electronics seem to do what 
they're supposed to (they regulate tip temperature and have an LED 
which lights when power is applied to the tip, so it blinks when 
the tip is at the set temp). The controls (switches and pots) are 
pretty cheap, I'll probably upgrade these. They silk screened 
Circuit Specialists on the front, but didn't bother with a 
Fahrenheit temperature scale. The manufacturer took time to grind 
the markings off the ICs on the circuit board (they copied Hakko, 
but don't want to be copied themselves, I guess), and no schematic 
is provided in the manual.


The biggest obvious difference is that it uses a completely 
different vacuum pump than a real Hakko - meaning no ready source 
of spare parts. The pump  actually works better than that on my 
old Pace. One strange thing though, is that the instruction manual 
(in pretty good Engrish [ http://www.engrish.com/ ]) clearly shows 
how to disassemble and clean a Hakko pump. The actual pump is 
completely different than that illustrated in the manual.


All things considered, it works well. Time will tell how this unit 
holds up, but it seems to be a good deal. A couple of better 
quality switches and pots, some real Hakko desoldering tips, and a 
bit of time should take care of the minor issues. 


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--
|--|
Anthony A. Luscre
   K8ZT  
   Stow, Ohio	  
|--|

   Visit My Website at
 http://www.k8zt.com
|--|


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Re: [Elecraft] Soldering station

[Mike S]

At 09:54 AM 12/2/2004, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote...
I'm wondering if anyone has ordered and received the Circuit Specialists 
soldering stations which looked like Hakko 936's ?  If so could they give us a 
similar report on that unit?  

At $35.00 it is indeed a tempting buy, but with Mike's post...?

The 936 clone appears very close to the Hakko 936, they even copied the PC 
board layout: http://www.flatsurface.com/pics/Hakko-Aoyue936.JPG On the top is 
the Hakko 936 layout, courtesy Tom Hammond, on the bottom is a picture of the 
Aoyue station, from their web site. That doesn't, of course, address quality of 
construction.

I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression. At $200 (vs. about $1000 for a 
real Hakko), the CSI710 rework station is a great deal. The soldering station 
is a bit less of a deal, since you can get a real Hakko for under $85. I used 
to use Weller WTCP*, then a Weller labelled Ungar 921ZX, but since Cooper Tools 
decided to discontinue the Ungar stuff shortly after taking my money for one, 
no more. 


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[Elecraft] Soldering station

[Mike S]

(this is a resend to the list, the first was bounced by QTH.net because their 
postmaster has some brain-dead SMTP spam checking misconfiguration which 
produces false positives (for the subject line Circuit Specialists 701 rework 
station:. Gr.)

About a week ago, Tom Hammond pointed out that Circuit Specialists had some 
soldering stations which looked like Hakko 936's ( 
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 ) for a good price. I 
noticed that they had a through hole rework station ( 
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7789 ) which also looked very 
similar to a Hakko offering. There has been some conjecture that these are the 
same as the Hakko units, but are being sold by an OEM to Hakko for considerably 
less.

Since my 20 year old Pace desoldering station recently died, I thought I'd try 
out one of these, especially since the $200 price was by far better than 
anything else available. This is about 20% of what a similar Hakko unit runs.

I receive my station today, and can report that these are very obviously NOT 
the same as real Hakko products. They're Chinese clones. As mentioned earlier, 
these are made by Aoyue ( http://www.aoyue.com/english/index.htm ). From the 
looks of this unit, I doubt Aoyue OEMs anything to Hakko - some things are 
close, others are functional, but none are of the same quality.

The desoldering handpiece is of decent quality. It appears that it will take 
Hakko spares, including heaters and tips. It could definitely use a better tip 
- this one is chrome (?) plated and won't tin. The soldering pencil has a 
rubber grip instead of the heat insulating foam a real Hakko has, but is 
overall of decent quality. Both use multipin microphone style circular 
connectors, which is different than what Hakko uses.

The station itself is workable, the electronics seem to do what they're 
supposed to (they regulate tip temperature and have an LED which lights when 
power is applied to the tip, so it blinks when the tip is at the set temp). The 
controls (switches and pots) are pretty cheap, I'll probably upgrade these. 
They silk screened Circuit Specialists on the front, but didn't bother with a 
Fahrenheit temperature scale. The manufacturer took time to grind the markings 
off the ICs on the circuit board (they copied Hakko, but don't want to be 
copied themselves, I guess), and no schematic is provided in the manual.

The biggest obvious difference is that it uses a completely different vacuum 
pump than a real Hakko - meaning no ready source of spare parts. The pump  
actually works better than that on my old Pace. One strange thing though, is 
that the instruction manual (in pretty good Engrish [ http://www.engrish.com/ 
]) clearly shows how to disassemble and clean a Hakko pump. The actual pump is 
completely different than that illustrated in the manual.

All things considered, it works well. Time will tell how this unit holds up, 
but it seems to be a good deal. A couple of better quality switches and pots, 
some real Hakko desoldering tips, and a bit of time should take care of the 
minor issues. 

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[Elecraft] Soldering station for new builder?

[G. Beat]

Are you about buying someone an Elecraft kit this holiday season, or desire an 
inexpensive temperature controlled station for that new amateur builder?

I have 5 Weller WTCP in new condition (built from NOS parts). These are 
identical to the WTCPL designs, BUT do not have the switch or neon light on the 
front face.   The complete package includes the original Weller Tech Sheet, 
sponge, solder and solder wick.  These are $ 30 plus shipping. (This is the 
same model station I first used in 1975).  An Adobe Acrobat of the Tech Sheet 
is also available.

I also have 2 refurbished EC1201A soldering irons.  These work with the EC2002 
and EC1002 soldering stations.  I have been told they are also compatible with 
the new Weller Silver Series base units.  These are $ 100 new, these 
refurbished irons are $ 50 each plus shipping.

I also have a large stock of the SW60 switches for the repair of the Weller TCP 
irons.

Adobe Acrobat Tech Sheets for the WTPCL, WTCPN, WTCPS and WTCPT stations are 
available (e-mail request).

Greg
w9gb

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