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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