> 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 _______________________________________________ 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
