Where to purchase soldering station for Australian 240v wall out let? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 07:50:44 am
content: Hi AllMany of the places hat i have looked at and irons that i have seen have not been intended for Australian 240v. When looking at places like amazon and other online shops they generally depict a wall plug intended for 110v and the US plug. I contacted numerous places and they (only 1 out of ~3) came back to me and said what ever is on the web page is what is stocked.Where have other people from Australia bought compatible soldering stations from for 240v mains and the Australian wall out let plug?CheersJoker94

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 08:07:11 am
content: Quote from: Joker94 on July 23, 2011, 07:50:44 amIf you want one from Australia and pay all the costs, I will buy one here (Australia) and ship it to you.

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 08:14:54 am
content: I live in South Australia, looking to by a soldering station online. So its not a problem of getting a hold of one, it a matter of it being sure it is compatible with the Australian socket type.I have looked on Dicksmiths and Jaycar but the problems that i am finding is that they only come with conical tips, and from what i have read it is very difficult to find a replacement tip.For example, if i bought the Hakko fx-888 from amazon it would come with a US wall socket from 110V?Sorry if my original question was misleading.

author: vtl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 08:18:43 am
content: I got a 936 clone from eBay. Heres the review:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=4007.0Heres the cheapest auction I can find, even has the Australian plug unlike mine:Approximately $35AUDhttp://www.ebay.com.au/itm/220V-SOLDERING-STATION-IRON-TOOL-WELDING-60W-936-ES23-/170666727941?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bc879a05It has a 220v transformer, has the Australian plug and is compatible with the HUGE selection of Hakko 900M tips on ebay

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 08:31:41 am
content: Interesting very cheap for what it is.I have been recommend by numerous people to look at the following iron. Looks like a decent iron and the creator or SoR has used them for many years without a problem.http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-2900-Lead-Soldering-Station/dp/B000ZPUKQ4what do people think?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 02:46:37 pm
content: The Hakko FX888 is widely available in Austalasia even before it became available in the US. I would get that or the Weller WES51, which are nearly identical functionally except for heating element; Hakko is ceramic and Weller's is wire heat. They both cost the same too.The Aoyue is a fairly good clone maker enough that Hakko sued them in China. However, many comments of 'heat' control isn't really substantiated; real heat control isn't something you just feel or simply measure by watching solder melt and wet the joint, it also maximize tip life and reduce thermal wear on the soldered components.For only a few $$ more you can get a really well characterized station like the Hakko or Weller to give you both what the Aoyue can, and its known build, accessories, and measured heat qualities.Quote from: Joker94 on July 23, 2011, 08:31:41 am

author: Jimmy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 03:17:54 pm
content: Rs has the Hakko FX888 but it is not cheap $172.00http://australia.rs-online.com/web/6803464.html

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2011, 04:49:34 pm
content: Another option is simply to purchase a US model - it's also possible to buy small 50VA 230V to 120V transformers pretty cheaply.

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2011, 02:14:04 am
content: QuoteYeah, that is what i have been contemplating. Just wont tell my dad how much it costs. He has never used soldering stations with variable heat and doesn't understand their advantages.Quote from: Hero999 on July 23, 2011, 04:49:34 pmIt would be nice not to have to worry about that. in the long term that will just become a hassle i reckon.I'll keep on the look out, only if i was in the US, genuine Hakko FX-888 for close to $80 :\

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2011, 04:55:31 am
content: Where have people, such as Dave and other bought their Hakko fx-888 from in Australia, for a competitive price?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2011, 01:07:06 pm
content: See this link:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=4208.msg56121#msg56121However, if you use through hole parts, proper technique will do even with just a $10 plug in soldering iron; it will last you a few projects, then buy another when its worn out. You can buy 5-10 irons for the price of one station.Quote from: Joker94 on July 24, 2011, 02:14:04 am

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2011, 06:12:52 pm
content: Quote from: Joker94 on July 24, 2011, 02:14:04 amI agree, it's better to get the correct voltage in the first place but if you can't, here's an inexpensive 100W 230V to 120V transformer which comes with an Australasian plug. It can also step up 120V to 230V, so if you plan to go to the US, you can take small appliances with you. I found a few cheaper 45W units but they don't have an earthed output so won't be any good for a soldering iron.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Step-Up-Voltage-Converter-220V-AU-UK-110V-US-Travel-/270459141274?pt=AU_Travel_Acc&hash=item3ef89efc9a

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2011, 08:37:47 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on July 24, 2011, 01:07:06 pmMy experience of a fixed temperature iron (an Antex XS 25W -- not exactly a bad one) is that the tip runs hotter than desirable. It means that the flux tends to burn on contact with the iron leaving the tip perpetually dull and covered in oxides and flux residues. I am forever cleaning the tip and re-coating it with solder, which becomes frustrating after a while.A recent purchase of an FX-888 is a revelation. Setting the temperature appropriately means the tip stays shiny, the flux doesn't burn, and shiny joints are a doddle. Moreover the 65 W power allows the iron to heat large joints effectively without overheating tiny joints. I love it.If you can't obtain an FX-888 I do certainly recommend finding a temperature controlled iron of some sort. You'll never justify the price economically as a hobbyist, but the pleasure you will get from it will be worth it.

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2011, 12:10:57 am
content: Quote1, Yes i intend to do a reasonable amount of SMD work in the future!2, I cant see the point of buy 10 irons, that dont do as good of a job over the potential life time of say the hakko. You are paying the same amount for less features,less reliability, petrol to get the the shop, and no interchangeable tips!I want to invest in a decent iron now and have a iron i am happy with through the last year of high school and university!Quote from: Hero999 on July 24, 2011, 06:12:52 pmI still would much prefer not to have to worry about that, this will be a long term purchas, I want to get it right first time!

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2011, 06:14:08 pm
content: Just #1 alone, you'll definitely need a temperature regulated iron with proper tips too.Quote from: Joker94 on July 25, 2011, 12:10:57 am

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2011, 07:13:25 pm
content: The iron may not be as good as its made out to be. If it is regulated, its tip temp is set high because the symptoms you describe are those of overheat, about >=400oC.Quote from: IanB on July 24, 2011, 08:37:47 pm

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2011, 09:57:45 am
content: Any one aware of where i can purchase a Hakko fx-888 or similar from in Australia?Still have not found any where I can buy one from for Australia

author: Hideki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2011, 11:22:59 am
content: http://australia.rs-online.com/web/6803464.htmlhttp://au.element14.com/hakko/fx-888/soldering-station-fx-888/dp/171902101http://www.dccconcepts.com/index_files/DCCsolderingiron.htmhttp://wescomponents.com/datasheets/hakko/index.htmAt least it's available there. You can't even buy Hakko in Norway -- it seems to be the "Land of Weller".Don't expect USA pricing in Australia.

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2011, 12:18:41 pm
content: Thanks @HidekiThe prices are extremely annoying, your adding ~$100 onto the US price, its ridiculous. I knew it would be marked up, but defiantly not ~$100.Well it looks like i'll be looking for another solution, that has changable tips

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2011, 01:15:36 pm
content: An equivalent Weller is the WES51. Dave of eevblog got his Hakko locally, you may want to pm him.

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2011, 01:20:11 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on July 26, 2011, 01:15:36 pmThanks, I'll have a look at the weller and see what i can find around!

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2011, 12:47:40 am
content: If I am not wrong they are one of the first who introduce Hakko to Australia but don't quote me on that. Give them a call and as for discount.http://www.mektronics.com.au/

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2011, 06:49:19 am
content: thanks @nukie.Contacted them requesting the best price they could provide!Will post the best they can offer. wonder what it will be

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2011, 09:53:30 am
content: Got a reply today. the price of the Hakko fx-88 being equal to, maybe slightly more than other australian suppliers.QuoteI'll have another look, but it seriously annying what they charge for improt tax, gst and profit. Adding ~$100 to the use price, but what can you do.now to look for other options!

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2011, 08:43:23 pm
content: Looks like you could buy one from Dancap electronics in the UK for £80 exc. VAT, but then you would have to pay for shipping to Australia, plus Australian import taxes and GST. No idea what that would run to.For people in 240 V countries, there would seem to be some merit in getting a 240/120 V step down transformer and importing 120 V stuff from the USA. When I lived in the UK I used to just pay UK prices for things, but it's been an eye-opener to see how cheaply some stuff is sold in the US.

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 09:21:36 am
content: Finally purchased a new soldering station! it is a ex-show room model of the Hakko 936. got it for $50(just a nominal figure). Never been used, just sat in the show case. I got it for a good price cause it was a show room model and they no longer sell the 936.Look forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to good use!

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 11:45:25 am
content: That's a great deal. Happy for you. Did you get it from an authorized Hakko dealer? Just beware of counterfeit Hakko 936, they were many.Quote from: Joker94 on August 11, 2011, 09:21:36 am

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 12:42:21 pm
content: QuoteYes, they are. they carry a large line of hakko's products and have the signage advertising the fact.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2011, 11:14:25 pm
content: Where did you buy it from? care to share?

author: Joker94
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 10:55:31 am
content: Quote from: nukie on August 11, 2011, 11:14:25 pmGot it from 'Dover Square radio' it is a radio place that mainly focuses on radio gear and HAM stuff. Bit they sell other bits that people need like solder, soldering irons, wire, connectors etc. They are a small place and have been around for a while(however they are not up to the tech age yet, so no website)

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2012, 11:58:29 am
content: Just noticed hereA guy made is own firmware for the Aoyue 2900 (well a clone)BlackJack solderwerks BK3000LF station, it seems it is a copy of AOYUE 2900.Replaced the socked chip with a ATTiny4313 , and wrote his own firmwarehttp://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=552476#552476http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=937818#937818You prob need to be logged in , go download the zip-file./Bingo

author: Lo_tse
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2012, 12:38:48 am
content: Quote from: bingo600 on May 19, 2012, 11:58:29 amCircuit Specialist in the US has been selling those Blackjack soldering stations for a while now. I am quite sure that Aoyue made this line for CS. According to the picture on the website, the design and casing for the Blackjack stations are quite decent. CS also carries a line of stations that look identical to the Aoyue but with their own name on the frontplate.Regards,Lo_tse