Yet Another 936 Clone Review (Images) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sans0Serif
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 28, 2016, 10:35:19 am
content: Hey there everyone!I decided to pick up a cheap $48 USD 936 clone off AliExpress recently. These things are everywhere, varying in quality, but the reviews seemed to say that this one was quite good. It came with a few nice bits, like some solder, a solder sucker, spare heating element, 6 tips, etc.You can check out the Ali page here:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HAKKO-936-soldering-station-Electric-iron-A1321-ceramic-heating-element-lots-gift-as-photo-220V-110V/32404068867.htmlThis particular clone is obviously going for the straight copyright infrigement, using the Hakko logos and cloning the design to a T. The printing on the control board is a bit off in places, but it tries:I've been using this station for a bit recently, and it works quite well. I'm using the chisel tip that came with it, around 1.5mm. The unit heats to 370C in around 13 seconds, which I'd say is quite good. Definitely better than the $20 Mitre 10 iron I was using before...It comes with 3 conical tips of various sizes, a big hot knife tip, the small chisel I'm using, and one of those "well" style tips for surface mount.The stand it comes with isn't too bad, it's metal at the very least. Obviously very light. It wouldn't be too bad if you put a couple lead weights in there, but I'd suggest grabbing a heavy stand with brass wool in it. The sponge is okay, it works, but it's not that great. Nor is it that great for the tips, especially these cheapo ones.The sticker on the back of the unit almost looks genuine! "Made in Japan", yeah, sure...Right, onto the inside of the unit!Disassembly:From the top. I would honestly say that this doesn't look too bad. Those connections look secure, and the wires looks reasonably tidy. There are a couple solder joints that aren't quite 100%, but most are pretty good. I wouldn't know enough about transformers to give any kind of statement on that. There's a fuse on that switch board, as usual.Side view of the transformer. Date code and some Chinese characters there, if you're interested. This is obviously the 220V model (I'm in New Zealand), but you can request a 110V unit and the specific type plug for your country. Mine came with a New Zealand plug, as requested. No insulation on the pins though. As you can see, it uses the usual type of iron plug for the clones, and this specific iron has a collar to keep it secure on the plug.And here's the other side. You can see the fuse on the switch board there, as well as a bit more of the transformer.I hadn't removed the board itself, as it would've required desoldering those wires, and this is my only ironThe Mitre 10 iron went in the bin a week ago!Overall, I'd say this station is pretty good, especially when factoring in the price. It obviously won't beat a real Hakko, but it's more than enough for a first station, or an upgrade from a cheapo wall iron. The solder sucker it comes with works okay, but solder wick works much better. The unit's build quality is really good for a clone, in my opinion, apart from the small imperfections on the printing. It's got a fair bit of heft to it, too. If you're really interested in running this iron for a long time, I'd recommend:Replacing the plug with a higher quality one.Calibrate the station - the factory calibration is okay, but it's not fantastic.Get better tips, genuine Hakkoshouldwork on it.Other than that, there's not much else to say. The solder it comes with is alright, the tips aren't bad, and it heats quickly and makes good quality joints.Thanks for reading! Let me know if you pick one of these up, I'd like to know how it goes for you.High res images:

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2016, 01:49:37 pm
content: Is there any heatsink on the triac?Brendan

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2016, 02:13:39 pm
content: Thanks for doing this. Surprised they still make copies of the older model. Shows how well regarded it was. Enjoy.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/hakko-936-(original-or-clone)/http://www.head-fi.org/g/a/21715/hakko-936-fake/

author: Sans0Serif
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 12:59:18 am
content: Quote from: wasyoungonce on July 31, 2016, 01:49:37 pmLooks like there isn't.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 01:27:45 am
content: Sans...easy enough to correct, but, I found too many issues with a 936 Clone I purchased. Principally it's transformer was way underrated; they used nichrome wire heater and the insulation broke away from it exposing this to the metal of the iron tip. At best the transformer, EI-66-32 is 35VA...see here.http://gzyongxiang.en.made-in-china.com/product/neXQZBvbZmlz/China-EI-Type-Transformer-EI66-32-.htmlI gave up, made my own PCB and put in a bigger transformer,https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-596-world's-cheapest-soldering-station-yihua-936/msg708737/#msg708737and purchased an OEM 907 iron...yeah a bit of overkill but works a treat, in fact I built 2. You can buy proper 936 PCBs on fleabay. Its also cheaper to buy a copy PCB one than to make one, but, hey where's the fun in that.http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Original-Design-Hakko-936-Soldering-Iron-Station-Controller-for-DIY-/261794344172

author: Sans0Serif
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 01:35:16 am
content: Yeah, I decided not to buy one of those Yihua stations. These are a bit more expensive, though.

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 01:38:23 am
content: You unit would work ok...It'll just be a little slow on heating. See if you can fit a small metal heatsink for the triac or just use it till it dies..which may be never. Yes making one is more expensive but the performance is chalk and cheese.I can send you eagle PCB CAD files if you ever wanted to do so.

author: Sans0Serif
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 01:44:57 am
content: IMO, ~14 seconds to heat is fine for me.

author: blacksheeplogic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2016, 02:50:18 am
content: Quote from: Sans0Serif on August 01, 2016, 01:44:57 am+1. Several of my irons take 20 seconds or more to initially heat up. It's only an issue if you use auto-off. I use a delayed setback so it is only a few seconds to recover if I've not used the iron for a period of time.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2016, 03:59:00 pm
content: Quote from: wasyoungonce on August 01, 2016, 01:27:45 amCan you supply the source and part number for the transformer and 907 iron you decided to go with?What other parts did you use to put it together, or did you take the IC's etc from an existing board?

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2016, 07:00:47 pm
content: FYI the 936 or the 888 don't take 14 sec to reach operating temperature from room temperature; its more like 30 sec or more, depending on the ambient. Its always been that way. Once at working temperature response can be fast.BC AD2950: 6 secondsMetcal 5000: 12 secondsHakko 936: 43 secondshttps://www.element14.com/community/message/35322/l/re-build-your-own-temperature-controlled-soldering-station#35322

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 12:20:29 am
content: Quote from: Shock on August 02, 2016, 03:59:00 pmYep no problem...I'm not at home atm will be probably tomorrow I'll do it then. I used all new ICs and parts...but you can order a copy of the control PCB...linked above and it is exactly as the OEM. But I changed things like put in cartridge fuses etcBrendan

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 12:29:11 am
content: Sans0SerifPlease make a photo ot the PCB. I like the safety transformer with an insulator between the windings.

author: Sans0Serif
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 03:12:42 am
content: @saturationI probably should have specified, it takes 14 seconds or so to reach 370C/700F.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 10:40:26 am
content: If so, Sans0Serif your station beats both the original 936 and 888 easily, they'll reach that temp from ~25C ambient in over 30sec. Enjoy.Quote from: Sans0Serif on August 03, 2016, 03:12:42 am

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 10:42:10 am
content: Quote from: Shock on August 02, 2016, 03:59:00 pmOk not at home atm but the transformer I used was this (you need to cut away the original 936 case mounting posts and remove the transformer frame as well as use your own mounting posts and spreader doubler to re-inforce the case for this transformer mounting).http://au.rs-online.com/web/p/chassis-mounting-transformers/0504060/Its overrated, 75VA, you can get away with any 24V, 50VA transformer.http://au.rs-online.com/web/c/power-supplies-transformers/transformers/chassis-mounting-transformers/?searchTerm=transformer#esid=4294958338&applied-dimensions=4293492413,4293498528,4294334502,4294569177,4294569196,4294569206,4294569527,4294569594

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 11:18:20 am
content: For all those 936 clone guys , take a look on this solder,It's a very nice option for 936 clones, with several advantageshttp://pt.aliexpress.com/item/High-quality-CXG-936d-temperature-Adjustable-LCD-display-electric-soldering-iron-220V-60W-Internal-heating-Universal/32605782982.html?spm=2114.02010208.3.109.72PVfM&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_10,searchweb201602_3_10057_10056_10055_10037_10049_10033_10059_10058_10032_10017_405_404_10060_10061_10062_412,searchweb201603_7&btsid=0a168709-d6be-4abb-9ada-afc24145d58c

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 04:02:45 pm
content: Quote from: wasyoungonce on August 03, 2016, 10:42:10 amI've done the math and you spent shitloads and ended up with a clone 936 with a superior transformer. If you brought a genuine handle for the first clone you made you probably put close to $300 into it after all the shipping and misc parts. Considering a Hakko FX-888D locally is about $180 plus shipping that is one expensive beast.

author: Rbastler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 04:10:46 pm
content: I have a Hako fake too. It#s the Yihua 16$ station from Hobbyking and it pretty much sucks. But when I bought it, I already had a JBC. I just wanted to see the quality of the station myself.For a good soldering iron, I recommend this one:http://www.banggood.com/TS100-Digital-OLED-Programable-Interface-DC-5525-Soldering-Iron-Station-Built-in-STM32-Chip-p-984214.html.A friend of mine has it, and he compared it to a a JBC station (not sure of the model) but it was the only thing feeling better than the TS100.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 06:57:13 pm
content: That banggood solder is very nice,Do they really works well ? I'm thinking in try one

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 06:59:52 pm
content: Found on taobao alsohttps://world.taobao.com/item/531521865554.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.3cGbLn#detail

author: Rbastler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 07:52:59 pm
content: I personally don't have one, but my friend uses is daily with either a rechargeable battery for quad copters or with a power supply. He is very pleased. He never reported any problems.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 09:07:05 pm
content: I rather want a soldering station with asafety transformer.http://pt.aliexpress.com/item/High-quality-CXG-936d-temperature-Adjustable-LCD-display-electric-soldering-iron-220V-60W-Internal-heating-Universal/32605782982.html?spm=2114.02010208.3.109.72PVfM&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_10,searchweb201602_3_10057_10056_10055_10037_10049_10033_10059_10058_10032_10017_405_404_10060_10061_10062_412,searchweb201603_7&btsid=0a168709-d6be-4abb-9ada-afc24145d58c

author: wasyoungonce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2016, 11:03:34 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on August 03, 2016, 04:02:45 pmNot true....I built qty 2! Cost way moreAlso wanted a crapload of spares....I use them a lot. The other thing was that I have an older Royel de-solder iron (and a handfull of tips) that runs nicely from these stations (I calibrated one station for this). I just purchased a small vac pump/foot switch.....best de-soldering iron I've ever had.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2016, 05:19:42 am
content: I can buyBaku BK-936Dfor 25 euros, new.http://www.ifix.rs/index.php?route=product/product&path=69_70&product_id=55Is that also a clone of Hakko? Is it any good?I mean, do heater and tips fail often, or do they last a good amount of time?Can I use original Hakko tips with it?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2016, 01:40:42 pm
content: Quote from: Srbel on October 04, 2016, 05:19:42 am1. It's definitely a clone.2.3. Lifespan varies greatly. Generally though, they don't last as long as genuine Hakko (i.e. ceramic insulation breaks off, exposing the nichrome wire). Some users have replaced the heating element with a genuine Hakko one. Tips tend to be short lived vs. genuine Hakko as well.4. Yes. You may need to make a shim for better thermal transfer though (or buy a genuine Hakko element).

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 06:32:57 am
content: Thanks. From reading on the internet, I have found that it is actually a very good soldering station, but the tips don't last very long.Also, there is a new model BK-936D+(with the "plus"). It is painted like Hakko (blue and yellow), but I don't know if there are other differences (improvements)?

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 03:35:01 pm
content: Out of stock everywhere.I will have to wait for at least 3 weeks.

author: MaximRecoil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2016, 08:15:04 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on August 02, 2016, 07:00:47 pmJBCs don't reach operating temperature twice as fast as Metcals. This is a chart published by JBC themselves:And to even get that result they stacked the deck in their favor by using a 2mm wide chisel tip in their JBC and using a 2.5mm chisel tip in the Metcal. The most interesting thing about that lopsided comparison though, is that the JBC overshoots its target temperature by some 15 degrees C, and the Metcal doesn't overshoot whatsoever.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2016, 02:03:21 pm
content: Rather than deal with Chinese clones one should consider getting the Hakko FX600; its an entire station in a handle. Its available worldwide via eBay sold by vendors in Japan, about $50 with some variation depending on S&H to your country. It has all the benefits of the original analog 936 or Hakko FX800 at half cost. The only cons are the weight of the handpiece as the station was shrunk into the handle and the pencil feels much warmer than a station based pencil. Perfect for repairs, portability and project of low parts count, more the norm today. Made in Malaysia.https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-temperature-limiting-soldering-FX600/dp/B006MQD7M4

author: mstck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2016, 08:53:45 pm
content: Quote from: saturation on December 04, 2016, 02:03:21 pmThis unit is rated at 100V AC. Will it work reliably if used at 115VAC?Thanks

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2017, 02:00:44 pm
content: Yes. The heater A1600 is the same for the 100-120V range. 50-60Hz. Hakko just specifies different wattage for each local voltage.I do not know status of 220V users. If it matters to you, FX600-01 has grounded plug, while FX600-02 is ungrounded.There is more data in the Japanese Hakko site, translate it with google, do not use the USA or English version from Japan.You'll need to recalibrate the knob to point to the right temp.Enjoy.http://www.hakko.com/japan/products/hakko_fx600_parts.html#productNavQuote from: mstck on December 31, 2016, 08:53:45 pm