Metcal MX-500P, MX-5000 , MX 5210 with the HAKKO soldering irons from FX-100 ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 09:04:13 pm
content: I have a question about the compatibility of the Metcal Smartheat MX-500P-21 or -11 station with the HAKKO soldering irons and tips specifically the FX-1001, FX-1002 and FX-1003 they are for the FX-100 Station, has anyone tried this combination and does it work?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2024, 09:19:44 pm
content: Yes it works well with FX1001 and FX1003. FX1002 haven't tried but I'm sure it would be fine.Previous threads exist, eg:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/hakko-rf-soldering-tweezers-fx-1003-$240/Be aware there are some variations in the FX1003 tips, there seem to be different versions that are shorter or longer. Thermaltronics clones seem to be a lot longer. They all still work though.

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 04:38:36 am
content: As far as I understand, you have not tried with the original stands for the fx-1001, fx-1002 and fx-1003 soldering irons, does the MX-500P put the soldering iron to sleep, the temperature in the sleeping state should be ~200 C ?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 09:55:27 pm
content: Quote from: ststefanov13 on June 26, 2024, 04:38:36 amThe low power state for Metcal is controlled by magnets in the stand and has nothing to do with the base station.Hakko stands should also have magnets in them which will reduce the iron temperature. Though the hakko base seems to offer additional sleep settings. Not sure how that is accomplished, probably software predictions. Not really important.Temperature is somewhere around 130-200C depends on the strength of the magnets.

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2024, 07:54:56 am
content: The MX-500 Station has arrived. I can confirm that Metcal MX-500-21 works with Hakko FX100 handles (FX1001-81) and now while I'm waiting for the handle stand ordered as a spare part FH800-81BY, can you tell me what magnets I should use to break the sleep mode?

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2024, 04:07:40 pm
content: To sleep the Metcal tip, install a neodymium magnet in the stand close to the resting position of the tip. The magnetic field lowers the temperature of the Curie point of the heating element in the tip, which effectively reduces its temperature. It is a passive effect and works with any Metcal power supply old or new. When you lift the handle away from the stand, the tip very quickly recovers nominal temperature (within a couple seconds).

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2024, 10:09:28 pm
content: Quote from: ststefanov13 on July 06, 2024, 07:54:56 amMost decent sized aliexpress neodymium magnets will work. The original stands used half moon shape hard drive magnets, if you have old scrap hard drives you can salvage those.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/dyi-thermaltronicsmetcal-sleep-stand-mod-question/The optimal placement is having the north/south pole in line with the same direction as the tip. You can play around with the positioning and monitor the power at the wall to find the lowest point.

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 10:41:41 am
content: What does the trimmer potentiometer RV1 set on the Metcal MX-500-11/21 station ?I am attaching a schematic of the MX-500-11.

author: squadchannel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 10:56:09 am
content: Quote from: ststefanov13 on August 15, 2024, 10:41:41 ampage 2 in document.Quote

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 11:18:34 am
content: I didn't know Hakko also made induction irons. Is the T31 tips compatible with Metcal handles?Asking because I have the MX500 station at home.

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 11:23:34 am
content: How can the amplitude of the RF-generator be further reduced when the handle is placed in the stand ?I am attaching a schematic of the MX-500-11.

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 11:30:36 am
content: Quote from: tszaboo on August 15, 2024, 11:18:34 amThe soldering tips are compatible with Metcal (13.560 MHz) and are at a much better price, but in order to use them it is necessary to buy a handle and a stand as spare parts.Contact part of HAKKO soldering tips is different. Check out the options available for ordering the Hakko FX-100.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 12:17:11 pm
content: Quote from: ststefanov13 on August 15, 2024, 11:30:36 amThanks, so the station is compatible, the handle isn't.I have to see how much it's worth, you have to go through (or buy up front) a large number of tips for it to be worth it.Plus I'm a dummy, I have the ~500 KHz Metcal, the MFR not the MX.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2024, 09:39:25 pm
content: Its not worth it as a future money saving method as you can get MX tips for $18/ea, and MFR tips for $13/ea:https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltronics-S75SB005-0-51mm-interchangeable-SSC-726A/dp/B00NS4ECRM/The areas where it would make sense are:- If you have a base but no handpiece, and want the cheapest handpiece ($88)- If you want a cheap second handpiece that is a bit smaller than the regular metcal one

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2024, 04:17:39 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on August 15, 2024, 09:39:25 pmThermaltronics have released H-series soldering iron tips compatible with Hakko's T31 and are 11 USD.https://www.thermaltronics.com/h31series_ref.php

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2024, 08:54:51 pm
content: Quote from: ststefanov13 on August 16, 2024, 04:17:39 amYes I've bought and used them.One thing to note is they clone T31, those tips are now discontinued. The current Hakko tips are T31B, which have better performance:https://hakkousa.com/amfile/file/download/file/3754/product/12770/Also the length at the base is longer for some reason, I asked why they never answered. But for general purpose soldering the thermaltronics will be OK.Thermaltronics on top in the photo, T31B on the bottom:

author: ststefanov13
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2024, 04:18:42 am
content: How can the amplitude of the RF-generator be further reduced when the handle is placed in the stand ?I am attaching a schematic of the MX-500-11.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2024, 09:05:53 pm
content: Quote from: ststefanov13 on August 17, 2024, 04:18:42 amAre you asking how to modify the station to do that? I wouldn't bother, I think it already has some feedback mechanism where transmitted power is reduced. Otherwise the reflected power would damage the unit.You can probably find a lot of explanation and discussion in the DIY thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/diy-metcal-13-56-mhz-rf-supply/