Which JBC soldering station to buy? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: divelectservices
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2013, 05:18:10 pm
content: Torn between the CD1BC compact unit or the more standard DIT-1B. The specs on their website seem identical but I wonder in real life which performs better. Any thoughts?

author: jahonen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2013, 05:38:01 pm
content: I believe that there is no difference in thermal performance. It is a merely question whether you want "all-in-one" or separate stand and cleaning stand, whichever you find more convenient on your bench.Regards,Janne

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2013, 06:41:31 pm
content: Find used AD2700 with 2245 iron and save $$$There is no thermal difference (as far as I know), quality is top of the line and these sell on eBay for around $150.

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 11, 2013, 07:01:19 pm
content: I went for the DIT-2B (240V) simply because the controller and stand are separate. This means that I can have the controller up on a shelf and the iron and stand on the bench which takes up less space and is easier to move about.The iron still plugs into the stand though and then the stand plugs into the controller, so you don't have the cable for the iron coming directly out of the controller, which is nice.The cable from the stand to the controller is a sensible length too. Having the sponge stand separate too is also a bonus.There is only one thing that pisses me off about the DI controller and that is that the power switch is at the back.The DD controller has the power switch at the front, presumably this was due to lack of space on the DI controller.Otherwise it is a fantastic iron and I don't think I'll ever stop crowing about it.

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 11, 2013, 07:14:09 pm
content: Quote from: zaoka on January 11, 2013, 06:41:31 pmI do keep an eye out for these every now and then. When one does come up, then I have no budget for it.But, as you say, it'll perform exactly the same as any of the newer ones. The tips are the same and these are where the temp. sensing is done, so apart from a LCD screen which you don't need, firmware upgrades which you don't need either and being an "all -in-one" unit, there is absolutely no reason not to consider an AD2700.

author: divelectservices
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 04:01:20 am
content: Quote from: zaoka on January 11, 2013, 06:41:31 pmI prefer to go with a new unit so I have the warranty and that awesome "new equipment" aroma!Quote from: divelectservices on January 11, 2013, 05:18:10 pmI should have worded this differently...which one has more of a "wow" factor and would give me the feeling of walking out of a restaurant and getting into my Ferrari while the customers walking in all watch with envy in their eyes?!?Money is no object here...leaning toward the separate model but that compact one is so "cute"!

author: Salas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 04:05:21 am
content: When you count ergonomics in "performance" the separate wins hands down. It looks better also.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 04:31:04 am
content: Quote from: divelectservices on January 12, 2013, 04:01:20 amPerformance wise, both would be identical using the same iron and tip.But if you're not as restricted by budget, keep in mind that the modular series offers more flexibility for both accessory options (desoldering for example), and additional placement possibilities on your bench.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 04:42:03 am
content: Quote from: nanofrogI've just upgraded several JBC units. With the compact line, even though they are very nice and cute, you CAN'T just plug in any hand piece.ie Tweezers, de-soldering etc. You need a complete stand-alone unit each time. With the exception of the standard and micro hand piece =CD.If you ask nicely, you can usually get the DD = dual base station (instead of the DI= Single) for app $50 more.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 05:06:22 am
content: Quote from: digsys on January 12, 2013, 04:42:03 amI was under the impression that the tweezers would also work on the CD control unit (need the stand for it of course). But self-feeding and desolder, definitely not.Can you clarify on the tweezers for the CD models?Missing data in the firmware or similar, other than the built-in stand on the CD units that prevent the PA120 from working?Might be a deciding factor for some, as I presume most would primarily be interested in the 210 and 245 irons, and PA 120 tweezers.Thanks.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 07:21:02 am
content: Quote from: nanofrogThe last 2 weeks have been a headache for me :-) I've got a few models going way back, incl analogue control. PLUS JBC have now changedtheir cartridges twice in that time !! And dropped some of my favourites. I think I have it ALL sorted now !!Refer the jpg.Tweezers (mini and large) require a SPLIT power unit, to drive each cartridge separately. The SPLIT P/S is in the BASE Unit in the Compact Line,and in the STAND - in the Modular line. To make sure you don't try to cheat and use PA120 mini Tweezer (Modular Line) in the Compact Line,they changed the PLUG Type !! When my new Dual Modular Base station arrives I can check if the reverse is possible. Luckily, all thecartridges don't suffer the same idiosyncrasies?? I swap them at will .. except for the HD unit ... GRRRR

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 08:18:30 am
content: Quote from: digsys on January 12, 2013, 07:21:02 amI'd completely forgotten that they even offered the larger tweezers, nor did I realize that the compacts offered a feeder iron or desoldering version at all.All I'd seen of the micro tweezer, was the one model number, PA120. Good too know that there are different versions, as I was interested in the Modular/Premium line (dual port, 120V with 3 accessories; PA12, 210, and 245 irons). Not sure I'd add the desolder equipment, but I wouldn't mind having it.Missed out on an eBay listing for what I was after by $50 (damn sniper).

author: PChi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 12:09:35 pm
content: I use the CD-1BC unit at work and find that the stand is a nuisance. You have to be careful when you return the headpiece to the stand to make sure that it is seated otherwise it tend to swivel and fall out through the slot at the top which has happend to me quite a few times . The headpiece then falls to the floor which can bend the tip. The separate stands of the DIT series looks lower so looks preferable to me.I am biased though because I prefer Metcal though JBC are good and the cartridges are available and reasonably priced.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2013, 11:29:29 pm
content: Quote from: PChiThe gap is there for the really big-ass and specialty cartridges. You can tape/glue/"attach" a piece of metal/PCB across that gap if you don'tneed it. Both surfaces need to be cleaned occasionally for a "hassle free" fit. We have several workers using them and it's pretty rare thatthey fall out. Usually only because they aren't paying attention :-)Quote from: PChiI find the Metcal handpieces cumbersome to use, and don't have a decent selection, but I'm biased to JBC :-)I have ONE engineer who prefers it, so it goes to show.

author: PChi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2013, 11:02:07 am
content: Quote from: digsys on January 12, 2013, 11:29:29 pmThanks for the idea about closing the gap on the JBC stand. As you say they only fall out when I am not paying attenuation.

author: divelectservices
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 03:38:45 am
content: The big day is Thursday, Feb 6, my DIT-1B gets delivered... lots of pics of the unboxing!I decided to go with the DIT base because my next purchase is going to be the desolder pump accessory.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 06:25:19 am
content: Quote from: divelectservicesGREAT to hear. I was looking at the desolder accessory as well. Let us know what it cost and how you like it.My good news is that my analogue tweezers etc work on the DD unit I swapped for a CD last week.Be warned .. it's easy to get Tip Envy .. I can't stop buying all the cool tips :-)

author: Telstar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2013, 04:14:56 pm
content: even old ones are so good (I have an AD2000)... if I did that as a job, It'd get the DD with desoldering gun.

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2013, 06:05:57 pm
content: Quote from: divelectservices on February 06, 2013, 03:38:45 amBut what about the pics, the unboxing, the party???

author: Telstar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2013, 10:11:01 pm
content: we want pr0n!

author: cwalex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 05:51:23 am
content: Quote from: img on March 10, 2013, 06:05:57 pmI really want to see the desoldering option when you get it. Pics would be nice, video of it in action would be awesome (on a multilayer board with power planes,plated through holes no less)

author: img
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 06:30:09 am
content: Quote from: cwalex on March 11, 2013, 05:51:23 amOh yes, and i want to know if the JBC desoldering option can be persuaded to do BGAs. %-B

author: divelectservices
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2013, 01:09:49 am
content: Quote from: img on March 10, 2013, 06:05:57 pmSorry, been too busy lately to do *fun* stuffI will post some pics tonight when I get home.Quote from: cwalex on March 11, 2013, 05:51:23 amI did not order the desoldering pump and handpiece yet, only one big purchase every 3 months! I am sure it will work great though.I am extremely impressed with the solder station. The rate it heats up from the stand is incredible. It will melt silver-solder on tin-plated lugs that I previously used to use a monster 1100 watt iron and I have not even come close to using 100% power!

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2013, 01:39:59 am
content: Quote from: divelectservicesWait till you get one of the big-ass tips ... !! you'll be doing TSSOPs AND roof gutters with the one iron :-)

author: Pete2
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 07:01:17 pm
content: Just got myself a CD-2BC station. I spent a long time choosing between it and the DIT station but in the end I chose the CD with 245 handpiece. And you're right, the heat-up rate is incredible AND it's got 3 selectable memory positions for temperatures for fast switching. I like it!