Pace PA-90 VS TD-100A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mpbrock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 10:50:16 am
content: I love the look of all this Pace gear, but its pretty confusing.. maybe its spoilt for choice syndrome... kid in a sweet shop(!)I've got a MBT-301 coming with the PA-90 option, but I can't understand what the difference is between the PA-90 and the TD-100A.I think the TD-100A uses a more "JBC" style tip, so the thermocouple is right at the tip(?) where as the PA-90 is more like a conventional iron? If thats the case though - why offer both? Does one style have an advantage over the other?Thanks in advance.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 01:03:53 pm
content: Pace PS90 handpiece (Intelliheat):More like a traditional iron (but with decent performance) and uses a heater over tip design. Handle is plastic.Pace TD100 handpiece (Intelliheat):Uses tip cartridge design. The built in heater and sensor are closer to the tip which improves performance. Handle is plastic.Pace TD100A handpiece (Intelliheat):Released a year ago this replaces the existing TD100 handpiece. Uses the same cartridges. Handle is aluminum (silver anodized) and runs cool for operator comfort.The cartridges for the TD100/TD100A are more suited for working on fine smd, otherwise there is a large range of tips available for smd, through hole and rework.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 01:16:52 pm
content: Pace launched a new single channel station the ADS200 (Accudrive) a couple of years ago. So far they have only released one handpiece the TD200 but have MT200 tweezers coming.It's more accurate, powerful and faster than their other handpieces. The new cartridges use a k type thermocouple and maintain degree accuracy and require no calibration of the station. Handle is aluminum (blue anodized) and runs cool for operator comfort.

author: mpbrock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 01:19:37 pm
content: Thanks ShockSo I'm probably best using my PA-90 for TH / general cable assembly type work and purchase either a TD100A (or a ADS200 station) for fine-pitch SMD work?Matt

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 01:48:06 pm
content: I bought a PS-90 that uses the older SensaTemp techonogy several years ago and use it for SM & TH and pretty much anything else. Note they offered two types. I'm not aware of a PA-90.https://paceworldwide.com/ps-90-universal-soldering-iron-sensatemphttps://paceworldwide.com/ps-90-universal-soldering-iron-intelliheatThe MBT-301 uses IntelliHeat. I recently bought an ST-50 that came with the TD100 but continue to use the PS-90 and have yet to plug the TD100 in. I use the ST-50 with the MT-100 MiniTweezers. These have been really nice to have at home.

author: mpbrock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 01:51:39 pm
content: Sorry - I meant PS-90 not PA-90!

author: mpbrock
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 01:55:25 pm
content: I guess this is what I've not clicked on to yet...The PS-90 Intelliheat is more expensive than the TD100 Intelliheat, yet the TD100 uses the tip heater cartridges, so should be better at every job I throw at it, due to having much better sensing? If thats the case, why is the PS-90 still offered for sale and why is it more money!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2020, 03:43:22 pm
content: The Pace ADS200 (Accudrive) and TD200 does everything I need and is my primary soldering station. The new aluminum handpieces are more what I call "slim sized" so thinner than a regular iron but suitable for both tiny and large jobs. The range of tips covers super tiny to huge.My Pace MBT350 (Intelliheat) is mainly for mini tweezers, desoldering iron and hot air so more rework than regular soldering for me on that station.The PS90 is probably more expensive to manufacture because the handpiece has a heater built in. Pace will also sell the same handpiece for years as they have manufacturing and military customers who want to buy the same product.