My new Hakko (and other goodies!) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TriodeTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2012, 10:16:05 pm
content: A place in Alberta (Solarbotics) had the Hakko for $90 or so, with free shipping over $100 so I bought a few more things with it. Variable station was -$20, soldering station was -$40, firestick -$60, so why not get the best?The big guys stacked up on top of eachother:lucky I am wearing loose pants.....I end up making many projects on the same breadboard, and so the dual one would be a treat to use. I cannot wait to solder and heatshrink stuff...Edit: The iron itself looks $80, it almost feels like you are holding and using a paintbrush.Webcam + unboxed Hakko does no justice, I will leave it at the above for now. The Sparkfun instructions are hilarious.

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2012, 11:52:29 pm
content: Nice score!RegardsChristian

author: johnnyfp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2012, 11:54:44 pm
content: Wow congratz. I had to pay nearly NZ$250 for mine, and that was a discounted price.Jfp

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2012, 12:13:55 am
content: Quote from: johnnyfp on May 23, 2012, 11:54:44 pmI paid US$85 plus about $30 shipping plus NZ$35 for a 230->110V transformer (all figures from my failing memory).No way was I going to pay the outrageous asking-price for the 230V model. Mine works perfectly and, as a bonus of this configuration, I also have a multi-way-box with 110VAC along the back of my bench for some other 110V based gear in the workshop.

author: TriodeTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2012, 01:41:57 am
content: eBay was looking ridiculous too, on the ends of $120-160CAD (200NZD) before I found somewhere more local and online.If I were in non-110 land, I'd buy an aptly rated autotransformer and shove a US power strip in to it, anything pricier than eBay sucks.I've to buy some kits to solder together now.

author: ivanjh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 24, 2012, 09:36:19 am
content: Yeah... small detailed grinder I wanted that's ~$100USD for the 110 model was ~$500AUD for the 230V model.A step-down transformer was looking like a pretty cheap option (I believe the universal motor should have been ok).

author: elmohandis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2012, 12:54:00 pm
content: You are damn lucky to get it this cheap!In Germany it's either chinese low-end products or the über expensive Weller / ERSA type solder stations.Regards

author: Cybeonix
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 25, 2012, 03:24:20 am
content: CongratsGotta get me one of those.. Still messing around with non variable temp irons.

author: TriodeTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2012, 06:14:55 am
content: Quote from: Cybeonix on May 25, 2012, 03:24:20 amIf you can get it for under a hundred, it's the perfect upgrade from a fixed one, fractions of a cost over other adjustables.QuoteI couldn't solder worth a dime without experience from those cheapies though, so keep at it.I'll buy a couple in case I have to do work on my Hakko or some dirty repetitive stuff. Last one I fear using, resistance wire from live to neutral kept apart basically from tape.

author: kd7eir
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 26, 2012, 07:04:41 am
content: I am incredibly happy with my FX-888. There is just no comparison with fixed wattage irons, and to beat it as an adjustable station you would have to spend several times the price. Probably the single best investment in equipment that I have ever made.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2012, 10:05:22 am
content: Quote from: elmohandis on May 24, 2012, 12:54:00 pmThe 230V Chinese market version of the FX-888 available on Dealextreme.com seems to finally offer an affordable alternative for those located in countries that use 230V mains.