Alternative to the Hakko FX888D too expensive and hard to find soldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 12:54:49 pm
content: HiIf the hakko fx888d is a real good product, it's really too expensive and hard to get , at least for Europe (min 150€) (I'm from France).Paying that price just for a heating Joule effect element seems really too much for me !This is counting without spare tips of course !For hobbyist like us, can't anybody purpose us a fairly good one at a reasonnable price.- All kind of tips easily available at a reasonnable price and shipping cost.- Very souple handle cable- available in 120v or 220V with proper socket for each country (whitch is not always the case for the expensive FX888D)I just got myself a RIGOL DS1054Z DSO for 350€ (VAT and shipping included) and I'm happy with that.But sorry, I can't make my mind paying 1/2 the price of my brand new, 3 years waranty DSO just for an iron (without replacement tips provided).

author: Stupid Beard
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 01:19:58 pm
content: Quote from: hary on October 20, 2015, 12:54:49 pmBatterfly have it for €98 athttp://www.batterfly.com/shop/hakko_fx-888dfor the 220V one. That may still be more than you want to pay, but that's probably the best price you'll find it for in Europe.As for alternatives, Ersa is often mentioned around here but is usually a bit more expensive than Hakko. I don't know what's available below the €100 point, but I'm sure someone else will chime in soon.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 01:22:46 pm
content: How much aggravation are you willing to put up with? How much time are you will to waste with equipment that isn't quite good enough? How much is your time worth? There are more than enough comments in more than enough threads here on the EEVBlog about cheap clone soldering irons. If you're a very occasional soldering iron user, buy whatever clone is easiest to get for you. If you are serious about your work and want decent equipment that will last a long time with just a little care and gets the job done, that comes at a price. Remember, good isn't cheap and cheap isn't good. I would buy the Hakko. I have owned a real Hakko 936 and I currently have a Hakko FX-951 and a Metcal MX-500P II. There isn't a substitute for quality. I do understand how the economy is, it was a sacrifice to own what I have, but price should never be the driving factor. Total cost of ownership (see above 3 question) should be. Good luck with your decision. There is a joy and satisfaction to using equipment that performs well, consistently. I don't regret the money spent.

author: Gromitt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 02:01:43 pm
content: Quote from: Stupid Beard on October 20, 2015, 01:19:58 pmPlus VAT and postage.

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 02:35:47 pm
content: I started, after the fire sticks, with a 936 copy (counterfeit) that was a big step up for me. I used it about 18 months and the thermal recovery on it couldn't keep up with me on bigger solder joints. I ordered a Hakko 888D and noticed a considerable improvement. I also only used real Hakko tips and found them to wet and last much longer than the cheap imitations. The Hakko could keep up with my work and I really like it. I gave the 936 copy away to a friend and he likes it. I'd save a bit and get something better. I picked up a new in box Metcal PS900 from a pawn shop for a great price so it's my main iron now. I was just getting ready to buy a Hakko 951 when this deal came along. Still like the 888D and use it sometimes, but the Metcal makes it faster and more enjoyable to solder. I don't think you'll go wrong if you wait and save for better station.

author: hary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 03:35:01 pm
content: Quote from: Gromitt on October 20, 2015, 02:01:43 pmExact !

author: deadlylover
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 07:10:05 pm
content: One option is to get a 936 clone likethis oneand buy a genuine Hakko tip + modify it a little for better performance, there's a thread on ithere.All separate heater style soldering irons perform at roughly the same level (936/fx-888 etc), it's only when you get to the integrated tip heaters or RF heater systems that you get a significant jump in performance.Hakko have silly pricing for their 220V models, we feel the pain here too in Australia.I used a 936 clone for quite some time before upgrading to a JBC, and honestly, it's just fine for 99% of hobbyist work.

author: hary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 08:14:42 pm
content: Quote from: deadlylover on October 20, 2015, 07:10:05 pmOk but would the handle cable be soft and souple ? My previous station was moving when I move the handle due to too rigid handle cable !Some of them are so soft ! I'd like one as soft and souple.

author: deadlylover
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 08:29:40 pm
content: Ehhh I think it's usable, the station itself didn't move around when I was using the iron.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 09:04:55 pm
content: I can easily see pros and cons on either side of this fence.I use an 888, for many years, now. (And close to $100 dollars just in different tips). I have also used a cheap store-branded station for many years.Three main differences: the cheap iron went through a couple of heating elements (no big deal, because the I bought entire replacement irons for only seven dollars, back then, lol). Then there is tip selection. Hakko tips are great. I am thinking at this point that my Hakko tips may last my entire life, and there are a couple specific shapes that work magic. My 888 also had more wattage, but in practice, this never made a big difference for the majority of my use. The two major problems with the low cost station is that replacement parts became an issue, and tip selection was weak.A 936 clone will get you a great tip selection and a low initial cost. I would be prepared to go through some downtimes if/when the heaters blow.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 09:20:14 pm
content: Quote from: hary on October 20, 2015, 12:54:49 pmA soldering iron lasts a lifetime. Buy a good one and you will not regret it. Unlike a scope, (especially the digitals ones) that every 12-16 months come with new bells and whistles.A good tool is well worth a investment, and the (IMO) aggravation is not. Had a look at a entry level Metcal?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2015, 02:35:37 am
content: Quote from: KL27x on October 20, 2015, 09:04:55 pmAt the price 936 clones go for, buy two (or more) and you can use one to fix the other.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2015, 12:00:46 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on October 21, 2015, 02:35:37 amOr buy 1 real soldering iron and have no need to fix it.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2015, 01:01:23 pm
content: From time to time, genuine Hakko 936 stations or Pace HW-## show up on eBay for $50-70 plus shipping - for both there are still genuine tips available at online stores.I bought one of each from eBay... used .co.uk to get sellers from Europe, Hakko 936 was from Israel and the Pace HW-50 from somewhere in UK from a guy that owned a small company and decided to retire so he cleared out his home workplace.niosales on ebay is authorized distributor, but the shipping is high and indeed you'll pay vat for them and possibly customs (as far as i know, there's no customs fees for packages under 150 euro shipped to private persons... well, at least in my country)... and oh yeah, as they come from US these will have 120v transformer, so you'll need a 220v->110v converter so in the end I think it's not really worth it.Anyway, if you're curious, here's their store:http://stores.ebay.com/NEI-Lamps-and-Electronics/HAKKO-SOLDERING-STATIONS-IRONS-/_i.html?rt=nc&_fsub=16378302&_sid=82105093&_sticky=1&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14&_sop=2&_sc=1Here's a Pace HW-50 sold from Germany with decent price :http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pace-Lotstation-HW-50-Pace-Lotkolben-/171957766263?hash=item28097b4877:g:i0kAAOSwZjJU5499Ask the seller if he's willing to ship to France and if so, how much. Chances are he will ship, he was probably too lazy or not so knowledgeable about eBay to add France in the list.These units let you adjust the temperature using that dongle you plug in front of the unit, which is basically a headphones stereo jack (it's just one resistor soldered inside the stereo jack). You adjust temperature by changing those dongles. Those can still be bought from stores like Farnell for a few euro each, or you can just make a few by yourself (there's instructions on how to make them on this forum) or just make it adjustable by changing the resistor on such a dongle with a potentiometer. Here'sthose dongles/jacksfor sale , and here'ssome of the tipsavailable for sale.And here's the bit more powerful model HW 100 , and a bit more expensive, sold from UK. Again, ask if he ships to France :http://www.ebay.com/itm/PACE-HW-100-HeatWise-base-unit-key-iron-stand-and-1-6mm-Tip-HW100-Soldering-/231711459193?hash=item35f3144779:g:oDEAAOSwNgxWEp83Just search for "Pace HW" on eBay co uk or ebay de etc , if you search for "hakko 936" you'll find millions of chinese clones before you find genuine stuff (but if you're patient and check daily, within 1-2 weeks you may find one and bid on it)

author: SteveLy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 08:10:01 am
content: Quote from: hary on October 20, 2015, 08:14:42 pmSome of the more recent ones claims so: heat resistant flexible silica cord - read the description and cross your fingers it's not BS. I understand the "buy a good one, it'll last you a lifetime" philosophy, but I also appreciate hobbyists on limited budgets, who would never get anywhere if they applied that principle to gear they buy.

author: hary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 09:03:11 am
content: I think I'll go for a hakko 936 clone 907 handle,http://www.ebay.fr/itm/151077266515?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITA real tipif it really is !http://www.ebay.fr/itm/290643847506?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITand get a controller powered from an old laptop PSU.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Soldering-Station-Digital-DC-Controller-for-HAKKO-936-Compatible-907-Iron-Handle-/130620434360And I could power it from a car battery if needed outdoor whitch could be praticle !

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 09:30:53 am
content: QuoteMy most recent Hakko tip was shipped from Japan, and I still wonder, lol. Somewhere, I have a full set of clone tips I never even tried. Maybe they're just as good!

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 10:07:12 am
content: What's with a proper housing? A proper stand? Proper warranty, maybe? Do you really want to wait 4 weeks for the items to arrive from China? Check out this unboxing and mini review of the Xytronics LF-1600, done by EEVBlog forum member kristapsdreija:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/xytronic-lf-1600-intelligent-soldering-station-unboxing-mini-review/He seems to be quite happy with his purchase, maybe, if you drop him a pm, he could give you some further advice and his thoughts on this particular iron.http://www.reichelt.de/XYTRONIC-Loetstationen/STATION-LF-1600/3/index.html?&ACTION=3&LA=2&ARTICLE=88890&GROUPID=4543&artnr=STATION+LF-1600Shipping to France would be ~10€

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 12:53:24 pm
content: Quote from: hary on October 22, 2015, 09:03:11 amYou do realize that both the handle and tip are fake. An OEM handle, if you can find it is about $65 USD and tips typically start at ~$6 USD and up. I thought I saw a write up on that controller or one similar and it wasn't favorable. I wish you luck. Hope you have a lot of patience. I think you would have been better off buying a clone, not that I am encouraging that. I hate to be so negative, but I have read too many posts of people buying cheap clones and finding out they got exactly what they paid for. I hope your experience is better.

author: SteveLy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 01:11:50 pm
content: Just buy a complete working unit 936/937 and one or two half decent tips. Keep it simple and cheap.

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 01:34:03 pm
content: Quote from: hary on October 22, 2015, 09:03:11 amI have one of these setups and they work, not well, but they do work. I carry it when I travel for work and since I have my laptop supply with me, and it's much better than a firestick. They have a slow recovery, take a minute to get hot, but still better than a firestick. I would really not care to use it regularly.

author: hary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 06:05:20 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on October 22, 2015, 12:53:24 pmYou said it !"If I can find it "(an OEM). But even paying the price won't make me sure I got a real one !

author: hary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 06:20:53 pm
content: Quote from: Fat on October 22, 2015, 01:34:03 pmOf course, powering it from your 19V laptop power supply, when the A1321 heating element of the 907 handle is supposed to work with 24 V, you won't get the full power (maybe 2/3 or less) and of course it will take more time to heat up or recovery....Have you tried to feed it with proper 24V power supply ?One more think.The 907 handle is described as to be 50-60W under 24V. But hakko's specification resistance for the heating element A1321 is between 2.5 - 3.5 Ohms.So, the power should be :P=U^2/RP = (24^2)/3 = 192WAny explanation ?

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 23, 2015, 03:01:14 am
content: Quote from: hary on October 22, 2015, 06:05:20 pmhttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/products.htm?item=C1148B&ref=gbase&gclid=CMOb9LDM18gCFUUdgQod-QoOWAThey are a distributor.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2015, 07:07:11 am
content: FWIW, 98EUR + VAT & shipping from Batterfly really is the best deal available in the EU market for a quality entry level station.Initial price is higher than the Chinese stuff, but the quality is well worth it. And in the long run, it's actually cheaper since you won't be pouring money into fixing/replacing it, and Hakko's tips last a long time (better TCO).

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2015, 02:15:50 pm
content: Quote from: hary on October 22, 2015, 06:20:53 pmI haven't tried 24 volts, my goal is a better package than a firestick and to use the laptop battery I carry with my (Lenovo 20 volt). Thanks for the explanation. Still better than a firestick, but I would hate to have to use it all day with that setup.Fat

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 01:10:43 pm
content: Quote from: hary on October 22, 2015, 06:20:53 pmI don't have this iron but my guess would be that the heater element has PTC characteristic and the resistance they mention in the datasheet is measured at room temperature. At working temperature it may be significantly higher