KSGER T12 for NOOB? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: affe2626
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 06:02:17 pm
content: Hi, I'm very new to hardware but I'd like to learn. I assume the best way to learn is just to get everything you need and then get your hands dirty, and sometimes reading/watching videos ofc.I want a good soldering station that's not too expensive since I'm just getting into electronics and the KSGER T12 seemed reasonable.The only thing I'm worried about is if it's dangerous to use? I read some posts and watched some videos about it and it seems that the case is not grounded. The fix seems very easy to do but since I'm a noob I don't really wanna risk anything, like can I go with any wire from case to ground or does it need to be a good one so it doesn't break? I would like to mod it as an exercise but I really don't wanna mess up for obvious reasons.I have ideas on what to do:Letting someone actually good at electronics fix it for me.Modding it myself and then probably uploading some pictures of it so more experienced people can see if I fixed it correctly.Spending more money on another station.Getting a PSU that's "weaker" than the power outlet.I also wonder how good it is? Is it like a 300$ station for 40$ or like a 100$ station?I only care about my safety, if the soldering station breaks it doesn't really matterLink to it:https://www.banggood.com/V2_1S-T12-Digital-Temperature-Controller-Soldering-Station-Electric-Soldering-Iron-Tips-T12-K-907-Handle-p-1338117.html?akmClientCountry=SE&p=RO301526119192201810&custlixnkid=196690&cur_warehouse=CNI watched this:https://youtu.be/-6IZ_sBgw8I?t=1180video.Would these ring terminals work with just a screw + bolt?https://www.biltema.se/en-se/car---mc/car-electrical-system/cable-connectors/ring-terminals-10-pack-2000040931connected to this (LOW-voltage cable)https://www.m.nu/breadboarding/lagspanningskabel-2x1-5mm2-svart-rod-1soldered to ground?Should I put a big blob of solder over the bolt and terminal to ensure conductivity or is it fine as is?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 08:11:57 pm
content: It is fine. I've got it just to see what $50 gets you, and there is basically no perceivable difference in performance compared to PACE ADS200.People often overstate how dangerous it is. Especially if they know in advance that thew thing they are looking at is cheap.It is definitely not a premium product, but it is not bad at all.The only thing that annoyed me is that tilt switch in the handle. The ball inside would make an audible noise rolling around. I just ripped the switch out, and it is stuck with no power saving mode, but who cares.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2020, 02:04:24 am
content: I think I would just get a TS100 and not worry about all ot the 2.1S hardware issues:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/ksger-v2-10-vs-2-1s-whats-the-difference/msg2446791/#msg2446791

author: SpecialK
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2020, 02:14:58 am
content: No.I mean you really need two. Sooner or later you will need a soldering iron to fix your broken soldering station or handpiece.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2020, 03:08:31 am
content: Quote from: affe2626 on July 13, 2020, 06:02:17 pmI would strongly suggest against that attitude for tube equipment and line power issues. Learn about and understand the safety issues, don't mess with stuff that can kill without being informed.QuoteThis is exactly what I meant by my post above! Wire size does matter but also how those wires are connected to a metal chassis, especially anodized aluminum chassis. To put is simply you need to know more before going to far here.QuoteI have no idea what you mean by the last item.As for spending more money the deeper you get into the pit the more tools you need. Don't assume that this will be the last soldering station you need.QuoteDon't know as I don't have one. However the actual components that go into a soldering iron these days are pretty cheap. There is no reason for them to be excessively expensive.QuoteI'm on a low bandwidth connection at the moment so can't look at your media posts. In any event proper bonding to oxidized aluminum requires the removal of the oxidized or anodized layer. This requires scrapping or sanding of the surface, the use of surface piercing lock washers and ideally a joint compound designed for aluminum.This isn't really something to cover well in a written word, on Reddit, to teach people that don't have the background. I suggest looking for reputable videos on the subject. I'm not sure if Dave has done such a video. In any event I'm in the camp that if an instrument has an external enclosure, made of metal, it needs to be grounded. Maybe I'm old fshion but I feel safer that way.

author: Mp3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2020, 10:49:11 am
content: I put insulation tape between the chassis and PCB, and have a spare power cap incase in goes bad, but i don't have any problem with the 2.1S, i did not try my jbc tips with it though. It will work without issue without the ground wire, though it's good to have it.

author: affe2626
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 15, 2020, 06:23:22 pm
content: Quote from: ledtester on July 14, 2020, 02:04:24 amYep ended up getting that. I'm traveling to the city every week because of school and just having that + a laptop charger or battery seems nice!Quote from: wizard69 on July 14, 2020, 03:08:31 amYes, I was just dabbing on the "math is hard omg", "can i do this without using the command line??" & "can i build a website without coding"-crowd. Just sit down and try it for gods sake lol, it's not that hard. It seems like it's the same with soldering tbh, I've seen "blablabla WITHOUT SOLDERING!!"Safety is another topic though, so yes, I agree.Hmm I saw some post saying that he bought a lower powered (compared to wall outlet) PSU so the non-grounded case would still give a shock (I guess) but not a huge 240V one.