Do I need to recalibrate JBC CD-B if I change tips? Or is it like Pace Accudrive - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dman777
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 01:22:14 pm
content: One thing I like about the Pace ADS200 is that it has accudrive where you do not need to recalibrate when you change tips.For the JBC CD-B, I see on their website that for 'advanced models' you do not need to recalibrate. But they are not specific on the matter, so I was going to ask.... with the JBC CD-B would I need to re-calibrate when I change tips? Or is it like the Pace ADS200 with it's accudrive and no calibration is needed?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 11:27:36 am
content: Theirwebsitesays:“How do I calibrate my station?Since the technology is based on a microprocessor drive Advanced stations do not require calibration.”This pdfsays:“9. Easy Calibration:Since JBC technology is microprocessor driven, it not necessary to recalibrate any of the JBC stations but, if required, calibration of the soldering tip can easily be done by using our Thermometer and the temperature adjustment of the station’s menu.”Every station JBC sells now (as well as many more) is processor controlled, and thus does not need calibration.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 12:17:01 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on April 30, 2020, 11:27:36 amThat is only statement that stations hold their cal. Every individual tip will have unknown calibration, unlike PACE that don't need calibration when you change tips.That being said, JBC is quality manufacturer, and their manufacturing process seems to be good enough to keep variations at normal (usable level).I personally don't think that even 10°C difference in tip temperature from one indicated on display is something you will easily notice at normal temperatures used for soldering.

author: dman777
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 01:26:27 pm
content: QuoteThat is what I was wondering.... so there is a difference between the JBC and the PACE in the context of calibration when changing tips?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 08:43:53 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on April 30, 2020, 12:17:01 pmFrankly, I think you must be wrong. The JBC manuals don’t even say how to calibrate. Besides, “does not need calibration” is NOT the same claim as “holds its calibration”.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 09:51:24 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on April 30, 2020, 08:43:53 pmFrom JBC CD-2SE manual :Temp AdjustmentIt provides a more precise adjustment between the selected temperature and the actual one.Set values within ±50°C (± 90°F) to achieve zero error. JBC strongly recommends the use of TID-A or TIA-A Thermometers to obtain precise readings.When the user changes the cartridge type, the parameter should be reset to 0°C/F or to the value needed for this cartridge. E.g. If a correction of +20°C (+36°F) is set for the C245966 (thick type) and then the user changes the cartridge for a C245030 (which is thinner) without resetting, they would be working at a temperature of +20°C (+36°F) lower for the C245030 which does not need any temperature adjustment.And same for CD-2BE.. Didn't chek further. Thing is, that you seem to misunderstand, is that it is not about how precise and smart is the station, it is tolerance of tips that is problematic. As I said, JBC is pretty good, but PACE designed ADS200 series withcontrolledtolerance of temperature sensors in tips.Not that I personally care. In practice it's not a big deal anyways. Most of the people set temperature by how flux smokes and how is solder flowing... In places where you need controlled temperature you have people taking care of calibration anyways, PACE or JBC or whatever...

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 07:45:16 am
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on April 30, 2020, 09:51:24 pmYou’re right, I missed that, since I looked for “calibration”, a word they conveniently do not use in the manuals.In that case, I’d say that JBC’s claim of not needing calibration is, frankly, fraudulent.Quote from: 2N3055 on April 30, 2020, 09:51:24 pmNo, that is not what I “misunderstood”. The OP’s question here isn’t about manufacturing tolerances within individuals of the same tip type, but of whether calibration is needed when changing tip types. This, without a shadow of a doubt, makes a much bigger difference than the manufacturing tolerances. (Not that I object to Pace keeping the tolerances tight, that’s still good!)

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 11:13:31 am
content: Thank you for explaining what you meant. And yeah, I must say that i don't have much respect for JBC marketing lying about many things on too many occasions..But they are always doing it in such a way that, technically, they didn't lie... They make ambiguous statements, call things non obvious names, etc etc.So if you read it again you will see: they made a statement thatcontroller stationdoesn't need calibration. Well it doesn't, tips do, just they didn't mention that.. They just mention that you could do that if you wanted too... Like that is some kind of additional benefit to give user more control if they really want to, but not really needed.One thing that is indicative is lack of specifications for certain parameters... It's hard to even figure out what actual power they are. They say max 130W or max 40W power for the station. There isn't a single word what is actual tip power... I know it's dynamic and it varies but something could be said about it..All the best,