T12 soldering iron options: Genuine FX-951 vs fake vs others - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Signal32
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2016, 08:56:10 pm
content: Hello,I was thinking about getting a new soldering iron based on the T12 tips because of the lighter weight handpiece and the faster tip temperature regulation.Is the faster temperature regulation really noticeable or more of a marketing feature ?I'm considering the following options:Genuine Hakko FX-951 $200 +Fake FX-951~60 on AliExpressDYI T12 Kit~$20 on AliExpressMy questions are:- Are there any major differences between the genuine and fake ones(except for the auto sleep feature) ? Like actual power, regulation speed, etc.- Is there a big difference in genuine vs fake tips ?- Any noticeable differences in the fake vs genuine handpiece ?Also, does anyone know of a non-button-based version of a T12 soldering station ( I don't like clicking to set temperature ). The DIY kit is like that, it has a rotary encoder.Thanks!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2016, 11:34:20 pm
content: Quote from: Signal32 on July 04, 2016, 08:56:10 pmThe genuine tips from Hakko are the T15 series for the US & EU markets, and the T12 series is for Japan, Oceania, Asia & Other countries. Not sure what the differences are.Yes, faster recovery is quite noticeable.Quote from: Signal32 on July 04, 2016, 08:56:10 pm1. There are definitely differences internally, and I'd bet it would be revealed in a head-to-head comparison, particularly when pushed hard.2. Yes. The plating on the genuine tips are thicker and last longer.3. ? Not sure if they get too uncomfortable to hold or not during prolonged periods of use.Quote from: Signal32 on July 04, 2016, 08:56:10 pmHakko FX-950 is an analog version of the FX-951, with fewer features as well (not available in the US though).

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2016, 05:42:56 am
content: you should probably look at this!!!http://dangerousprototypes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=7218and this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/222142294777

author: Signal32
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2016, 03:14:16 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on July 04, 2016, 11:34:20 pmFrom what I'm finding online they may be interchangeable, not sure though, I've found sources that say their might be some differences.Quote from: nanofrog on July 04, 2016, 11:34:20 pmIndeed, I'm sure they are completely different designs.Quote from: nanofrog on July 04, 2016, 11:34:20 pmYes, I can't seem to be able to find it anywhere, not even China clones seem to be available.Quote from: stj on July 05, 2016, 05:42:56 amI've decided to try to build a mini-station based on the T12 tips myself. I'll try to see if I can get the tips to take ~150W without exploding. I want the extra power to be able to do fast resume-from-sleep.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2016, 04:11:17 am
content: Quote from: Signal32 on July 06, 2016, 03:14:16 amBased on what I've seen in videos from owners, it's not necessary (i.e. up to full temp in ~10s or less from room temp, and if idled at say 150C, it's up to temp in ~4 - 6s). Varies a bit by tip shape (mass), but not drastically. Not like it takes minutes as a firestick or even 30s - 1m that an el cheapo crappy clone might take.Seriously, the performance difference between what you have and an FX-951 is drastic.Also, PM sent.

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2016, 09:10:29 am
content: Quote from: Signal32 on July 06, 2016, 03:14:16 amthe only way to do that would be to increase the voltage - make sure everything in it's path can take the extra.it would be sad if you blew up a bunch of expensive op-amps or shorted the regulator and trashed the mcu!