Hakko upgrade - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Wimberleytech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 12:30:32 am
content: Decided to upgrade from my 936 to the 888D. I know that not everyone would agree with this change.It started with ordering some new tips...then one thing led to another.Hey...if I don't like it, I don't have to use it. But, it will give me the opportunity to do a comparison...I will post my thoughts.I bought it directly from Hakko USA.My 936 was bought 18 yrs ago at Fry's. Time flies.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 12:47:50 am
content: Quote from: Wimberleytech on February 06, 2019, 12:30:32 amyikes, yeah.... I ordered mine through a rep back at a job around two decades ago. They're not bad irons but when desoldering things like the RF shield on the back of Commodore 8 bit machines (sheet metal fingers that solder to PCB planes) I can certainly see the difference between ceramic heaters and directly heated tips.

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 07:07:45 am
content: both stations use same irons, isnt it?

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 08:32:12 am
content: The 888 was updated to be better for lead-free solder and for higher thermal mass planes. The 888 has a 26V transformer, vs 24V on the 936. Without losses from the TRIAC, this is already over 17% more power. If you include the losses from the TRIAC, the power increase is even greater.It also has a better iron holder.They also upgraded from a 5 pin DIN connector to a 6 pin DIN... leaving 1 pin unconnected. LOL.

author: Wimberleytech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 02:39:29 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on February 06, 2019, 08:32:12 amYAY...sounds like I made a good call. Gonna use that extra pin and associated wire as a wifi antenna so I can do remote soldering.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 04:08:29 pm
content: I recently treated myself to an FX-951 as an upgrade to a still perfectly-functioning 10 year-old 936. While I appreciate the newer technology, I find myself missing the quick and efficient KNOB.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 04:13:56 pm
content: It's a meh upgrade. IMO to small to be worth spending the money. Basically the same thing with a bit more power.

author: timgiles
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 05:19:32 pm
content: Quote from: ModemHead on February 06, 2019, 04:08:29 pmFX-950 - same tech, good old fashioned knob.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 12:07:52 am
content: QuoteFor some reason, they only make this for 220V input.QuoteIf you live in the US, it's a really inexpensive upgrade, though. $100-120.00. If you already shop at Fry's and wait for the annual 888 sale, even better.I initially missed the dial, but I prefer using presets, now. The benefit is they are more repeatable. For different size tips, I use different settings, and the presets keep everything consistent. Heck, without the presets, my settings would just drift and I wouldn't even know I'm using distinctly different settings by now. I'd still be attributing these adjustments to my memory or the board. I don't want to look at the station to change temps/presets, though, so I hacked my Hakko with 5 physical preset buttons and a microcontoller.

author: mvs
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 08:29:30 am
content: Quote from: KL27x on February 08, 2019, 12:07:52 amIn my eyes it is not an upgrade, just inexpensive replacement. An upgrade would be cartridge based station like Hakko FX95x, PACE ADS200, JBC CD-2xx, etc.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 11:05:24 pm
content: QuoteIn my opinion, the only persons who will benefit from this "upgrade" are those who do high volume production soldering of high thermal mass joints. So unless you live in China and work at Foxconn, you probably don't get much of a benefit out of this upgrade other than your imagination.

author: Wimberleytech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 11:49:03 pm
content: Quote from: KL27x on February 08, 2019, 11:05:24 pmThanks for your input.I don't work at Foxconn...I piddle at home...after selling the last company I started...a luxury to be able to afford anything I want.