T12 soldering station with alternative power supply - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: crejoy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 08:53:23 pm
content: Hi there,I would like to build a T12 soldering station. For this purpose I would like to buy KSGER T12 DIY Kit with the following components:Case € 16,18:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/c9A4rVC5STM32 Controller € 10,52:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/tOe3b61T12 Handle € 13,97:https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/v7WySyhAs I am bit concerned about safety I would like to use a quality power supply. Is it okay and worth it to use Meanwell EPS-120-24? Or do you think it's better to use the KSGER / Quicko power supply?Concerning tips: Is it possible to use original hakko t12 tips in above-mentioned KSGER T12 handle? Can I use quicko tips in above-mentioned KSGER T12 handle and vice versa?Thank you in advance and best regards

author: GigaJoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 09:39:46 pm
content: t12 standard , hakko better.i use a 20V laptop psu, any will work ..

author: crejoy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 06:09:56 am
content: Quote from: GigaJoe on March 07, 2019, 09:39:46 pmThanks for fast reply. Do you mean that standard (KSGER, Quicko) and hakko t12 PSU is better? Or do you mean that the tips of hakko are better?Quote from: GigaJoe on March 07, 2019, 09:39:46 pmOkay, I would like to have an internal AC/DC converter.So again is Meanwell PSU EPS-120-24 not a good choice? I should use quicko / KSGER PSU (E. g.https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bTqLKV33)What about tips, can I use all t12 tips with above-mentioned handle or are there differences (accept quality)?Thank you again!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 12:09:56 pm
content: OEM tips will outperform clones. Yes, they cost more but there will be better consistency of product and will last longer due to better materials and construction. I have thought of trying some of the clones in my FX-951 but haven't gotten around to it.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 01:34:17 pm
content: I would use a meanwell power supply. The official power supplies seem to be hooky as hell as is the mains inlet mounting for them.I put a boost converter in my quicko one and run it off a 12V power supply. That's another option if you ever have to drag it out somewhere (I have to use it outside on antennas etc)https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/cheap-t12-clone-soldering-stations/msg1839191/#msg1839191

author: crejoy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:15:21 am
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on March 08, 2019, 12:09:56 pmThank you, I will try to get some oem tips.Quote from: bd139 on March 08, 2019, 01:34:17 pmThanks.What do you think would be better choice Mean Well EPS 120-24 (https://www.meanwell-web.com/en-gb/ac-dc-single-output-open-frame-power-supply-output-eps--120--24) PPS-125-24 (https://www.meanwell-web.com/en-gb/ac-dc-single-output-open-frame-power-supply-with-pps--125--24)?What about cooling. Will temperature be okay inside the T12 case? As mean well states air convection is needed.thanks and best regards

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:20:02 am
content: It’s a bit iffy putting something like that in the case as they require some air flow to keep them healthy.As for which one, cheapest 5A at 24V is fine.

author: crejoy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:42:04 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on March 10, 2019, 09:20:02 amYes, I was thinking the same. In general, I would like to have power supply inside the case, that's why I was looking for a high quality psu I can put inside. Unfortunately to use the above-shown PSUs I need to modify the case to add air convection.Does anybody know a good alternative?

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:46:16 am
content: Other option is get a laptop brick power supply and get the DC T12 kit. Quicko do one that doesn’t have a power supply in it.

author: crejoy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 10:21:09 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on March 10, 2019, 09:46:16 amUnfortunately I will not be able to have ground connection for the tip usig an external power supply, so soldering station won't be ESD safe.But... I found the following power supply GST120A24-R7B (https://www.meanwell-web.com/en-gb/ac-dc-industrial-desktop-adaptor-with-pfc-output-gst120a24--r7b) which seem to provide earth pin with R7B connector. Unfortunately I need to modify the case for R7B plug. Maybe I can use this plug to have grounded tip. What do you think?

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 10:24:12 am
content: That's an interesting idea. I would do that if I was to approach this again

author: runaway
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 01:36:44 pm
content: Here is my case:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/hakko-t12-tips-starting-problem/?action=dlattach;attach=663441Modded ATX 250W PSU, now it has negative 12 VDC amperage as high as positive 12 VDC, so both outputs are connected in series and give 24 V 13 A max. Twinned solder is needed to get relatively cheap and multipurpose soldering tweezers (single hand grip variant is still under construction). Both tips are grounded, full heating time is about 10 sec, all the PSU staff protections are in play.