Ersa RDS 80 soldering station: small rant - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cricri
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 06:08:55 pm
content: So years ago when I upgraded from my Maplin bought Antex 25W soldering iron, I went "all in" (for me anyway) and bought a 2nd hand Ersa RDS 80 soldering station.It's great, except for one teeny weeny thing: the iron's got a blooming PVC sheath cable!Not impressed. Needless to say, I do not recommend it, even though for the small amount of hobbyist work I do, I make it do.I'd have gone for a Weller, but wanted something with a mains fuse onNot sure if it's got one actually!

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 07:43:12 pm
content: so replace the cable, it's cheap @ banggood.i'm surprised you didnt have to yet, most of my irons have had cable-breaks just after the handle after a few years or so and had to be re-done.

author: Cricri
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 08:00:56 pm
content: If I was using my iron on a daily basis, I probably would. Also, even though I've seen someone replacing the PVC cable with a PTFE one, there's always the chance to ruin the iron. Also, to replace the cable, I'd need... an iron!My dad did tell me he had a length of PTFE cable lying around I could have, but it was only 2 conductors, and I'm pretty sure mine needs 3 for the thermocouple.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 09:46:51 pm
content: Yes, the standard handles which come with the RDS80 have rather crappy cables. Fortunately you can upgrade the handle to a better one. It is called the 'basic tool 80' and costs around 65 euro. This has a flexible cable (but I didn't try heat resistance).https://www.ersa-shop.com/ersa-l%C3%B6tkolben-basic-tool-p-2267.html

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2018, 03:44:09 am
content: Quote from: stj on December 24, 2018, 07:43:12 pmDitto. I've broken several internally. On my latest (Ersa iCon) I used some Sugru to make a nice tapered strain relief about an inch and a half long. No problems with that so far after several years.

author: Cricri
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2018, 03:28:54 pm
content: I didn't realise Ersa do some replacement irons with Teflon cable!Well, if I ever ruin the cable, I'll buy one of them then. I'm careful not to kink it, and I don't use it much, so it might take a whileMaybe a birthday or xmas pressie gift idea for the wife!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 07:10:30 pm
content: It is more likely silicone wire. I just check and the cable from the 'basic tool' is resistant against the temperature of a soldering tip.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 07:51:03 pm
content: Quote from: eKretz on December 25, 2018, 03:44:09 ami-tool cable won't break as it is.

author: Cricri
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 08:01:43 pm
content: I only paid about £85 for the soldering station though, so don't want to pay an extra £60 ish for an iron/cable I would have expected to get to start with when buying a "quality" unit.Maybe I should have done more research before buying, so I've charged it on the "lesson learnt" budgetHeck, for the £60, I might be able to get a used Weller unit.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 09:15:05 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on December 26, 2018, 07:51:03 pmMaybe not, but after breaking several cables from other irons, I'd rather not risk it.