Stannol Industa 550 soldering station teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Trakehner1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2016, 09:22:14 pm
content: Hi all,I got a good deal on a station from a brand that is better known for its soldering wire/pastes. The company is based in Wuppertal and has released three new soldering station units, all digital. The Industa 550 is their entry level and where I live retails for EUR130 but in Germany it can be bought for less than EUR90. I did play with their previous Industa 300 series and they felt like crap, very bad build quality on the outside, soldering pencils looked like a $3 Radioshack one, but have not used one. So, here`s the new line.The goodThe build quality is fantastic, looks better than on the pictures. Case is nice, made of powder coated aluminium. The unit is bulky, bigger than my Weller EC2100 and weights 2kg. The back AC inlet looks very much like a Schurter, uses a computer type socket cable. Connector is very tight and looks of good quality. The pencil feels ok, nothing fancy, although I do prefer my EC1201A. The cable is good but does not seem to be silicone rubber, not as hard as on a RDS 80 but could have used silicone cable instead. It`s not an obstacle when soldering. Tip hits 380C faster than the advertised 50sec, my chronometer showed 38 seconds indeed in what was around 28C room temp. Station reacts quickly and is advertised to be ESD safe, which it is as seen later. The plug is to the back. Transformer is a torroid with dual secondaries of 24VAC and 9VAC. PCB design and soldering appears too clean for a knock off (I will make a point on this later) and the elements look genuine, like the ones I get from Mouser. All wiring inside is laid out very nicely with extra thermal shrinking tape and silicone boots around the cable ties. Cabling is pretty thick, thicker than on the EC2100. The build quality, with one exception (the iron plug socket) seems better than the Wellers I`ve had. It feels very robust as a unit. It was also nicely packed, the power unit, iron and the stand had all their own separate white cardboard box inside the main one. The unit is also supplied with two extra tips with the main one being a conical (which made me look up if it`s not a knock off). The manual is very limited and consists mostly of warnings to not touch the tip when hot and so on (even to not use the station when under illegal drugs! - formulated this way exactly - made me laugh).The badThe display is really too bright and can be quite annoying, especially if it is darker. The iron socket is misaligned (not sure if this was made on purpose, but why would they). The soldering pencil looks identical to the Aoyie and heating element does not appear to be ceramic (but is advertised as high quality ceramic heater) and has no producer name on it. The soldering iron stand also resembles what was the Hakko 936 but is slightly modified, having elliptical holes to the top. The supplied sponge is narrower than the bed inlay and its annoying to touch the stand almost every time when I need to wipe the tip. Temp tolerance is given as 5% which is a lot - at 300C that`s 15C! I don`t have an infrared thermometer to check its accuracy but can do this soon. Besides, under it there are no large circles as in the original Hakko 936, which makes me think if this could be another nicely dressed Hakko 936 knock off. Stannol is a big brand and I doubt they`d do this but the pencil and the stand look so similar to the Aoyie clone.What do you, guys, think - can this be a OEM unit made by Hakko for Stannol, or maybe the power unit is in house design and the soldering iron and stand are OEM built by Hakko for them?Or does this look closer to another knock off?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2016, 09:39:50 pm
content: Dunno if hakko clone for EUR 90 can be considered a good deal.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2016, 09:44:53 pm
content: The fact that heater has metal shell, means that it in not just average hakko clone but there is a little bit more in it. It still can be ceramic heater inside.

author: Trakehner1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2016, 10:28:22 pm
content: Hi, what do you mean about the metal shell on the heater?I did look around and the iron and holder are identical to those supplied with the Atten 938D. I paid EUR73 for it but thing is, I was going to buy an Ersa Icon Pico and just saw this which seemed cheap to me as this station usually retails for EUR130 here. I don`t like copies and budget was enough for a Pico, RDS80 or a FX-888D. May still return it and get a proper one.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2016, 02:21:24 am
content: I'd suggest looking at an Ersa Nano instead (i.e. ~174EUR,here). Based on comments from owners, it's much better than the Pico, as it's made in Germany, uses metal for the heater assy. rather than plastic, and unlike the Nano, is ESD compliant.It's also a far better performer than the Hakko FX-888D or RDS80.Also, Ersa's 102 series tips are very well made (thick plating = will last a long time), offer a large selection of shapes, and don't cost a fortune either.So if you can come up with the additional funds, it would be in your best interest to take a hard look at this before buying (fair bit of information on this station here in the forum, including internal photos IIRC).

author: Trakehner1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2016, 07:51:58 am
content: If I have to be honest, the Nano i a bit over my budget - I know it might be excellent but not sure if I can afford it now. I did call the shop and they`d refund me and take the Atten copy labeled Stannol. I notice the Nano base is only EUR84 but the iron is pretty pricey?So choice is now between the Hakko FX-888D or the Icon Pico. If i manage to find a good Nano (or a second hand one in good condition) I would very likely buy it instead.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2016, 08:15:46 am
content: Quote from: Trakehner1 on July 19, 2016, 10:28:22 pmOuter layer of the heater is metal, all other clones I've seen are ceramic on the outside.

author: Trakehner1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2016, 09:17:15 am
content: http://www.myvolt.de/index.php?cat=KAT218&product=P5106E-HEThis above is the Stannol branded one. Below is the Atten 936b heating element which is exactly the same as the one in the station, even the cables are same colors.http://www.aliexpress.com/item/ATTEN-4-Core-50W-Soldering-Irons-Replacement-Heating-Element-stainless-steel-Heater-for-AT936b-AT8586/2037902751.htmlDefinitely their own power unit (Stannol) driving an Atten iron.

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 08:20:32 pm
content: I bought one of these soldering irons from iFixit. For the price it's not bad value, however I have one problem with it: spare bit availability. I have tried but so far had absolutely no luck finding a source of replacement bits. I've tried contacting Stannol themselves, they replied but unhelpfully suggested Farnell and Conrad, neither of which stock them in the UK, and would not supply bits directly.iFixit who sell the iron, despite their bold claims of being standard bearers for the right to repair, don't sell spare bits either.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 08:23:17 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on December 03, 2020, 08:20:32 pmMeasure dimensions and see if they are the same as hakko and it's clone tips.

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2020, 08:44:41 am
content: Quote from: wraper on December 03, 2020, 08:23:17 pmGood idea. They are 5mm external diameter, 4mm internal. The shank of the bit is 25mm long. They look very much like these:https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/soldering-iron-tips/7998985/which don't have the dimensions alas.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2020, 02:15:35 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on December 04, 2020, 08:44:41 am4mm internal is the same as Hakko. I doubt you wrote correct external dimension though. 0.5mm wall is suspiciously thin.

author: Clemichevre
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 16, 2020, 12:00:41 pm
content: Has anyone found out if the Hakko tips are compatible? Tips availability is the only thing stopping me from buying this station... Thanks!

author: uli12us
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2020, 11:20:05 am
content: The cheap 900M tips should be good. The measures are 4mm Id and 6mm Od. Unfortunately I can't find how long the hole is.But if its different, you can either cut it off or you can extend the hole with small parts of unused Tips.https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=soldering+iron+tip+900M&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=soldering+tip+900M

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2020, 10:25:12 pm
content: I found these fitted:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06VZ3Y9ZW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

author: wickated
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 01:50:34 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on June 28, 2021, 11:39:48 amyes

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 03:11:33 pm
content: Quote from: wickated on June 29, 2021, 01:50:34 pmTell me where? I checked a RS Pro iron which visually looks identical. The pinout of the connector is wired differently though (and the RS element is ceramic, unlike the Stannol one). Worse, the sensor has a different resistance/tempco, so even if you rewire it, it can't control the temperature.Nobody in the UK seems to sell Stannol irons and even iDontFixit have stopped listing them (and they didn't sell replacement parts anyhow).

author: wickated
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 03:27:21 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on June 29, 2021, 03:11:33 pmbut everybody in china sell chinese productshttps://aliexpress.com/item/33042780389.html

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 04:21:36 pm
content: Thanks, but do you know if those elements have the same sensor as the Stannol iron? As I mentioned, seemingly identical irons have elements with a different sensor making them incompatible.

author: wickated
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 04:49:49 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on June 29, 2021, 04:21:36 pmyou have amplification adjustment pot on board for compatibilty

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 08:36:04 pm
content: Well as there is no UK distributor for Stannol it's going in the bin and I'm buying a Hakko to replace it.

author: wickated
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 08:42:12 pm
content: Quote from: Keith956 on June 29, 2021, 08:36:04 pmplz no hakko. go for pace ads200 at least

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2021, 09:05:11 pm
content: Quote from: wickated on June 29, 2021, 08:42:12 pmUnobtainium at the moment, especially in the UK

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 03:23:53 am
content: Quote from: SteveyG on June 30, 2021, 09:05:11 pmFarnell and Welectron in Europe both have Pace ADS200 stock. Just not the Instant Setback Stand (ISB) version. Everywhere else is fine, Tequipment have 40 of the US model with ISB (left from about 60).You can always order the 230V model directly from Pace as well or use a freight forwarder. But importing probably works out more expensive due to tax and freight extortion.

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 05:45:47 am
content: Well the Hakko arrived and I'm very pleased with it. The power unit is smaller than the Stannol one; the stand holds the iron nicely and the iron itself feels good quality. Heats up quickly and more importantly maintains temperature well.I can only presume Stannol isn't interested in selling their irons in the UK (or supporting their users here?).As for iFixit, the company that champions the 'right to repair' but sells stuff that can't be repaired - what a bunch of hypocrites.

author: wickated
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 05:59:57 am
content: Quote from: SteveyG on June 30, 2021, 09:05:11 pmpostal delivery is only hard in 2 habitanat places - iceland and new zealand. in europe you can shop worldwide.coronashit only adds carantine time

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 07:24:07 am
content: Quote from: wickated on June 29, 2021, 08:42:12 pmPace is twice the price of Hakko, and definitely not twice as good.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 10:18:04 am
content: Quote from: Keith956 on July 01, 2021, 07:24:07 amPace is better than twice as good in some areas. The Hakko FX888D and FX951 have a slightly smaller footprint but aside from that they have nothing on the Pace ADS200.I like the Hakko FX888D though, it's good for the price.

author: Keith956
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 11:19:45 am
content: So I was a bit quick to put down Stannol, and I apologise to them.I had a response from them today, offering to send me a new iron. I've sent them the old one back for 'investigation'.I always appreciate it when a manufacturer takes the trouble to respond to their customers, and this is no exception. Thanks Stannol.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 02:53:27 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on July 01, 2021, 03:23:53 amISB is pretty much essential for maximum tip life in my opinion. I have considered getting the plain ADS200, but the ISB tool stand on it's own is on 36 weeks lead time. I'm hoping the 30 days or so for the ADS200+ISB is real.Tequipment is obviously the 120V version which is no good for Europe and after import fees etc you may as well just buy a better station.Ordering direct from Pace comes in at well over £400 after shipping and import, in which case you may as well get a JBC or Metcal if the idea was to save money (maybe. I've not tested the ADS200 yet).

author: wickated
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 04:50:50 pm
content: actually u can modify any stand to isb since its just switch in iron holder

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 07:17:44 pm
content: Quote from: wickated on July 01, 2021, 04:50:50 pmhow elegant is the modification? Can it be updated to match the OTS version?_____________________________________________________________Actually I looked it up - Pace's own implementation is pretty basic. Question is do I continue to wait for Farnell's shipping date (which seems to keep moving) or go for the non ISB version and implement an optical sensor mod and release the PCB files too for anyone else to do.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 10:58:50 pm
content: Personally I'd rather go for the Pace ADS200 ISB model rather than diy it. But hey it's all video content.For the low down on the delays it's probably best to speak to Pace directly. When there were delays in the US it was distributors not holding enough stock. Farnell kept low stock even prior to the 2020 disruptions but it could be a combination of factors.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2021, 06:18:19 pm
content: Quote from: SteveyG on July 01, 2021, 07:17:44 pmThe non-ISB stand still has the mounting bracket for the microswitch. So it should be positively trivial to retrofit that.

author: TlindenFI
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 13, 2024, 07:14:26 am
content: Hi all, I was wondering if someone still uses this soldering station and would be able to help me. Stannoil no longer manufactures these nor provides any support.I bought one "new old stock" for a bargain price but was very disappointed when I opened the box and saw that the soldering iron was missing. And you can't find one anywhere. As already mentioned here, the soldering station uses a standard 5 pin connector and the iron looks similar than the ones used with several Chinese Hakko clones but the pinout is different. Stannoil has wanted to make sure that people would use only irons bought from them but now there's a big problem because they are no longer selling those.The pictures of this teardown are excellent but don't provide the information I need. Would someone here be willing to help me and provide the correct wiring diagram so I could mod a generic Chinese soldering iron to work with this? Of course it would probably be possible to find it out by reverse-engineering, but it would be so much easier and faster to just check the original Stannoil iron with a multimeter.