Need Help on selecting the right type of soldering station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:02:13 am
content: Hello guys,I am a hobbyist who is woking at an Avionics electroninics firm. I was looking for a soldering station and i decided to go for the brand Solderon since that is the best one avalable in india (i know about the Hakko & Weller due to import issue and excess mone i have to pay for it , i am avoidin g those). Now i will tell about my issue; i am stuck with three types of soldering Station one is with press button for controlling temp and digital temperature display , the second one with varible potentiometer for controlling temp and digital temperature display and the third one with varible potentiometer and no temp display.Which one i should buy, please suggest one and let me know the reason for it??The one with push buttor for temp ctrl nd digital temp display:http://www.soldron.com/products/sl960-soldering-station-with-temperature-lock-system-and-full-digitally-controlled-sl960The one with Pot for controlling temp and digital display.http://www.soldron.com/products/soldron-938-temperature-controlled-digital-soldering-station-938The one with Pot for temp control and no displayhttp://www.soldron.com/products/soldron-936-temperature-controlled-analog-soldering-stationI verified the wuality of this brand and they have good quality of products so please help me to choose one from the above three.Thanks in advance !!

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:29:17 am
content: I am worried about the servicability of these 3 models.Please give your suggestions.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:54:05 am
content: The analogue one (936) is probably the most serviceable and reliable out of them. They are generic Hakko clones which vary in quality somewhat so don't expect anything wonderful. The parts are mostly interchangeable and they are common as dirt so you can should be able to get spares easily.You will need something to calibrate the tip. A cheap DMM with a thermocouple will do the job (ANENG AN8002 for example).

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:28:07 am
content: They are Hakko clones, similar to many others.I think you can find spares everywhere.Best regards

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:35:26 am
content: Not that cheap for a Hakko knockoff, frankly.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 03:14:53 am
content: Another expensive Chinese Hakko 936 clone. I'm not sure how good their digital controls are. An analog control with digital display is easy to set and see at a glance.Assuming that these clones regulate the temp well, if you add some genuine Hakko T18 tips and look after them, you should have an ok station at the end of the day. Easy to repair as well as there are dozens of clones like these out there (half the price as well) and parts are fairly cheap.I noticed it says the warranty is voided if you use other tips, good way to sell more of your own expensive tips.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 06:39:03 am
content: Thanks for Your reply,So the control inside 936 will be diff (like the anlogue one wont be having a uC in it) right ??

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 06:42:39 am
content: Thanks for your reply,They are hakko clones but they have used good quality components inside (all models); none of them are like Yiahu or some cheap clones.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 06:45:26 am
content: Thanks for your reply,This is the best option available for me in india, can you suggest a the best clone hakko avalable

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 08:25:33 am
content: Quote from: Mattheprofessional on October 21, 2017, 06:39:03 amThat’s correct. It’s usually just a simple comparator with a bit of hysteresis.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 08:37:06 am
content: so its better to go for fully analog one (936) and a calibration equipment if i need one !!One more doubt ! In 936 the temp controller will be a normal POT or rotary encorder??

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 09:26:14 am
content: In the 936 it will be a pot.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 09:49:32 am
content: Oke thanks

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2017, 01:09:09 pm
content: Quote from: Mattheprofessional on October 21, 2017, 06:42:39 amMy money is on it being a rebadged Yihua or Atten.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2017, 06:02:33 am
content: Ill open it once i get the Station

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 04:09:29 am
content: As promised here are the images of solderon 936 soldering station..."Oops i voild the manufacturer warranty by opening it"Whay you think guys??Sent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 07:40:53 am
content: That soldered earth looks a bit dodgy but otherwise reasonable looking 936 clone.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2017, 12:04:38 am
content: The soldered earth is a no. The PCB looks like it is mounted further back than a lot of clones, not sure if the POT or the capacitor was the reason for this but if you notice the iron socket it seems to be on legs instead of direct soldered.The original Hakko 936 pcb is larger and from what I can remember it sits on plastic supports on the bottom half of the chassis. You also have a loose screw on the transformer (not sure if you undid that yourself).Nothing too serious there though. One mistake on clones they make is they switch and fuse the blue/neutral wire. Another is the power cables polarity is mixed up and missing earth connection. So checking that safely (disconnected from the wall) is sometimes and eye opener.Did the PCB have any markings that indicate origin?

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 11:17:12 am
content: I paid almost 2580 Rupees (39.3$) for the Station. Yihua is available for 1600 Ruppes (24.77$) in Ebay.in. The problem is, buying from ebay is a nightmare means they have the worst service in india, Ebay "Gurantee Claim" is such a gimmick in india.So only option i had is the one i brought, but i am not satisfied with the quality , its just like the Yihua

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 11:24:29 am
content: The transformer inside the unit was bit heavy because of that ,the 4 screws that secured the transformer to the base enclosure been broken (courier transportation service didt give proper care to the product , that may be the reason). I tried my level best to put the screws back on by putting a small hole in the enclosure.Regarding the PCB, i thing its the same PCB used on the Yihua 936, ill put more picture of the PCB very soon.I think the circuit consist of one opamp, a triac and a Pot mainly... Original Hakko 936 contains 2 active IC's i think.I checked the continuity between the solder pen tip with the mains AC earth lead, it was there and i am happy for that.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 01:48:39 pm
content: I checked the board nd its written HYQ-936Sent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 01:52:37 pm
content: Quote from: Mattheprofessional on November 03, 2017, 01:48:39 pmIC used on the circuit is LM358Sent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 01:59:17 pm
content: That's all it needs. An LM358 with a bit of hysteresis. It compares the sensor to a reference voltage set by the dial and turns the element on and off and that's it.Whole thing looks ok to me.This is the electronic version of what my Weller TCP does (although that requires taking apart to change the temperature)

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 02:05:24 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on November 03, 2017, 01:59:17 pmThey have used branded parts fr tge opamp nd triac so i tgink its dependable.. Whay you thinkSent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 02:06:18 pm
content: The handpiece is the variable part on these generally. The base station / transformer looks ok.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 05:04:47 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on November 03, 2017, 02:06:18 pmCant figure out that easilySent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 05:15:06 pm
content: Use it for a bit and see how it feels.

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 05:17:23 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on November 03, 2017, 05:15:06 pmIll.Sent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: Mattheprofessional
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2017, 09:19:35 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on November 03, 2017, 05:15:06 pmThe iron heats up very qucklyI had seen a led flickering issue in yihua (led turnoff nd turnon is not clean) in my iron its property blinks after it reaches the set temp..Sent from my Redmi 4A using Tapatalk

author: ShaWood
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 22, 2020, 02:00:44 pm
content: I'm surprised that the OP didn't say much about the actual iron / handle itself, considering that is one of main differentiators between the piss poor clones and decent ones. While this is a really old post, I felt that it's a good idea to add this missing information for anyone who may be interested.I briefly had this station (had to return it due to damages during shipment) and used the opportunity to do some comparisons on the handle/tip/element. Currently the unit is being sold at ~60 USD including taxes. The handle is alright, just looks like a typical hakko 936 clone with the silicone sleeve etc but uses regular pvc cable instead of silicone. It has a good quality ceramic element where you could see rectangular heating strips along the length when held under light. There are two such strips, one that's closer to the tip (I think this is the thermistor sensor) and the other that starts about 5 mm behind the tip (this is the one that heats up).The element is very smooth and slides easily into the tip which is coated all over in ceramic except at the very end. There is some play and it doesn't have a very snug fit like what I've seen in the review videos of the genuine hakko 936.The sensor is a thermistor that reads about 105 Ohms at 200 *C and around 135 Ohms at 300 *C (these temperatures are as per the dial, I didn't measure with a termocouple). I have a table of values if someone's interested. It's definitely not a thermocouple because it doesn't produce any voltage when heated but there is a significant change in the resistance.In conclusion, I think it's a bit pricey for a clone but then you have a year of warranty + servicing and quick/easy access to the tips and a certain level of standardization on the heating element characteristics.Table (Temp vs Resistance)Temp(in *C, as per the dial) Resistance (in Ohms)~25 50200 105250 122300 136350 150

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2020, 02:38:24 pm
content: Well you can still technically get Yihua 936s for under $20 from Hobbyking, there isn't $40 of quality difference from what I can see. The other thing is most people have moved on from 900M/T18 tip clones to T12 cartridge clones. I do like the fact these still have a transformer however.This thread reeks of brand advertising as well, it's just a fairly expensive clone there isn't anything special aside from the color in my opinion.

author: ShaWood
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 23, 2020, 06:35:23 am
content: Quote from: Shock on July 22, 2020, 02:38:24 pmTBH, I did feel this too while going through the thread.These days, goods from China are getting blocked at customs so it's hard to source some parts and these guys hiked the price of the unit from ~43 USD to 60. So, after returning the shipment that was bought for 43$, I didn't order again. Building an analog controller for this is not too difficult, it's the handle/heating element that I feel is critical.Quote from: Shock on July 22, 2020, 02:38:24 pmAre the T12 tips that much better than the T18s? Till now I've only used variable wattage irons and a temperature stabilized iron is a huge step up. The T12 just heats up/recovers faster and allows quicker soldering right? for a hobbyist these don't seem that critical.Also I'm quite curious why having a line transformer is a good thing. While it has obvious advantages to something that's directly plugged into the wall, the stations that use SMPS supply also would be good right? since they do have small higher frequency transformers in them as well.