Hakko 936 60Hz version running at 50 Hz mains ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 06:26:01 am
content: Just scored recently an used genuine Hakko 936 controller that is made for 60Hz mains, btw my mains AC is 220V at 50Hz, and also my current 936 is made for 50 Hz mains freq.How much difference will it perform at 50Hz mains ? Or any other considerations ?TIA

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 12:59:44 am
content: I would be concerned that the transformer may saturate unless you replace it with a 50Hz transformer. The difference is significant enough that many transformers and motors designed for 60Hz will buzz and overheat on 50Hz.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 12:25:13 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on April 07, 2017, 12:59:44 amWell, replacing the transformer it is not an option, as its quite cheap and I don't want to invest more in it.How much significant will it overheat if its not fully loaded at the designed load level continuously ?

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 01:36:02 pm
content: Checked the part numbers and any labeling on the transformers?These are the only 220-240 transformers listed in the manual so it's possible they are identical or you may be able to deduce they are a substitute for each other by looking in both boxes.B2014 Transformer 220~240-24VB2088 Transformer 240-24V (Australia)Weighing them, load testing and measuring the temp, scoping the current may reveal they are close as well. You could also use a power meter kill-a-watt type device to see if you get a similar performance under the same iron operational load.A transformer not designed to accommodate 50Hz at the core is what 20% earlier saturation? You should be able to figure something out.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 04:35:40 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on April 07, 2017, 01:36:02 pmYou made me curious, just opened them up both, attached below the photos of the comparison of labels that are attached to both transformers.How to decode that part number ?Also 2nd photos, there are labels at the bottom of the case on fuse replacement note, the 50 Hz needs 0.8 Amp while 60 Hz is 0.63 Amp.I don't have weighing scale with me now, guess I have to use the same iron to test both controller using Kill-a-watt to compare the power.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 09:38:53 pm
content: This is a transformer labelled 936E (ROHS) from another genuine 936, looks a lot like aX009L066ICO part number.Would not be surprised if you have exactly the same transformers there and the bottom number is the serial number.

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 09:49:29 pm
content: Quote from: BravoV on April 07, 2017, 04:35:40 pmi suspect they use the same transformer, they should consume the same amps with the exception being that the transformer for 60hz may be a 240:24vac transformer, the tx for 50hz may be 220:24vac.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 01:30:28 am
content: I used a U.S. purchased (60Hz) 936 for years in Ireland (50Hz) without issue via a mains step down transformer. if it was sub optimal I never noticed.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 02:10:32 pm
content: Small updates, here what I did :- Single 907 iron used at both controllers to ensure identical thermal load.- Both set at same temperature point.- Checked tip's temperature with thermal probe at the tip point once the red led just turned off (means it reached temperature set point).- Tested solder at few very similar spots at pcb, which have similar thermal mass.- Watch at the kill-a-watt during tip re-heating up and soldering.Conclusion, nothing significantly different either at tip temperature, power consumption, soldering tip heat recovery speed and also controller's transformer temperatures as I opened them up both when testing these.Guess its nothing to worry about, thanks guys.