WTB/WTT Pace ADS200 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: embern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2025, 06:18:25 pm
content: Looking to buy a Pace ADS200 (or preferably ADS200 Plus) from someone. Currently using my Metcal MX-500P, and although its brand new and bought a few months ago, I'm looking for something with adjustable temperature tips, and like the look of the PACE handle. I also just like trying new stationsLooking to either buy or trade for my Metcal MX-500P. It's in brand spanking new condition, original box, with 4 tips, stand and handle. They go for about the same on eBay so I think it's a fair trade.I'm in the UK, don't really mind delivery as long as we can sort it out.Thanks!

author: rcassetty
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 01:29:45 am
content: Hi embern contact Andrew, he’s a collector. He has Pace ADS200 for sale in good condition. Here’s his contact information [scammer email removed]Cheers

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 01:42:20 am
content: That's a scammer

author: embern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 09:56:47 am
content: Quote from: KungFuJosh on September 02, 2025, 01:42:20 amThanks for the heads up, impressed there was a scammer that fast!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 09:02:22 pm
content: I would try the pace out before getting rid of the metcal.The mx-h1-av handle is much better than the 500p handle, but its not cheap, $100-150.

author: embern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 03, 2025, 10:20:31 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on September 02, 2025, 09:02:22 pmYeah, that's the plan right now. I've thought about getting the AV handle but since my main priority is adjustable temperature, the aluminium handle is just a bonus. And I've talked to a guy at Metcal and the AV handle still gets hot in the hand, which is my main draw towards the TD-200 handle. I do know the tip length is 5mm or so longer than my current one but I also don't mind that much. I've got a spare MX-500P unit anyway so if I don't like the PACE I can just sell it and use it to buy myself an AV handleIt probably won't perform as well when doing large ground planes, or soldering 2p coins, but I don't do much of that so it's fine. If I manage to grab a Plus version I can also post any differences/performance test on the ADS200 thread since nobody knows what's changed even though it came out a year ago

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2025, 09:40:54 pm
content: Quote from: embern on September 03, 2025, 10:20:31 amThe grip part wont get very warm, but I'm sure the Pace will be slightly cooler.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1645-$80-quick-ts11-soldering-station-review/msg5689825/#msg5689825JBC uses foam to isolate your hand from the heat.

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2025, 07:50:54 am
content: With the JBC I never felt discomfort from a warm handle (foam less version). Now I can't even say it stays cool or a little warm, just zero trouble

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2025, 11:43:44 pm
content: Quote from: Finderbinder on September 04, 2025, 07:50:54 amI assume you are talking about T245 which I haven't measured, it should be better than 115 and 210 as the tip is much further out. Either way, you also need to be soldering continuously with tip out of stand for the handle to heat up noticeably (since sleep will cool it off).I added the metcal MX-RM3E plastic handle to the list, it is about 7C warmer than the MX-HV. I also don't like the hard grip on it. It might be solved with a wrap of silicone tape or silicone heatshrink.

author: Finderbinder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2025, 07:20:49 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on September 04, 2025, 11:43:44 pmYou are right, T245. And yes, I rarely solder continuously for a longer period. Though I have never minded of too warm handle over many years.

author: embern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 05, 2025, 11:03:07 am
content: Quote from: Finderbinder on September 04, 2025, 07:50:54 amI've used a foam-less 245 handle and personally found it somewhat uncomfortable, especially close to the tip. But I was using a medium-ish chisel tip continuously at 370C for quite a long time. If I had foam I most likely wouldn't be able to feel it.Same with the RM3E handle, it personally gets a little too hot for my taste. Not awful but when soldering for a while it's definitely uncomfortable. Hence my interest in the TD200.