Super Noob Here!!! Soldering, Hot Air and digital microscope purchasing advice. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2023, 07:03:13 pm
content: Hello, first post Super noob! I'm trying to find my so rework tools i.e. soldering station, hot air station, and maybe a digital scope so that I can see of course lol.So I have been searching around thewww.diyfixtool.comsite has an Aifen A9 prohttps://www.diyfixtool.com/collections/bga-soldering-station/products/aifen-a9pro-120w-soldering-station-c210-c245-c115-iron-tips?variant=44014709506277with 3 handles and 9 tips for $118.99 This sounds like a great deal to me but again I'm a noob so what do I know.Aixun T3B Intelligent Soldering Station With T210/115 Handle Welding Tipshttps://www.diyfixtool.com/products/aixun-t3b-intelligent-soldering-station-with-t210-115-handle-welding-tips?variant=41191392379037$109.99for hot air again noob here I'm looking at ATTEN ST-862D 1000W Hot Air Gun BGA Rework Station For PCB Repair with 4 nozzleshttps://www.diyfixtool.com/products/atten-st-862d-1000w-hot-air-gun-bga-rework-station-for-pcb-repair?variant=41301708439709$119.99for a digital microscope I'm thinking this kit here 48MP 4K Industrial Digital Microscope Camera Set with 130X Lenshttps://www.diyfixtool.com/products/48mp-4k-industrial-digital-microscope-camera-set-with-130x-lens$85.55Any and all advice is very much appreciated, I would like to use this equipment for console repair and computer repair. I like the A9 Pro because it has the most versatility but I'm not sure if I would ever use all those handles at least for my needs.Thank you in advance.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2023, 09:24:34 pm
content: Ask a mod to move this to the beginner section and you will get more response. This is for classified ads if you are buying or selling something.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2023, 09:31:42 pm
content: All of these choices are good options.T210 handle is a bit smaller than the typical T245 that is normally used for general use. It will work OK for general hobby through hole soldering and almost any SMD stuff, but, may not be powerful enough to handle very large parts.The microscope, I prefer a stereo optical one over a digital, but it depends on your preference. Search for threads here where we've been over this.You can read our discussions here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/and watch the reviews from SDG if you want to see more:https://www.youtube.com/@sdgelectronics

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:13:23 am
content: This looks like spam.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:18:50 am
content: Does look like it, but I don't see them posting this text anywhere else or diyfixtool spamming in general.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:22:03 am
content: This isn’t spam a it’s just where I found the products I want for a reasonable price, shipping sucks but what are you going to do they get you one way or another.But I’m open to any other website that has same or better pricing and shipping please.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:23:12 am
content: Well, if it is not, then I would suggest to not buy digital only microscope. Optical microscopes are way easier to use. I assume you can adjust to not having any depth perception, but why make your life harder?Soldering stuff is fine, with some practice any of that will do the trick.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:25:12 am
content: Quote from: funny718 on October 19, 2023, 12:22:03 amAll this stuff is available from AliExpress. This seems to be shipping from China anyway. The prices here seem to be on par with Ali, so I guess they just make up the profit in overcharging for shipping.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:30:49 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on October 19, 2023, 12:23:12 amThanks any advice on which model I should be looking for?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:32:13 am
content: Quote from: funny718 on October 19, 2023, 12:26:03 amI have not kept up with the new stuff. I personally use AmScope SE400-Z, but I don't know if this is the best deal, I've got it like 8 years ago when it was a good deal. From the functionality point of view, I'm very happy with it.Also, don't buy that 1000x magnification. It is useless and just reduces the field of view. 10x is all you need for PCB work.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:39:10 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on October 19, 2023, 12:25:12 amI just got worried with aliexpress so many deferent seller how do you know who to trust? the only reason I even know about that site was from this youtuber VCC Board Repairshttps://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs/featuredI'm always open to saving a buck, I just don't want to get taken for a ride. However if you have any trusted links and wouldn't mind sharing them I would be grateful.Thank you.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:40:05 am
content: Quote from: funny718 on October 19, 2023, 12:39:10 amOk Thank you good sir.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:44:16 am
content: Quote from: funny718 on October 19, 2023, 12:39:10 amNot really, it is always a gamble. But usually if you are buying Chienese brands, the price is not "too good to be true", and the store looks like it sells tools, you will be fine.In this case, you are still dealing with a reseller, and I would frankly trust more the Ali buyer protections.Also, for the hot air I personally use thishttps://www.amazon.com/Quick-957DW-Hot-Station-Watt/dp/B074SBH4G5It is in the same price range, from a reputable vendor and simple analog controls are really nice to have. You don't need 1C precision on the hot air station.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:54:26 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on October 19, 2023, 12:44:16 amthanks that looks like a great option and I can get prime delivery.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 12:59:12 am
content: Get a real stereo zoom microscope. Something in the 0.7-3 zoom range with 10x eyepieces. They come up on ebay all the time under $100. Make sure you at least get the focus rack too and not just the head. You also want a ring light.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 01:02:15 am
content: Quote from: funny718 on October 19, 2023, 12:54:26 amhttps://www.tequipment.net/search/?F_Keyword=Quick%20957DW

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 01:04:31 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on October 19, 2023, 01:02:15 amperfect thank you.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 01:05:17 am
content: Quote from: Smokey on October 19, 2023, 12:59:12 amthank you I will research now.

author: alligatorblues
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 01:10:39 am
content: BGA rework involves removing the part, cleaning it, putting new balls in the socket, and heating it. Just heating it in place is a temporary repair. You also need a thermometer. I have allways used Weller for soldering. In the last 10 years I'm still on the same tip. Desoldering is not all it''s made out to be. They clog all the time. I use vacuum pullers and copper braid with a bit of flux applied.I use a 10-30x USB digital microscope on a stand, because I can make the image as large as the monitor.Weller soldering stations heat up in 20 seconds. If you know how to care for a tip, one will last a long time. You might also consider a solder pot. And I use Kester solder. You can pick it up cheap on eBay.com. eBay has 2 billion listings. There is hardly need to shop elsewhere.Kickstarter has a reflow oven with a very flexible digital control, invented by a Marquette University engineering student. And it comes with some programs.About the only other thing is a fine tip iron with temp control for smd's, and some fun tack.

author: funny718
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2023, 01:14:53 am
content: Quote from: alligatorblues on October 19, 2023, 01:10:39 amthank you do you mind sharing the model and brand of scope you’re using?

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2023, 10:17:55 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on October 19, 2023, 12:32:13 am+1 for this^ and for what Smokey said.As a frame of reference it's worth looking at AmScope products. The SE400-Z might be what you want. They also make models such as the SM-3BX. I'd study those and compare them to your favorite USB microscope. Something among the three is probably close to what you are looking for; after you see the differences among the three you should be good to make your decision if you haven't already.Some things to consider are working distance (room for your hands and tools), field of view (how much of a PCB can you see), how much depth is in focus (helps you navigate a soldering iron), and how well the USB scope keeps up with movement vs the real-time of the optical. Also, keep in mind the ergonomics (will you be standing or sitting and where will your head/eyes/neck/shoulder/arms/hands be when using the scope). The more you use the scope the more you will want your benchtop and your head/eyes/body to be at a height that is comfortable.Lighting is also important.Lots of threads that address these items and more can be found here with some searching, especially in the Other Equipment & Products forum.

author: RayRay
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2023, 03:29:52 pm
content: Soldering Station - Don't get a 210 one! 245 stations are more powerful and are better. That said, you may wanna consider getting a T12 station (such as T12-960 or T12X-Plus) either instead or in addition as it has quite a bit of advantages (much wider selection of tips, which are also much cheaper!) A 245 station provides more juice than a T12 one (which is useful in certain situations) but for general soldering work, T12 provides a good mix between cost & value. You should also get a tip therometer for calibiration purposes (one of the FG-100/191 replicas). I'd also suggest getting a desoldering gun (such as S-993A) or a desoldering station (such as SS-331) as it makes it much easier to remove thru-hole components and saves a significant amount of time and effort in compare the traditional method of using solder wick/pumpHotair Station - The ATTEN ST-862D is an excellent choice. That said, the Atten ST-8800D is not too far behind and is cheaper.Microscope - The one you've suggested seems good enough for beginners. Of course it's not the best of the best, but it's fairly decent.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2023, 10:11:12 pm
content: Based on user feedback the ST-862D is very good. The ST-8800D appears to have the blower in the handle. For about the same price as the ST-8800D or maybe less the the Quick 957DW+ is likely to be a better performer.

author: RayRay
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2023, 11:06:54 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on October 21, 2023, 10:11:12 pmSo what? Not all hotair stations that have the blower in the handle are made equal, and some are better than others!The quick has a max airflow of only 50L, and is rated for 580W (VS 120L/800W on the Atten 8800D)Also, you can see a video review here:This is an OEM ST-8800D sold by a Brazlian company.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2023, 12:24:43 pm
content: I clicked on the link to the diytool site, then it started with a "subscribe" popup and I immediately closed it again.It is so utterly full of the brown stuff out of the rear end of male cows to start people annoying with such things before they even have any Idea whether the site has anything useful to them. I just don't understand this attitude.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2023, 03:53:51 pm
content: Quote from: RayRay on October 22, 2023, 11:06:54 amImpressive specs for the price.If it performs according to those specs it is a good choice.Seems to break the mold for that design.👍Edit: looks like the horses are out of the barn with more higher powered models that put the blower in the handle. Amazon shows several models spec’d at 700W or more for $50 or less. They don’t all show the air flow specs but it looks like more manufacturers are aggressively marketing hot air stations. Atten and Quick have been good competitors but it looks they are getting more competition.