RadioShack® Digital Soldering Station 64-053 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tony R
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2012, 04:11:13 am
content: I have owned the RadioShack Digital Station for a few years now and I would like to give my thoughts on it.Overall I must say it is a nice station. It has 3 reprogrammable temperature settings. Plus a dial for any value. It clearly says the set value and the actual value which is nice.The plastic feels rugged enough, however I would have preferred metal. But I don't feel as if it will break with a little abuse.Of course it comes with a pointed tip and not a flat edge, but that's nothing new.Speaking of tips, I now feel it is important for me to bring up the biggest downer on this iron. Getting replacement tips are almost imposable! But with some searching I did find replacement tips. The iron and tips are made by Madell Technology. and replacement tips are available on their site. I ordered a tip and spent more on shipping then the tip. but a rep called me and told me he would throw in a second tip and send it via USPS not fedex and that is great customer service! I don't know what Radio shack was thinking about not stocking the tips, but they messed that one up.I know this is not much of a review but I am satisfied with this device. and I would recommend it.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2012, 09:46:28 am
content: Quote from: Tony R on February 08, 2012, 04:11:13 amI was going to suggest your station is a rebadged Atten AT201D, AT204D, AT204D or similar. And those in turn use a handpiece which has been cloned a thousand times by many Asian manufacturers, the original design probably coming from the Hakko 936.Therefore there is a reasonable chance that old Hakko series T-type tips, Xytronic, Ayoue, Gordak and other clone tips could fit. But you should probably measure before you buy one of those brands, because it could be that Atten just cloned the handpiece appearance and not also the internal construction.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2012, 10:05:23 am
content: http://www.helifreak.com/archive/index.php/t-296421.htmlhttp://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1122423/The consensus seems to be that it uses the same tips as the 936 (900M) and all its clones. The handpiece is probably interchangeable with the Atten models. (Why would a clone maker design a different handpiece when they already have a copy of the 936's design and it works well?)

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2012, 10:41:02 am
content: Quote from: amyk on February 08, 2012, 10:05:23 amThe reason why I suggest checking is that some of the later AT20xD stations are billed as 80W, while the earlier ones are billed as 60W stations, like the Hakko 936. It could be they changed the handpiece to support more power, or they just upped the specs on paper. Who knows? But checking is easy. The sizes of the 936 tips are widely published. All it takes the OP would be to measure the size of the tips he has and then compare them. On the other hand, the tips are so cheap on ebay that just buying those clone of a clone tips on ebay shouldn't be a big risk.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 11:45:46 am
content: Madell is just another importer of this station along with several others such as MCM, Harbor Freight, Radio Shack and others. ATTEN makes or has other OEM's make their stations, so there's quite a bit of variance among them. They have this station in 3 wattages up to 100 in both digital and analog versions, The same station is repackaged in several different case styles under different designations such as ATxxx and others. There's a newer version of the design sold in several versions, but the AT938/D versions are the most common. They all use commonly available Hakko 900M 6.5mm T18 tips. However, the iron is NOT Hakko 936 type compatible even though it looks identical down to the connector. These stations use a 2 wire element and do not have a thermocouple embedded in it like the Hakko types. Temperature sensing is performed by the heating element's change of resistance according to their docs and they refer to these heating elements as "2 core" to differentiate from their Hakko types. Build quality is pretty decent and hefty at 4 pounds. Overall performance isn't bad at all and much better then many of the clones. A local tech/vocational school that I do some repair work for uses these as their student stations now for about 3 years replacing the old Weller WTCPS stations with no problems to date. Only change was to fit them all with Aoyue chisel tips. They have a tip compensation programming and calibration menu hidden that most vendors don't mention in their manuals. They also can be changed from F to C by holding down the #3 preset upon turn on.

author: Ghenghis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 06, 2012, 07:23:07 pm
content: can anyone tell me where to find replacement heating Elements for this model & replacement soldering ironI want to buy a couple elements & 1 extra soldering iron with cable.also there is hidden options in this model also? by holding down buttons?I have found cheap soldering irons & elements between $5-$10 each. but now after seeing this post they are incorrect versions. from ebay & sra soldering.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 12:04:08 am
content: Here's a link to a source for the elements:http://www.ebay.com/itm/60W-SOLDER-HEATER-HEATING-ELEMENT-NEW-RADIO-SHACK-SOLDERING-STATION-/160729216456?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256c3535c8Scroll down the page for a complete, replacement iron. There's a few sources on the net selling "2 core" elements that look similar. It has to match up properly to the station to get proper temperature read out. I'll have to dig through my stuff to get you the exact calibration and offset procedure, but it's basically holding down buttons 1 & 3 and using the buttons for the tip offset and the adjustable control for the calibration set if you have a thermocouple or tip temp meter like Hakko's. The tip compensation apparently has to be empirical from past experience. The tips don't have published offset values from the reference conical tip that it's calibrated against. It's a good idea, but not practically implemented.

author: Ghenghis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 09:11:44 am
content: Dawn yes I own a few thermocouple meters - I own a HT-R490 BGA rework station.Also I would recommend to anyone really.Thanks for the linkReplacement Soldering Ironhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/ATTEN-SOLDERING-STATION-IRON-HANDLE-938-AT938-938D-/150777534736?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D150618407193%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8963244182251295970#ht_4515wt_944I see holding down buttons there are options likeButtons 1+3SET:RUN 'fTMP:015or 1+2 or 2+3SET: CAL'fTMP:---but will wait for info on how to change the values as the knob dont edit the value.Dawn thanks againDave

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 11:07:38 am
content: OK here's what I have on these units. It may not be complete, but far more then you'll find in any of the instruction manuals.The first is a correction factor that's based on the difference of the mass of the tips referenced to the supplied conical that the unit is calibrated with at the factory. It makes no real sense as the tips don't come with a correction factor nor is there a factory supplied list I've found with any of the units that use the same PIC firmware. Original ATTEN tips do not have any correction factor marked on them or on the thick, little plastic zip lock pouch they come in.Hold buttons 1&3 for 3 seconds#1 button shifts -20 degrees in increments#3 button shifts +30 degrees in increments#2 button stores the settingThe temperature calibration starts with 1&3 depressed before the power switch is turned on. Keep the buttons depressed until you see the word 'run'This is an internal routine that runs in three stages and you see a countdown on the display. First it counts 1-15 then a second count 1-24. This will take a few minutes to settle. Then the display shows TEMP with three dashes. Above, the SET shows a numerical value that the temperature is supposed to be. Measure the tip with a temperature probe or tip thermometer and use the variable knob to set the TEMP where both the SET and TEMP agree.Push #2 and it memorizes the calibration.Presetting working temps for 1-3 is obvious. Just hold the button down 4 seconds or more after depressing the appropriate button.Pinout for the iron.1 & 2 - one side of ceramic heating element.4 & 5 - other side of ceramic element.3 connected to spring and outer metal sleeve. Continuous to AC ground.The internal board in the iron and wiring was apparently designed for 4 wire thermocouple type Hakko 936 elements. The board is just used as a tie point for both element connections and the 4 wires (two paralleled). Any third party Hakko clone can be used and modified accordingly should an ATTEN one become unobtanium or better quality clone found.

author: Ghenghis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 07, 2012, 08:41:27 pm
content: very nice indeed thank you againso the 4 wire version will also work it seems, can choose between 2 or 4 wire.I messaged someone on ebay & they even said the 220v can work on the 110v version.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 01:11:38 am
content: I'm not sure if I understand about the irons. The ATTEN irons are essentially 3 wire. A standard Hakko 936 type clone 5 wire thermocouple/heater iron will not work off-the-shelf. You will get three dashes on the display for actual temp if you connect one.What ATTEN has done is take a Hakko clone iron with 5 wires where pins 1&2 (usually red and blue) that used to be heating element and pins 4&5(usually green & white) that used to be the thermocouple and pin 3 (usually black) that's attached to the spring and simply rewired how the element attaches to the board. Even the board is still set up to accommodate a heater element/thermocouple. The only thing done is that the two wire element is substituted and wires patched to the existing board so that pins 1&2 are now one side of the element and 4&5 the other. It's a quick and dirty way to take readily available Hakko clone irons they can buy off the supply market already made in bulk without elements and graft their own 2 wire element inside. The elements themselves are standard 24-28V, so 110/220/240V primary voltage shouldn't matter or even be considered when sourcing an iron or replacement element. For another source on a compatible iron, MCM sells the entire iron for around USD $16 under p/n 21-11435.Something I didn't make clear in previous post that I should mention. The typical flavor of the ATTEN 201D that's sold as a 60W iron under all these different OEM's names and part numbers is NOT the same as the identical appearing AT-204D and AT-208D. I don't know what internal difference these higher wattage units have, but the hand irons are different in the manuals that I've found online. The element and I think tip are together and very long with two pins sticking out the base. I assume these are plug in to the handle and similar to the newer, 70W Aoyue/CSI irons. I know for sure that the Chicago/Harbor Freight, Madell,MCM/Premier Farnell/Element 14, and Radio Shack are AT-201D 60W models. None to my knowledge offer replacement elements. With more OEM's offering the similar spec'd AT-938D as the house brand model, that should change soon.

author: MrPlacid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 01:31:17 am
content: I have ordered the iron tips at Radio Shack store. You have to walk in nonchalantly and order it like you know what you're doing. And cross your fingers that the employees there knows know how to order. I got lucky. I remember it was cheaper than madell site.

author: Ghenghis
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 04:45:31 am
content: thanks Dawn,I will also check out Harbor Freight as I have one pretty close to me for ElementsI have found for Tips I can get off ebay cheap ordered like 20 tips for like $1-$3 dollars each I also bought another Element off ebay from your link. will order another iron next week.not sure if you would know part # or where to find power suppy's for them also. would be nice to have it handy as we are talking about it.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 07:07:36 am
content: You can forget Harbor Freight. As with anything else that you buy there, they support nothing but a replacement during the warranty. Harbor Freight's SKU#96531No individual parts or expendables are available from them.http://images.harborfreight.com/manuals/96000-96999/96531.pdfAs far as the stations themselves, I doubt anyone has them for sale besides MCM for $80 or Madell for $67. The replacement is the 938D which sells about for about $30 less then the 201D and from the specs, must be a lighter unit at 1.5lbs less (smaller transformer?). In past searches on the 'bay and on amateur radio classifieds, there's always a few to be found going for very cheap.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 07:49:49 am
content: Look what I just found:http://www.madelltech.com/images/900M_soldering_tips.JPGI never noticed that their catalog index of tips had the offset/correction values listed for the 201D that can be programmed in.

author: ddrl46
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 10:33:50 am
content: This station is also being sold under the Toolcraft brand at Conradlinkandhere.Funny how big of a price difference there is between the global and UK conrad.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 11:55:20 am
content: Quote from: ddrl46 on June 08, 2012, 10:33:50 amWant to buy an Atmel Atmega 2560 AVR MCU from Conrad France? Brace yourself:http://www.conrad.fr/microcontroleur_ram_boitier_p_48674_48869_603376_839858_FASCompare this withhttp://www.findchips.com/avail?part=ATMEGA2560V-8AU

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 03:26:55 pm
content: Quote from: Bored@Work on June 08, 2012, 11:55:20 am

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2012, 01:57:48 am
content: Quote from: Bored@Work on June 08, 2012, 11:55:20 amPerhaps they consumed too much wine when they entered the pricing?

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2012, 06:09:59 am
content: MCM is featuring these stations in black for USD $49.99 this month 21-10120 and the 938D version for $44.99 ; 21-10115.

author: jerryjj
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 12, 2012, 10:47:14 pm
content: I had no problem finding tips for this station on Radio Shack's website...Search for “tip for 6400053”Tips are p/n 64-119, 64-121 to 64-144. They range from $4.99 to $6.99.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2012, 09:17:31 am
content: That's pricey for knock off tips, you can get them at 2$ elsewhereOr you can also get the original 900M-T series at 6$ or so

author: jakeisprobably
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2016, 09:23:30 pm
content: I know it's bad form to resurrect an old forum topic, especially as a first post. (For that I apologize, and hello)I came across this forum topic via Google search and quite a bit of this topic is an interesting source of info. I thought this would be the best place to add a little more info and clarify with some stuff I came across.At the time of this post Radio Shack is clearing out the last few 64-053 units in stores here in the US. (beginning of 2016)Radio Shack does not support this unit with accessories, at least on their website. In store there is a very small chance, but it is unlikely they will have anything. They did in the past. The old part number for a Radio Shack replacement conical tip is 64-2114. I found this info from someone who posted the part on eBay with the original packaging visible. I have uploaded screen shots showing what I have found.In case these pictures are removed or the links are broken at some point in the future. The front of the Radio Shack packaging titles this part as, "Conical Tip 900M-T-LB Replacement Tip for 64-053." The seller that listed this on eBay also posted this description:"RadioShack Conical Soldering Tip 900M-T-LB Brand new in the package.More details: Identical replacement tip for the 64-053.Compatible with Hakko, medium 900M, 900M-ESD, 907, 907-ESD, 933 models."The seller was US based, had 918 feedback at the time of this post, and a 100% positive feedback rating.I'm not claiming to be an expert about this. I'm just forwarding the information I have found. You be the judge. Hopefully this will help clarify things for the next person looking for this info.on eBay.