Pace dual-path desoldering station from eBay - it blows instead of sucks! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ockerbill
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 01:53:24 am
content: Hey Folks,I'm hoping this is a dumb question. This thing is blowing air from the vacuum point, anyone seen this?It also is missing it's vacuum control valve (which seems normal on many ebay listings), the seller said it doesn't affect operation.- Bill

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:18:50 am
content: Some vacuum pumps can do both. Simply take it apart, and turn the valve/diaphragm assembly around 180 degrees. Tetra Aquarium pumps are real easy to do this with.

author: Riotpack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:28:41 am
content: Maybe you are using a northern hemisphere desoldering station in the southern hemisphere?

author: ockerbill
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:29:41 am
content: The weird thing is, it seems to be sucking solder, there is solder in the glass tube and filter. How is this possible? aaaagghhh!!

author: ockerbill
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:31:31 am
content: Quote from: Riotpack on June 11, 2015, 02:28:41 amhahah nice one!I actually used to use Pace desolderiong stations when I was a tech in the RAAF (Aussie Air Force) but now live in the USA. So in this case, the hemispheres are in alignment!- Bill

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:32:54 am
content: Quote from: ockerbill on June 11, 2015, 02:29:41 amWith the valve missing it sounds like you have a "half-wave" vacuum.

author: BennVenn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:34:41 am
content: yeah, add a piece of tuned length hose to it and you'll make yourself a resonant circuit, like extractors on an engine

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:35:39 am
content: Quote from: Riotpack on June 11, 2015, 02:28:41 amLOL, funny. I think maybe when you take it apart to inspect the valve assembly/diaphragm, you should use a Left Handed screwdriver.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 02:59:08 am
content: The Pace stations that I've seen have both an air input and output, labeled with little arrow symbols. Only the air output has a speed knob around it. Are you sure you're using the right port?

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 04:04:56 am
content: Right, I wasn't sure if the markings had worn offThat's an older Pace unit, the newer ones use graphical symbols to mark the ports.Inside you'll find a reciprocating air pump. One of the ways they can fail is the rubber check valves drying out, which would cause the symptom you're describing. I would take the pump out and disassemble it as far as the valves, see what shape they are in.

author: ockerbill
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 04:27:55 am
content: I took the pump apart, and there a simple diaphragm which pulls in and out from the action of cam-like device attached to a fan. The diaphragm looks pretty good, in that it flexes. and I can't see any rips. On the other side of the diaphragm is a block with the vacuum and pressure ports with what looks like a sealed rubber diaphragm. It doesn't appear to be removable.What I also found is that although the vacuum seems to be pushing air, at the glass tube on the end of the hose, there is suction if you block with your finger. I recall the suction being great back in my tech days using a Pace station.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 05:04:29 am
content: QuoteI haven't used these before, but could it be aventuri pumptype of arrangement?

author: ockerbill
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 05:09:12 am
content: I kept thinking a venturi may be involved... I'll keep you posted on what I find.

author: BurningTantalum
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2015, 11:57:08 am
content: All joking aside- If you have the tubing connected correctly externally, (and on my MBT100 the 'blow' port has a simple pressure regulator that doesn't really work very well,) then the pipes internally are connected incorrectly. Easily done and easy to suss with a finger.Just remember to get into the habit of 'over-running' the suction by a couple of seconds after you have removed the tip from the job. If you don't, the hole will block quickly and frequently and will drive you nuts cleaning it out. Plus eventually you will drop the pyrex tube on the floor and break it...BT

author: ockerbill
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 19, 2015, 06:09:29 am
content: Sorry folks, work pulled me away.This baby works great now. Stupid me, did not have the glass cylinder fully engaged. So all is well. Still weird that it was blowing though,, it must just be the way the pump works....