Soldering Station i found - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 01:55:55 pm
content: Hello i found a good soldering station (i think it is good) its from GB and the seller has sold 1001 units....http://www.ebay.com/itm/28020-Analog-Soldering-Station-150-480-C-60-W-with-Silicon-Wire-/280757198381?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item415e6ede2dThis is the iron what do you think?

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 02:02:45 pm
content: I also got down the site and found thesehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/40-Watt-Soldering-Station-Variable-Temperature-240V-/220985543690?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item3373c3cc0ahttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Soldering-Station-BK-938-Welding-Equipment-Soldering-iron-tool-Station-/330877079497?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d09cf8fc9http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATTEN-AT936b-50W-220V-SMD-Rework-Welding-Soldering-Station-Solder-Irons-/320823345753?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab28fc259http://www.ebay.com/itm/220V-60W-SOLDERING-STATION-WELDING-IRON-TOOL-ESD-936C-/170850832498?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_100&hash=item27c780d072&vxp=mtrhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-220V-90W-50Hz-Lead-Free-Iron-Tool-Soldering-Station-Welding-/390519162162?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item5aecc18532andhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/AC220V-Input-2-Round-Pin-Plug-Soldering-Station-1-18W-/300825157187?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item460a939e43I would also like to know what that ishttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Soldering-Station-Digital-DC-Controller-for-HAKKO-936-Compatible-907-Iron-Handle-/130620434360?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6995a7b8and could it help me ?Thank you

author: Dylogic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 02:26:22 pm
content: It good for this price, But if you are ready to pay the price you should check some real hakko soledring station likehttp://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=49&PID=5085&Page=1I work with hakko soldering station and they doing a amazing job, they are durable, the tip life is pretty good and I am sure that if you buy a hakko soldering station you wont regret it! But when choosing a soldering iron you should consider the type of work you will do?.

author: Dylogic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 02:36:50 pm
content: andhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Soldering-Station-Digital-DC-Controller-for-HAKKO-936-Compatible-907-Iron-Handle-/130620434360?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6995a7b8that is only a Soldering station controller, so in order to use it you need a power cord and a hakko iron handle that compatible with the controller because they are not included. So it like a fake hakko soldering station with no enclosure!

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 09:08:30 pm
content: Quote from: Dylogic on March 19, 2013, 02:26:22 pmThanks i wish i had this kind of money... but i may get one of those as a b day present

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2013, 09:11:25 pm
content: Quote from: Dylogic on March 19, 2013, 02:36:50 pmNah i dont think so because of the trouble it will get me into.1) if i get a soldering station i wont have to buy extra handle2) it can be powered up with a dc power supply only .... wont work for me i need AC3)i would better give 40 euros more and buy a hakko (if i had the money)

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 12:56:56 pm
content: What you think for atten as companyDave has an Atten air gun and power supply and i think it is a good company.I can afford these irons (also the hakko ones are made to work with 110v AC and in Greece we have 220 AC.I could change the transformer but it would be expensive....)[urlhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/ATTEN-AT936b-Solder-Iron-Welding-Station-/380365780285?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588f91353d

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 01:43:08 pm
content: Atten is normally crap.You really can't base it on that Dave has some Atten units, he buys stuff to do reviews.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 05:16:06 pm
content: ok... then what shall i get im confusedi need only a basic iron

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 05:54:23 pm
content: Ah, by all means get an Atten if you can't afford a proper one like the ones described all over the forum.But, you might need to "fix" it before use, and there's no telling how long it will function.And, the soldering station is among the more important gear you'll need. You're going to use it a lot, perhaps for hours each day. I suggest you get a good one, like: Hakko, Weller, JBC, ....

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 10:02:45 pm
content: hmmm that put me into thougts because io dont assemble boards every day but when i work on a project i may solder for 4 - 5 hours each day every day for a week .... so i will save money to buy one propper hakko one and not waste time and money with the cheap Atten but another problem is that i cant find a website with Hakko that opperates at 220 - 240 volt AC 50-60 Hz.... and dont know what to do can i feed it with a dc voltage? Also i can change the transformer but that could be devastating money wise.I dont know but i would better get hakko instead of a weller. I dont know why but i loved the hakko that dave has. Althought i will search for weller stations.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 10:11:34 pm
content: Well the best ones i found (that can be affordable and suitable for me)http://www.ebay.com/itm/WELLER-WLC100-40-WATT-SOLDERING-STATION-/160990859855?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257bcd924fhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Weller-Solder-Soldering-Station-WES51-50-Watt-Analog-Adjustable-Heat-New-/160982434257?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257b4d01d1http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weller-WLC200-80-Watts-Stained-Glass-Station-/321085825434?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac234e19aAlso i noticed that the soldering stations are pretty cheap and affordabole the problem is the shipping 2 of these three soldering stations have 50 bucks shipping cost to Greece

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 10:34:21 pm
content: Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 20, 2013, 10:11:34 pmOf the three, the middle unit (WES51) is a proper temperature controlled station, and is the type you want.The other two are nothing more than a firestick running off of a light dimmer.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 20, 2013, 10:58:50 pm
content: I agree on the WES51.Sure it cost a little, and the shipping is quite high. But if you manage to get this you'll never regret it.Perhaps check if there's someone else that has better shipping rates.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 10:41:40 pm
content: So you would prefer the weller one over the hakko ?

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 10:52:55 pm
content: I've used a WES51 for many years, was very happy with it.Never used a Hakko.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:13:14 pm
content: Well i think that both being top brands it does not matter which one you choose. ( if you get me ) (also correct me for my english if i make any mistake anygiven time)

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:16:57 pm
content: Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 21, 2013, 10:41:40 pmBoth excellent tools (referring to the Hakko and WES51).Chris, I remember reading a few of your other threads. If you really do hours of soldering each day for a week at a time (as you stated above), then perhaps consider saving a bit more for one of these better irons (their longevity pays for itself).However, if you're only occasionally using an iron, you're very young and rely on your parents contributing to your hobby (apologies if I'm wrong, I just though I remember you mentioning that you were in your early teens), you don't have a lot of experience soldering and will eventually purchase a proper tool, then the Atten may be the tool to buy (I understand how terrible the economy is there now - lots and lots of family there). One caveat, if you buy an iron (any iron), don't waste your time with the stupid little pin-point tips they give you. Buy a proper chisel tip! Good luck, buddy.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:27:26 pm
content: Quote from: StubbornGreek on March 21, 2013, 11:16:57 pmThanks for your answer.Yes you did read some of my posts and i am thankfull for your oppinnioni think i will save money because1) i am 17 ( you cant call that EARLY teens)2) i have a pretty good experience with soldering ( but i cant do much with those crappy tips and these 60 watt pieces of **** that heat way more that i need them to resulting a great loss in pcb pads (they just lift off due to overheating i first thought that the pcbs are bad but this happened with many pcbs) so this is the reason i am willing to save money for a GOOD soldering iron and not an Atten .3)As for the economy you are right but if i save money i can get it done4)I love soldering i love to see the solder melting the fumes comming out of my soldering iron and the projects when they are completed JUST LOVE ITTTTT5) i think that it would be more than a hobby in the near future (also now it not such as a hobby i consider it as important as my homework for shool)So to sum up i pretty much need a good soldering station to do a nice proper job and learn some stuff also i think that the Weller one is not that expensive to begin withAnyway thank you please consider my answer

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:32:06 pm
content: Apologies on the error to your age.It seems that you have the right attitude about things (stick with it!). Also, I think you're making the right choice by saving a bit more and investing in the better gear. Do you know how many times I purchased something thinking I was saving money - until I had to replace it? Needless to say, I don't do this any more.Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 21, 2013, 11:27:26 pm

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:36:14 pm
content: Quote from: StubbornGreek on March 21, 2013, 11:32:06 pmRight it think i am making the right choise too.In Greece we tell something like a ridle of stuffI can not translate it word by word because it wont make sense so i am telling you the meaning of itMeaning : when you buy something cheap thinking that you will save money you will pay more the time that cheap thing breaks.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2013, 11:45:01 pm
content: Something to watch out for with really cheap solder stations is that some are not temperature controlled, they just have a power control. This means the tip idles very hot and oxidises quickly.Going for cheap crap on such an everyday tool that you will be using all the time is false economy.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 01:52:50 am
content: Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 21, 2013, 10:41:40 pmWeller has had QC issues in recent years with their stations, regardless of COO (Mexico or Germany), as well as the irons and tips. So based on that, I'd recommend the Hakko over the Weller.Assuming you can get one at a reasonable price that is, and also that you either have a step-down transformer, or figured one into your budget since you're looking at US models.BTW, the same seller for the WES51 also carries the Hakko FX-888 in analog and digital flavors.The analog comes in slightly cheaper (~$8.xx), and the digital slightly more ($4.00), so either way, it's doable (just add VAT & maybe the step-down transformer). Hakko (without including the transformer), comes in less than what dancap.co.uk sells the Hakko for in the UK, so there may be a savings there if you already have the transformer or can get one for less than 35GBP.Analog version:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-FX888-23BY-FX888-Soldering-Station-Replaces-936-12-Solder-Station-/170990362664?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cfd1e028Digital version:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-FX888D-23BY-FX888-Digital-Read-out-Adjustable-Temp-Soldering-Station-/380553856557?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item589ac7062dQuote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 21, 2013, 11:27:26 pmSounds like you're past the "point of no return", so getting a proper soldering station is madatory at this point.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 02:54:07 am
content: I have a Weller iron and a Hakko. Back in the day, I think Weller used to be much better. I don't think they are all that great these days, apart from their production high end stuff. I'd go with the Hakko personally.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 08:36:43 am
content: Thanks you for your answer (all of you ) i will consider your points i will quote every single comment to tell you my opinion about the every comment.As for the digital/analog option i don't know what to choose.I like the analog and the digital what would you suggestNow as for the weller or hakko question as i was skimming through the replies i saw one that said that weller used to make good irons and now it's quality has fallen dramatically.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 09:02:43 am
content: i just purchased a Hakko fx888 (not D) and so far for me has been very good, with a heat up time somewhere around 10 seconds from cold, where my TC201 pencil Weller takes a fair bit longer, and is a fixed temperature,most of my work revolves around fine pcb soldering and wire and terminal soldering, a few things i can add, for fine work the thinner pencil on the hakko is much nicer, similar to the expensive JBC models, a thin and light pencil helps with fine work, but the wellers actual tip coatings tend to last far longer than most of the irons i have seen,on key flaw on the Weller side i have experienced, due to the slower heat up time if you clean the tip with a lightly dampened sponge you need to wait 2-3 seconds for the tip to resume temperature, while the hakko needs only about half a second, the same happens if you jumping from large pad to pad but to a lesser extent,on the side of reliability, they still sell all the individual replacement components of my weller irons pencil, and recently had to replace its heater coil after something close to 8 years of regular use, wes components if any lurkers are chasing them down,the current gen model of my iron goes for about $140, while the hakko was $188, and as this forum seems so fond of the hakko's the tradeoffs where minimal and bought the new ironas for why i bought the iron, in part it was as i had yet to locate a new heater coil and could not have more than a few days without one, but for large through hole components and smd stuff, 2 irons do come in handy,

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 09:46:09 am
content: I personally use Xytronic tools for soldering (soldering iron, tweezers, pliers, solder wick etc). They are Taiwanese company, definitely not a high-end like Hakko, JBC or Metcal but way better than Atten, Zhaoxin, Kada, ZD, PT and the like (brand doesn't really matter in this case).I use LF1600 which is built out of reasonable components, excluding shitty capacitors inside (already replaced those with Panasonics).Here is a teardown of the station I have:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/xytronic-lf-1600-soldering-station-teardown/

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 10:26:29 am
content: Thank you for your answer i will consider this but for a beginner i think a good hakko will do the job

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 07:26:10 pm
content: Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 22, 2013, 08:36:43 amUnfortunately, this is the case. If you look at more recent reviews, you'll see what I'm talking about (their top-end series, the WX, was so bad they had to issue a recall). WD (previous series to the WX), also have issues, and replacement parts are expensive. Just an iron for example, runs $100 - 125USD for these (WMP or WP80 irons), and if you have an M version, the WRMP is worse.So far, mine's been good, but I'm nervous if something breaks on it. Tip quality is another major factor, as they're from multiple sources (maybe you get a good one, maybe not). And although they may not be that not expensive (LT series, which fit the WP80), the shipping can get ugly ($6 - 7USD shipping for a single $4.00 tip), and it adds up.

author: Randall W. Lott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 08:19:30 pm
content: "Silicon wire". Haven't seen that one before

author: StevenB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 08:56:18 pm
content: When I was in my teens, I started out with the cheapo irons. I was still able to learn and do quite a bit.There is value in using cheap tools. It makes you appreciate the good stuff!

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 11:23:05 pm
content: I think that you are right i love my soldering irons (i got both of them for 2 bucks each + shipping)I have learned how important is the thickness of the solder the technique the angle the flux the pads the heat and basically i have learned to make good solder joints (and not one of them was a cold solder joint) that shine and look beautiful and i learned to solder quite fast with these itemsOld flux paste (30 years old or more ( i know it does not expire or getting bad through years) and i feel lucky to have something this old and this useful to my components drawer)from my father who used to solder some of the wires he used (as an electrician).cheap soldering iron from China (60 watt fixed voltage but it will get the job done)soldering wick (non fluxed)and 0.4 mm soldering wire (that i figured out it was too thin i would prefer 1mm because it melts that easy and get the job done with less effort).So i think that if i get a proper soldering station and good tools i will appreciate them.

author: xygor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 11:34:44 pm
content: Quote from: Rerouter on March 22, 2013, 09:02:43 amNot to be ornery, but I doubt that. More like ~35 seconds from room temp to 350C at the tip irrc. The readout gets there before the tip does.For reference:http://www.howardelectronics.com/jbc/images/performance-comparison_1209.pdf(doesn't have fx888 in it though.)

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2013, 11:37:37 pm
content: So what do you suggest? I saved 30 euro already

author: xygor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2013, 12:04:04 am
content: If your budget allows, FX888, WES51, or any Xytronic (Don't confuse with lower quality X-tronic - a totally different maker.)I also like this:http://www.circuitspecialists.eu/soldering/blackjack-solderwerks/bk-3000lf-70w-blackjack-solderwerks-lf-digital-solder-stationor Aoyue 2900 because they take an integrated tip/heater that heats fast and is responsive to the load. They're not as high in build quality as the others, but yet has better performance.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2013, 12:11:48 am
content: I like both the fx888 and the wes51 also the one you suggested was quite good economicaly speaking.I dont know about the quality.

author: kxenos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2013, 12:26:53 am
content: Hi Chris, sourcing a Hakko to Greece will be quite expensive. All 888s you find on ebay are 110V. Don't expect anything less than 200€. Try to go to Katoumas store in Athens. He has some Ersa digital stations for about 150€. You might find them even cheaper on ebay. Antex are also quite good and durable. Fanos store has these as well as some wellers.Good luckKostas

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2013, 09:34:48 am
content: Thank you for your answer kostas but you discouraged me and made me think about Weller irons as an option which are cheaper if bought from ebay.So thank you for your help because you erased hakko from the maybe list and moved it to Impossible list.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2013, 09:11:24 pm
content: Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 23, 2013, 09:34:48 amAs I mentioned before, your previous links were for US versions (110V), and can be used with a step-down transformer for 220V mains countries (applies to any brand with a US plug & 110V/115V transformer in it).So if you have one or can get one of these + soldering station cheaper than a native 220V version, why not go for it?

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2013, 10:56:32 pm
content: Thank you i did not read that.(sr for not noticing) also thanks for the advise becuase the way you display things it will be great for get one Hakko (dont know it was so sudden i saw it and then loved it also Dave's teardown helped encourage me for the hakko one)So thank you for swifting my opinion i will search for it.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 12:54:57 am
content: Quote from: ChrisGreece52 on March 23, 2013, 10:56:32 pmGlad it helped, and I hope it works out for you.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 08:15:19 am
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-50W-US-AC-Socket-Converter-220V-To-110V-Voltage-Converter-Adapter-/380600071564?pt=Travel_Adapters_Converters&hash=item589d88358cLook what i found .... the step down transformers are sooo cheap (even a better than this one)

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 12:07:01 pm
content: That one's only rated for 50w maximum, and considering it's a no-name converter it probably can only do about 30w in reality.The stations are usually 60-75w so you may overheat or burn out such converters.Again, you can get transformers, either 220-240v to 110v or 220-240v to 24v (the voltage used inside Hakko) for 10-20$ so even if it costs 84$ for Hakko, 20$ for transformer, 40-50$ shipping, you still end up cheaper than buying a european version of Hakko or a 150 euro ersa or whatever.But anyway... I've mentioned that Tenma soldering station on Farnell, have you checked to see how much it costs to buy and ship it to Greece?http://uk.farnell.com/tenma/21-10115-eu/soldering-station-60w-220v-eu/dp/2062627http://de.farnell.com/tenma/21-10115-eu/soldering-station-60w-220v-eu/dp/2062627For Romania, the price is 52 euro + vat and since we have 24% vat, it ends up at 65 euro. Shipping is another 5 euro for Romania (might be different for Greece) so at 70 euro overall, it's a reasonable price.The station is an Atten AT938D rebranded... you can get it in several places.For example I can find it on Batronix (i bought from them, they're good) and it's at a promotion for 50 euro + vat, but their shipping fees are slightly higher at around 10 euro, depending where you live.. (11 euro for me in Romania, 14 euro for Greece):http://www.batronix.com/shop/soldering/Atten-AT938D.htmlThe point is it's a good station for which you'll find plenty of tips, and I think it can work with the Hakko tips, so you'll be fine for years with plenty of spare parts so no worries.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 04:15:35 pm
content: I am not quite sure about the Atten one's yet but thanks for the advice on transformers

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 04:18:00 pm
content: So if i get this with a 70 watt iron i will be covered (it is a 100 watt one)http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-220-240-To-110-120-Power-Voltage-Converter-/140526153243?pt=Travel_Adapters_Converters&hash=item20b802ee1b

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 05:12:52 pm
content: Without seeing that exact device opened up to check the insides, you can never know. I personally wouldn't risk my devices with a no-name converter like that one.I would never buy one such converter unless it's from a store like Amazon com/co.uk/whatever where I can just return it if it's crap.There's a good reason why a 220-240v to 110v transformer is big and heavy compared to those adapters which are light and cheap... those small adapters are usually crap.Now a soldering station like Hakko 888 is rated for 24v 3.2A, or about 75-80w, but it doesn't draw that much power all the time. It uses a lot when it heats the tip and then it only uses bursts of power to maintain the heat of the tip. Also, it's likely it will use 75-80w only at high temperatures like 400-450c while in reality you would pretty much only use 300-350cSo someone could argue you could use an adapter like that rated for lower power because on average you won't use the maximum of 75-80w, but I just don't trust those small adapters, they can overheat, they may be poorly made and short something inside them and so on.In addition, there's also the issue of mains frequency.The transformer inside the Hakko is for 110v AC 60 Hz -> 24V AC ... in Europe we have 220-240v AC50 Hz... these cheap adapters don't convert the frequency, so you're actually converting the 220-240v AC 50 Hz to 110v 50 Hz while the transformer inside the Hakko is designed for 110v60 Hz.I'm not so experienced with mains voltages and frequencies and transformer theory, so I can't tell you exactly how much the lower mains frequency affects the transformer (maybe it would overheat at 60-80w?) and the output it produces. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will answer here.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 05:18:46 pm
content: Got it thank you ...Now back to the search

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 05:25:03 pm
content: You have another option.You can get an inverter which would take 12v and convert it to 110v 60 Hz - such inverters are quite easy to find, lots of people in US buy them to have 110v in their cars. Some also work with up to 24v, so you could use a 18-19v laptop charger to power it...So you could just find some old ATX power supply and feed 12v to the inverter (or a laptop charger if the inverter accepts up to 24v) and that one will actually produce 110v 60 Hz (more or less, not sinusoidal but simulated step wave) and the hakko will be happy. And on the plus side, you would also be able to re-use the inverter with other US electronics.

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 07:50:59 pm
content: havent thought about that thank you.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2013, 08:45:53 pm
content: Take a look here (step-down transformer site):http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-down-transformer.htmlTo be sure it can handle it, I'd probably go with a 300W version.http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/product_info.php?category_id=10016462&products_id=10060392

author: ChrisGreece52
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2013, 12:38:00 am
content: Thank you for your advice its pretty cheap and i think good qualty too.