Esra i-CON NANO - Should the temp be jumping around like this? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dman777
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2020, 02:15:54 pm
content: Hi,I am thinking about getting the Esra i-Con NANO or Pico. In this review, the iron overshots the 600 degree set temp at 650 and never stays consistent. Even when not being used but just sitting the temp keeps jumping around. Is that normal?https://youtu.be/MJlP51UFuQ0?t=174

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2020, 04:07:04 pm
content: Quote from: dman777 on April 27, 2020, 02:15:54 pmIt might be normal when set to the Energy 3 setting, which prioritizes speed over overshoot. He says he left it in the default because he wants it to heat as fast as possible, but he is wrong, he changed it: the default is Energy 2. And at that setting, it definitely does not oscillate like that.I have the nano, and it’s a great station. That said, Ersa equipment is extremely expensive in USA. For the same money, I expect you’d be able to buy the Pace ADS200, which is a superior product in every way, including much cheaper tips.

author: dman777
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 12:11:25 am
content: Thank you for bringing that to my attention. They are indeed the same price in the US.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 07:50:53 am
content: You’re welcome! (I’ve been eyeing the ADS200 myself, as I occasionally need a more powerful station than the nano.) Also, one big pace dealer, tequipment, offers a discount for eevblog members. There’s a big thread about that somewhere.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:04:08 am
content: P.S. I actually kinda missed your original statement that you were considering the nano OR pico. IMHO, don’t get the pico: it is not ESD safe, which IMHO makes it a non-starter for lots of electronics. But it also uses a cheaper heater than the nano (which uses the same heater as the “big” I-con models). In particular, the pico heater uses a plastic thread onto which the tip collar affixes, whereas in the nano it is metal. And while unlikely to make any difference in quality, the pico is made in China, while the nano and big models are made in Germany.(Pace is made in USA.)Another hidden cost of the Ersa I-con line is that tips don’t include the retaining collar. While you can, technically, get by with one, that’s a huge pain in the ass, as it’s rather hard to separate from the tip. So when initially adding a tip, you have to budget in the extra $7 for another collar. (Should you ever wear out a tip, and want to replace it like-for-like, then reusing the collar is sensible. Ditto if you were to get a few exotic tips that youveryrarely use. But for your everyday tips, individual collars are essential.) In contrast, Pace’s cartridge tips are cheap and need no extras. Both Ersa and Pace tips have well deserved reputations for very long tip life.Again, the performance of the Ersa is excellent. (I use the nano at home and JBC at work, and honestly, they both work really, really well.) But they’re on the expensive side, especially outside of Europe.The soldering industry seems to be one where you’re often best off buying a domestic product, as imports are often wildly overpriced. Here in Europe, Hakko is crazy expensive. In USA, Ersa is nutso crazy. (I’m surprised that Farnell is now selling pace gear in Europe at reasonable prices. Smaller dealers mark it up a ton...)Finally, some YouTube videos complained about Ersa USA’s lousy service. Pace, on the other hand, has proven here in the forums that they offer stellar customer service, with a rep of theirs actively participating here and resolving any issues. That’s a part of why I am eager to get one of them.

author: dman777
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 05:34:53 pm
content: Yep, I decided against buying the Esra.I am now considering the Pace or the JBC. In the EEVblog #1106 - Pace ADS200 Soldering Station Review (JBC Killer?) I liked the thermal performance of the JBC where I can melt solder at a lower temp. I have a orignal xbox that is modded. It is a like an old car and gets a lot of issues. In case I have to resolder something on the motherboard, it might be benifical for me to have the benefit of low heat on the JBC so there is less chance of me burning a contact.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2020, 08:11:25 am
content: I use JBC at work and it’s good. But the tips are outrageously expensive. (Although I must admit that their tip selection is incredible!)But even with a JBC, big ground planes are a challenge. I’d sooner suggest getting the Pace and a cheap board preheater. That will dofarmore to prevent damage. And a cheap hot air device. (I have one of the cheap 858D ones, and they work fine, since hot air is inherently imprecise.)