Lab upgrade/expansion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DuRoble
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 01:38:52 pm
content: Hey guys,the other day I got thinking that since my personal projects are getting more and more complex I should definitely update my equipment at home. I'm Electrical Engineering student in 5. semester.So I got thinking what I want to keep and what parts I want to replace. Money is certainly a thing, but not the most important thing since this is more of a long term updateI find it more important to buy good quality tools than buying everything I wish for at once.Currently I'm 'stuck' with a Weller WHS-40, and old analog oscilloscope, a UNI-T UT132C...I guess that's pretty much it...As you may find there' s definitely the need for upgrading and expanding especially since I wanted to start doing SMD stuff with my projects. The multimeter is certainly not good at all, but I must say to date I never had the need for measurements more precise than what my multimeter is capable of. Having more than one multimeter would be a nice thing to have though.The analog oscilloscope is absolutely fine for what I'm doing - despite the trigger issues it has sometimes - so I don't think there's is the need for an update.What I really miss having is a lab power-supply. So handy having one!So that would be a point where I would start my expansion/upgrade. Having at least least a dual channel one would be nice but I guess that's where the money part kicks in. But thankfully you can always have multiple power-suppplies so I wouldn't worry too much about buying a single channel one for now.Although my WHS-40 soldering station is not bad at all - at least for what I'm doing so far - I'm kind of annoyed that there is only a single option for chisel tips (2.0mm wide) and no option at all for something like a gull wing tip (I was told that soldering SMD ICs with gull wing is lovely). So I would sell my old station and buy a new one as an replacement that has more tips to choose from. What I had in mind was something like a Weller WSD 81i SE.So the 'upgrade-plan' I came up with would be like this:* First upgrade would be the lab power--supply since I don't own one yet. I found one with 0-36V at a maximum of 3A for 114€...* Second upgrade would be the soldering station to make SMD soldering easier. Choosing Weller WSD 81i SE would cost around 340€ plus a chisel and a gull wing tip at 8€ each...* Third upgrade would be my multimeter but that is not to be decided yet. By then it's probably end of 2016So what do you think about my upgrade/expansion plans? Do you agree? What would you change? I'm interested in all your opinions and advice for 'young players' (as Dave would probably say) like meThanks to anyone contributing in the discussion and sorry for all the German-English that's probably in hereGreetings from GermanyRobin

author: wblock
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 03:10:25 pm
content: Quote from: DuRoble on November 24, 2015, 01:38:52 pmSince you are changing tip types anyway, consider brands besides Weller. For that amount of money, you could get a used JBC, Metcal, or Hakko. Maybe with enough left over to get that power supply also.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 04:54:46 pm
content: Quote from: DuRoble on November 24, 2015, 01:38:52 pmNormally I'd suggest getting a quality used bench PSU, but as most listings on eBay.de are located in the US, I presume the shipping and input voltage requirement would kill it. So what you've found will probably have to do for now.Quote from: DuRoble on November 24, 2015, 01:38:52 pmYou've options here, and likewblock, I'd suggest expanding your brands beyond Weller. One he didn't mention, was Ersa, which seems to offer quite a bit of value in the EU/UK market.Specifically, theiCon-Nano, which you can get for 198EUR incl. VAT (here). You may even find it a bit cheaper (i.e. 177EUR) directly from Ersa's EU store, assuming that deal is still being offered (don't have the link, sorry).It's a top performer, lots of tip shapes available (102 series), they're of high quality, and inexpensive (just plated copper).Short distance between the tip and your fingers, which allows for better control IME, particularly with SMD.Quote from: DuRoble on November 24, 2015, 01:38:52 pmYou don't have to go expensive. For example, you could opt for a Uni-T UT139C, which has decent protection in it, yet can be had for ~$43 shipped to the US on eBay (no VAT here, but it's inexpensive enough it won't hurt your wallet so much).BTW, if you go into your user profile and set your country, the flag will display beneath your userID (saves you time and effort answering "where are you located?" over and over).

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2015, 05:16:54 pm
content: Its always useful to have a second iron, especially if it uses cheap tips you don't mind doing rough work with. As the Weller WHS-40 tips are straight copper rod, you can easily make your own if you ever need a really custom one. Unplated they wont last well, but for occasional use they are good enough to get the job done.

author: DuRoble
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 05:04:45 pm
content: Thanks for all you responses you're helping me out a lot!Quote from: wblock on November 24, 2015, 03:10:25 pmGood idea! I considered buying a new Hakko but excluded it because the tips and the stations seem kind of hard to get here in Germany :/ Haven't looked at used ones though. JBC would be a fantastic optionI'm definitely checking that out on ebay!Quote from: nanofrog on November 24, 2015, 04:54:46 pmThat's something I did recognize as well in the past. There is little to no options for used bench supplies in Germany and surrounding countries. And the one that are available are either overly expensive or waaaay too oldErsa as a Weller alternative I've already kind of taken into consideration. I tested a single station at a local hardware store and wasn't very pleased with the shape of the soldering iron itself. The Weller ones just felt more comfortable. But I must admit that I only looked at a single Ersa station. The price does indeed seem very attractive in comparison to a Weller station. Another advantage over the Weller stations is the integrated tip holderChanged my location. Very handy indeed! Thanks!Quote from: Ian.M on November 24, 2015, 05:16:54 pmUnfortunately I don't have the space to have two soldering stations. Even buying a PSU will be a nightmare to storebut there has to be some way to be able to do that...

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 05:42:08 pm
content: Quote from: DuRoble on November 25, 2015, 05:04:45 pmNo idea which one you were able to hold, but the iron used with the iCon Nano is rather ergonomic (see photo).Seems very similar to some ergonomic pens I've used, which are very comfortable.BTW, here's theErsa e-store in Germanylink for 177EUR.As per storage, can you build some shelves or make some space in a closet or beneath a bed?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 05:49:10 pm
content: Yet again, I would join the club or whatever (probably the current buzzword is hackerspace) you have at the university dorm. They have all the tools that you will need. And people who share the same interest as you.If your university doesn't have one, you are missing out, get funding and make one.

author: DuRoble
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 06:10:19 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on November 25, 2015, 05:42:08 pmI was testing the RDS-80. The I-CON NANO seems much more comfortable! At least from the looks of itI was just looking for JBC and Hakko ones but there's no options on ebay and new ones cost more than the Weller one does. Shouldn't Hakko be cheaper than JBC?! The retailer I found sells the 951 Hakko for the same price as the CD-2SE JBC one..Anyway...not an option so who caresShelves would be an option but would be directly over my head when I#m in bed. not very ideal. And beneath my bed is already stuff...Quote from: NANDBlog on November 25, 2015, 05:49:10 pmThat is an option I thought of before. The main problem I saw was that most of the times I start working on my projects on Saturdays at 9 pm...my local hackerspace is 'opened' like Wednesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon when I'm in class. Unfortunately not very compatible with my time management

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 06:27:52 pm
content: Quote from: DuRoble on November 25, 2015, 06:10:19 pmHakko's harder to get in the EU/UK market, so the prices are too high for the most part.Batterflyhas the best prices on Hakko in that market, and are actually a lot closer to US pricing relatively speaking (i.e. 249.95EUR for an FX-951). English option at the top of the site pages.Quote from: DuRoble on November 25, 2015, 06:10:19 pmBuild a platform for the bed (say leave ~1m between the bed and ceiling), and make storage space/shelves, ... beneath the platform; you can actually fit an entire bench under there.Seriously, this is something I did back in my dorm days.

author: DuRoble
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 07:09:51 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on November 25, 2015, 06:27:52 pm250€ sound better than 380€Well the bed is not mine. It came with my room so no chance building something underneath it. Except if you don't attach the bed to the construction that's holding it. But that's probably not the best ideaAlso my room is 2.5 meters high. If I leave 1 meter to the ceiling and the bed is 0.5 meters high itself (just a guess) then that would leave me with 1 meter space under it. Is that even enough space to fit a chair under it?!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 07:42:19 pm
content: My soldering iron recommendation is the Hakko FX-951. I have one I purchased from TEquipment.net with 5 tips, 4 extra tip holders and an extra brass curl for $385 US with the EEVBlog discount. You can save a bit and not buy the extra 4 tip holders but I would still recommend an assortment of tips. This applies to any soldering iron you buy. I am very happy with the purchase. Another option as mentioned would be to find a good deal on a used Metcal. I also have a MX-500 with wand, tweezers, stands and 5 tips that I got for a ridiculous $190 US price. Both are really nice to use.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 08:42:56 pm
content: Quote from: DuRoble on November 25, 2015, 07:09:51 pmExactly (no modification of university property whatsoever).You make the bed frame posts that touch the platform surface captive so they cannot slip and bed fall off of the platform (i.e make a raised/extendedLfor each leg at the corner posts that support the entire platform).Another alternative here, and what I actually did, was not use a bed frame or box spring at all. Just place the mattress up there (sorry if this wasn't clear), as it gives you more clearance for the space beneath the platform (say ~160 or so, as it has to be customized to your height). I got permission from the housing authority, as the unused bits had to be stored (which they had provisions for).Quote from: DuRoble on November 25, 2015, 07:09:51 pmYou just need enough room to get into the bed (2.5m would be enough height to make this work, as that's what I had). You have to crouch to get under there, and seated your head will likely *just* clear the plywood base the bed rests on at it's lowest level (I actually had to hunch over a bit as I'm tall).As an alternative, you can just make whatever space the platform provides as storage. I'm sure you can find all manner of products at Ikea that would make good use of it.Hope this clears things up a bit.

author: wblock
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 09:58:42 pm
content: Quote from: DuRoble on November 25, 2015, 06:10:19 pmThis is the kind of thing to watch for:http://www.ebay.de/itm/JBC-Lotstation-Weidinger-Edition-/252180860849?hash=item3ab7268fb1:g:WXgAAOSwcBhWUeGmAlso watch for the older digital models like the DI3000. If there is a weak point of JBC systems, it is the strain relief at the end of the handle. The wires get flexed there and will eventually become broken or intermittent. With heavy use, they might only last ten or twenty years...It would be great if there was a way to test various systems before buying. Maybe see if there are any distributors for the major brands nearby and call them.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2015, 04:22:08 am
content: Even if you just jack up the bed enough to get a set of large lidded plastic storage boxes under it, you've gained a vast amount of storage space. Depending on the bed frame, it could be as simple as slipping sections of steel pipe over the legs, to extend them. You'll want to keep whatever storage solution you devise modular and free-standing as at most Unis there is no guarantee of keeping the same room year to year.As far as soldering irons go, yes, you need something decent, but don't get the idea you cant do SMD just because you don't have the latest super soldering station. I spent years working with a basic Weller TCP iron on my bench + a selection of bits, and would rarely need to take the job over to our full rework station for the hot air reflow etc. As a backup iron, I suggest a gas powered Portasol:http://www.portasol.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=33Pocket sized and safe to put in your pocket even immediately after use due to its cap, its amazingly capable for the price. Its adjustable with an equivlant power level from 10W to 60W.If you *DONT* have a backup iron, you can bet on your fancy new solder station letting you down at 17:00 on the Saturday of a bank holiday weekend or similar equally inconvenient occasion.