Hakko FX-971, FX-972 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2023, 10:12:40 pm
content: looks like new soldering products and systemhttps://www.hakko.com/english/products/

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2023, 01:08:16 am
content: https://hakkousa.com/fx-971-soldering-stationhttps://www.tequipment.net/Hakko/FX-971/Soldering-Stations/T39 tips 95W rated ($15-30 each), new handle with 13 pins on it. Still using 24V AC with resistive heater.FX971 ($400):- 100W- single portFX972:- 200W- dual portFX-9706 Micro hot tweezers, looks exactly like the RF tweezers (FX1003), so they reused that design.Looks quite decent. But nothing really special about it. Performance won't be at JBC or Metcal level. But cost is also lower.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2023, 10:06:52 pm
content: There are many strange design decisions on Hakko FX-971...User manualhttps://static.eleshop.nl/mage/media/downloads/Hakko_FX-971_Instruction_Manual.pdfhttps://www.hakko.com/english/support/doc/result.php?mode=download&seq=7235

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2023, 11:49:45 pm
content: What are the strange design decisions?He said this was supposed to be released in 2020, doesn't really change my opinion.Lots of basic but good improvements over their old stuff:- JBC style tip removal cutout- tip holder spots on the stand- no cable needed for sleep detection- IR remote calAlthough yeah nothing really new or innovative, more of a refresh, and clearly built down to a price (cheap LCD display).It would be cool if they pushed their induction tech instead. But the BOM cost on that is going to be a lot higher.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2023, 03:05:51 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 27, 2023, 11:49:45 pmProbably a smd accelerometer in the handle?

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2023, 06:46:42 pm
content: In general the Hakko FX-971 looks OK, like a today's product. No overengineering like JBC and not a 80's military design like PACE ADS-200 (that I am OK with, but the seven segment three characters LED display looks so cheap and oldschool... )Hakko LCD display is not an off-the-shelf product but it might easily survive 20 years or so...

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2023, 06:50:04 pm
content: Temperature setting of Hakko FX-971 is difficult as expected.The station can be tilted.The station can go to sleep when the handle is placed in the stand but you have to wait at least 1 minute and the temperature must be at least 300°C.There is no such limit at PACE ADS200 or many JBC stations.https://www.jbctools.com/pdf/manual-cdb-compact-station-0026943_ID-207205.pdf

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2023, 10:10:35 pm
content: Quote from: Hydrawerk on April 29, 2023, 06:50:04 pmPace uses a switch and JBC uses electrical metal connection, so it makes sense why they have no need for temperature requirement.Hakko must be using some combination of power consumption and accelerometer as you say. But its a really odd choice, why not use accelerometer for both cases (sleep and then wake).Only possibility I can think of is if they are using one of those cheap motion detect springs the clone units use. But that would be hilarious...https://www.addicore.com/SW-18020P-Standard-Sensitivity-Vibration-Sensor-p/ad167.htm

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2023, 01:31:27 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on May 01, 2023, 10:10:35 pmOr just power consumption, like the Ersa i-Con nano and pico (but unlike all other i-Con models, which use an accelerometer instead) — though they don’t require a 300C minimum.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2023, 09:01:55 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on May 04, 2023, 01:31:27 pmhmm wasn't thinking that was possible but maybe it is. When you pick the iron up, power won't change much, but then when you touch it to some solder or to a joint then it will wake right?It will take longer to wake but I do like the simplicity of it if it can be done.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 02:42:36 pm
content: Yep, that's exactly how it works! I have the i-Con nano at home, so I'm very familiar with it.When it detects that power has been constant (and constantly relatively low) for the standby timer period, it drops down to the standby temperature and stays there until either the "shutdown" timer is reached (where it drops down to 50C) or is woken up.From standby, when it's time to solder again, you either press any button, or touch the tip to something so that it detects a sudden temperature drop and goes "time to wake up!" Touching to solder isn't normally quite enough, since the 200C standby temp I have it set to (default is 250C*) is only just barely enough to melt leaded solder, and the contact area is so small, especially given the inevitable oxidation after sitting idle long enough to go into standby, that it might not conduct away enough heat. But by then you need to wipe anyway, so may as well use the brass wool or sponge. So I always just touch it to the brass wool.It is actually sensitive enough that if you wave the 200C iron around in the air like an idiot at a high enough speed, it can cool enough to detect it. But since that's dangerous and slower than just touching it to the brass wool, you'd also have to be an idiot to do it that way!From the 50C shutdown, only a button press can wake it.The only real annoyance about this system is this: trying to wake itwhile it is transitioning to the standby temperature. Because it isexpectinga rapid cooldown from the soldering temperature (for example, 330C) to the 200C standby, it won't respond to touching to the brass wool or solder because it thinks it's still just cooling off. This issuper irritatingif it happens literally a second or so before you want to solder a joint, because you start applying solder to re-tin the tip, and then it just keeps cooling... This is the sole reason I had to abandon setting the standby timer to just 1 minute: it would happen that, even with the iron in my hand, if I took too long prepping a solder joint, it would enter standby just between joints! So I raised it back to the 5 minute default and that's that.So basically, you can't wake it by drawing heat away until it has first stabilized at 200C. (It will, of course, wake instantly by pressing a button during cooldown.) I do wonder if this could be improved in firmware, so that during cooldown to standby, it can detect a sharp change in therate of changeof the tip temperature!I use the i-Con 2V at work, which has the handpiece with the accelerometer in it, and honestly, both systems work really well. The difference in how soon you're ready to solder again is absolutely minimal. (In fact, in one way the accelerometer-based wake is worse, in that just accidentally bumping the iron in the stand will wake it, even if I don't actually intend to use it. The accelerometer does prevententeringstandby by mistake, of course.)*Maybe it's more responsive with a 250C standby, but that's so close to leaded soldering temps that I thought it'd make more sense to lower it. I set it so long ago that I don't remember.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 05:18:45 pm
content: Can't understand why they still insist on making the temp so hard to manually set. Plus side is no more tip sleeve nonsense. Performance looks slightly improved, but 10 seconds from cold wasn't amazing. Yet again, no tweezer support on the single channel model. Appears to say turn off before swapping handpieces in the manual, unsure about quick swapping tips. Software seems pointless bloat.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 05:32:21 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on May 05, 2023, 05:18:45 pmI think they don't want people to change the temperature. My feeling is that they are targeting assembly lines where the process requires a pre-set temperature that never changes. They are not (apparently) targeting the non-industrial user or prototyping engineer.For me this is odd, because assembly lines would presumably be using higher end equipment, rather than a low end solder station?I'm really glad I have solder stations with a mechanical dial for temperature control.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 05:47:09 pm
content: A 40 minute video and while he mentioned the nitrogen irons a few times he didn't show one off. I'd be interested to see if they've done anything interesting to better integrate the nitrogen feed.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 05:51:44 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on May 05, 2023, 05:32:21 pmA lot of production line people demand some form of locking to prevent their assembly workers for changing an iron's temperature. Some of the Hakko stations require the insertion of a kind of key to allow the temperature to be changed. However, making the adjustment clumsy for people who are supposed to be able to change the temperature is poor design.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 06:25:14 pm
content: Quote from: coppice on May 05, 2023, 05:51:44 pmMy point is that I don't think Hakko even has an offering for people who are supposed to be able to change the temperature. Even the low end FX888D makes it hard to adjust the temperature. They should target a particular user profile: (a) production line or (b) engineer. Which Hakko stations are designed for engineers?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 09:39:15 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on May 05, 2023, 05:32:21 pmA $400 soldering station is not "low end" if thats what you meant. Its about what I'd expect to pay for a good production line station.But yeah, why they took this production mentality and applied it to their other stations (FX888D) which are clearly for hobby use, I have no idea. They seem to like visual simplicity but not functional simplicity. They are also not very open to criticism or suggestions for their products (I've tried).Wouldn't be surprised if its the same old Japanese guy making the final call on these things.

author: labjr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2023, 02:07:29 pm
content: Nothing really new or innovative. I've started using Metcal and love the RF inductive heating. I hope Hakko doesn't discontinue their RF induction station and accessories because their handpiece and tips are compatible with my Metcal station and cost less.

author: KG7AMV
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2023, 12:46:44 pm
content: Cannot wait to tear one down and see how much of the old design they are using as they did with their other units.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2023, 01:55:18 pm
content: Bonjour, just see this now:In 1990s, We consulted at Raychem, and designed the Metcal SP-200 high freq smartheat soldering iron. Resonant mode 500 kHz.Mfg 100s of thousands, co branded by OK Industries, and Thermaltronics, I still have several stations, handles, tips.For Hakko, we have the 926, 936,These are traditional control, made in Japan (NOT china!) style, NON digital, NON micro controleld and many original Halkko tips.One knob temp andj can be calibrated,These are reliable workhorses.hope this is interesting.Just my experience,Jon

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 06:40:12 am
content: WOW y'all are a difficult bunch to please.The new FX971 looksamazing. I have the FX951 and this looks like an improvement in every single way. "Oh it does stuff JBC already did".... Yeah at 2x the price.... including the price of tips.The quick change holder, the 100w of power, the base that doesn't click/wobble to actuate the switch (and it's cordless), the sponge and brass wool in one station, the way it opens from the bottom for cleaning/emptying, the attractive hakko design.... while maintaining a simplistic UI and display (although I prefer the red LED display of the fx951).Good lord some of y'all have missed the forest for the trees.And all this bitching about the UI being so difficult... good lord you don't need apple iphone UI elegance for parameters you set up like once when you get the station. What that does offer though is simplicity in electronics, and that translates into hardcore reliability and less bugs.good lord.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 09:45:17 pm
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on January 10, 2025, 06:40:12 amBeing an improvement over the fx951 is not enough, it has to actually compete with modern irons. FX951 came out in 2007, things have improved since then. FX971 is now discounted to $330, which is more reasonable.Quote100W means nothing if it uses the same tech as the fx951.Its hard to know since there is only a single english youtube review and they don't get much into performance comparison.QuoteAgreed, yes most of us want a simple UI with temperature up and temperature down.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 10:06:47 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 10, 2025, 09:45:17 pmI mean, the solution there then really is: simply don't get one.The fx971/fx971 right now is my #1 recommendation for someone interested in soldering.The tips are high quality but half the price of JBC., and the variety is established. The station has all the aforementioned benefits.Hakko has a proven track record of knowing what they're doing.The performance of the fx951 is fine. If this station delivers on the same or better performance, great!Can you get chinesium crap that promises more for less money? Yes. Would I recommend that to anyone? Fuck no. The devil is in the details, and it looks here like Hakko nailed it.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 10:57:28 pm
content: I totally agree in terms of reliability, reputation, if its going to a company that has a $330 budget and needs a production iron for basic through hole soldering or large SMD its probably a very good choice. Again, no actual detailed reviews as of yet though.When we discuss performance here, I'm talking high end, 4+ layer boards, big RF connectors, etc. I have FM203 which is equivalent to FX951, and handpiece performance is not usable for me, comparable to modern JBC stations or RF stations (hakko FX100).If 971 is only an improvement in power, and no improvement in tip geometry/technology, the performance will be lacking.As for clone chinese stations, I don't care what they promise, I only care what they are proven to deliver:https://youtu.be/26KXtHZqhMg?t=961

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 11:34:04 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 10, 2025, 10:57:28 pmWhere is your FM203 lacking?QuoteDisagree. I can tune a car to make 1200 horsepower... once. That doesn't make it a car to recommend to anyone.Then you factor into the equation tip availability, support, safety, reliability, and the whole host of other factors: ESD safe, approvals, guarantees, leakage currents, etc.I don't ever recommend chinese anything to anyone withveryfew exceptions.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2025, 01:20:01 am
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on January 10, 2025, 11:34:04 pmSmall tip geometries on ground planes is probably the biggest issue. If its fine for you thats great, but its not usable for what I do.QuotePeople have been using these stations for 3+ years now, we understand the limitations, and they aren't dying left and right.I don't recommend buying non-ESD safe units, there are various ESD-safe tip grounded chinese units to choose from.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2025, 02:19:39 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 11, 2025, 01:20:01 amDid you look into the FM-2032 Micro Solder hand tool?

author: Arts
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2025, 11:49:58 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 11, 2025, 01:20:01 amAre you using your FM-203 with the FM-2030 iron and T22 tips?That is exactly the combination I use for what you are describing, and with 140 Watts available even the smallest tip geometries keep up.https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fm2030_feature.htmlhttps://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fm2030_tips.html#productNav

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2025, 01:39:22 pm
content: Tip selection is poor as expected.https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fm2030_tips.htmlSee what you can buy from JBC.https://www.jbctools.com/c470-cartridges-product-22.htmlAnd yes, there is no 250W handle from PACE. :-)https://www.jbctools.com/t470-heavy-duty-handle-product-1.html

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 10:51:50 pm
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on January 11, 2025, 02:19:39 amNo, most likely that would be an improvement. I'm sure its good as Rossman was/is using that model.Though $110 for the FM2032 and each tip is $42, with a limited tip selection:https://hakkousa.com/fm-2032-micro-soldering-iron-handpiece-only.htmlQuote from: Arts on January 11, 2025, 11:49:58 pm140W is not usable with small tip geometries. Put a power meter on your station, a small tip, and see what it takes when soldering to get past some 20 or 40W.Also FM2030 looks like a very long grip to tip distance, which makes fine work more difficult for me.https://youtu.be/Rmd71hQ9LWE?t=183

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 11:00:40 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 13, 2025, 10:51:50 pmThen get a JBC

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2025, 02:41:53 am
content: The Hakko FM2032 and JBC T210 are basically the same tip to grip once you account for positioning.Metcal MX-H1-AV, Pace TD200, Hakko FM2027/28, JBC T245 (shortest to longest) for the regular slim handpieces.

author: ivi_yak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2025, 06:33:20 pm
content: What kind of transformer inside? Is it 50hz jobbie or fly back? Does anyone measured the voltage tip to gnd?

author: labjr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2025, 02:36:07 am
content: Hakko USA has 20% off on everything today, August 07 only. Use "HAKKO20" Coupon at checkout. +Free shipping over $30.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2025, 10:26:00 pm
content: There is a new FX-973:https://hakkousa.com/fx-973-3-port-rework-station-w-gun-style-handpiece.html$2100." The new HAKKO FX-973 3-Port Rework Station delivers 400W (max) of high-performance for modern electronics rework. Supporting up to 10 handpieces with a wide temperature range, it features an integrated vacuum pump, and is compatible with the FR-4103/4104 desoldering tools."

author: labjr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2025, 12:08:51 am
content: I thought about getting an FX-971 station. However, it doesn't seem like a large improvement in thermal performance over the FX-951. And not really expandable. I don't think it works with any tweezer. Need an FX-972 or better for that.I did order an FX-888DX because my old Weller is dying. I need a beater that I can pry with when I'm working on point-to-point wiring tube chassis and old thru-hole stuff. Metcal tips are too expensive for that.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2025, 01:04:54 am
content: Quote from: labjr on August 09, 2025, 12:08:51 amYeah only FX-972 supports tweezer, maybe something with the dual channels required for each half of the tweezer. At $680 its just too much for what you get.For $170 (tweezer only no stand) + $80 (tip) you can use theFX1003on a metcal 13MHz station. Though its harder to justify now that the $90 sequre is out there.

author: labjr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2025, 01:37:05 am
content: Thanks.I have 3-4 MX-P500-11 stations I bought used. Metcal accessories are expensive. I also have a Metcal Talon tweezer which i don't use often. The tips are pricey and it's a old model. I also have a Pace ADS200 system. The 120W Pace struggles with soldering ground wires on a steel chassis. But the 40W Metcal does it without breaking a sweat. One day I would like to have everything in one system but not sure if I ever will.