Wireless Soldering Iron (looking for recommendations) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: luudee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2022, 08:05:25 am
content: Hi Guys,I'm looking for a wireless soldering iron. I have a soldering station, which is great, I justdon't want to power it up when I have a small soldering job.Would be nice to find something with decent power ...Any recommendations?Thank you !luudee

author: elekorsi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2022, 07:50:35 am
content: For simple repairs on locations where the mains power is not easily available (if i would need to unroll the extension cord) i use Ersa Independent 75. It's great for such jobs, but it's nice to have a refill can close by. And watch for where the exhaust is aimed at, so you don't burn everything (including your fingers)https://ts.kurtzersa.com/electronics-production-equipment/soldering-tools-accessories/ersa-soldering-irons-sets/gas-soldering-irons/produkt-details/0g07400141-1.html

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 09:21:41 am
content: I can't fault the TS-100, If I need to solder something outside or at someone else's place I take that with a LiPo or LifePo4 pack.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 09:37:04 am
content: Agreed, the TS100 is an excellent choice. It's easer to power from an ordinary lithium pack - an 18-20V power tool battery is a good choice, than messing around with USB-C power packs (TS80).

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 09:38:36 am
content: I bought an SQ60 for this reason, an I completely don't recommend it.So it has USB C interface, so you would expect it to support USB-PD, but it doesn't. It just uses USB without the proper PD management for it. I bought an USB power delivery cable, for it, plugged it into a 100W capable USB brick. The first time I powered the iron from it, now there is a clicking noise coming from the brick... For a 60W iron to break a 100W brick, that's quite something.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 11:03:04 am
content: The Pinecil is a pretty good onehttps://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/It does use USB-PD on USB-C to ask for 20V 3A so it heats up fast and has plenty of power for soldering the more difficult jobs on big ground planes or thick wires. The heater being integrated in the tip also gives it a performance boost in being able to quickly conduct heat from the heater to the tip.

author: Ungolian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 02:39:00 pm
content: +1 on the Pinecil. It's cheaper than the TS-100, but basically the same thing. More flexible power options too, and you get a wide array of tip options. The only downside is the screen will eventually burn out. I also have a TS-80, and the screen went after almost 3 years. Replacements are only 88 cents though. The TS-80/100 both use the same screen. I bought 6 of them.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33039948724.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.3ec01802N5vSkG

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 05:31:57 pm
content: Quote from: Berni on May 09, 2022, 11:03:04 amIf you go for the Pinecil, try to get one with a BC2 (hoof / chisel) tip. I notice that the link above comes with a B2 (round) tip - round tips really aren't good at thermal transfer, or anything SMD.P.S. The same goes for the others too but the cheaper the iron, the greater the proportion of the purchase price for an additional tip.

author: Ungolian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2022, 10:56:23 pm
content: If only they made a D12 (similar to the JBC C245774/158E), or an angled micro hoof like the JBC C245748. Those are pretty much my go-to tips. The knife too (which, along with the C1, are the only proper tips you can get for the TS80/100). You pretty much have to settle for the D24 (which can be too big), the BC2 (which is oval shaped and the skinny end will work), the C1 (which is generally fine for small stuff, but could be smaller), or the B2 (which looks good on paper, but you're right about thermal transfer). Seriously, SainSmart, all you need is 2 more tips, and scrap the TS-I, B2, and ILS!