Solder station recommendations for someone who thinks the FX-888D sucks.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2023, 11:14:06 pm
content: Hi, looking for a new solder station, looking for something in the FX-888D price range, but actually worth that money.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2023, 11:37:15 pm
content: Forum user SteveyG has done a lot of soldering station reviews which you can find here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/other-blog-specific/the-sdg-electronics-soldering-station-comparisonshootout-thread/and on his youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZzwMlLVLdOBBz8pwjt9CJhEJFYVfHSH2Some of these reviewed stations have their own discussion threads here too.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2023, 11:50:24 pm
content: Just as a general recommendation - only look at stuff with cartridge tips. This alone provides a huge improvement over Hakko.

author: slavoy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2023, 08:05:27 am
content: In this price range, it is optimal to look for a soldering station compatible with T12 tips. There are many options available on the market, including the original Hakko (FX-951), which was the one that invented these tips. Most of them are cheap Chinese products, so the build quality may vary. However, the soldering performance itself is typically very similar among them. I recommend looking for a soldering station with a sturdy base, sleep mode, and, if possible, a construction that incorporates a substantial amount of metal.Depending on whether you prefer a separate soldering iron holder or an integrated station, some brands to consider are AiXun, OSS Team, Aifen, i2C and Sugon.

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2023, 01:31:47 pm
content: Use bigger tips and more heat. Don't blame the iron. 70 watts and 480 C is plenty of iron.

author: BrokenYugo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2023, 01:37:54 pm
content: Quote from: JustMeHere on June 25, 2023, 01:31:47 pmAnd flux.But yeah, if you think a genuine 888D outright "sucks" with no explanation that's probably more a matter of technique than the iron.

author: slavoy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2023, 01:50:45 pm
content: Japanese 70W doesn't help much with this design where the tip is separated from the heating element with a temperature sensor. I have seen soldering irons of this type with a power of 100W, and they behaved practically the same way. It's an outdated design. It doesn't provide continuous power when soldering large components in succession.

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 04:05:10 pm
content: Quote from: BrokenYugo on June 25, 2023, 01:37:54 pmIt has nothing to do with technique and I didn't think an explanation on why the 888D sucks was needed as it is so well documented, but here are a few issues, value for money, 80's alarm clock interface, lack of firmware, a pain for running multiple tips, notoriously bad calibration, only 70W, They sold so many as it has Hakko printed on it, not due to it being a best in class iron.I don't think anyone in 2023 can say with a straight face that the Hakko FX-888D at £185 is a good value proposition.

author: LinuxHata
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 06:01:28 pm
content: I also don't like my FX888D, so I bought some chinese alternatives, which were using same tips, like CXG or Yuhua. Same sluggish performance.Then friend suggested me T12. I tried several ones and finally found an excellent choice.So I suggest you to look into T12 direction.P.S. I've spent about $500 for all that, until I found the one I neededThat would buy me something cool indeed

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 06:04:51 pm
content: You can get a weller WR2000DThat one sucks real hard.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 06:09:43 pm
content: When my FX-888 was working extra poorly, I found it had 936 tips in it. They look the same.The air gap to the heating element is bigger so you get much worse power output to the tip.FX-888 tips are a tighter fit. Still an airgap there which I think makes it not a great soldering iron when you need a lot of heat.

author: audiotubes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 07:17:07 pm
content: Quote from: peps1 on July 06, 2023, 04:05:10 pmI bought mine for 100 euros on sale from an authorized shop. I agree at £185 it is not a good value proposition. But at the price, given the availability of parts etc. it's good enough.Not everything needs upgradeable firmware. Sometimes a soldering station is just a soldering station.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 08:23:03 pm
content: I do a lot of soldering(60/40 leaded) assembling boards, all 2oz copper. The FX888D with T18-S4 tip easily handles anything from soldering individual SOIC pins, 0805 and TO252 parts, also THT. The T18-S4 receives criticism for being conical from those who have not tried it.This post shows an example of the size joints it's capable of.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/smd-soldering-feedback/msg4904690/#msg4904690

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 08:27:59 pm
content: Quote from: peps1 on July 06, 2023, 04:05:10 pmThey are 149.99 right now at amazon.co.uk. This is UK pricing, though. They are a lot less in Asia.

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 10:06:26 pm
content: Quote from: audiotubes on July 06, 2023, 07:17:07 pmTrue, and sometimes a soldering station is just a soldering station....but money is always money!Quote from: xavier60 on July 06, 2023, 08:23:03 pmOh, I'm talking from experience here, sure I'm just a hobbyist and have only started making money for electronics in the last few years but have been running a T18-S4 tip all that time until I saw the chisel light.Totally get much of this is subjective, I just stand by my view that there are objectively far better options out there for the price point. For me.Have an Aixun T3A Soldering Station on the way and hopefully, that will fit me better than the FX888D.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 10:32:11 pm
content: Those JBC cartridge tips are impressive.What sorts of soldering are you doing?

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 10:41:39 pm
content: Quote from: peps1 on July 06, 2023, 10:06:26 pmI'm in the same boat, although I wouldn't say the FX-888 sucks. It's reliable, the tips are great and everything lasts a long time. I use the bevelled-cone tips, like T18-S6/7 and I like them a lot better than anything else I tried. However, it is a bit slower, it struggles with any type of large joint and I'm sure it can be improved upon. It is a high quality unit with mediocre performance, but I can do very nice work with it. I would say it is the least that I would find acceptable for someone not concerned about speed. And I have the older non-D version so I wasn't subjected to whatever silliness that entails. I paid less than $100 for mine and they are currently $115 here in the US, at twice that price I'd have to agree that they aren't worth the money.I'm also looking for an upgrade. I was going to grab a Pace ADS200 on sale, but TEquipment couldn't manage to close the deal so I had time to start looking at alternatives and I'm thinking of going the KSGER (or AiXun maybe) route just because they have a really nice variety of T12 tips at low cost. I'm not sure I actually need more power than a T12. Which version /handle did you get? Does anyone know if the KSGER handles will work with the AiXun T3A unit?

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2023, 11:01:15 pm
content: Quote from: xavier60 on July 06, 2023, 10:32:11 pmMainly TH and chunky legs at that, it's vintage audio stuff 90% of the time). But, also plan to get to grips with SMD this year, as now I could put a bit of money back into the workbench so just grabbed a hotplate and an electronic microscope (as my near vision has decided to leave me!).

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 12:52:28 am
content: Well not the same price range but Weller offers some good soldering stations. The WE1010 is not that bad but all of the low end stations have their short comings.

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 05:08:20 am
content: Quote from: wizard69 on July 07, 2023, 12:52:28 amI would say they are about equivalent in performance other than the UI and color scheme. I like my Ksger t12 better than my WE1010.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 05:32:59 am
content: Why is that?copper is like gold in china so they skimp on the tip construction using loads of steel. The end result is these T12 clones are shit compared to a Weller for medium and larger work.SMT doesn't need a lot of (iron) heat so the KSGER T12 I have does okay there, but they don't have a decent stand and the wand is primitive, just silicone tubing for a grip lol. So I dislike the clone ergonomics. The WE1010 is really for bigger stuff.Thought I would buy a real JBC and found they have an extra layer of markup on the price, you have to buy through old school retailers. So the price was way too high, so high that Metcal or others are contenders. Even a JBC handle or tip was costly and you can't buy anything from an electronics disti like Mouser, Digi-Key etc. and have to deal with old fart co.

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 06:32:57 am
content: I don't have any issue with this because I only use genuine Hakko tips.

author: liaifat85
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 07:20:32 am
content: Here is a comparison between Hakko and Weller. This may help you take a good decision:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1063-weller-we1010-vs-hakko-fx888d-soldering-station/

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 07:55:33 am
content: Quote from: slavoy on June 25, 2023, 01:50:45 pmIt's crazy how little recognition the temperature controlled induction stations still get here after over a decade (ie. Quick, the slav soldering station of choice).PS. Metcal gets a mention often enough of course, but that's a bit pricey.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 08:40:51 am
content: This is almost interesting. These comparison charts are from the Hakko website.Comparing the FX951 to the FX888D across the two charts, there isn't a big difference.

author: Solder_Junkie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 10:36:30 am
content: As a former commercial user of the Weller TCP soldering irons, and a home user of Antex XS and M12 irons, and now a home user of a Weller WE1010, I would say the only difference is in the amount of metal in the tip used.A long thin tip in the Weller, regardless of how many Watts are available, won't solder a large area of copper. Equally a large chisel Weller tip, such as the 4ETE-1 (5.6 x 1.2mm), will transfer a lot of heat quickly.The humble and low cost Antex XS with a large bit, such as their 52 bit (4.7mm) has a lot of metal behind the tip of the bit and despite being only a 25 Watt iron, it will "out solder" a much higher Wattage soldering station on larger pads or components.There is a myth that you need to turn up the temperature of a soldering station when working on larger components/pads... It works a lot better to use a larger bit.For delicate soldering, such as 0603 size SMD parts, the little Antex M12 with a fine pointed bit (0.12mm or 0.5mm) works really well without the cost of a soldering station.Just my 2p worth... Horses for courses as we say.SJ

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 04:18:22 pm
content: Quote from: Solder_Junkie on July 07, 2023, 10:36:30 amsurface area is your friend when it comes to heat transfer.Really good video with a thermal camera here:https://youtu.be/l0csCh3A8OM

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 06:39:12 am
content: A BTW for anyone deciding to try the T18-S4. Its performance initially tends to improve as it wears, due to the thinning of the iron cladding I'm assuming. The point tends to wear into a mushroom shape so needs to be occasionally honed back into shape.When the iron cladding eventually wears through at the point and exposing the copper core, the copper is then quickly eroded by the molten solder.A hollow tip doesn't work very well.Oritech now list it,https://www.oritech.com.au/Soldering-and-Rework-Equipment/Soldering-Tips/Hakko-T18-Range/pl.php

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 07:06:06 am
content: Quote from: peps1 on July 07, 2023, 04:18:22 pmAlso tip cross section and length, you cannot expect something with like 0.3mm2cross section a lot of which consists of external iron layer transferring a lot of heat from the heater. And higher length only makes it worse.

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 07:20:12 am
content: There is only one soldering station that I recommend without reservation: the Weller WTCPT. I have had one for over 50 years (model WTCP back then) and it is still going strong - with the original tips.https://www.amazon.com/WTCPT-Temperature-Controlled-Soldering-Station/dp/B00004W463/ref=sr_1_6?crid=17YLDFU5N9ZC1&keywords=weller+wtcpt+soldering+station&qid=1688800070&sprefix=Weller+WTCP+soldering+station%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-6It may cost somewhat more than the Hakko, but it is totally dependable. And the temperature control is in the tip you select so there's nothing digital that can go bad.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 03:56:59 pm
content: As I recall the 888D was my first "real" soldering station, and upgrade from the old temp controlled Radio Shack station I'd had since the 80's or early 90's (and still have). I bought it because of its reviews and popularity at the time, paying around $100 for it if memory serves. I thought it was terrible. I have several genuine Hakko tips for it, and tolerated it for awhile as I wasn't soldering that often, but eventually got fed up. I figured buy once, cry once, so I sprung for a Pace ADS200 with ISB stand and several tips. Around $400 which stung but the difference was night and day. It's actually a pleasure to solder with.

author: donlisms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 04:30:33 pm
content: Quote from: Veteran68 on July 08, 2023, 03:56:59 pmI appreciate your feedback. Could you talk about the what and the why of the Hakko being so bad and the Pace so good? And an interesting notion... whether tip geometry was quite similar or different, in light of recent posts? Thanks! I would truly appreciate that.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 07:48:24 pm
content: Quote from: donlisms on July 08, 2023, 04:30:33 pmSure, as with anything much is subjective user-preference.Hakko 888D:- Poor UI- Poor/inconsistent heat control, due to antiquated and inefficient tip design (no heating cartridge)- Large, clumsy handle (though similar to most cheap pencils)Pace ADS200:- Fast!- Great temp control- Small and light ergonomic handle with short working distance between hand and tip (some consider this a con, thinking it's TOO delicate, but I think it's perfect)- IBS stand upgrade (extra cost) is great for managing tip life by sleeping when in the standAs to tip geometries, I have an assortment of similar tip styles for both. Not sure exactly what you're asking, but the 888D was inferior with every tip style I used compared to the ADS200. My most used tip styles are small chisels, bent conical, and the Miniwave (similar to T12 BC(F)2 tips) depending on what I'm working on. I also have knife and straight conical tips for both, but seldom use those.Checking prices now, it looks like the ADS200 kit I have has increased about $100 in price since I bought mine 2-3 years ago. I'm not suggesting every hobbyist go out and buy a $450 prosumer grade soldering station, or that the ADS200 is so much better than anything else at its price point. It just works well for me. If you have the disposable income and like higher-end gear, then I highly recommend it, but it's not necessary for a good hobbyist experience. Before I bought the Pace I was seriously considering just getting a Hakko 951 T12 clone, a KSGR T12 station, and/or one of the USB pencils like the T80 or T100 (which I'll still do for portability purposes, but haven't yet). I would recommend any of those over the 888D, to be perfectly honest.The newer JBC clones on the market now are also quite compelling, I'd also consider one of those. I will say the ADS200 tips are about half the cost (comparing genuine Pace to genuine JBC).

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2023, 08:55:11 pm
content: Quote from: Veteran68 on July 08, 2023, 03:56:59 pmThe 888/888D was a terrific tool. Reasonable price. Lasted for years, including the cable. Tips hardly ever needed replacement. Soldered really well. Then they took the lead out of solder......

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 01:03:23 am
content: So far, I have not been able to find any excuse to upgrade from the FX888D to FX971. Maybe it is the solder.

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 01:10:19 am
content: Quote from: xavier60 on July 09, 2023, 01:03:23 amFaster heat up time, making sleeping work better.Better heat recovery.Easier to change tips.Better tip to hand distance.More watts if you need it.Downside costs more.I use a Ksger T12 clone works better and cost less than a 888, worst than a 971 and even 951.

author: Andrew LB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 10:31:25 am
content: I've owned a Hakko 936, FX-888D, KSGER T12, and a year and a half ago i bought a AIXUN T3 with C249 JBC handle and it's absolutely amazing. I lift the handle from the cradle and it's at soldering temp in 3 seconds flat, faster than i can move it to what i'm working on. Once it's on the cradle, it shuts off the heater and drops down to the set standby temperature. It has no problems putting down enough heat on large ground planes or putting enough heat through a fine tip when required. Mine came with 3 tips and while they're JBC knock-offs, they've worked great all this time. I did purchase my first authentic JBC tip a few weeks ago and even though they're expensive, the quality is there for sure.I use mine mostly for repairing home and car amplifiers, re-soldering, and some surface mount stuff. Right now i'm touching up and replacing the mosfets and caps on an old SoundStream Reference 1000sx amplifier from the late 90s. The mosfets on the left, flanking the capacitor bank are what blew up.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2023, 08:07:45 am
content: I got some SN100C Lead Free solder to try with the FX888D and T18-S4 tip. I need to stay with a fine tip for the small SMD parts, mainly the SOIC pins.Some of the joints were difficult to do because I couldn't get the tip to make good enough side contact.I figured that a bent tip would fix the problem, so I ordered some T18-BR02 tips.In the meantime, I have tried a T18-S4 which I bent myself. It works well at 350C.I have attached a picture of a board that I assembled using the SN100C and bent T18-S4 for all hand soldered joints.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2023, 01:01:38 pm
content: Quote from: xavier60 on July 14, 2023, 08:07:45 amI don't think anyone here is suggesting you can't solder with the 888D. If that's all I had (and for awhile itwasthe best I had), I could certainly get by with it for most tasks. Certainly the task you demonstrated. Being able to melt solder is only one aspect of a soldering iron, albeit an important one, but performance, ergonomics, flexibility, and extra features are also factors to consider.Just like if all I had to drive was a 1978 Ford Pinto, it would still get me from point A to point B (as long as someone didn't rear end me and blow me up). But if you give me a choice between that 1978 Pinto and a 2024 Audi/BMW/Mercedes/Lexus/Cadillac (insert favorite mainstream luxury brand here), I'm going to pick the nicer option every time. And might dare say the Pinto sucks by comparison.Obviously, the 888D is legendary due to its long-established popularity as a relatively inexpensive upgrade from a department store fixed temp pencil iron. It has introduced many serious students to soldering. But not only has it been surpassed in the bang-for-buck category by cheap T12 and JBC clones, but it doesn't compare to high-end models from Pace, Metcal, and JBC. If you've experienced those higher-end stations and still enjoy using the 888D, then I think you're a rare bird indeed but more power to you.DT830 DMMs are also cheap and prolific, and serve untold millions of people well in their limited use cases, but aren't typically what someone advancing beyond rank beginner strives to use everyday. Not that I don't use them at all -- I have several DT830's tucked away in various places as disposable meters -- but they're not my preferred daily drivers either.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2023, 05:40:10 pm
content: I have been noticing that cartridge type tips are generally shorter and thicker than conventional type tips like the T18 range.As the length is increased and the cross section is reduced, the performance of even cartridge type tips is quickly lost.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2023, 01:55:06 am
content: In case someone hasn't seen the FX-971 yet,Hakko have put the mains switch in the correct place, on the front.

author: aeberbach
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2023, 02:36:59 am
content: I am leaning towards a fx-971. My 942 has been so great I would not hesitate to get another Hakko.

author: nhand42
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 15, 2023, 03:27:50 pm
content: Quote from: xavier60 on July 15, 2023, 01:55:06 amIncredible how often they get that wrongI picked up a FX-971 this week from RMS components. I've been a Hakko fanboy for decades my first Hakko iron was a 926, so when I saw the new 971 was out couldn't help myself. Presets are easy to save and select. Hot swappable tips works as advertised. The setback feature doesn't need a cable to the main unit anymore. Maybe a gyro sensor in the handpiece? Assembled a board today and was a good experience. Heats up fast, sleeps automatically, handpiece feels great, stand is solid. Ten out of ten would recommend.FX-971 requires a new series of tips of course. T39 series. RMS didn't have my preferred hook tips in stock. TE has hook tips but shipping to Australia is too expensive. They're eye wateringly expensive too. Getting a full set of tips will cost as much as the iron.I've also got a 888D and I don't think it "sucks" like the op stated. It's very basic but it works fine. I don't think any of the Hakko irons "suck". They're frequently overpriced but that's a different matter.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 05:16:07 pm
content: I have a Hakko FX-888D station and I LOVE IT!!!!!It is way better than an FX-600, and that's a pretty good iron.The FX-888D is ergonomic, fast, and long-lasting.P.S. If you also want a fume extractor and a desoldering station, consider buying the Xytronic LF-8800.I own a Xytronic LF-8800 soldering/desoldering stationIt is ok.The cotton filter in the desoldering iron is impossible to remove and replace and will eventually become clogged and unusable.The provided tip cleaning wire sucks.You have to use a piece of copper wire and hold it with pliers.Replacement parts are almost impossible to get, the only website i can find that sells every replacement part ishttps://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic-en-3/The soldering iron that comes with the LF-8800 is a cheap, unlicensed knockoff of a Hakko iron with the most pathetic tip in the universe.I own a Hakko FX-600 and a Hakko FX-888D.I am in Ontario, Canada.

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 07:30:10 pm
content: Quote from: Langdon on December 11, 2023, 05:16:07 pmDifferent strokes and all that, but I have to ask if you have any experience with modern cartridge-based irons?While I thought the 888D beat out the old school simple pencil irons in terms of ergonomics (horrible UI notwithstanding), it was still frustrating to solder well with compared to modern cartridge based irons. After getting my Pace ADS200, I couldn't even look at the 888D anymore. Even the several different Chinese T12 and JBC based USB irons I have work better than the 888D. It was just very inconsistent for me.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2023, 07:39:07 pm
content: Quote from: Langdon on December 11, 2023, 05:16:07 pmI think the Hakko FX-888D was a great product when it was at its original price, but its not so great for the price people charge in most places now. If they got it back to well below $100 I would still think its good. It doesn't have the responsiveness of many modern products, but it lasts for years, and never causes you any trouble.

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2023, 12:38:42 pm
content: Here's a less than obvious advice born from practical usage.If you are buying a soldering station that has a sleep/standby function which is activated via detection of the handle not moving during a configured time, then try to find one where the movement detector is accelerometer-based rather than a contacts-and-ball switch based one.The latter often fails to detect any movement when you're actually soldering with the handle being held at a constant angle, which is what usually happens. This makes the station go to sleep when you're soldering several joints and spend enough time without putting the handle into the stand. This is very annoying: you suddenly encounter that the solder stops melting like it should, then you look at the display to see that the station is falling asleep, because you failed to trigger the motion detection sensor.The sensor has to be able to detect movement in more then one axis or be more sensitive otherwise. I bought some mercury vibration sensors to replace the mechanical one in my KSGER's T12 handle, but haven't tried them yet -- maybe they'll work better.p.s. and yeah, I will join others: don't even consider stations that don't use cartridge tips. Get T12 at least, but if I were buying a new station today, I'd probably get something more powerful still, like T245, or whatever uses the most widely available tips. Something more powerful than a T12 will (depends on the typical use case though) rarely be needed, but when you do need it, with T12 it can be quite annoying to have to change the tips to beefier ones and/or increase temperature specifically to work in a certain spot that needs a lot of heat. Changing tips is a quick and easy operation, however.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2023, 11:05:19 pm
content: Quote from: LinuxHata on July 06, 2023, 06:01:28 pmIf you got the same performance, then FX888D was fake or was used with fake tips.

author: beatman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2023, 04:59:40 am
content: Here is my experience.I own the last 4 years the weller 1010 with medium to hard use.Broke only two tips chinzel 1.6 in 4 years.Clean every time the tip on distilled water sponge or brass wool.Generally i am happy with the station. Last winter by another one 1010 but is different the station get's more quick to the set temperature (few seconds) and temperature is more stable when i solder.Playing with the offset settings on both units to much together i get better results in the older station (temp and stability) close but not the same performance like the new unit using the same tips.Inside the units are identical is all exactly the same (pcb chip traffo).i think is firmware relative the differences?Or better heat element sensor?Reverse the soldering iron new old - old new and nothing change.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2023, 05:13:42 am
content: Copper is the new gold, the amount in tips is decreasing and I find more steel is being used, so thermal mass and heat transfer is not as good. Try a magnet.I have an FX-888 and noticed the tips have a few thou smaller ID than 936 tips - which also fit but perform like shit for soldering anything where you need heat for more than a few seconds. That air gap makes the station perform not as good.I find T12 clones are not so great because they have lots of steel in the tips and the plating is terrible for wetting.Best for heat and through-hole is my WTCPN.

author: amwales
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2023, 07:43:21 am
content: Metcal, I love my second hand Metcal, do a little research on them and tip availability and whether you intend to use it for leaded or non-leaded work as the tips control the temperature for you. The old ones are built like tanks ( cant speak for newer models ) as it would appear that someone forgot all about inbuilt obsolescence. The patents have expired so it may be worth a look at Thermaltronics too.

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2023, 08:01:31 am
content: After 2 failed soldering stations I gave up and went back to a simple 30 watt soldering iron.I got a £15 Maplin Antex er30.Tips last a long time.

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2023, 10:25:51 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on December 14, 2023, 05:13:42 amHeat capacity of iron is considerably higher than that of copper, so steel is better for "thermal mass".But for heat transfer, yes, copper is better.The solution may be quite the opposite of the intuitive one. With the microcontroller-operated soldering stations and powerful heating elements, we want todecreasethe thermal intertia of the tip as much as possible so that the temperature sensor in the tip sees (feels? :) the (changes in) temperature of the external surface of the tip sooner to allow for a faster reaction to turn the heating element on or off.It's similar to the difference between a passive low-pass smoothing RC filter with a huge cap and an active one with an op amp constantly receiving feedback from the output and adjusting it as necessary.

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2023, 08:48:05 pm
content: I've been using a Quick TS1200A now for 4 years and the same tip it came with. I have bought other tips but never used them yet. Then only problem I've had was with the iron handle when the blue plastic guard popped off. Repaired it with high temp epoxy and it's been good every since. When doing SMDs I ussally don't have to make direct contact to the pins. Just the heat and flow from the trace solders the component with ease.A quick note on the value of copper without hijacking the point of the thread to much . I just finished up an environmental clean up for ATCO that involved a off line high voltage transformer that was cut open to steal the copper inside. This has become epidemic here and some of the thefts are so brazen it's just bizarre.

author: xavier60
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2023, 08:52:16 am
content: I was planning to get a FX-971 whenever it went on special.It didn't take long to happen.https://www.oritech.com.au/FX971/Hakko-FX971-Soldering-Station/pd.phpI currently mostly use the conical T18-S4 tip, so I have ordered a HT39-I02 tip and also a HT39-B02 to try because of its lower cost.https://www.oritech.com.au/Soldering-and-Rework-Equipment/Soldering-Tips/Hakko-T39-Range/pl.php

author: trackersoft
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2023, 03:39:32 pm
content: OK, This and other threads have been interesting as my old and aging Solderite SGS-3015 was getting me more and more frustrated. Being a ham radio op, I mainly work on restoring old Collins radios from the 40's through the 80's -- commercial, military and ham -- so I work on both point to point and through hole. Time to look for a new soldering station. The sale on the Pace ADS200 caught my eye and I decided that would be a good purchase so I tried ordering one and was first surprised with a shipping fee of over $50 and then their ordering page kept giving errors. I sent an email to Pace and had not heard back. I did hear back later from Pace with a nice email but I had moved on.Then I talked with a good friend who used to work at Collins and he uses Metcal - and loves it. That lead me to look at the Thermaltronics 2000S. Ended up ordering one with a few cartridges/tips. It arrived a couple of days before Christmas and wow, I am impressed. Heats up FAST and stays hot! Really looking forward to using it this year! I think I made a good choice but time will tell. Now I am looking at adding the desoldering kit for it as my Hakko 808 is showing some age also and I have a bunch of boards for HF80 equipment to repair - tracking down bad tantalums and replacing them. Anyone have experience with the desoldering kit?

author: cosmicray
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 02:34:30 pm
content: Quote from: coppice on December 11, 2023, 07:39:07 pmSo I went back and looked at what I paid for my 888D, early in 2015 (~9 years ago). With a small variety of tips it cost me $110 USD. Back then it's reputation was not as entrenched as it is today, and the manufacturer may have been trying harder to garner sales. USD also had better buying power back then, but has lost much due to inflation (but that is an Economics topic). If the 888D is still a solid product, the 2024 price may be well worth it. Checking the search engine results, it seems to be between $120-$150 USD. That is about what I expected to see (but not what anyone who remembers the old prices wants to see).Cheers

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 05:02:39 pm
content: Quote from: cosmicray on February 09, 2024, 02:34:30 pmWell, just yesterday I came across a book (from USA) from 1993 that recommended Hakko equipment. And given that the FX-888 (no “D”), which had a large fan base already, had been discontinued when you got yours, I don’t think there’s any basis to assume that Hakko was acting like a startup trying to break into an existing market. They had already been an established member of that market for many decades by then.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 05:14:10 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on February 09, 2024, 05:02:39 pmIn 1993 Hakko was de rigeur for any decent lab in Asia, and widespread in production there, but they were hardly known in the west.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 05:19:44 pm
content: But they were known in the west by some people at least (which was the point of saying that an American book from 1993 suggested them), but moreover, they certainlywerewell-established in the west by 2015, when cosmicray bought his and claimed they were unknown and suggesting they were acting like a low-cost new entrant. They certainly weren’t doing that on 2015!!

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 05:58:23 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on February 09, 2024, 05:19:44 pmOh sure. The 888D was inexpensive (about $70 I think) in 2000 in Asia, and should have been a cheap near obsolete model by 2015. Instead it went up a lot.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 07:28:49 pm
content: Ok, late to the party but here'smy $0.02. I have an FX-888 (non-D, $89 circa 2012) and do a lot of mixed vintage and SMD electronics - no issues at all in any of the fronts, including those pesky lead free solder and massive thermal planes of through hole parts - just use a genuine tip that gives the most surface area and compensate with higher temperature if things get pesky. Also, no need to fiddle with firmwares and alarm clock interfaces - a pot is all you need (but this is a rare breed). Still in my plans are a second wand for a quick tip replacement. Tweezers would be nice to have as well, but that can get expensive.And yes, I have experience with regular T12-style soldering stations at work (FX-951, FX-100, FM-203) and in the past they had a selection of Metcal stations. I find the Hakko ones perform similarly to my FX888 at home with the occasional annoyances of sleeping during soldering on some stations, the hopeless graphical display and button interface on the FX100 and perhaps one or another annoyance that I can't recall. As for the Metcal, I really didn't care for it - the FX-951 worked much better for me.

author: uli12us
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2024, 10:05:53 pm
content: I can recommend fake JBC Stations from China. Aifen or Sugon are the same but have in some cases different company names, but the stations are exactly the same. They offerStations from 70$ to 400$, dependent from the numbers of different channels, iron and tips. Most of the stations offers the possibility to use 3 different irons with power from 20-120W.https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-aifen-.html?The delivery time to germany is in the range of 2 weeks, I think to america is not longer.

author: User01
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 02, 2024, 05:34:07 am
content: I just picked up one of these. Its 3d printed, battery powered, and AWSOME.https://www.amazon.com/Deackimei-Milwaukee-18V-Battery-Temperature/dp/B0CM95RBLIt's not bench top or daily driver. But for a mobile unit I dig it.I ended up here because my FX-888 is acting up and the FX-888D sucks.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2024, 11:18:28 pm
content: Hakkodiscontinued FX-888D, now replaced byFX-888DXwith better UI: changed to a rotary encoder, and 95W option.I don't see it offered on the Hakko USA site yet.

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2024, 11:56:26 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on April 02, 2024, 11:18:28 pmInteresting. I thought that slide-on tip systems had no future, but we see that new models are released. Are they not much worse in terms of performance than cartridge tip systems? I would assume that Hakko knows what to do, so probably they are good? How do they compare to, say, T12?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 04:28:35 pm
content: Quote from: shapirus on April 02, 2024, 11:56:26 pmErsa released its latest slip-on tip system, the 142 series, a year and a half ago (snuck in on the i-Con Trace production station) with the broader release last July with the i-Con Mark II stations. The original i-Con series was introduced in 2007, and I had that at my old job, and at home. The update claims 20% improved performance.I’ve never used T12, but I have used JBC T245 and Pace TD-100, and while the Ersa doesn’t heat quite as fast, it’s still under 10 seconds from cold to ~350C. It has no trouble with anything I throw at it. In actual use, there’s no noticeable difference between JBC and Ersa. (But I prefer the Ersa handpiece.)Let’s put it this way: I got to buy a new soldering station at work last month. Anything I wanted, more or less. I chose the Ersa i-Con 2V Mk II. JBC stations cost roughly the same, but the tip costs are incomparable, costing around 3x as much for basic tips, 2-3x as much for more exotic shapes. That, and easier tip availability, more than made up the tiny advantage in heating speed of the JBC.Cartridge heater systems can be great, but slip-on tip systems can be great too. A really well-done one like Ersa is functionally indistinguishable in everyday use. IMHO the quality of the control loop can make an even bigger difference (as evidenced by Pace’s somewhat anemic performance in the ADS200 due to a very conservative PID tuning.)

author: xvr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 05:19:34 pm
content: I want to add my 5 cents for Metcal. I use one for more than 15 years now (it's P-600 model, now obsolete), and absolutely happy with it. Some time ago I'd try some T-12 clone from China (they promise 120W), and it works fine (very fast heat up, good temperature control) until I try to solder SMD resistor to ground plane on PCB. Instead of soldering resistor T12 solder itself to ground plane120W doesn't help.Metcal works out fine. Of course it couldn't work out for сast-iron pan soldering, but for PCB it is a great tool.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 01:44:27 pm
content: I love the FX-888D.It is a joy to useHowever, you have to replace the tip of the iron and occasionally the piece of sheet metal that holds the tip bends and needs replacing.

author: SteveThackery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 04:56:16 pm
content: I've read several complaints about the FX-888D running too cold. The problem is the user interface: attempting to change the temperature without knowing what you're doing can easily put it into calibration mode, at which point adjusting the "temperature" actually changes the calibration. I've done it myself and had to find the user guide online to sort it out.Apart from the appalling UI, I think it's a good iron, although I'd happily swap it for something that is definitely better.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 05:47:37 am
content: For US & Canada buyers, Hakko's new FX-888DX with the improved UI is on sale for $97.17 with free shipping until the end of the month:https://hakkousa.com/products/soldering/soldering-stations/fx-888dx.html

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 03:39:30 pm
content: I also noticed that the old heating system of the tips has never been abandoned, Hakko FX-888DX and i-con nano mk2 are proof of this, instead of high frequency induction heating what do you think ? Stations like the XYTronic LF-3200 and QUICK 3205 use this system, comparing Hakko FX-888DX and i-con nano mk2 against XYTronic LF-3200 and QUICK 3205 in your opinion do they have similar performances ?

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 04:31:21 pm
content: If you solder something that needs lots of heat, you need to tin the tip and let the soldering iron sit at soldering temp for a minute so it can fully heat itself up.When the iron first reaches set temperature, the tip temperature is unstable.It takes a minute to fully stabilize when starting the iron from cold.Also, make sure the tip is screwed on tight, or heat conduction will suffer.

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 06:17:10 pm
content: Yes I agree, the technique you indicated is correct, but my point was different, I was comparing the performance of the four stations I mentioned, I was wondering if in general the high frequency induction technology of the XYTronic LF-3200 and the QUICK 3205 is superior in comparison to the Hakko FX-888DX and i-con nano mk2 stations, of course it is difficult to make a comparison since the stations have different powers, who knows which is more powerful among these stations.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 06:23:38 pm
content: Quote from: marck120 on October 30, 2024, 06:17:10 pmYou can't compare the FX-888 and i-Con nano, either -- they're in completely different leagues of performance. The FX-888 takes between 30-45 seconds to heat up. The i-Con nano takes about 10. It's simply capable of pumping in energy way faster.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 07:26:09 pm
content: I looked and the i-Con Nano MK2 is still an air-gap style, heater-in-sleeve soldering iron. I don't expect heat transfer to be in a different league.You can lower thermal mass, increase power but there's still that thermal resistance of the gap to overcome IMHO.This is why the move to cartridges happened, the heater in alumina cement is superior to an air gap.

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 09:11:56 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on October 30, 2024, 06:23:38 pmExcuse me, can I ask you what you think about the XYTronic LF-3200 ? The price is good, it has 120w, it is made in Taiwan, it has a high frequency induction heating, I think this is an advantage, it even has an aluminum case, the availability of tips is very limited but I read on the forum that the Quick 200 series tips are compatible.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 07:53:58 am
content: I don’t know anything about it.

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 10:40:42 am
content: Last year I read the threads o soldering stations and found users had many complaints about the stations from Ali. The spent a lot of time modding them. Kind of like the days when a lathe or milling machine from Asia was considered a kit to be completed.I found many in Europe were satisfied with Ersa, so I started looking. First was an original Ersa ICON with the technicians iron but many tips. This works well, and I still have it in my watch shop for shellacking jewels and removing tight chrono drive wheels.But it was cumbersome under the scope. I found a NIB Ersa Icon Nano on eBay for under $200. This is my daily driver and handles everything from old school terminal strips with 18 AWG wire to 06 SMDs (with the correct tips).I do not know the advantages of induction (safety?) but all I need is reliable iron that can be dialed in and melts solder.The world is huge and with patience good deals on even these show up. Simple, effective reliable, maneuverable. Plus a small footprint.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 05:16:39 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on October 30, 2024, 07:26:09 pmBut itisin a different league from "traditional" heater-in-sleeve irons.As I said: <10 sec heating on the i-Con vs. 30-45 secs on the FX-888, various Weller, etc.It's not as good as the best cartridge heaters, but it's so close in real-world use as to be functionally interchangeable. (And it's better than obsolete cartridge designs like T12 and Pace TD-100.)(I have used the i-Con nano, various "big" i-Con Mk1 stations, and the i-Con 2V Mk2. All are excellent. I've used JBC and Pace cartridge heaters, too.)

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 06:11:03 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on October 31, 2024, 07:53:58 amDoes high frequency induction technology have superior heating performance compared to classic ceramic resistance heating stations ? I think so, but are they comparable in performance to stations with T12 cartridge tips of the same wattage ?https://www.metcal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Inductive-vs-resistive-heating-a-comparison-whitepaper-by-Metcal.pdf

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 06:33:10 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on July 07, 2023, 05:32:59 amI got my JBC CDS (CD with T210 handle) from tequipment, which offers a 6% eevblog discount.And, yeah, none of the clones go from idle at 20°C to 300°C in 3 seconds, or manage a power FET with a large sink 2oz copper fill with a T210 handle and a fine cart tip without even breaking a sweat. They're better than non-cart stations, but still not the real deal.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2024, 03:12:57 pm
content: Quote from: marck120 on October 31, 2024, 06:11:03 pmI’ve never used it. Many people swear by it and say it’s better than anything else. I have no way to compare.Why don’t you go on YouTube and look for reviews and demos?T12 is an obsolete cartridge heater technology.

author: u666sa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2024, 05:26:11 pm
content: Quote from: peps1 on June 24, 2023, 11:14:06 pmBruh. Price range is all over. From Hakko Official Russia, 360 bucks. From online places 150 bucks.Anyway. Price aside. I have Aoyue Int2703A+. Tips are WQ which are similar to T2 only shorter and pinout is different.These days, T2 tips are outdated. The smallest T2 tips are often too large for the job. There are better tips these days - 115 and 210. So your new soldering station should have either of these tips or both.Manufacturers you should look at are Aixun, W.E.P. and Yihua.Let's also not forget about Hot air. Hot air on my Aoyue is also outdated, wattage wise. You blow longer and burn things up. Replace a CPU or chipset, forget about it. Consider in no particular order, Atten, Quick, W.E.P. and Yihua. The latter two have interesting LCD displays.Also, let's not forget about hot tweezers. For these I don't know the brand, they have to be small enough for small caps and resistors. Check out Northridge Fix. He was doing research into this from aliexpress.Also, let's not forget about the sucker. My Aoyue has a sucker. You have no idea how that thing is useful sometimes. If you get into power supplies, it is invaluable. So as far as sucker goes, Aoyue is a good brand. Sucker does not get outdated.

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2024, 12:03:19 am
content: Quote from: tooki on November 02, 2024, 03:12:57 pmYes, I have already seen reviews and demos on YouTube but not a specific comparison between the two heating systems, I thought you had direct experience and could tell me your opinion.However, the Metcal unlike the XYTronic LF-3200, LF-3300, QUICK 3202 etc.. uses SmartHeat® technology, which is always an induction heating system, but a station with SmartHeat technology responds automatically to the thermal needs of the solder joint, maintaining a constant temperature without the need for manual adjustments.For example the Metcal PS-900 can be found on farnell for €307:https://it.farnell.com/metcal/ps-900/soldering-station-60w-240v-eu/dp/1560738After a search on the forum I see that the PS-900 has some problems, some units have died suddenly, also considering that Metcal tips for the PS-900 are not very common.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/metcal-ps-900-soldering-station-heats-up-to-over-400-c/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/left-my-metcal-ps-900-for-days-on-now-it-doesnt-work/The Metcal ps 900 from what I understand has a PS-H3 handpiece designed to be able to use two different coils, which allow it to accommodate different types of tips depending on the coil inserted:PS-CA1 Coil: Compatible with PHT tips only.PS-CA3 Coil: Compatible with SxV and CxV tips.Although there is a second handpiece called PS-900-PC9Each tip has different temperatures:SXV SOLDERING TIPS, CXV BLADE TIPSF = FR4/Fiberglass, for most standard applications T = Temperature Sensitive C = Ceramic for high thermal demand applicationsPHT SOLDERING TIPS75 = 750 Series for most standard applications - 65 = 650 Series for temperature sensitive applicationshttps://www.metcal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Tips-and-cartridges-selection-guide-1.pdfhttps://www.metcal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PS-900-Data-Sheet-160426.pdfSeveral tips are available on mouser.it but the cost is high:https://www.mouser.it/c/tools-supplies/soldering/soldering-irons/?q=MetcalFor 195€ euros I found the TMT-2000S always with induction heating but with Curie Heat technology (the principle of the Curie point, the temperature at which a material loses its magnetic properties. When the tip reaches the Curie point, the current is reduced, maintaining the temperature)https://www.weidinger.eu/en/soldering-equipment/thermaltronics/thermaltronics-soldering-stations/wl37527#Even for the TMT-2000S the tips are not easy to find in European shops.The only shop that has the "S" series tips available is rs-online, including VAT and shipping costs each tip costs about €30https://it.rs-online.com/web/b/thermaltronics/?displayMonolithBrandPage=true&pn=1There are three types of tips, K series, P series, S seriesThe stations are each sold with different handpieces based on the tips Series K, P, SEach tip has three temperature ranges:xx = 60 (60 Series 325°C - 358°C)xx = 75 (70 Series 350°C - 398°C)xx = 80 (80 Series 420°C - 475°C)https://www.thermaltronics.com/soldering_systems_470khz.phphttps://www.thermaltronics.com/downloads/TMT-2000S_User_Manual_English.pdfhttps://www.thermaltronics.com/downloads/TMT-2000S_Datasheet.pdf

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2024, 05:17:59 pm
content: Quote from: marck120 on November 03, 2024, 12:03:19 amReading this and your other posts, it rather seems that you are treating this as an emotional purchase, rather than a functional purchase.You can for sure buy all the latest tech, fancy gizmo stuff with lots of bling, but why?If you are going to sit at a workbench for several hours a day, soldering for several days a week, and every joint has to pass quality tests, then expensive, high feature tools matter.But if you are going to be doing the occasional bit of soldering at home, every now and then, then even basic tools will do the job perfectly well.For me, the only thing I have cared about is low cost, temperature control, and readily interchangeable tips. Whatever money you save on an iron you can perhaps spend on a hot air station, hot tweezers, suction tip, or other accessories that you might need in the future. Or even just on a second iron. Sometimes you need two of them.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 04:56:26 pm
content: The new FX-888DX is on sale now.Its price is better and I think changing the temperature is less annoying now.I do not own an FX-888DX.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 11:42:39 pm
content: I did pick up the FX-888DX when it was on sale last month here in the US. $97.17 with free shipping. They also have refurbished tip thermometers for sale which are great for calibrations:https://hakkousa.com/hakko-outlet/fg-100-tip-thermometer-fahrenheit.htmlChanging the temperature and calibration set points is very easy compared to the previous model.

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 02:51:34 am
content: Quote from: IanB on November 10, 2024, 05:17:59 pmHi, sorry I only read your post now, I don't understand why there is no notification system for new posts.Yes, exactly I will only do occasional soldering every now and then, yes I agree, a professional station is a waste for me, I certainly don't want to throw away money, I want to invest the money correctly, I'm just looking for a station with an excellent quality/price ratio, as I said I don't want to throw away money, the important thing is that the station is sturdy and lasts me for years, I've seen many reviews on YouTube and many still have 30-year-old soldering stations that work perfectly, it's also useless to buy a super cheap station to throw it in the garbage after two months.Anyway I'm thinking of getting the XYTronic LF-3200, what do you think ? it costs €130 including shipping, the variety of tips is limited but they cost very little and can also be found on Aliexpress, the quick series 200 tips are also compatible, it is produced in Taiwan, of course it is not comparable to the Japanese quality, the station has a good heating speed, about 15 seconds, it is probably a middle ground between the FX-888DX and the i-CON NANO in terms of heating times, but I can't understand if it has ESD SAFE protection, the only thing I don't like is the large old-style handpiece, and above all the distance between the tip and the handle is very long, I really like the i-CON NANO handpiece, it looks like a pencil, I found the i con nano mk2 shipped by Amazon for €270, but the tips are a little more expensive, but I don't need many tips, to start soldering the pins of the SHT45 sensor the 1.6 mm chisel tip supplied should be fine, to solder the rheophores I think a 2.4 mm chisel tip will do, the other day you recommended the Hakko FX-888DX but here in Europe the prices are different, it costs around €165

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 04:14:05 am
content: Quote from: marck120 on November 13, 2024, 02:51:34 amThere is a Notify button at the top of each thread. I have never used it, but if you press it I think it will notify you of replies.As far as soldering stations are concerned, I am afraid I am the wrong person to ask. I do not do much soldering, and I do not have experience of different brands or systems. I bought an FX-888 some years ago when it seemed like a good deal, I have used it and found it to perform quite well, and that is the extent of what I know. I also bought a Ryobi cordless station that uses the same Hakko T18 tips, and that also performs well.One thing I can tell you, which is easy to overlook, is that all tips are not the same.The quality of the tip, how will it resists oxidation and damage, how long it lasts before wearing out, how well it accepts solder and tins nicely, how easy it is to keep clean, all can vary between cheap and expensive tips.If you think about it, the only job of the soldering iron or station is to heat up the tip. The quality of the tip can make or break everything else about the system.So I would always consider the quality, variety, and availability of tips when choosing a soldering iron/station.All that said, I have no idea about the XYTronic range, and can't advise you. Maybe you could start a new thread, with a title like "Does anyone have experience of the XYTronic LF-3200 solder station, and how do you find it?" I would say this thread could easily be lost in the weeds, and you are not getting the views you might wish for by adding on to the end of a thread about Hakko.

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 05:47:58 am
content: @IanBThank you, I just saw the notification buttonYes, the quality, availability and variety of tips are three very important factors, and as you explained, the duration is equally important.Regarding the XYTronic LF-3200, the variety of tips is limited, but for me this is not a problem, as I said, three tips are enough, a very fine one, an intermediate one and a large one if I happen to solder a large cable, what worries me is the availability, for now they are easy to find.https://www.jameco.com/z/44-413069-Xytronic-Industries-Tip-1-6mm-Single-Flat-for-Soldering-Station-LF-3000_2144155.htmlhttps://www.rapidonline.com/xytronic-soldering-tips-44-4130xx-series-518490https://it.aliexpress.com/i/1005002264031658.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2itaI really don't know about the lifespan and quality of the tips, I spoke to a forum user who has the Hakko FX888D and the XYTronic LF-3200, he explained to me that the LF-3200 is definitely more powerful but he is not sure if it is ESD SAFEInstead regarding the tips of the ersa icon nano for how I use it they should last a lifetime, the availability is very high for years since it is a well-known brand, as I said I found it on Amazon, so if I have problems I could return it even if it is not Amazon.it, as you also told me I do not know if it is worth spending € 272 for some welding every now and then, then the quality / price ratio does not seem so high to me, a few years ago it cost around € 200 I think.As I was saying I really like the XYTronic LF-3200, it is all metal, this does not mean anything obviously, what matters is the quality of the electronics.I would have found the ersa i-con nano mk1 around € 189, I do not know if it is worth it.https://www.weidinger.eu/it/wl36498Otherwise for €128 there would be the old Pico version produced in China, I don't know if the quality of the electronics is identical to the nano, I've read several complaints, the biggest problem is that it is not ESD SAFE, but what percentage of risk would I have of burning a component with an electrostatic discharge ?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/ersa-icon-pico-vs-icon-nano!-is-esd-protection-important-soldering-station/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/soldering-station!/https://www.amazon.it/Ersa-Stazione-saldatura-i-recipiente/dp/B008HPD0L6#customerReviewsThis is the XYTronic LF-3000 but apart from the wattage it is identical I think.As I said about the handpiece there is no comparison, the nano handpiece is much more comfortable during welding.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 08:02:23 am
content: Quote from: marck120 on November 13, 2024, 02:51:34 amIt took me literally one minuteon my phoneto find the Xytronic’s user manual, and within it, the unequivocal statement that it is ESD-safe.Xytronic quality is… meh. At my old work, another department had a bunch of Xytronic stations and on many of them, the thread that the tip ferrule attaches to snapped off. It’s plastic. So they had to replace handpieces over and over. Our department ordered a Xytronic infrared preheater, and after a couple of uses, the control circuit failed and it heated uncontrolled.Changing tips on irons like the Xytronic and the FX-888 is a pain, especially when hot. IMHO quick-change tips like on JBC (absolute easiest) or Ersa I-Con (still very easy), and short tip-to-grip distance is a huge advantage (JBC is very good here, Ersa and Pace even a bit better).Quote from: marck120 on November 13, 2024, 05:47:58 amI mean, it’s a good station. But the Mk2 tips are quite a bit cheaper (when you factor in the ferrule you need to buy for each tip on the Mk1; Mk2 tips have it integrated), so just bear that in mind.Quote from: marck120 on November 13, 2024, 05:47:58 amI would not get a non-ESD-safe station. The problem with ESD damage is that you cannot see it happen, you cannot see it in the components. You just have a mystery malfunction, either right away or at some point in the future.I assume the electronics are exactly the same. As far as I can tell, the only hardware difference between the pico and nano is the heater used in the Mk1. In the Mk2, they supposedly use the same heater, so then it’s just connected without ground.Quote from: marck120 on November 13, 2024, 05:47:58 amSoldering, not welding. I know that in some languages the same word is used, but in English they are very distinct processes.

author: marck120
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 09:05:00 am
content: @TookiThanks for the adviceOn weidinger the Ersa i-CON nano mk1 costs €184.84 but I'm not sure if it includes shipping costs, on amazon it costs €274, the difference is €90, on weidinger the Ersa i-CON nano mk1 has the Swiss plug but I don't think the plug is a problem.I didn't know that the Xytronic stations had this defect on the handpiece ring, I don't know which Xytronic model they used in the department you were talking about, but if I understood correctly the electric cable broke, I hope the control circuit on the LF-3200 is good.Changing the tip is not a problem for me, I won't change the tip that often, at most I'll need three tips, no more, probably only two, I don't know how much the ring costs but I thought the ring could come off.Anyway, could I buy the LF-3200 ? it costs me €130 including shipping, from what you explained to me it is quite decent as a station, I sent a couple of emails to the shop and they told me that it comes with the French plug, but at home I have several type F power cablesI try to send a few emails to weidinger to see if the €184.84 includes shipping, but I don't think so, otherwise the price is close to the nano mk2, for what I have to do I'm also fine with the Hakko FX888DX, but here unfortunately it costs €165I don't know how to say soldering in English, I meant that the Ersa handpiece is small and must be comfortable to hold.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2025, 08:19:02 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on November 13, 2024, 08:02:23 amFor clarity to those whose mother tongue merges the concepts of soldering and welding. In English welding is bonding two or more pieces of metal by melting one or more of the metals involved. Soldering is using a different metal to bond two or more pieces of metal. Its a really different dynamic, as the metal used for solder usually has a lower melting point than any of the metals being bonded, so the actual work pieces do not melt at all, unless you go crazy with the heat. Welding is a juggling act, where you get a metal to melt enough to form a bond, but not so much it starts changing shape, and ruins the outcome.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2025, 12:24:55 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on April 02, 2024, 11:18:28 pmPlus if your're in Canada they charge you 15% extra for being in Canada.

author: MathWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 12:57:50 am
content: I own the FX-888D, and as an iron, I have no real issues, but I've never used a better soldering station. IDK how long soldering iron handle-cords last for, but mine is doing fine after, ~5-6yrs. And I never really worn out any tips just soldering, but I did get new ones. And if the heater or the internal parts are wearing out, I haven't noticed yet.But what I don't like about it, is the wacky base shape. For instance you can't lay the solder roll on top of it. Also I find the iron tip tends to get too close to the back of the holder sometimes, and can even touch when the yellow ring gets loose.Also the 2 button controls are wacky.I really should take it apart for a checkup. But really I'd like to make a new square metal case, or glue something level, to the top of the station. And I wonder how hard it would be to mod the controls. I wonder how complicated the MCU program actually is.

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 02:17:04 pm
content: Just so you know, the tips on my FX-888D tend to swell near the end (oppisite the tip)They have to be replaced pretty frequently to avoid having to buy a new tip holder tube.https://hakkousa.com/b3469-tip-enclosure.html2 of my tips have each become lodged inside a tip enclosure.Now I need to buy new ones.

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 10:16:00 pm
content: Quote from: peps1 on July 06, 2023, 04:05:10 pmI paid £20 new for my iron and had it for years.Always does the job and tips last about a year.Antex er30

author: Langdon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2025, 11:12:19 pm
content: Xytronic replacement stuff is almost impossible to find.Xytronic stuff is physically well-made, but the R&D is poor.Don't buy Xytronic unless you are okay with no available replacement parts.AFAIK, this is the only place that sells all Xytronic parts (in the entire universe):www.howardelectronics.comhttps://www.howardelectronics.com/store/index.php?cPath=110000&osCsid=f6d17g1ervekcspr6qpl2m3rp5

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 03:10:34 am
content: Jameco sells a lot of units and parts for this brandhttps://www.jameco.com/m/Xytronic%20Industries.html#/filter:ss_attr_manufacturer:Xytronic$2520Industries