Thermaltronics 2000s or Metcal PS-900 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2017, 02:11:10 pm
content: I'm looking for a soldering station for (low volume) assembly work. Mostly fixing tombstone 402 caps and soldering DC connectors. All lead free and always the same boards, so I'm thinking the curie point stuff sounds interesting and the Metcal and Thermaltronics irons are universal voltage, so I can buy from the USA at a fraction of the price of local stuff.So my question is, Thermaltronics 2000s or Metcal PS-900. The Thermaltronics is 220 USD with postage to AU or 260 USD with postage. Also if I go for the Thermaltronics, which handle should I get? The MFR stuff is a little more and the MX stuff is a lot more, even second hand because of postage.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2017, 02:26:45 pm
content: I don't think there's much to choose between the equivalent Thermaltronics & metcals, so whichever's cheapest is probably fine.IME Thermaltronics tips last a bit longer then metcal

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2017, 02:40:27 pm
content: ahh okay, Thermaltronics actually list MFR-1110 as the equivalent to the 2000s, and it's a much more expensive station, at USD 373 with postage. So I'm left with choosing between the 3 types of handle.

author: Jamieson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2017, 04:48:16 pm
content: What system did you end up going with?

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2017, 06:16:41 pm
content: Yes, I'm actually curious as well, as I consider a Thermaltronics 2000s.DC1MC

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2017, 10:16:17 pm
content: You need to be a little more specific these days as mentioned above the model number of the station can refer to many different handpiece and cartridge variations. There are cheap PS-800, PS-800E and PS-900 systems NOS or second hand to stick with the proven reliability and low cost tips (heater is in the handle) but even they come in 2 different incompatible tip sizes. The integrated heater+tip cartridges can be better value if you are in production, but more expensive to keep a wide selection of tips on hand for home use.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 11:14:43 am
content: Quote from: Someone on December 24, 2017, 10:16:17 pmHi, just in case you're responding to my post (the thread start was a while ago) I want to buy this T-2000s:http://www.ebay.de/itm/Thermaltronics-Lotstation-TMT-2000S-mit-Handstuck-SHP-K/192246708188It's from around here and seem also have some accessories that I need and isn't very expensive.So I would really appreciate if somebody will have a look and advise and mentor me if it's worth having in regard with the capability to put out some heat when need it (like when solering parts with pads on the ground plane) and the possibility to use more advnced compatible handles.Cheers.DC1MC

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 10:44:52 pm
content: Quote from: DC1MC on December 25, 2017, 11:14:43 amThat is using the Thermaltronics K series tips which are unique to their system. All other parameters/functions are the same as the other 470kHz systems.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 10:56:43 pm
content: So that specific station only can use these K tips and nothing else, is that a global, station specific thing or is a tool/handle thing and this can be upgraded if the need arises and use the same controller ?Many thanks,DC1MC

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 11:55:59 pm
content: There is handle issue and fact that there are two working frequencies 470 kKz and 13.56 MHz... So be carefull...

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 12:28:38 am
content: Oh, they have the same controller with two frequencies ?!?!?Or did I understand wrong, the model that I've posted, could only use these K tips and handle or it can be updated with other handle and tips ?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 12:43:48 am
content: No there are 470 kHz ad 13,54 MHz stations and on 470 kHz there are difernt handles and tips..

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 12:50:52 am
content: Which frequency is Thermaltronics and which one is Hakko ?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 12:55:44 am
content: Thermaltronics and metcal, I dont know for Hakko.

author: wkb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2017, 08:02:06 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on September 17, 2017, 02:26:45 pmFascinating. I have exactly the opposite experience: already 2 Thermaltronics tips died on me well before it was their time to go.