New Aixun T380 LiPoly 80W Soldering Station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 25, 2024, 08:26:24 am
content: Aixun recently released a new portable station, the T380https://www.aixuntech.com/product/t380-portable-smart-soldering-station-with-t210-t115-handle-welding-tools/https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFbqYEbIt looks like you can power the station from the included USB-C power supply, or run it from the replaceable lithium-ion battery if you need to work away from your work bench.It's surprisingly heavy, but appears to be fairly thick completely metal construction.I should have a video on Monday

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2024, 09:32:09 pm
content: The nice thing about that is you could use a low power adapter and have it charging constantly (<20W), and should still be fine for most use cases.They are saying 80W, so 40W+ from each 18650, or about 11A each... ah hope those are good quality cells.Though I actually hope that spec is BS, driving a C210 at 80W is not necessary at all. 40-50W is fine.JBCs portable unit is specified at 24W:https://www.jbctools.com/biron-500-tool-precision-handle-product-2512.htmledit: better be an earth port on this I don't see one in the photosedit2:T380 T210 handle pinout1,6 - green2 - red5 - blue

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 04:45:59 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 25, 2024, 09:32:09 pmNo ESD point, I missed that.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 03:39:19 pm
content: Hello,After buying the Sequre S99 you will find its story here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/sequre-s99-topic-mod-infos/msg5741905/#msg5741905I was looking for a C210/Station model, so I have bought one T380, that I received this morning."Don't turn it on, tear it down"=> that's exactly what I have done againSo, as always, here are all my findings on this solder iron I share with youFirst thing I have checked: grounded tip? => yesThe tip is connected to the (-) of the battery JST plug, and also on the USB-C shieldThen, I have checked the tip detection on voltage cradle: simple 3.3V on each side, so the external metal case is at +3.3V.No problem with that at all, and that's confirms the grounded tipThen, I have checked is the schematic and the pinout of the 7-pins connector.Last thing is the checking of the ground leakage of the USB-C PSU: nothing to worry about, about AC 220µA and 90VACI willnotuse a 2S battery pack as there is no cells balancing inside, and I have already USB-C irons (TS80P and S99) - I haven't got any in the package.FW 1.01 inside mine, so don't forget to update yoursChangelog FW 1.01 (2025-01-08):1. Optimize the pre charge and full charge states2. Add custom sleep function3. Add WiFi switch and WiFi display function4. Add Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature switching function5. Optimize the UI display of the settings interface6. Fix known anomaliesIt seems I have nothing to mod on this tool (except put a piece of tape on the toooo loud buzzer)Thank you for having read me

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 11:01:03 pm
content: Station does not come with a grounded USB supply and does not have a earth banana jack, so no I disagree that its properly grounded. 99% of people will use the included supply and it wont be.2S battery without balancing if the cells are matched is not an issue, but I did install a BMS for the hell of it.The station will drain the cells over time and eventually reaches a low voltage sleep mode, as far as I can tell.Does not work well with certain tips, the power keeps cutting on and off as if an overcurrent is being reached. But even though this is the case the performance is still good.I'll try the FW upgrade thanks for noting that.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 11:57:39 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on February 26, 2025, 11:01:03 pm1) Yes, totally agree with youBut I have done the same thing as my S99 (after modding it): put the negative USB-C and the shield at the earth groundSo no problem: my station is at earth tooThe cradle has 3.3V on it, and when ground goes on it: the iron goes to sleepI have tried to show and explain that in my S99 Youtube little video starting here:https://youtu.be/UxgObWPB7IY?t=239And that's why I have checked all the leakage value from the original USB-C PSU that came with the T3802)The very low tip resistance (2 Ohms) is responsible of that point. I don't have other tips except the one came from my HT-140.The HT-140 original USB-C PSU does not drive this T380: OCP triggers and it is rebooting.It is strange because the HT-140 has 2x C210 tips on itWill check with other PSU later.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2025, 01:26:28 am
content: I tried this software to update but seems like its not supported:https://github.com/c0d3z3r0/aixun_t3x_updater"wrong firmware file, update file required".Official software, if anyone needs to use an account:aixun2242423@mailinator.comsolderingstation1After installing ftdi drivers from their website it detected once, still not updating.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 03:10:06 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on February 27, 2025, 01:26:28 amYou can keep safe the "user.xml" file: it becomes a "portable" app with that(I use it as this)The USB-C PSU from this T380 is really powerfull, I have successfully get about 120W from it at 15V outputSo here is my new mod (or module)Very simple idea, starting from a lowcost AliExpress USB-C checker (you can see it on the photo), then soldering directly on the pin with a 1000µF capacitor (to have some energy storage for peaks).The HT-140 can accept until 28Von input, so it is the T380 who does the handshaking with PSU at 15V, and everyone is happy with this voltage then(I use my HT-140 at 15V since I have it)The PSU is capable of delivering full power for both activated at the same time without any OCPThe yellow alligator clip is to ground all USB-C shield + negative wireAs always, I share my ideas here, and I hope this will help and/or give ideas to some of youEdit: I have reflashed mine to check if it works, and no problem for me(I have done it without the handle plugged, to avoid any problem with computer USB)( Check in your device manager if you see a new COM port inside when you plug the T380 )

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 11:13:37 pm
content: Thanks, I uninstalled the device from Device Manager, plugged it in again and it saw it and upgraded.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2025, 01:41:45 pm
content: Someone knows what is the name/type of the 7-pins rear connector for connecting the handle ?I would like to find one with angle because it is too much long for my (little) desk...Thanks

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2025, 10:48:20 pm
content: Quote from: ceut on March 05, 2025, 01:41:45 pmI don't know if they have one with an angle:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/aifen-a9-plus-(not-a9-or-a9-pro)/msg5834439/#msg5834439

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 04:46:52 pm
content: I have checked "Hirose" for a 7-pin connector, but it seems not to have exactly the same as the T380And it is expensiveSo I have unscrew the plastic from the plug and angled it, it is OK for me now

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 04:41:41 pm
content: Just an update to tell there is a new FW update 1.02https://aixun-updates.github.io/#t380Changelog:1. Add a shutdown charging UI.2. Optimize the work status switching icon.3. Optimize button anomaliesBut nothing for the one like me who use it without battery, on a desk(don't forget and dangerous: there isno balancefor the cells when charging so I will never put 2S 18650 inside)

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 05:41:04 pm
content: I have a stupid question, why do we care if a battery powered stations tip is grounded? And grounded to what? The battery negative?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 09:29:40 pm
content: Quote from: ceut on July 30, 2025, 04:41:41 pmDoesn't fix the issue I had where battery discharges completely, now station can't charge it again. But its a 2S w/ BMS pack so I wonder if it works with bare cells.QuoteIt can be OK if you have two matched cells, eg both are *measured* as 2600mAh.Quote from: Rubo on July 30, 2025, 05:41:04 pmBattery or USB powered. Some USB adapters are grounded but most are not, so if you use an ungrounded USB supply the tip might be floating at ~60V.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 06:44:45 pm
content: Quote from: Rubo on July 30, 2025, 05:41:04 pmI use the iron only in stationnary mode, so I don't need any batteries inside. But the tip earth-ground is critical for my use(also, I receive the station without batteries).Quote from: thm_w on July 30, 2025, 09:29:40 pmWhich BMS model do you use ?It can be safe this way, and I may try this with 2 18650 batteries to see if it could fix some of the strange behaviours I have with mine

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2025, 11:25:58 pm
content: Quote from: ceut on July 31, 2025, 06:44:45 pmIts this one:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004118305965.htmlbut it won't fit from the back, I had to take the case apart.Something here was my fault, I measured the battery at 0V. Thats not possible if the BMS is working properly. So either the cell is bad, I shorted it internally, or the BMS is defective. It worked OK for many months initially.BMS seems ok with a quick check: shut off on undervoltage, and draws ~20uA from the battery.I'm going to replace the cell with a premade 2S pack and try again.

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2025, 11:52:29 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on July 30, 2025, 09:29:40 pmI was specifically asking about battery powered stations.USB powered would need to be grounded, unless the USB supply is galvanically isolated from the wall.

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2025, 11:53:37 pm
content: Quote from: ceut on July 31, 2025, 06:44:45 pmGot it. In your situation it makes sense.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2025, 01:58:16 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on July 31, 2025, 11:25:58 pmThank you for the link, I have ordered one to try that, will post the result as always

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2025, 09:56:18 pm
content: Quote from: Rubo on August 02, 2025, 11:52:29 pmYes, what I was trying to get at is the T380 can be powered from either one. When running on battery, its not really an issue. But if you wanted to meet IPC standards you still have to ground it (eg IPC-TM-650).QuoteYou have to ground it if its galvanically isolated (the vast majority of USBC supplies, 2 prong).If its not galvanically isolated, then that means its already grounded (some PC USB power supplies).

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2025, 01:14:19 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on August 05, 2025, 09:56:18 pmI just read the entire section 2.5.33 of IPC-TM-650 and nowhere does it mention battery powerd stations.In every example provided in there, they only talk about mains powered stations.Quote from: thm_w on August 05, 2025, 09:56:18 pmWhy? That's what I'm trying to understand. If it's galvanically isolated, there can be no current flow from it to the pcb, right?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2025, 09:40:31 pm
content: Quote from: Rubo on August 06, 2025, 01:14:19 amok but you can't just bypass the test because the iron has no ground, if it has no ground it fails the test because there is no <5 ohm resistance to ground:https://www.electronics.org/sites/default/files/test_methods_docs/2.5.33.1.pdfDoesn't really matter for us though.Quote from: thm_w on August 05, 2025, 09:56:18 pmLeakage currents.The filter capacitors that connect to earth allow some leakage to flow.There will also be capacitance across the switching transformer.

author: Rubo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2025, 03:23:28 am
content: Got itI'll stick to my Hakko bench stations and my M18 battery powered (no path to "earth") one

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2025, 07:40:52 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on July 31, 2025, 11:25:58 pmHello,I have received the BMS this morning (I've ordered 2) , and I'm trying to understand how it works, because after having put batteries + JST output on it, and test it on my Lab PSU (the great RD6006P with Unisoft FW inside) set at 8.200V @ 0.2500A: it started to get the current, but after about 2 seconds, the BMS shuts down the mosfet and no more current draws outside the RD6006P.The 2 batteries are brand new genuine Panasonic 18650/2900mAh , and at 3.5V each.I have also tried my R/C car 2S Turnigy Roar Graphen battery: exactly same problem.And on the T380: the charge icon is blinking between full and empty, then shuts down for "empty battery".Problem is there also even if I set at 9V like they told on Aliexpress page (8.4 to 9V input voltage)So it is a very strange behaviour from a simple BMS with balance circuitry.I have started to dig into it, the main controller seems to be a chinese IC "HY2120".But as it came from Aliexpress: it may be again a fake IC like I have already encouter previously on other board

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2025, 09:48:55 pm
content: If you are saying you charge it from the load side and its shutting off, something is wrong.It should only shut off once ~4.3V is exceeded for one of the cells.You need to have all three terminals connected as shown in the image: 8V, 4V, and 0V to the batteries. If its all setup properly and still not working maybe you got a defective unit, check for any bad solder joints.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2025, 09:30:12 am
content: Yes, I have checked all solder under my little microscope, and also checked all voltages everywhere (and also in the "4.2V" pin): everything seems to be good (voltage between "8.4" and 4.2" tabs is 3.53V, and between "4.2" and "0" tabs is 3.52V. I have also the output voltage at 7.0V on the "+" "-" tabs.Also, all voltage seems to be correct accoriding the little 6 pins IC datasheet. But all 3 resistors are set to the minimal value (100 / 100 /1000), whereas in the datasheet, the recommanded value are 330 / 330 /2000.Also, I don't know why there is a 100K resistor between the 2 GND: one coming from the battery, and the other GND from the output side (so between the mofset sources). No information about that on the datasheet.Maybe a super slow charging current when the IC has shut down the input mosfet ? I think I will remove this.I have also succesfully powered a 12V/21W car bulb with this two (not charged) 3.5V batteries for about 1 minunte: no shutdown for the output sideSame 4 MosFET, but one has a label which is not printed as the 3 others.The MosFET are in a 2x2 organisation, so I may try to remove a pair.I will try the second one with 2 other new 18650 2200mAh batteries (genuine Samsung) after coming back home and will post the results.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2025, 10:49:55 pm
content: So I swapped everything on the second one: it works like it should be(Panasonic cells with very good PCM 10A module on each, and I have soldered genuine connectors on the board)I still don't understand the first board behaviour, so I will resoldered connectors on it to check it again.All voltages are the same on the 6pins-IC ,as this first board I have tried yesterday, so I really don't understand what was happenningSo I'm not very confident on the quality of this thing, and I will check some charges with my RD6006P/discharges with my ET5410 before putting it on the T380.Then, if needed, I will remove PCM board from cells.This time, some photos (same configuration as yesterday , but it works since 20 minutes now, at 8.2V 0.2500A

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2025, 09:49:53 pm
content: It's me againSo, the second board I have soldered still works, I have tried to discharge/charge: no issue with itThe first board is definitively a DOA.After checking all voltages with the 2 output of my (Eevblog crossflashed) Siglent SPD3303X-E set at 3.700V/0.100A plugged into each battery connector with the central point on "4.2V" pin, I have taken all measurement from the working board, and compared to the DOA board. And I have had found some inconsistent and fluctuating values.So I end up with rework all soldering thing with hot air gun and flux for the 6 pins IC and surrounded resistors and capacitors => now the DOA board seems to workI'm now discharging my battery pack with the same 12V/21W car bulb, then I will try to charge it.The 2 pins FD(discharge enable)/CD(charge enable) are now at the battery value so the 4 mosfet are closedWill edit this post at the end of the cycle.But it seems that there was bad solder joints somewhere around the 6-pins IC (you can see in the second photo) which was causing random failure of the board.I will re-align the capacitor later, for now tests are in progress

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2025, 10:32:19 pm
content: Thats unlucky, but, they save money by not having any QA testing.

author: ceut
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2025, 05:45:06 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on August 15, 2025, 10:32:19 pmHello,My first board has failed again after about half an hour of stable charging state.So: I think that when I have heated up with the hotgun air: the 6-pin IC seems to have recovered its health, but after cooling down: the failure came again.I give up with this time.As you say: it is a very low cost low quality thing no QA; No problem for me, again a trash thing from aliexpress like many others oneNow,the interesting part: I have made some current measurement my Eevblog modded UT210E(I have contributed to mod it at the time)And for USB-C : I have put the great and reliable RD-TC66 (waiting for the new model to come out) at the back of the T380So:>with 2x 18650 only, with the cheap -not reliable- aliexpress 2S BMS at 100% charged level:- about 8A drawing until temperature is reached at about 8V>with the genuine Aixun USB-C PSU only:- Idle: 15.1V@0.16A- full load 14.7V@4A (about 60W)>with both of themUSB: Idle: 15.1V / 0.16A - no draw from battery, sometimes little negative current to keep the batteries charged.Full load: 14.7 / 2.4A from USB-C PSUand about 2A from batteries=>There is a sort of power distribution, taken energy from both source.But the sum of the two power doesn't exceed the USB-C PSU alone>Charge Battery rate: about 1.7AAlso, I have found a bug: if I unplug the battery pack while it is powered on and idle on his cradle: the T380 continues to think that the battery pack is there, and when I get handle to heat up: it restartsinstantaneously.It seems to be the bug I have since I have bought it, as I don't use battery pack.=>I think sometimes the T380 thinks that it could use the battery pack for power distribution, but as there is not any: rebootAnother thing I try: put a 10_Ohms R on the JST pin: about 120mA draws inside this resistor/Battery shows empty.Then I have unplugged this resistor: battery shows 100% whereas there is nothing on the JST connectorSo it reboots when I try to get the handle to heat it upThe charging circuitry is completely screwed upNo way to mail to Aixun to tell them to check and fix that in a FW release, I have already tried and not a single reply to meSo, I will put a 1K resistor on JST output to see if the charging circuit will always see a 0V on the input.Edit August 26, 2025: after 10 days of testing => the T380 continues to restart randomlySo putting the JST at ground level with resistor does not fix that problem.Also, after digging a little more: at 340° no problem -- but started the bug at about 370°: it restarts randomly. Sometimes when I use it, sometimes when I put it back on cradle. I have already sent messages to aixun, but it seems they have no support at all

author: Ghassj
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 03, 2025, 09:40:02 pm
content: Dears,Please where can I buy the Lipo battery for this soldering station?