RF Soldering Station Choices - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RF-Engineer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 01:01:57 pm
content: I'm looking at RF-based soldering stations like those made by Metcal and Thermaltronics. After searching the forum archives, I don't see a discussion of 13.56 MHz systems versus lower RF at 450-470 kHz. It seems the heating technology is the same but with a different heating frequency. So, is there a practical difference?Paul

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 02:12:55 pm
content: I have the Metcal MX-500P, 13.56 MHz. The heating time is stupid fast, just a few seconds and the thermal recovery time is almost instantaneous, regardless of tip size being used or what I am soldering. I can't say anything about the lower frequency units, I have no experience with them.

author: RF-Engineer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 12:17:51 am
content: Thanks for the feedback. I placed an order through Tequipment.net for the Metcal MX-500AV.I was also looking at the Hakko FX100 with RF "power boost" but to me, it signaled a code name as an alternate technology to avert an existing patent claim on Oki/Metcal's SmartHeat technology. Maybe not. Anyway, I couldn't find much on it either. I also looked at the Thermaltronics 9000 but wasn't impressed with the teardown video I saw.Paul

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 12:46:32 am
content: From what I understand, Thermaltronics was formed by some former Metcal engineers after the patent ran out. I have a couple of Thermaltronics tips and they work the same as the OEM Metcal. I got the MX-500P, Talon tweezers and stand in a trade at my local surplus store with NOS parts that I was given. Some prudent and patient shopping on evilBay netted a new RM-3e and WS1. Add 6 tips and I am all in at about $200 USD. I also have a Hakko FX-951. It is an excellent station and I really like it, however, I prefer the wand on the Metcal. It feels more substantial.

author: RF-Engineer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 04:59:00 pm
content: In looking at the Thermaltronics units, I saw no U.S. vendors nor distributors other than eBay and Amazon channels. I can't even find a legitimate physical address on their corporate website.The last time I purchased a Hakko FX888 on eBay, it was a knock-off. As a result of that experience, I'll only purchase through company recognized distribution channels where there's accountability in the chain of custody from the point of manufacture to customer delivery.Paul

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 07:55:18 pm
content: Understandable. I bought my tips from Denbo32, who is a forum member, though I haven't seen a post from him in quite some time. It's amazing to see that the Hakko stations are probably the most copied/cloned of any soldering station. I bought my FX-951 from TEquipment.net with the EEVBlog discount.

author: AllTheGearNoIdea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2018, 10:17:46 pm
content: Does anyone know if these rf stations cause rf interference. I note 13.5 is quite close to the amateur radio 20m band. I have various communications analyser and spectrum analysers and I’m thinking of accidentally spending a day hunting down a birdy from the soldering iron.Chris

author: RobBarter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2018, 06:51:32 pm
content: As I've just received my Metcal 5200 in the post today I though I'd check the rf interference on my Siglent SA. Please be aware I'm a newbie to Spectrum Analysers....This is with the soldering iron melting solder. It drops significantly when in cradle. The siglent was approx 70cm away on the same table with a simple aerial (actually from an Icom R20 handheld receiver) directly on the port.