Hakko FX-888 in relations to voltage? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2011, 06:18:32 am
content: Hey fellas, I was planning on buying a Hakko FX-888 Soldering iron for my beginner electronics lab, however the voltage that the iron uses is 120V (if bought off American amazon). How do I make the iron usable with Australian 240V? And/Or are there any stores around Melbourne which sell this station?-Thanks in advance, Minty.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2011, 06:56:26 am
content: You want to buy the 240V version. It needs a different transformer.It is available at places likehttp://www.mektronics.com.au, but the prices will hurt a bit if you have been looking at discounted 110V versions.Probably about $176.Richard.

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2011, 08:30:15 am
content: I live in NZ (230VAC) and I saved a bundle by purchasing the 110/120VAC Haako plus a suitable external step-down transformer.Works perfectly and represents a significant saving over buying the 230V version of this iron.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2011, 08:31:30 am
content: Some people are buying the US version and changing the transformer at home. It is much cheappier than buy the 220V version.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2011, 01:23:23 pm
content: Quote from: EdoNork on November 06, 2011, 08:31:30 amI detailed this change in one of my post-s, its simple as a cookie

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2011, 04:33:21 pm
content: Yes, I was too lazy to search for your post. Sorry.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2011, 04:41:30 pm
content: Quote from: EdoNork on November 07, 2011, 04:33:21 pmNo problem, im lazy sometimes too

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2011, 12:36:10 am
content: I second the voltage converter transformer because it is handy for anything else that needs 120V. And remember, shipping heavy stuff internationally can be a PITA. Just my 2 cents.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2011, 06:43:13 am
content: Quote from: ivan747 on November 08, 2011, 12:36:10 amI usually avoid that by replacing transformer or modifying / replacing SMPS and dont bother with 110 V trannys

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2011, 07:04:13 am
content: Quote from: hacklordsniper on November 08, 2011, 06:43:13 amThe bonus for using a 110V tranny is that if (heaven forbid) the iron fails, you can still get it repaired/replaced under warranty. Once you've opened it and changed the transformer, I suspect your warranty would be null and void.

author: hacklordsniper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2011, 08:42:34 am
content: Quote from: RCMR on November 08, 2011, 07:04:13 amThis is why you should test it an hour or two, if it works it will continue to do so. Anyway i bought my unit from USA and shipping back would be more expensive than any part. Secondly i glued the transformer with thermal epoxy, if you found a transformer in same size you could replace it and in case of fail just return the original one (nobody could know)