[hpsdr] [OT] Purchase a good solder station

[G. Beat]

Ken -

I would not recommend a purchase this station highlighted.

1. NOT true temperature control.  The adjustable control is an OEM light 
dimmer.
Company is using Weller mold design for old WCC100 (which was temperature 
controlled and discontinued in 1999)
This is similar to the Weller WCC100 (orange, current production) station, 
which was $29.95 on sale in 2005 See this "Repairing a WLC100" for insight 
into what you are really buying a "clone" of: 
http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/weller/wlc100/

2. For building kits you want a TRUE temperature control iron or station 
(feedback either via a thermocouple OR magnetic switch/tip combination - 
used in Weller TCP series and Metcal/OKI).  Metcal / OKI credits the 
original Carl Weller patents for the magnetic switch they use in their 
induction heating stations.

3. Used units are available VERY CHEAP and AVAILABLE -- and most are easily 
repairable.
IF you can build an HPSDR, you have enough brains to properly repair most 
dead soldering stations.
===========
When manufacturers "cut corners" on these units -- they short change you 
with the heaters (short life) and poorly plated soldering tips (inconsistent 
work).  Many of these units only have 4 or 5 tips to select from.

Some one mentioned Solomon (which is actually Sorny Roong Industrial Co., 
Ltd. (SOLOMON) - Taiwan)
http://www.soldering.com.tw/cgi-bin/companyfn/com_profile_lst.pl

Sorny Roong Industrial Co., Ltd. (SOLOMON) is a very well known "OEM 
builder" --- Not bad units -- Circuit Specialists, Elenco, Tenma (Newark, 
MCM) are trade names you may have seen in USA that are actually made by 
them.  I have repaired a few of these.  Individual Solonon parts are 
difficult to get in USA.  for example, heater died -- and need new one.
It's easier to buy an entire new iron !!

Hakko (Japan) is good -- BUT they now have 2 Chinese copy mfg.
Never had to order parts from their California operations -- but the list is 
there.
http://www.hakkousa.com//2006/lobby.asp

For you Weller owners and those who have units that may need repair -- I 
have posted my part of my library of Weller Tech Sheets and Notes for the 
past 30 years - on BAMA and BAMA mirror.
http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/weller/

IF you have a DEAD Weller in the shack on workbench - FIX IT.  Cheap 
investment and most parts are still available.
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/electronic_applications/index.htm

I would be HAPPY to assist ANY HPSDR builder who needs assistance (or repair 
and refurbishment) of their Weller stations.

Greg
w9gb
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Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2006 19:57:48 -0500
From: Ken N9VV <blank>
Subject: [hpsdr] [OT] MJPA soldering station $14
To: Open High Performance SDR Project <hpsdr at hpsdr.org>

WOW, prices have sure hit bottom - might be a good buy for those doing SMT 
work:
http://www.mpja.com/productview.asp?product=15860+TL
new tips are 1/32" for $1.95

and they are selling 20awg 60/40 solder for $12.95
http://www.mpja.com/productview.asp?product=4457+TL

de ken n9vv