[hpsdr] Solder Stations

[Gary Harris]

I purchased a "low end" Metcal PS-800 solderstation about 1 year ago, and it
has performed beautifully for SMT and conventional soldering tasks.   I
purchased from Wassco http://www.wassco.com/ on sale for about $175 +
whatever tips you require.  Tips are $8.50 to $10.50, each.  This is not the
cheapest setup, (or the most expensive) but it works very well.

For SMT work it helps to have solder paste, liquid flux and appropriate
cleaning chemicals.  Takes a lot of practice and care to not get too much
solder paste on the pads thus risking a conductive path under the IC where
it is difficult to clean. (how many times has that happened to me?)

Good luck!

73's Gary KE7IVR

>
>    1. Re: [OT] Purchase a good solder station (G. Beat)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2006 16:04:11 -0500
> From: "G. Beat" <gregory.beat at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [hpsdr] [OT] Purchase a good solder station
> To: <hpsdr at hpsdr.org>
> Message-ID: <002701c6cf9c$81baf940$6501a8c0 at comcast.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
>         reply-type=original
>
> 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
> ==============================
> 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
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
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> End of hpsdr Digest, Vol 7, Issue 3
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