How to Solder 101 ft. Multicomp Soldering Kit Review

Table of contents

RoadTest: Fundamentals with Multicomp: Show Us How To Solder

Author: surbhika

Creation date:

Evaluation Type: Connectors & Cable

Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True

What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: Tenma SS-207BC-F Soldering Station, 240 V, 60 W, 480 °C Max Temperature is comparable to the Multicomp Pro soldering station.

What were the biggest problems encountered?: Not any problem was encountered. Just assembly of magnifier helping hand took considerable time but it's a one time thing. I believe they sent it disassembled for the purpose of transit safety.

Detailed Review:

Introduction

The Multicomp soldering kit consisted of wide range of tools used for soldering as follows:

MP740142 Multicomp Pro Soldering Iron, USB, 10 W, 450 °C

MP740054 Soldering Iron, LED Indication, 80 W, 480 °C, 240 VAC

MP740261 Soldering Station, 80W, 240V, 480°C Max Temp

8PK-366D-F Desoldering Pump

DT000468 Magnifier, Helping Hand

SH-1025 Soldering Tip Cleaner

MP001640 Cutter, Diagonal, 130 mm, Flush, 10 mm

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How to Solder Video

During review of this whole kit, I demonstrated use of these tools in the below “How to Solder 101” video. The video starts with showcase of tools followed by basic process of soldering.

MP740054 Soldering Iron, LED Indication, 80 W, 480 °C, 240 VAC

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This is the handiest soldering iron of all. It can be directly plugged into mains supply and sufficiently quick to reach the given rating. It features three push buttons on the iron handle itself for setting temperature between 5 discrete levels (350, 370, 390 ,450 , 480 C) which are indicated through respective LEDs.

It is great iron for field work where we can’t carry soldering stations but require quick and high temperature work.

Only a small hiccup during operation of this soldering iron was the less-intuitive (or may be a smart feature) Mode button LED. Though manual clearly mentions its role, but it took me a while to understand that the ‘O’ titled push button LED flashes brightly when heating element is ON and it dims when the set temperature is reached. Other than this, it’s an excellent iron for general purpose and comes with variety of soldering tips which are very easy to assemble/de-assemble. The built quality and external finish is quite well ..like 8 out of 10.

MP740261 Soldering Station, 80W, 240V, 480°C Max Temp

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This soldering station from Multicomp Pro has a bulky, not suitable for the idea of carrying it anywhere and keep in the lab forever type of base. It is rated 80W with temperature range from +150°C to +480°C. The three black buttons, namely 1,2 and 3 are for quick setting of 200, 300 and 400 C temperature. Fine adjustment can be done through green colored up and down arrowed buttons looking into the fine LCD display which shows set and current temperature.

This station is really good by the fact that it was able to reach the maximum set temperature of 480C in mere 2-3 seconds of switching ON the power supply. And it took like 10-12 seconds to let it cool to 350C. The operation manual is well written for quick reference to various indicators. There’s also a mobile tower signal strength type of indicator on the LCD display which is for showing the current heating status of the filament.

The light weight iron handpiece is connected through flexible cable. It has a fixed heating element and removable tip. Overall, the soldering station offers which it claims in the paper.

For a suggestion and as a greedy engineer who always wants more, I would have loved if this station had come with a hot air gun as well. Because it is going to stay in the lab like an ancestor if I buy it for years, already has the bulky power station and is going to consume portion on my desk, so having it sport a hot air gun too would be something lovely.

MP740142 Multicomp Pro Soldering Iron, USB, 10 W, 450 °C

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For the record, I have used the USB powered soldering iron for the first time and had my doubts on the capability. It did look pretty cute as I said in the video for the mere thought of it being powered up using a standard 5V 2A (yes 10W) mobile charger adapter or a power bank.

It has a thin tip (obviously because it is not meant for the large heat transfer required connections) and a golden aux connector for powering the replaceable tip which means that the heating element is hosted by the tip itself (integrated type).

This iron also features temperature control through 3 buttons and LCD display attached to the USB connector itself. The temperature can range from 150C to 450C. I found this iron great for rework in PCB components and if you need to, then for SMD components it works as fluid.

This soldering iron comes with a very nice and rigid stand which has a small but sufficient compartment for keeping the cleaning metal wool. It is shipped with a USB cable which has a grounding cable terminated with alligator type pin which is thoughtful to eliminate the leakage charge and prevent electronic components from damage during work.

DT000468 Magnifier, Helping Hand

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The magnifier glass helping hand is “just fine” for the price range. The metal finish is good. It had come entirely disassembled in the package and took me almost 45 minutes to assemble it with the help of my brother. Then after, it moves by its own wish sometimes and I do not get the most comfortable viewing angle through it quickly.

8PK-366D-F Desoldering Pump

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The metallic body desoldering pump with antistatic tip worked excellent to pull out solder from through hole components as well. I cannot comment over the durability as of now but it has sturdy externals and I saw that it comes with 12 months warranty as well. I had used INR100 desoldering pumps in the past, but they do not perform this well. This INR500 one is a value for money and good for hobbyists as well as professionals.

SH-1025 Soldering Tip Cleaner

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The tip cleaner is awesome for its premium looking container with soft pad beneath, metal handle and huge sized copper wool bundle inside that.

MP001640 Cutter, Diagonal, 130 mm, Flush, 10 mm

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The cutting tool does the job as claimed. I cut some through hole components pin after soldering and it cut nicely at the angle. The build quality is good too. It stays open all the time.

On closing note, this kit from Multicomp Pro is a go-for-it for students, hobbyists, and professionals. It overall has good build quality, looks durable for several years and serves the claimed purpose decently.

I hope this review, pictures and the video would be helpful for the ones considering to purchase this kit or any item from it.

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