The PIC microcontroller is probably the most useful, versatile, and venerable electrical component I have ever used. Her e is another cheap, but completely worthwhile, PIC based project; A Temperature Controlled Soldering Station. The goal is to control the inexpensive soldering irons everyone buys from being so hot that it ruins solder quality. Most irons will get to between 300oC and 500oC, and solder melts at a lower temp than that. Ever just vaporize some solder? I have, and I am tired of dumping more into the point. Not to mention that letting soldering irons run as hot as they can get significantly lowers its life expectance. This mod lets you control the iron's temperature with a potentiometer, displays the current temp on a small LCD, and is based on a PIC 16F88, a 40 cent chip.
What I would add to this project is the ability to disconnect soldering irons I made from the power supply. That way I can easily swap in a new tool. Enjoy...
UPDATE: link changed.
Cabe
