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Solder station selection

davebullockmbe

Hi everyone,

Having worked for many years with an ERSA  Analog 60A and then an ERSA  Digital 2000A both equipped with the TechTool iron I am spoiled when it comes to choosing a similar machine.

My son is getting interested in electronic construction and a solder station for Christmas seems like a great present.

However to set him up with a full ERSA kit with spare tips and maybe a replacement heating element would be well over £500.

I love the ERSA ease of tip change and the instant availability of continuous heat when soldering large components (you can solder a washer to a battleship..LOL) but how do less expensive setups perform?

Each alternative I follow up has both glowing praise and dire reviews in equal measure, it's so confusing!

So what are you you all using, and can I have some recommendations/warnings of what to choose/avoid from the Farnell range please?

Thanks in anticipation.....

Dave

Parents

  • I've been using i-con picos for years (since ERSA stopped supporting the big expensive station I had.) I've found them to be pretty good. I also have an RS Pr Ds90 which is good for heavier work and has given no trouble at all.

     

    A variety of cheap Chinese temperature controlled irons have been OK until they go wrong, which has usually happened quite quickly.

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Hi Michael,

    Many thanks for your swift reply.

    Just what I needed 'hands on' experience of a recommended tool.

    Is the temperature detected right at the tip like on the 'techtool'? and how do you change tips.

    Is the tip retained by a threaded sleeve like the old TCP Weller irons, but the sleeve has a bakelite (thermally safe) thumbwheel so you don't burn your fingers?

    From the datasheet it doesn't make it very clear.

    Thanks

    Dave

Reply
  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Hi Michael,

    Many thanks for your swift reply.

    Just what I needed 'hands on' experience of a recommended tool.

    Is the temperature detected right at the tip like on the 'techtool'? and how do you change tips.

    Is the tip retained by a threaded sleeve like the old TCP Weller irons, but the sleeve has a bakelite (thermally safe) thumbwheel so you don't burn your fingers?

    From the datasheet it doesn't make it very clear.

    Thanks

    Dave

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