So damn irritating. The old model had a simple dial. Same form factor. Now they don’t make them with a dial and you basically need to dig up an instruction manual to figure these things out.
OP, is there any advantage to the new one besides the fact that it led me to find the TS100 ?
Here is a another good soldering iron for $70.
The Hakkos and clones will make your life easier, but a lot of people really like some of the USB powered smart pencil irons. I haven't used one though so I can't vouch for them.
As for solder, the composition is more important than the brand. Look for close to 60/40 with a flux core. It's a good balance of melting temperature, flow characteristics, and strength for electrical soldering.
Plain AC soldering irons really suck, I would recommend going straight to something with temperature control if you plan on doing any amount of soldering.
I really like the TS100. They take 12-24v so you can run them from a power supply from the wall, from a laptop battery, drill battery, RC battery so they're super portable.
I teach kids robotics and I have a box of the things, I'd never go back.
Honestly no...get a TS-100
I bought this one, good kit, comes with everything you need. Hope this helps!
UY CHAN Upgraded Original TS100 Digital OLED Programmable Pocket-size Smart Mini Outdoor Portable Soldering Iron Station Kit Embedded Interface DC5525 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_r8tMrKXRRTQHW
You should check out the TS100, cheap temperature variable soldering iron with swappable tips. A lot of people in the FPV community uses these for their portable soldering iron but I use it my bench. Get the chisel head tip type though, it's more versatile.
The Yihua models are good quality.
You also have the ts100 soldeeing iron which is small and reliable. Ive got it on my side and its great to use. I give you an amazon link, but you can find it way cheaper on Aliexpress or other chinese website
Personally I've never been a fan of gas-powered irons. You really have very little control over the temp, they don't "recover" after a joint as predictably or quickly as modern electronic models, they take fuel, limited tip selection, etc. The only "benefit" is portability (and the torch functionality), but that isn't really a big "get" anymore in the day of USB-Powered Irons that can be run off a battery or power bank.
All that said, I do a lot of soldering on circuit boards where all those things are important. If you are just looking for an "emergency" iron to toss in your bag in case you need it in the field, then I can see the draw of the gas one (just need the iron and a can of butane which never goes bad or "loses charge"). If you want to use it for regular work (and particularly for PCB work), get an electric iron with adjustable temp.
Yw, if you’re looking for more recs, this is the soldering iron I saw widely recommended in this space. I went with it and am quite satisfied: UY CHAN Upgraded Original TS100... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Lots of YouTube videos, some practice, a sharp box cutting knife for flaying the antenna, and you’ll be knowledgeable enough to feel comfortable in no time (ok, maybe a few weeks). Good luck 👍🏽
This is the exact one I have.
I see a few on amazon wasn’t sure if a specific brand? Size is nice and portable so it would fit in my electronics box.
UY CHAN Upgraded Original TS100 Digital OLED Programmable Pocket-size Smart Mini Outdoor Portable Soldering Iron Station Kit Embedded Interface DC5525 Acceleration Sensors STM32 Chip Fast Heat (B2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7
I love my TS100 with the custom firmware. Extremely fast to heat up, adjustable temperature, and you can use it with LiPo battery packs on the go. Oh, and it's super affordable. Here is a kit in Amazon but they are all over the place..
The counterfeit isn't a bad counterfeit, some people even like it more than the original. If you can get it for significantly cheaper then go for it, just don't buy it for anywhere near the price of a non counterfeit item.
There is another one you can get for about 60% of the cost called the TS100, it's a pretty quality iron https://www.amazon.com/Programmable-Pocket-size-Soldering-Interface-Acceleration/dp/B01MDTO6X7/
TS100 is $73 on Amazon
I like the TS 100.
https://www.amazon.com/UY-CHAN-Programmable-Pocket-size-Acceleration/dp/B01MDTO6X7
It’s “open source” and made by many different vendors...but they are all essentially the same.
It’s a TS100! Incredible little thing. Heats up to 400°C in seconds. Direct drive tip, can be battery powered as well with the right adapter.
Here it is on Amazon
Can you order from Chinese websites such as Aliexpress? Did some quick research and it appears they do not.
Okay, what options have you been looking at? Do you have some links I can see? Those kits you mention which come with everything work fine for soldering simple stuff and can be good choices for people just starting up. If you won't be working on anything too complex such as thick boards which require lots of heat then these types of irons will work just fine.
Temperature? For simple one-layered boards 350 Celsius is where you should start but this is assuming that the iron you buy is at whatever temperature it is set to; once you get the hang of it though you'll know if more heat is necessary.
With some ventilation leaded solder is recommended since it's easier to work with; it is a myth that one can get lead poisoning from soldering but you should avoid inhaling the fumes which can cause irritation to throat & lungs.
Any type of glasses will suffice for eye protection.
Apart from what you mentioned the only thing to watch out for is grabbing the iron where it's very hot; you'll get a couple of burns but with time this won't be a problem anymore. You can also use gloves which some people like while others do not.
You are describing a PCB holder and here are some examples: Google Images
Here are some soldering iron/station suggestions if you can find them in Argentina. I have omitted those cheap $20-40 kits since they are all pretty much the same.
Also, if you are interested in soldering make sure to subscribe to r/soldering since that's where we all hang out.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
>Other Power Source with DC5525 Port
You can power it up with a laptop power bank / Car Power / or other 12-24V power source with the right connector
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
UY CHAN Upgraded Original TS100 Digital OLED Prog… | $72.98 | $72.98 | 4.6/5.0 |
uxcell Phone Micro USB Type-B 5 Pin Female SMD Pa… | $8.48 | $8.48 | 4.0/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Got ate up almost right after the post.
There's a decent amount of info converting the printrboard to and SKR 1.3/1.4 with TMC2208 drivers. It's what I ended up doing to mine and have NO regrets whatsoever.
An alternative option would be a soldering iron and a replacement port and installing a new one.
I understand it has a grounding pin, the thing I'm referring to is the clamp that goes from the pin to ground. You can see it here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/
It does have a grounding pin, but not the clamp. The TS100 does from what I've seen around https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/
Where would I find the clamp separately?
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
UY CHAN Upgraded Original TS100 Digital OLED Prog… | $72.98 | $72.98 | 4.6/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
I have theTS100 and really enjoy it. Adjustable temperature, super quick heat up, and you can change out the tips.
Oh just this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MDTO6X7/ I got the B2 kit.
You would need a fine tip like the B2, a chisel tip such as the D16, or even the K would get it done. See here. Invest in a decent soldering iron though such as the KSGER T12, TS100, or the Pinecil. Then you will need some good solder which you can also find in smaller amounts at Amazon and some flux and you should be ready to go. PM me if you have any specific questions about any of this.
Do you know where I could get a good TS-100? This is the only one I see on Amazon.
I use one of these... about 350F to 400F.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_65Y1HPR9239WDF8QSHC7
Also use one of these for soldering bullet ends and bigger stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJW07Z0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_KAQHZ8RA8WF801PH08NP
Yeah, that looks like it's for working with small smd parts. That tip is hella small.
Tools purchased and used:
TS100 Soldering iron amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
.6 mm solder from amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WQ9X5K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Helping hands from amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MDKXNPC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Wire stripper from amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081821YSV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Wire terminal crimping tool - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y7YRTKT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
If he's interested in electronics projects a TS100 would be a useful tool
Why is it 1/3 the price of this? https://www.amazon.com/UY-CHAN-Programmable-Pocket-size-Acceleration/dp/B01MDTO6X7
Ts100 is pretty cheap and is supposed to work great. There are some mods for it too if your looking for an iron that won't break the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_cKgGFbK3BQV61
dz60 from amazon and can be put into most 60% cases that can be bought on aliexpress or kbdfans also.
https://kbdfans.com/products/dz60-60-pcb
cases:
https://kbdfans.com/products/kbdfans-tofu-60-aluminum-case
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you will also need a soldering iron for most custom builds another $80-100 and solder and a solder pump of course.
https://www.amazon.com/UY-CHAN-Programmable-Pocket-size-Acceleration/dp/B01MDTO6X7
https://www.amazon.com/NovelLife-TS80-Soldering-Iron-USB/dp/B07HP1P51J
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you can also get cheap gateron switches from kbdfans like black inks being a great linear choice for a first builder, and cherry stabilizers also. and from amazon, you can also pick up some fabric bandaids and dielectric grease for lubing the stabilizers.
and cheap keycaps you can also get from kbdfans to save shipping or you can get a set from razer or matrix keyboards that will fit most 60% layouts.
if you want to lube your switches you will have to track down a vender for lube, but most places are out of stock right now, most popular lubes are tribosis 3203 and krytox 205g0.
so overall with all the equiptment and lube you will be spending probably 250-300 maybe a little more.
I got the TS100 iron from Amazon the M18 Power Source from Home Depot and customized the power cable that came with the TS100 with a DC5521 plug to plug into the Power Source.
TS100 is on sale now at banggood.com $53.99 and $66 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/UY-CHAN-Programmable-Pocket-size-Acceleration/dp/B01MDTO6X7
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TS100 Lipo powered soldering iron
For an extra hand, I just bought these with some alligator clips and mounted it to something heavy (I used an old hard drive). You'll have extra arms if you want to add a fan or magnifying glass later.
Cheap soldering irons tend to have the worst tips that do this. You can use them, but it will test your patience and your solder joints will look horrible. Good soldering irons are unfortunately not cheap. But here are a few options:
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TS100 (and the newer but lower power TS80) soldering irons are becoming very popular due to high performance and low cost. But you do need a decent 12V to 24V power supply for the TS100 to work well, and a USB-C fast charger for the TS80 to work.
https://www.amazon.com/UY-CHAN-Programmable-Pocket-size-Acceleration/dp/B01MDTO6X7/ref=sr_1_4
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Hakko is a well-known brand. This is their budget option. It is temperature controlled. This is probably your cheapest "good" option.
https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-temperature-limiting-soldering-FX600/dp/B006MQD7M4/ref=sr_1_10
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