Are they much of a muchness or are there better ones to buy and use? Variable temp/power and so on?
Thanks.
Yes, there are differences worth investigating if you want to do precision soldering of the small pads and connectors used in fpv without damaging the boards.
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Morning @GVG_Air
I’ve been looking for a new one too, what would you recommend?
Appreciated as always…
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Hi I have been looking into soldering irons for tiny or miniature soldering as is sometimes required with small electronics something like this as it has changeable tips like the C210 c245 THE c210 tips are for precision soldering but its handy to have the regular size as well, i know they are not cheap but i think all depending on what you need it for. YIHUA 982D-II 2-in-1 Precision Soldering Station Kit with C210 & C245 Precision Soldering Iron, Auto Calibration, Adaptive Display PID Temp. Control, Rapid Heating (UK Plug) : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools
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I only do occasional soldering and wanted something compact rather than a whole station.
I got a generic 90W Miniware TS-101 which is powered from USB C PD 3.1 and I think I paid 40 quid, then another fiver or so for a spade tip.
Don’t buy anything right now though, well, not on Amazon or the Chinese sites - it’s their surge pricing peak right now!
If you’re looking for a station, they’re supposed to be easier to buy reliably as there are reliable brands out there. The TS-101 clones are abundant, and I can’t even say if mine will last long as I’ve only had it a few months.
Pinecil is an established brand in the mini PD-powered space, as you can tell by their shonky website, but they should be a safe bet. But again, Evri will probably lose your parcel in the runup to Christmas. They’ve lost eight of mine now since November.
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Perhaps more important than performance is future reliable supply of parts, bits etc…
I’d stick to any one of the well known established European manufaturers.
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For example?
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I use a Weller soldering station (they are global but do have a manufacturing facility in staffordshire) but a more budget option would be say Antex.
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Both Weller and Antex have been around for decades and parts and bits are still available for their oldest irons.
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Some time ago, I spent two weeks in the DJI factory in Shenzhen, China. They used these Hakko soldering irons: 220v HAKKO Digital Thermostatic Soldering Station Solder Iron Welder FX-888D | eBay UK
(Beware of fake knock-offs)
We had the same Hakko units at Drone Doctor, when I was there.
Drone Doctor now has all Pace soldering iron stations: Soldering Stations | Pace Worldwide I believe.
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This looks pretty good: PACE - USA - SOLDERING STATION - ST 45 - SENSA TEMP - 230 VOLTS | eBay UK
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The straight up honest answer?
A Pinecil V2 (or similar) with a few different tips is all you need unless you’re going to be doing it as a full time job.
I have a Weller desktop station that is honestly outdone by the Pinecil I got for my FPV bag for field repairs. The Pinecil will run off a highish wattage usb-c or a 6s LiPo just the same.
The Pinecil heats up in seconds, ready to go from stone cold in less than 10 seconds, the Weller has booted it’s firmware and gotten to 180°C, if that. As long as it has an adequate power supply, the Pinecil will match the Weller’s wattage too.
Best bit for last, the Pinecil is cheap AF. A third of the price of the Weller, if not cheaper.
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