[Elecraft] Re: Solder Station

Tue May 27 22:25:00 2003

Tim -

Solder stations are very much a personal choice of preferences and experience, 
but both choices are current production Weller stations.  A bit of 
background/history:

The WTCPT station is the current production of Weller TCP series.  This solder 
station series has been produced for over 40 years and is the second oldest 
product in continuous production (the Weller soldering gun is the oldest, circa 
1946).  The TCP is easy to repair and troubleshoot. The TCP irons use specific 
tips (PT series) to determine the temperature (600, 700, 800) and tip profile 
(conical, screwdriver, conical flat) desired. The temperature "sensor" and power 
switch is the SW60 switch and PT tip combination.  The Power Unit (PU base) is 
basically a 24-volt AC supply containing the transformer, switch and solder iron 
jack. [I have been repairing this series since 1975]

The WES51 is the latest model of the earlier WES50 solder station.  The Weller 
Electronic Station (WES) model is based on the earlier Electronic Control "EC" 
series.  This long running series was the first usage of solid state 
semiconductors to regulate the tip temperature. In this series the intelligence 
is in the base - with the iron serving only as a temperature sensor and tip 
holder.

The major differences:

WES51 allows you to adjust the temperature through a wide range with a specific 
tip.  The WES51 standard iron is also a slim profile - which is desied by some 
people. A magnetic wand is enclosed so that you can "lock" the temperature at 
the base - so that you do not accidentally change your tip temeprature.

WTCPT has 3 standard temperatures for the tips (600, 700, 800).  Other 
temparatures have to be special ordered from Weller (These appear on eBay from 
time to time). The temperature is selected when you select your specific tip.
This is why you find these irons used in production operations (the operator 
does not accidentally change the soldering temperature)
I find that 90% of all of my soldering can be performed with 700 degree tips.

WTCPT systems are found "on sale" (around $90) 2 or 3 times each year (end of 
year, spring, late summer).  Wassco just finished a sale May 15th.  You can also 
find excellent used WTCP stations for about 1/2 price of new.

WES51 will likley not be on sale, until the WES50 current inventories at 
distributors are depleted.

Greg, w9gb

> Message: 22
> Date: Tue, 27 May 2003 06:56:48 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Timothy Fiebig <[email protected]>
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Solder Station

> Hello All!

> I'm debating between the WTCPT and the WES51
> (replacment of WES50) Weller soldering stations. I
> would appreciate any input from anyone who has used
> either or both of these units.

> Thanks & 73

> Tim