[Elecraft] Magnetic soldering iron

Wed Jan 7 10:43:02 2004

Hi Tom

The Weller WTCP iron uses a magnetic switch to regulate the temperature. =
If you remove the tip there is a slug of metal with the number stamped =
into it. This is a special alloy that is magnetic below it's Currie =
temperature. Above that it is not magnetic. The switch in the iron has a =
magnet inside the switch so as long as the tip is magnetic the switch is =
closed. When the slug in the tip gets hot enough (700F) it is not =
magnetic and the switch turns off. By changing the alloy in the slug =
Weller can adjust the tip temperature. The tips come in 600, 700, and =
800 degree versions. It is normal for the iron to be magnetic.=20

The WES50 iron uses a thermocouple that slips up inside the tip and an =
electronic circuit in the base to control the temperature. The WTCP only =
has a 24 volt transformer in the base as all of the control is in the =
iron using mechanical means. In fact I used a WTCP iron connected to a =
home brew bud box with a 2 amp Radio Shack 24 volt transformer inside =
for several years because the original base transformer was bad.

Don Brown
KD5NDB

  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Tom Hammond=20
  To: [email protected]=20
  Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 9:04 AM
  Subject: [Elecraft] Magnetic soldering iron

  Greetings!
  I'm building a K1, my first significant electronic project, using a=20
  borrowed Weller WTCPT soldering station.  When I started trying to =
solder a=20
  ground wire to the first of the crystal cans on the 2 band filter =
board, I=20
  noticed the wire mysteriously moving as I approached it with the =
soldering=20
  iron.  Further investigation revealed that the iron is magnetized!  =
This=20
  isn't normal is it?  What should I do?
  Thanks for any help you can offer.
  Ron Ash
  KD5ZKU

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