[Elecraft] OT: Expedition soldering iron/station

[Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604]

   Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 22:19:27 -0700
   From: Paul Erickson <va7nt at telus.net>

   I am getting some tool together for an upcoming DXpedition, and the issue
   of a decent soldering iron came to mind. Where we will be operating from
   has 220v, so my regular station will not be suitable by itself. As I see
   it, there are 4 possible options.

   1 - Look for 220v iron
   2 - Get a 12v iron to run off one of the 12v supplies. Weller makes a 2v
   version of their iron, but $110. is a bit steep for a couple of weeks.

I have one of these I'd loan you for your trip.  They often appear on
EBay cheap, too.

   3 - Bring a 12vdc to 110vac inverter and run one of our existing stations.
   4 - 220v to 110v transformer

   I realize one can get butane irons, but while that would be fine for
   outdoor antenna work, I would want to use one for fine work.

5.  Get a 220 to 24V transformer and use that with your existing iron.

6.  Use two 12V power supplies in series to provide 24V for the
    soldering iron.  A small 12V switcher in series with the station
    supply will do this.

7. Build a 12V to 24V inverter, like the N4UAU unit (his website seems
   to be unavailable right now).

73, doug