[Elecraft] Weller WTCP station series

Sun Mar 28 08:00:01 2004

Kevin -

I have often heard the argument (complaint) about changing the tip to change 
temperature -
BUT you have to change the tip on ALL irons (e.g. Weller, Haako, Metcal, 
Pace) -
when you desire a different iron tip size (1/32", 1/16" or 1/8") or profile 
(e.g. conical, screwdriver)
for proper soldering of a different joint configuration.

In fact, the Weller TCP still survives in production usage to prevent 
operators on the assembly line
from changing the soldering temperature (quality & assembly control).  Most 
people forget that the Weller
TCP series pre-dates the availability and extensive usage of solid-state 
components
(yes, the original TCP design in the 1950s was during the vacuum tube era).

My workbench has a number of temperature adjustable soldering stations
(Pace MBT and ST systems, Weller "EC" series). So they are a "nice to 
have" - but not necessary for
the kit-builder - looking to save money.

The important point is that new kit builders should be using a temperature 
controlled iron
(not an unregulated "stick" soldering iron) for Elecraft assembly (or any PC 
board assembly).

73, Greg
w9gb

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kevin B. G. Luxford" <[email protected]>
To: "'G. Beat'" <[email protected]>; "'elecraft_list'" 
<[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2004 6:06 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weller WTCP station series

I have had a Weller WTCP station for quite some years and it works very well
indeed.  The only problem is that in order to change the temperature, one
must change the tip.  I think this is a bit of a pain.  However, others may
not agree with me.

I do like to have control over the tip temperature, and that is where iron
controllers that have a temperature adjustment mechanism and a temperature
readout win out for me.  Maybe I am just a control freak.

73
Kevin
VK3DAP / ZL2DAP

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of G. Beat
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2004 9:00 PM
To: elecraft_list
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weller WTCP station series

Jerry -

I did not know about usage for Apollo LM assembly -- but the original Weller

TCP
units were used at Collins for "S" line assembly and repair.

You will not get an argument from me about the Weller TCP series - and its
ease of repairability.  While the new units may be expensive - the used TCP
series stations units in very good cosmetic conditions (on
eBay) are real bargains !
(often selling for less then $ 25.00)

I recently acquired some NOS TC369A plug repair kits (3 pin plug) and older
style CS100HB handle & cord sets (for older wired-in TCP1 and PU-1
base units) --
to keep the older style units ( > 25 years old )... still running.

Greg
w9gb

> Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2004 09:18:36 -0600
> From: [email protected]
> Subject: [Elecraft] WTCP soldering station series
>
> I've been using the Weller WTCP station for over 25 years...I'm 73 and
> have been
> soldering since my teens, everything from commutators in 10K generators
> sets to circuit boards for the LEM...Tip changing is a non-issue, I have
> never had to change from the 700 degree tip...The temperature sensing
> device is right in the tip, not up inside the handle, so it reacts much
> faster to tip cooling...
> I recently bought a Hakko solder station because my old
> Weller WTCP station broke down...
> This week I repaired the Weller and it is back
> on the bench because it works better for me...
>
> I know this is going to generate a lot of flames and I am not going to
> react to that...In my humble opinion, the Weller is one of the
> best...It's more expensive, but you get what you pay for...
>
> Jerry, wa2dkg
> K2 #2549

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