[Elecraft] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn

[Mike S]

At 07:13 AM 11/22/2004, G. Beat wrote...
>I have a couple of additional comments on the Circuit Specialists Haako-clone offering.
>
>1.  This offering has been noticed by US authorized Haako dealers.  I can't repeat what they side here.  This dealer believes that the Far East mfg. is second sourcing this product to CSI.

In addition to the Aoyue brand, these also appear to be sold under the Sunkko label. Some places sell the Sunkko with a choice of "China made" or "Hakko" heaters ( http://www.mobile-repairing.com/shopping/index.php?page_number=2&id=53 ). The Sunkkos appear to use the same connectors as the Hakkos.

Do you know these to be from the same OEM as Hakkos? I've also found opinions that they're clones.

It would be interesting to know how closely the Aoyue 936 PCB ( http://www.aoyue.com/engproducts/af/936%20PCB.jpg ) compares to one from a real Hakko 936. Anyone want to tear their Hakko apart?

I'll provide a report after I get my 701 rework station. I'll be ecstatic if it's a Hakko OEM, but I'll still be happy if it's a knock off which follows the 80/20 rule (80% the performance of a real Hakko, at 20% of the price), and accepts Hakko spare parts.