[Elecraft] Soldering Stations Question

[G. Beat]

> Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2006 19:03:10 -0400
> From: Robert <spam protect>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Soldering Stations Question
>
> I use a METCAL soldering station and a METCAL Desoldering station.
> This is a real high end and expensive set-up and not for everyone.

Just as a reminder, OK International is the now the "mew name" for Metcal. 
Part of their global branding strategy (elimination of regional brand 
names).
http://www.okinternational.com/about/history

> Weller is good but not made in the USA. At least not anymore.
> Components are made in China and Mexico like everything else.

Not quite right.  The entire factory was moved at the end of 2002 - from the 
Carolinas to Mexico.
In 2003, many of the production processes (soldering tip fabrication and 
plating, cable extrusions, molding) had to be changed to comply with the 
European and Japanese no Lead initiatives.  Not all "cheap" Far Eastern 
imports meet these requirements (product dumping?).
The Weller corporate HQ and repair/parts center is still in USA - managed by 
Dino Chandler.
IF specific parts are now being sourced from China - this is news to me.
Many of the "high end" Weller stations are being designed and built in 
Germany (WMRS) - and have global voltage capabilities (120/240 VAC)

> Get whatever you are comfortable with.  Many soldering stations are 
> overkill for most
> hobbyist.

A good temperature controlled station is never overkill for homebuilder or 
amateur radio hobbyist -- makes all the difference for consistency of 
soldering.

> Pace makes a nice small soldering station called the Heatwise and like the 
> METCAL uses the > Currie effect to maintain very stable tip temp 
> regardless of thermal load.

The OKI / Metcal patent (on file at the US patent office) for their original 
usage of magnetic switch (Curie effect) in their stations --- credits Carl 
Weller for the original patent and idea in the 1950s (that became the W60 / 
W100 line voltage irons and eventually the Weller TCP series in early 
1960s - with 2 subsequent patents).  Carl Weller is recognized as the 
"inventor" and originator of the true temperature controlled soldering 
iron - 50 years ago.

Grumman used the TCP irons for the Lunar LM construction in 1960s; Collins 
for the "S" line production and rework stations in 1960s and 1970s and NASA 
in 2002 used a Weller WTCPT pencil (tied to station's 24 VAC bus) on ISS 
Alpha for soldering tests in microgravity.

> Bottom line is to get something that your comfortable with and won't empty 
> your wallet.

Always good advice - surplus readily available and the TCP series is easy 
for an competent amateur to repair -- with a Phillips screwdriver, wire 
stripper and a bobbie pin.

> The WTCPx base unit is just a transformer.
Correct a step down transformer to 24 VAC .  The heater (TC208 or EC234) and 
magnetic switch (Magnistat - SW60) are the 2 active components.

Tech Sheets for the various Weller soldering stations and accessories are 
slowly being scanned and posted at BAMA
http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/weller/

As far as inexpensive Far East manufacturer's -- Sorny Roong Industrial Co., 
Ltd. (SOLOMON) -- in Taiwan was been a large OEM export supplier (under 
various brand names throughout world) since 1975.
http://soldering.com.tw/

w9gb