[Elecraft] Calibrate Solder Station

[Robert Naumann]

Walter,

Your instincts are correct: "I'm guessing after getting used to the station,
you will have a sense of proper temp for a particular job, and could just
tweak the temp setting up or down as needed without really getting into the
calibration arena".

Unless you are in a critical manufacturing environment, the precise
temperature is meaningless.

Turn it up only as high as you need it to melt and flow the solder into the
connection.

73,

Bob W5OV


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Walter V. Gilles
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 6:06 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Calibrate Solder Station

Greetings,
 
I'm going to purchase a solder station, probably one of the popular Weller
or Hakko units, with additional tips.  Both manufacturers sell accessories
to calibrate the stations.  Some recommend performing a temp calibration
whenever you replace the tip or the iron.  All well and good until you see
the cost of these calibration (test) units.  Would it be prudent to forego
the calibrations altogether, and just swap tips as needed, and rely on the
initial cal to keep it in the ballpark?  I'm guessing after getting used to
the station, you will have a sense of proper temp for a particular job, and
could just tweak the temp setting up or down as needed without really
getting into the calibration arena.  Just wanted to see what folks thought
about calibration and if it was worth it.  Thanks.  73
 
Walter, WB2IDK (ex-N0DZJ)


      
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