[HCARC] Soldering Station

[Gary J - N5BAA]

Thank You Dale.  Never heard of a Hakko soldering station - another reason I 
ask questions here on the Reflector.  MORE PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 
THE COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE AVAILABLE FROM CLUB MEMBERS HERE ON THE REFLECTOR. 
Be sure to send your responses to peoples questions by hitting "REPLY ALL" 
vs "Reply".  That way responses are available to everyone, and you would be 
amazed the number of people who have like questions to the one you have 
asked.

A second thought about Reflector use - If you have been researching a 
subject and have either found your answer or need an opinion or answer POST 
IT ON THE REFLECTOR.  That way others can learn and as the STATIC Editor I 
can then grab the information and put it in the Static.  Remember, my 
position is STATIC EDITOR - that means I accumulate information to be 
published in our website - it does not mean that I WRITE the information - 
trust me, I am not that smart (at least about radio and electronics - now if 
you want to learn about building a straw bale house, I can write that). 
Likewise - you will notice from my signature line below that I am the Field 
Day COORDINATOR.  Your efforts are what I am able to coordinate.  I will 
make sure we get the agenda items are assigned and accomplished, but my job 
as coordinator is not to do all of the items for Field Day myself.


Gary J
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary 2013/14
2014 Field Day Coordinator
2014 Static Editor

-----Original Message----- 
From: Dale Gaudier
Sent: Sunday, February 9, 2014 9:22 PM
To: hcarc at mailman.qth.net ; 'Gary J - N5BAA'
Subject: RE: [HCARC] Soldering Station

I have an old Weller 200 watt soldering gun for the "big jobs" - e.g. 
soldering PL259s.

I have a Hakko FX-888 controlled temperature soldering station (see QST 
September 2011, p.58, for a review) for general soldering. It uses ceramic 
tip elements that are available in different sizes ranging from very small 
for fine soldering to XXL for big jobs up to PL259s. The controlled 
temperature feature is nice - as you apply heat to a junction, the unit 
senses the temperature of the tip and applies more current, if needed, to 
keep the tip at the desired temperature.

I also have a butane powered soldering iron for use at sites, like my tower, 
where I don't have AC. It gets hot enough to solder PL259s if you're 
patient.

73,

Dale - K4DG


-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] 
On Behalf Of Harvey N. Vordenbaum
Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 8:20 PM
To: 'Gary J - N5BAA'; hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [HCARC] Soldering Station

There are several types of soldering you may need in electronics.
Coaxial connectors, small connectors inside equipment, circuit boards, etc.
For small connectors and circuit boards use a soldering station with 
temperature controlled elements and various sized tips, and a sponge to wipe 
the tip on.
For coaxial connectors, PL-259's etc. you need a fairly high powered 
soldering iron with an iron plated diamond shaped tip.  100 - 300 Watts. 
Along with this you need an autotransformer so you can control the 
temperature.  When the melted solder turns blue it is too hot.  A plain 
copper tip will get eroded by the solder after a while.  You also need a 
small wet sponge to wipe the tip clean periodically.  Some people use a 
micro flame torch for soldering connectors and other larger items.  This 
would take a lot of practice.
A soldering gun is okay if used on the right stuff.  It has the advantage of 
quick heating and little or no hot element lying around when you get 
through.
Hv


-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net] 
On Behalf Of Gary J - N5BAA
Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 6:24 PM
To: hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [HCARC] Soldering Station

As many of you know, my brother and an associate buy storage lockers and at 
auctions in the San Diego area for resale at local flea markets.  He comes 
up with some amazing radio related stuff.  As my shack and my remodeled shop 
come together I will be trying to set up a central place to do all of my 
soldering, electrical work.  I have an old soldering gun, but was thinking 
of having him be on the lookout for one of the soldering stations.  My gun 
is a Weller, but I haven’t an idea of their quality.  Who makes good 
soldering stations and what sort of wattage should I be asking him to watch 
out for me??

Gary J
N5BAA
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