[R-390] THIS REALLY SUCKS!!!!

[Glenn Scott]

I want to share some info with the group that I think some will appreciate. 
I owned a computer company in the 80's-90's and we did component level work on everything from Commodore 64's through IBM PC's and clones. We also had contracts to do mini system work on Microdata and Western Dynax systems. 


Back then I discovered a neat desoldering tool made by Airvac called the PVSG6. It's a hand held device and works perfectly with removing solder from Printed Circuit Boards,  PCP's. I still use those for my industrial micro-controller work.


http://www.air-vac-eng.com/vacuumdesoldering.html


Unfortunately the head mass of the AirVac tool is insufficient and the Y configuration of the head makes it's utility for Point to Point work very poor.


Fast forward to 2012 and I did some more research for a desoldering tool that might be helpful with Point to Point work, P2P, on an IF module in a 390A. I Kept seeing reviews for the Hakko 808 on youtube but all were doing demos for PCB work. 
Looking at the head, I thought it might be helpful in a 390 or A for some of the post, and connectors due to it's sizable tip's thermal mass. The cost was about $200 and I decided to give it a shot. It looks a lot like the old Weller hand solder guns but is about half the weight. I was concerned that it's size might make it clumsy for PCB and P2P work but this has proven to NOT be an issue.


To my GREAT delight it does an outstanding job on all 390 and A models as well as the 392's I work on. So far, no one has done a video touting the 808's capability on P2P work. It works far better and far faster than solder wick and I was going through lots of that. No contest with a hand pump..
Annually, I go through enough wick to pay for the 808 in one year. Not to mention the HUGE savings in my bench time.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gVF-m-4EUc



When I rebuild an IF module with BB's I clip them out and then I can get to the resistors deep inside for evaluation. I used wick but now the 808 cleans all of the post and term-strips quickly. From there a soldering aid tool and needle nose allow for the easy and complete removal of the old lead pieces. 
(I HATE TO SEE WORK WHERE A NEW COMPONENT IS TWISTED ONTO AN OLD LEAD; THIS IS BIG TIME, MICKEY MOUSE) 


Oh... there is a temp pot in the handle of the 808. I use 75% throttle for P2P and about 25% for PCB stuff. The 808's long narrow head makes it perfect for P2P. 
One exception; The two small post near the front, right side, of the IF module of a 390A MUST be cleaned at no more than ~35% power. If you have reworked a 390A IF module you know g how delicate those post are.


Hakko makes a more expensive unit that more the 472 @ $650. This is more of a bench top unit. However, it appears that the length of the tube behind the tip is shorter. I have found the 808's length to be excellent for getting deep into an IF module on a 390A. This is the most challenging part or reworking the electronics of a 390A. 


The other thing that is helpful for me is to quickly walk the 808 from bench to bench without having to haul the control box. The performance specs between the 808 and 472 are about the same. 
I have yet to be disappointed in the SUCKING POWER of the 808.. I know of one person who is using the 472 and is very pleased with his unit.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-472D-02-Desolder-Tool-ESD-Safe-110W-w-Control-Card-and-60W-Gun-Style-Iron-/200981806892?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ecb72ff2c




There is a Chinese knock off for the 808 on epray for $107-$150, free shipping but I don't know if it's junk or if the consumable parts from the 808 will work with it. Hakko is well known and proven name in the industry and I paid the extra $100 for peace of mind. All of the consumables are available from several on-line tech houses such as tech-tools.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-993A-110V-90W-Electric-Vacuum-Desoldering-Pump-Solder-Sucker-Gun-e-/251317420880?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a83af8350


The knock off version of the 472 is reviewed on youtube at the eevblog. BTW, this is an excellent blog for more modern electronics. The reviewer gives the knock off neither a thumbs or down but rather a sideways thumb review. He believes it is cheaply made but works well.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft50m8UU5WQ


If you decide to get one, I would enjoy your feedback. 
73,
Glenn WA4AOS
DSM Labs (dot com)