[Test-Equipment] Soldering Equipment

[Pete Lancashire]

> Is anyone familiar with Metcal soldering equipment?
> I need a suggestion for a good quality soldering station for the bench.
> Metcal has been recommended as a brand.
> What model would be a good choice and why?

My call. Metcal (now OK Industries) took over the industry with their
high frequency based heater design. But you pay a price for it, a big
price

The most desirable model would be the MX-500P-II (dash 2) and its
predecessor STSS. NOTE the much older SP-200 is a different animal,
i.e. elements are not compatible. If I remember its frequency is just
under 500 kHz.

A clean MX-500 power unit can easily set you back $300 to $400. An
as-is one $200

STSS's about 1/2 to 3/4.

The MX-500 can run two elements. And is a much newer design.

The older units many times will be dead, but they are repairable and
the schematic is roaming the net. Think 13 MHz RF amplifier.

Elements new up to $20 each. Used but usable $2 to $10.

Guess the only other note is they are a bit too low power for some
boat anchor work.

The next price down ? I'm out of date. Just stay away from any unit
that does not regulate the tip temp..

I do know Hakko has been very aggressive, a friend before retiring was
at a company that has something like 250 Metcal's in use is constantly
being visited by the Hakko rep.

To me the biggest bargin is the Weller WTCPN's.

http://www.k7jrl.com/pub/manuals/weller/wtcpn/WTCPN%20Tech%20Sheet.pdf

And they can be found for less
the $25 if you take your time and the tips for $1 to $2 again if you
take your time.

Issues are you have to be good at maintaining the handle / heater
assembly. A lot of the ones you find are abused. Other then that they
will work forever.