Thanks for all the input! We are setting up demos with the Weller unit and trying to get the Hakko in as well! Most of our irons are JBC! Bob -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Guy Ramsey Sent: Friday, November 04, 2011 9:13 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Yes, only that particular type of Weller iron. -----Original Message----- From: Stadem, Richard D. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, November 04, 2011 9:06 AM To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; Guy Ramsey Subject: RE: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Hi, Guy We also entertained the idea of using a small amount of solder paste as a tip tinning method. I felt it was a good idea and the operator who proposed the idea told us it greatly extends tip life. The problem is we also have small amounts of solder paste in dated and sealed cups used for rework purposes, and I was afraid having another somewhat uncontrolled cup of paste floating around would inevitably lead to expired paste being used for rework, so I nixed that idea. However, for non-critical products it certainly seems like a good way to go. I totally agree with your comments about testing tinned tips. I also remember the Weller tip tester with embedded thermocouples from years ago, but does not that unit only test Weller irons? -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Guy Ramsey Sent: Friday, November 04, 2011 7:56 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Bob is absolutely right here. Not only does a properly tinned tip provide predictable and controlled thermal transfer it also provides predictable and controlled solder volume. It is a key to hand soldering process control. Failure to properly tin the tip, when using most testers, will yield inaccurate results. The Weller unit, that was mentioned at the start of this thread is not subject to this inaccuracy. Because you have to install the tip with a thermal couple imbedded in it. As a result it does not verify the tool with the actual tips in use by the operator. Oxides on the shaft of the tip can isolate it from ground. So, the Weller system verifies that the hand piece is connected to ground, not necessarily the tip. I like to use out of date solder paste as a tip tinning medium. It makes a lot of smoke, but it is free, very effective and not as aggressive as most other tip tinning cleaners. Even wetting of the tip surface when a small amount of solder is applied to the tip provides visual evidence that the tip is properly tinned. If the solder beads up or sets on one side of the tip, it is not properly tinned. BTW, we are currently using the Hakko tool. I used the Weller many years ago. Guy -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robert Kondner Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 4:36 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Hi, When soldering by hand the quality of the tip "Tinned" surface is VERY important. Are there any ways to qualify how well a tip is tinned? Tinning might be more important than temperature. I have seen unskilled operators turn up iron temperatures "So it solders better" which can cause soldering problems and cause further loss of "Tip Tin". You also see folks using ammonium chloride blocks which generates HCl and that can result in a host of issues. Bob K. -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gregg Owens Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 4:09 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Ditto in a past life. I still a Hakko FG-100 thermometer which continues to work very well. It's amazing to me the companies which don't bother to test the temperature their irons operate at. I think they call it soldering by faith - give me J-STD-001 any day! Gregg -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stadem, Richard D. Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 12:59 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Good to know I am not the only one! Thanks. dean -----Original Message----- From: Linda Langley [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 2:32 PM To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; Stadem, Richard D. Subject: RE: Soldering Iron Calibration Program I have used the Hakko Tip Tester and they are very reliable. I too have NO monetary or stock interest in Hakko, just a VERY good experience with the equipment! Linda Langley CIT Training Specialist Adco Circuits 248.829.4697 fax 248.853.6698 -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stadem, Richard D. Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 3:24 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Here is the comprehensive tip tester that I have found to be very accurate and easy to use. It is also very repeatable. http://www.hakkousa.com/AHPDirect/images/FG-101.jpg. Hakko also has units that test temperature only, if that is all you need. I have used other tip testers that had major issues with being able to get an accurate reading. I also like Hakko irons and rework stations. In fact, the Hakko solder stations are the only ones I have found that consistently meet J-STD-001E requirements for tip temperature control. These solder stations are being used by some of my clients and come directly up to within +- 2 degrees of the set (desired) temperature. Absolutely incredible. And the temperature can be adjusted infinitely from 0 to 900 deg. F.; it is not set by the tip. No, I have no monetary interest or Hakko stock. I've just had a really good experience with them. I would recommend them to anybody. -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robert DeQuattro Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 12:31 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Soldering Iron Calibration Program Hello all, We are attempting to put together a calibration / testing program for our soldering irons per appendix A, A-2, J-STD-001E. We are looking at the following piece of test equipment and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with or can make another recommendation based on experience and use. Weller WA200: Soldering Iron Analyzer, Solder Tip Tester http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Weller/WA2000<http://console.mxlogic.c om/redir/?2OYqem1OrW9JBUsYMyNsS029GSY_Xjzm4HkVv5ERgrJf05YY_UU0EwDuZPt-jLuZXT LuVKVIhBYtyx854RruvZFNH2lGsKro73C3qbatQS74QnPr9IbzoArDUvf0srhdICSnxPP2dSjp9q gUKHJFXtw> Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob DeQuattro ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. 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