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Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

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Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#91

Post by mysteria »

scottbez1 wrote: post #38
dlevine wrote: post #28

I paid ~$100 for my Hakko FX888D, and have had had that for almost 10 years. Looking on the Internet, the price hasn't gone up much. Not sure whether this (for $250 including the power supply) is a class above that. The repairability is a definite plus (assuming parts continue to be available for many years), and all the nerdy features are also cool, but not sure how useful they will be in the real world.

It will almost certainly be a class up, if only because it uses integrated tips that combine heating element, temperature sensor, and tip itself into a single element, rather than having thermally bulky and inefficient interfaces like the FX888d's replaceable separate tips. So you get faster heating and more accurate temperature control. But there's the rub: there are a TON of USB-C irons that use integrated tips, an…

On the flip side wouldn't that make replacement tips much more expensive? On my old Hakko station I've replaced the tips several times but the element and sensor seems to be going strong.

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#92

Post by mschuster91 »

scottbez1 wrote: post #52
nightpool wrote: post #8

I hear https://github.com/google/web-serial-polyfill gets used a fair amount on Android devices, so that might be one road you could go down. Additionally, I can't imagine it would be that hard would it be to build a mobile app that could provide a WebSerial interface to a friendly webview of your choosing. You'd need the user to download an app, but then you could use the same code for both web and app versions.

Oh interesting, I'll have to try that polyfill - I've been using web serial for all my projects lately because I hate users having to install anything, but Android has been an annoying gap.

> but Android has been an annoying gap

If I were to guess - the issue is that many phone basebands appear (at least) as a serial device, and we all know from late 90s/early 00s dialer scams how bad that can go if some hardware manufacturer forgets to label the serial port in a way that can be detected as "never fucking ever expose this to apps"...

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#93

Post by w4rh4wk5 »

mrandish wrote: post #81

After a quick look at the specs: Plus * 5 secs to temp. * Heat resistant, vented cap. * User can change auto idle and sleep times. Minus * Need iFixit power station or computer to change temp and other settings. * No temp indicator on the iron. No mention if the LED indicates it's reached set temp. I'd love to keep a small, lightweight, high-quality portable iron in my tool bag ready for quick repairs. It needs to he…

I do have a TS100 which I use either with a battery pack or a wall charger. For storing it, I am using a metal casing that is used for a single cigar. There's also room for a tiny metal cleaning brush which protects the tip during storage. Given that all of this is metal and that the soldering iron doesn't have that much thermal capacity, I can pack it up while the tip is still hot and the casing will only get mildly warm, but not to the point where it'd cause damage.

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#94

Post by kwiens »

omgtehlion wrote: post #74

Thanks for using real buck converter, unlike many other type-c soldering irons. Hope this helps achieve full USB PD power range.

Thanks! It cost more but I think the outcome was worth it.

We really pushed the envelope on every aspect of the hardware to max out the joules we could push into the material. The trick is being really responsive to the load so that you don't overshoot the target temperature too much.

With the Power Station plugged into the wall and a full charge on the batteries, you can get about 104 Watts into the iron.

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#95

Post by luqtas »

cruffle_duffle wrote: post #76

Soldering is one of those things where the tools you use have a direct impact on the quality and enjoyment of the work. Shitty $20 soldering irons from Home Depot not only produce awful results but they are incredibly frustrating. I’m pretty sure most people who think they suck at soldering and hate it only feel that way because their tool sucks. A good quality soldering iron and high quality, thin solder make a huge…

dunno. my first ever soldering project was a handwired keyboard. i was popcorning when i finished. it was my first time using a mechanical switch keyboard too. not bad... 2° project, right after finishing the keyboard was soldering a PMW3360 sensor to someone's board from Github. it was a freaking blast on my 40W, 40 BRL (~ 8 USD) solder

i still have it & i'm selling handwired keyboards at a very cheap price (made with it), trying to set a non-profit that sells fair priced handwired keyboards with Vial & aims to teach the basics of electronics for teens... i can't see myself supplying anything more expensive than cheap solders, nor i can see what joy i would get from an expensive solder tool

my wiring for reference -> https://happort.org/keyboard_example.png

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#96

Post by dunham »

donatj wrote: post #51

Every time I see a soldering iron use a 3.5mm headphone jack for the tips, some dark dumb part of my brain wants to plug a pair of headphones into it to see what happens.

Back in the 80's a friend of mine had a system for launching model rockets built out of power cords - a extension cord with multiple outlets for distribution, and power cords with microclips on one end to hook to the rockets. And of course he had to find out "what happens if I plug this in". (If I remember right the microclips were fused together, but they may have just melted, it's been a while.)

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#98

Post by mixmastamyk »

Looks neat. I might have thought web features were cool ten years ago but no longer want any more devices with wifi and possibility of telemetry in my house. Not to mention having to bring up a browser to configure instead of pushing a physical button. No desire for limited Tesla-like design.

Is that the case, or did I misunderstand?

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#99

Post by tamimio »

It looks interesting. I know some people will start comparing it to workstation ones, but I personally always look for portability. A few times I would be in the field with my drones and I need something small, battery-powered, and good enough for a quick job. So maybe people with similar use cases will find it useful. The only thing that I would say would have been good to have is a phone app and connection over Bluetooth to adjust the settings.

Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system

#100

Post by Fwirt »

Why overcomplicate a simple tool? If you're not soldering professionally and only need it a few times a month, I never see anyone recommend the Hakko FX-600. I couldn't be happier with mine. Heats up in seconds, adjustable temperature, uses standard Hakko tips, and very affordable. And takes up no bench space, you just shove it in your toolbox (with a tip cover) when you're done with it. The only downsides are that it's not as slim as a soldering station, and the temperature adjustment is in 20 degree intervals. Hakko is a reputable brand, and I have had 0 issues with mine.
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