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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

#191

Post by Kirby64 »

wildzzz wrote: post #53
bebna wrote: post #5

don't see what tips are compatible or will be on offer. Shame that I can't control it on the pen.

Looks like it only takes their proprietary tip design (never seen one using a 3.5mm jack) but they don't have any others for sale yet. There are at least a few different tip designs out there already that don't require tools to replace (Metcal for example) so why not just do that? Unless someone comes out with an adapter, I can't use any of the tips I already own and would need to rely on iFixit for replacements. Als…

Literally all the cheap soldering irons (Miniware TS80/100/etc, Pinecil) use a 3.5mm jack for their tips. These look incompatible, though, with those designs, which is a shame.

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

#192

Post by kurthr »

talldayo wrote: post #131
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…

You're correct that some soldering irons (especially uber-cheap ones) are shit, but Pinecil proves cheap can also be good. Past a certain point, soldering becomes a hobby about how dangerous you're willing to get to make things easier on yourself. You can swap out non-toxic solder for lead trace if you want a cleaner board; then there are high-wattage irons, board reflow/fluxing, and even all sorts of scale-specific…

I think for simple through-hole stuff, this should be fine. However, so much stuff now requires SMT reflow and a hot air wand (and likely a binocular microscope) that except for home builds and power electronics, I rarely use an actual iron.

As you say, it's so much easier to get good solder joints (especially for the fine stuff like QFN/BGA) with lead blends and flux, that having a vent hood is likely required as well.

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

#193

Post by varispeed »

teraflop wrote: post #36
varispeed wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It seems like they didn't thought this product through. Holder is one thing, but holder should be able to put the iron on idle when not used. Otherwise it will be burning through tips like there is no tomorrow. I had one of these pencil soldering irons as I needed to solder something at a location. Once I powered it on, I was like oh snap, where do I put this thing now. Very much noped out and got the thing home wher…

The article mentions that the iron has an accelerometer-based idle mode, like most of its competitors. So no special holder is required.

So you can just toss it anywhere?

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

#194

Post by varispeed »

kwiens wrote: post #42
varispeed wrote: post #22

Never buy cheap tools. It looks like a cool gadget, but is it actually useful for soldering? Does it maintain correct temperatures? How long the tips last and can you buy them easily? Are there many variety of tips? etc. etc. If you are into soldering, do yourself a favour and buy something tried and trusted like Hakko FX-951 if you are on the budget. It will probably outlast you.

I agree. We put an incredible amount of effort into making this a functional workhorse that will last a lifetime. Tips we'll have at launch: Cone, Bevel 1.5, Wedge 1.5, Point, Bevel 2.6, Knife 2.5, Knife 1.4 What kills tips is oxidation. With our auto-sleep sensor, it drops below the temperature that will wear it out. When you pick it up, it's back at soldering temperature in a few seconds. Give it a chance! You're r…

Thanks! That sounds reasonable. I would still consider making a holder.

I could also suggest a Barrel 0.8 tip, that wraps around pin that one wants to solder.

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

#197

Post by crote »

kwiens wrote: post #97
madeofpalk wrote: post #71

Interesting that new products are shipping 'relying' Web Serial, given it's tenuous position as a web standard.

Google depends on it for firmware updates and repairs on the Pixel lineup. https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com

That's not exactly surprising, given that Google is the one who's pushing it in the first place.

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

#198

Post by kurthr »

0x1ch wrote: post #189
talldayo wrote: post #131

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're correct that some soldering irons (especially uber-cheap ones) are shit, but Pinecil proves cheap can also be good. Past a certain point, soldering becomes a hobby about how dangerous you're willing to get to make things easier on yourself. You can swap out non-toxic solder for lead trace if you want a cleaner board; then there are high-wattage irons, board reflow/fluxing, and even all sorts of scale-specific…

You seen knowledgeable. I've used leaded solder in my bedroom / apartments since community college, usually with a fan in the room or a window open. What damage could have or has happened?

I'm no doctor, but if you've only done a few hours of this and you're 20+ it's probably no big deal. However, you are breathing lead vapor and it's not good for you (if you're at 100s of hours and 12yo that's really not good). If it gets on things you eat, it's also bad. The effects are permanent.

We had leaded (Ethyl) gasoline in cars which was banned 25 years ago and that had noticeable statistical effects on IQ an emotional regulation (violence) for more than a generation.

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

#199

Post by ryukoposting »

Does that tip mount with... a 3.5mm audio jack? An accelerometer instead of a power button? An app to change the temperature? All this amateur-hour idiocy, and it still costs 80 bucks before you even get a power supply?

I love my iFixit screwdriver kits and I support their mission, but this thing is preposterous.

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

#200

Post by spookie »

Larrikin wrote: post #181
dpedu wrote: post #167

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I am completely confused by your example. Buying a better knife doesn't make you a better chef. Buying a faster car doesn't make you a better driver. Buying a more powerful laptop doesn't make you a better developer.

Do you cook? There are dozens of obvious examples. A crappy knife will tear instead of cut. You'll ruin tomatoes, have uneven dices, crush and smear delicate herbs, have ripped apart meat and fish that you'll destroy more trying to get rid of the trim. That's not counting the downtime you'll have when the knife slips instead of cuts and you can't cook at all due to injury. Giving an expensive knife to a new cook that…

Fair enough, but for anyone wondering, you can make a shit knife shine if you take good care of it! Sharpening it, using a chef's honing steel in between some harder cuts to take care of those nasty burrs and you're off to the races!
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