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

Post by CarVac » Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 10:47 PM UTC

kwiens wrote: post #279

CarVac wrote: post #263

As a gamecube controller modder who uses a TS101 on the go, the handle isn't such a bad deal. I paid the same price for the TS101 bundled with a barrel jack power supply that I never use. The short tip-to-grip distance seems nice, and the higher power is good. But the full station price is kind of outrageous. I got my Thermaltronics TMT-2000S for less, and that's a monster . But then again, I don't have to use their…

The cap has a magnet on it that auto-homes so that really isn't a risk. The Power Station has a 55 Watt Hour battery, which is where most of the cost comes from. It doubles as a battery bank for your phone or laptop, or any other USB-C devices in your life.

Post by wildzzz » Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 10:52 PM UTC

Kirby64 wrote: post #191

wildzzz wrote: post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Post by Kon-Peki » Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 10:56 PM UTC

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…

Post by aidenn0 » Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 11:06 PM UTC

ransom1538 wrote: post #292

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…

I don't let my daughter date anyone that can solder (or carnival workers or clowns).

Post by talldayo » Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 11:11 PM UTC

epiccoleman wrote: post #293

bangaladore wrote: post #243

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I can guarantee it is leagues better. Frankly, I won't solder anymore unless it is with a direct-heat iron. They heat up instantly, cool down quickly, provide far better thermal transfer, and are much more comfortable to hold. Don't brush off what I'm saying before you try a direct-heat iron (Hakko sells them, Pace does, and JBC is the gold standard). They are usually expensive from the big names, but even a Pinecil…

Oh man, I don't need to hear this. When I got my FX-888 I was blown away by the difference between it and the cheapo Radio Shack style one I had muddled through with as a teen. And now, for only $200 or so, I can get something that's another step change? I don't even know when I last soldered and that's still tempting at a deep-seated nerd level.