I really appreciate that iFixit made the schematics publicly available, unlike a certain other right-to-repair advocate.
Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
21–30 of 415 posts
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#22Never 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.
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#23Well done! I'm mostly a TS100 user, so I'm looking at it from that angle. Why no boost button (unless I missed it)? That's the one on-iron UI feature I'd be missing - very useful for GND planes. I'm guessing its not a matter of rated power, but just the thermal resistance from the physical size of the tip which restricts heat entering into a heavily-heatsinked joint. Helpful to increase the iron temperature momentari…
Yeah, boost button was a huge step up when I got my TS100 and now I can't imagine ever buying a new iron without it.
Plus, not having the ability to quickly tune temperature settings on the iron itself seems like a step back as well.
I'd be happy to be proven wrong on these, as iFixit's screwdriver sets were one of those things I needed to use to understand the hype (and then promptly bought my own set), so maybe this is another case of subtle quality you have to see for yourself?
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#24i literally just bought a pinecil and usb-c battery pack (with carry case) to make basically a DIY version of this three weeks ago, but would have gotten this one instead if it existed back then after a few days trying to turn that into a daily driver however, i've had to go back to my weller desktop station, for one weird reason: i dont have anywhere to put the hot iron in between uses! i dont know if it's just me,…
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 where I could solder it properly with proper tools.
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#25Alternate link: https://www.ifixit.com/News/99434/introducing-fixhub-the-por...
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#26Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#27Unfortunate that they didn't make it compatible with genuine Hakko or JBC tips like many of the no-name knock-off soldering stations are, but I suppose being based in the US they might be wary of violating the design patents of those companies. Anyway it's good to have an option that's cheaper than the big names but presumably built to a higher standard than an AliExpress special, and has an actual warranty and safet…
We'll have a range of tips. Hitting the high performance we wanted, with 100 Watt output in a small iron, required really optimizing the entire system. The heating element and temperature sensor are in the tip itself.
We really see JBC as our competition here. Performance and responsiveness should be comparable or better, at a fraction of the price.
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#28I 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.
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#29Well done! I'm mostly a TS100 user, so I'm looking at it from that angle. Why no boost button (unless I missed it)? That's the one on-iron UI feature I'd be missing - very useful for GND planes. I'm guessing its not a matter of rated power, but just the thermal resistance from the physical size of the tip which restricts heat entering into a heavily-heatsinked joint. Helpful to increase the iron temperature momentari…
It's our own design, although clearly inspired by those who came before.
I'm really happy with their quality, but you'll have to judge that for yourself.
We're handling the boosting automatically in software. When the iron detects that it's under load, it maxxes out the power to the tip. It's incredibly responsive.
You're right, where you want that is with high thermal mass objects like ground planes. The difficult part is getting enough of a thermal bridge onto the material to really let the iron rip. It can dump a lot of power into a joint.
Re: Show HN: iFixit created a new USB-C, repairable soldering system
#30Never 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.
the Hakko FX-951 is discontinued and its replacement FX971-44 costs GBP 350. would you also recommend the FX888D that is half the price, ignoring second-hand market?