RGS65 65W Soldering Iron Test And Review Low Cost €35 T12 Based Iron
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- In this video I take a look at the New RGS65 Soldering Iron. This is a portable Soldering Iron that runs from a USB 3 power supply or charger and uses a customized T12 soldering tip. How does this compare with a standard T12 soldering iron?
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RGS65 Soldering Iron
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RGS65 Soldering Tips
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You can buy the soldering iron and tips here. These are affiliate links, I make a small commission from sales.
RGS65 Soldering Iron
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004911685487.html?af=ler2022
RGS65 Soldering Tips
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Wee tip: Don't use a wet sponge - better use a copper or brass sponge. The thermal stress excessed on the tip when using the former, will ruin your tip *way* faster. If you make sure to only using a copper or brass sponge and end the work by tinning the tip and quickly dipping it in the sponge, it'll last for years.
But I've always used a wet sponge - since the 1970s - and I have had soldering tips of all types last for many years. My current BC3 has been in the T12 since 2019, has met with the wet sponge on may occasions and it's still going strong, though it has swelled/bulged slightly and may be in it's twilight years. My honest wee tip: Use whatever you prefer to clean your soldering iron tip and always keep a couple of spare ones in stock. When it fails replace the tip and replenish your stock of spares. Out of interest when did those copper/brass sponges appear? I certainly never saw one in use or offered for sale in electronics magazines during the 70's as a hobbyist or in the 80's to early 90s when I worked in large commercial repair workshops.
@@LearnElectronicsRepair It's surprising to hear your t12 tip is still fine, despite the 380 degrees setting! When you said 380 degrees I audible gasped. I am at 270c for my leaded solder :O
8:43 - Just a tip, since you have thermal camera, I would check soldering irons in parallel, to see temperatures on both. Anyway nobody is soldering anything at less than 350*C, so only above is OK.
Would I buy this? No...
For laboratory work, its better to invest those 65$ into real soldering station.
For field work, 15$ is enough to get battery powered (vapor style) soldering iron to finish few solders.
Backup soldering iron (10$) to be ready to be connected to 5V powerbank for multiple solderings.
Horses for courses as I mentioned. It works pretty much the same as my KSGER T12 and I think with the BC3 clone tip it would work the same. What would you buy instead, for the same price? It is €35 ($38.50) with free postage though to be fair that includes 21% sales tax (VAT) which I don't have to pay due to my location so for me to buy one would be €29
@Mr Guru You are the second subscriber who says the Pinecil is cheaper - I can only find them more expensive on AliExpress - can you post a link? I do note the Pinecil also has a round DC jack which is good, but it appears from looking at the pics that the working distance, fingers to tip, is longer - something I personally dislike but others may feel differently about it. Also there is the EU USB-C directive coming in 2024 where all new devices sold in the EU must use USB-C power supplies so it may be a good idea to move that way now.
I like to review items related to electronics hobby/repair and just give an honest opinion, but I don't try to push the product or give a hard sell (like for example Northridge). I still expect viewers to make up their own minds what they prefer to buy, I'm just showing some of the options available. Hopefully someone at Pinecil will like to send me one of their soldering irons and I will test it, I don't undertake any reviews where the terms would prevent me reviewing other similar products 😉
@@LearnElectronicsRepair Wow, I'm replying a lot on this video, but my Pinecil, at least, has both the USB-C and the barrel, with the barrel being handy for bespoke Li battery harnesses.
Until i mention I solder at 270c with my halide holding solder
Looks good but I personally would need to buy a power supply, think I will wait and see what the tip selection is like..Happy New Year and cheers.
Yes as mentioned, it is very good value if you already have a suitable PSU but it adds another €20 if you don't. Of course a high powered USB C PSU/Charger is also a very useful thing to have in the workshop and will become even more so when the EU USB-C Directive comes into force in 2024. If you are not familiar with this, from that date new electronic devices sold in the EU will have to use USB C chargers. This includes:
mobile phones
tablets and e-readers
digital cameras and video game consoles
headphones, earbuds and portable loudspeakers
wireless mice and keyboards
portable navigation systems
all laptops
www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/10/24/common-charger-eu-ministers-give-final-approval-to-one-size-fits-all-charging-port/
if you can figure out how to drop the voltage down to 0.2 volts then you got the ultimate short circuit finder because you can ignore the diodes. 0.7 volts to forward bias a silicon diode and 0.3 volts not sure to forward bias a germanium diode. this is for the short circuit finder.
you could forward bias a mosfet
cool review Richard :)
looks like a nice little iron but I'd definitely recommend the pinecil over it. cheaper price and more reputable company. plus it can also use T12 tips if you want (but they are, indeed, way longer than the stock tips)
I've never used the Pinecil soldering iron so I can't possibly compare them. From the links I can see on Aliexpress it is more expensive than the RGS65. They look very similar products, you can put T12 in the RGS65 also but they are too long to be used comfortably. As you give a *definite* recommendation I assume you have tried both. What's the big difference?
@@LearnElectronicsRepair apologies, "definitely" was a poor choice of words on my part as I haven't tried the RGS65 myself.
I wasn't aware the pinecil was available on AliExpress too, but I got mine directly from the pine64 website where it's currently $25.99+shipping. Depending on where you get it from and what shipping+tax cost you, the Pinecil might end up costing a bit more or a bit less than the RGS65 but overall they're both very competitively priced.
While I can't speak for the heating performance of the RGS65 personally, I expect it and the Pinecil to be closely matched in that regard.
In my eyes, the main advantages of the Pinecil over the RGS65 are:
1. option of USB-C or DC barrel jack power input, so on top of USB-C chargers you can also use a wider range of power sources like battery packs, bench PSU etc without the need for (sometimes janky) usb-c adapters. Many of these options are also a bit cheaper than a good USB-C PD charger too, for people that don't already have one.
2. the Pinecil uses the same tip style as the very popular Miniware TS100/TS101, so lots of tips are available at very affordable prices from PIne64, Miniware and many other 3rd parties
3.I couldn't find out what firmware the RGS65 uses, but the Pinecil uses the excellent opensource Ralim IronOS which gets actively maintained and updated by the community
4. bit of a personal preference here, but I feel like having to fully unscrew the metal piece on the RGS65 and slide it over the tip is quite a bit slower and more trouble than the set-screw approach used by the Pinecil and TS100 in regards to changing tips
The RGS65 looks like a decently made iron and overall I'm sure it'll work great for anyone that decides to buy one, but if you have the chance I'd love you to have a look at the Pinecil and give us your thoughts.
@@LearnElectronicsRepair Sorry butt in, but the Pinecil is part of a larger "ecosystem" of these irons, which include another brand which preceded the Pinecil called the T100 (and a smaller brother T80?) from Miniware. The tips on those are interchangeable, and T12-ish, and from the manufacturer the prices are different. At least for me, in the U.S. And if I add the price of their USB power station, which not only has the 65W outlet but another QC 3.0 outlet and three more standard USB 3.0 outlets, and a nice display, and the price of the tips and the silicone cables (they become a must after a while, after melting your first cable), it's closer and closer.
I can't tell _exactly_ if this is of the same ecosystem of T12-ish tips, or compatible firmware (it's dead simple to play with many different firmwares with different features, like IronOS), but one thing I couldn't see in the video is a grounding screw. I had to have one, so I could wire it to my ESD ground. That's one feature that's not negotiable for me, unfortunately. The tip is not grounded to the USB for obvious reasons, and you'd want it ESD grounded anyway if you were, say, using a Li battery to run it (which a peer of mine does with success.)
But altogether, even though I had to change tip styles and there's an extra cable coming off of my Pinecil now (as with any "portable"), I have to admit my Hakko hasn't had much use despite having more power and built-in ESD protection. The T12 tip style is superior, I think, to those that fit over a ceramic heater.
And I'd recommend people use a ground screw if available on these, again. That would be a big minus if this lacks it, though it should be very simple to hack it to have on, if it lacks it. But at that point, you're definitely in Pinecil territory for time and price.
Oh, and I forgot to stress up there that I suspect that the tips are compatible with Pine and Miniware (and dozens of cheaper manufacturers') tips; I share your fondness for the BC3 (or BC2 in my case?) for drag soldering .
@@danandrei96 Though I never had the pleasure to use one, I think I have to agree with points 1 through to 4. I have reviewed some products for Miniware previously (MHP20 mini hotplate and DS213 oscilloscope) and Miniware said they would send me a TS101 and any future new products they release so I should have the chance to make a comparison at least with that one. I am very much of a similar mind to yourself, I expect all of these three soldering irons will have similar, and very good, performance as they all use the same type of technology, and anyone who bought either of them (possibly influenced by the availability and buying price in their region) would be very happy with it. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experience with the RGS65.
I want to ask you if you know of a wireless soldering iron that does not use an external source.
I have seen a few models but their power is very low.
You maybe RGS65 Soldering Iron disassembly. Thank you
Heya, compared to a soldering station it's more mobile and the performance is good so why not
The new Pinecil V2 from Pine64 seems like a better option than something random from aliexpress. Apparently Pinecil have new short tips that are pretty nice too. Multiple power options like USB-C and barrel connector too. Miniware TS101 also reviewed pretty well too and much more of a known quantity.
Miniware said they would send me a TS101 to review, unfortunately I missed out on the initial batch of review samples as the channel was too small to catch their attention at the time. The only way to answer your point really is keep on using the RGS65 nd see if it proves reliable. As they use the same technology I suspect all of these mentioned products will prove to be of similar quality and durability.
@@LearnElectronicsRepair I use a Pinecil V2 and I'm really happy with it! The Pinecil V2 can use up to 130 odd watts with lower impedance tips. It's certified for that. I'd be interested to know if the RGS65 can also use the lower impedance tips despite its 65w limit.
Comparing the sequre S20 which is the best?
ok 😃, But you need too : 10€ 100W USB C Cord + 35€ for a good 65W or 100W USB C Charger.
i saw your video on millaohm meter for finding shorts. i loved your idea. i just wanted to ask if you eliminated the regular and used 1/8 watt 500 ohm resistor and use a 3 volt power supply basically 2 aa batteries so it can forward bias a led approximately 2.5 volts. just put in series with the current limiting resistor. you came up with the idea. the idea is the measured voltage will go down no matter what as the closer get to the short and keep from damaging the components but you can use 1 aa battery and use a 250 ohm 1/8 watt resistor. if this works it would dirt cheap short finder. you can do the calculations.
The battery's voltage will drop with usage as well as due to its internal resistance. Unregulated sources will work but possibly skew your results. You could use an external regulated supply, though.
If you get a chance, could you do a short video showing how it performs with regular T12 tips, Rich?
I did mean to do that in this video but all of the first recording had to be scrapped due to serious problems with the audio (don't ask - it was my fault!) and I forgot to do it on the second recording. You can do it but the standard T12 is way to long to make the iron comfortable to use - for me one of the most important features of a soldering iron is keeping the working distance between your fingers and the tip as short as possible. This is why I use the Aluminium 9501 handle on my KSGER and liked the RGS65 too. Anyone who uses these types of handles will know exactly where I am coming from and anyone who never tried one really needs to do so as it is something of a revelation!
@@LearnElectronicsRepair I saw they'd be long. I was interested in the performance aspect of it. I might buy a T12 handle for my T3A so I can try it out with the Pinecil that I have. Sometimes the Pinecil tips can struggle. Not that I use the Pinecil often, it was just curiosity, Rich.
Keep up the great videos. I was watching the Mixer vid Pt 1&2 earlier. Can't wait to see part 3 if the customer goes for the repair.
@@alanbenson1505 The performance is the same in terms of electrical characteristics. Equal quality thermal performance should be achievable with equal quality manufacturing. No idea whether the RGS65 will work with the lower impedance Pinecil tips though
I use 370° C for leaded solder ...
My question is how do the shorter T12 tips go in a standard T12 handle. I have one of the clear handled all in one T12 portable iron, and it would be nice to have a shorter option for portable use.
They would not work in my KSGER T12 handle, they are too short to make connection
@@LearnElectronicsRepair Indeed, the answer is likely no. The only handles possibly suited, are the ones that are meant to be compatible with the older stands for the 888(D), which have a larger handle to tip distance by design.
Hi Rich it looks like a good iron especially if your a mobile mechanic just throw it in your bag,I've noticed northfixridge uses soldering tweezers alot for smd work ,what your opinion on these,maybe a vid ?👍
The honest truth is I have never used smd soldering tweezers so I honestly can't comment. Is someone sends me some to play with then of course I will make a video and share my opinion 😉
@@LearnElectronicsRepair ok Rich,I was thinking about getting some,only£12 on AliExpress,I'll hqng on 5lol 👍
@@gordonemery6949 Well at that price send me the link and I'll buy some myself to try.
Just seen some £7 didn't check shipping tho ,it looks like they will plug in the KSGER ?
Gonzalez Jose Garcia Joseph Clark Linda
I absolutely HATE the knife tips, it is dreadful that most of the KSGER / Quicko / similar T12 irons come with them as default.
I must admit I also had a strong dislike of the knife tip, you know my preference in the video is the BC3. When I was desoldering the SMD capacitors in the video you can clearly see the BC3 does it a bit quicker, I expect due to it's higher thermal mass/heat transfer characteristics. But as I was forced to use the knife tip for this review I had a bit of time to play around with it and I can now honestly see why some people love it / would use nothing else. It actually is far nicer to work with than I ever realised and it's likely if I end up with two soldering irons on my bench, it is going to be BC3 in one of them and knife or a BC1 in the other one
@@LearnElectronicsRepair the knife tips have their uses, and I often use them when doing smd components and/or scraping solder mask
Мда... паяльщик Вы прямо скажем никакой! Сразу сходу испортили новый наконечник. Его первым делом нужно было облудить всю напылённую поверхность при температуре 250-280 градусов, а потом уже прогревать до 380! Хотя если бы Вы не портили наконечник. а сразу нормально его облудили, то 380 градусов не понадобились бы. На 300-320 всё нормально отпаялось бы.
Starts with 300c and tells us that it "works bad", then proceeds to tell us that his T12 works better at....380c... Are you drunk ? ua-cam.com/video/7t_IS4--HJQ/v-deo.html
Does anyone doubt that this Chinese crap will break down in half a year? A good lasting solder iron does not cost 35 bucks.
You'd be surprised...
The part that will break first is the oled screen, because of burn-in. You could replace the screen of course and keep using it.
How do I know it? Because it's one of these TS100 style clones which people, including professionals, already have long-time-tested by using it for years.
Hi Ricardo, that is a good question and really there is only one way to answer that - how about if I get a BC3 tip for it as it is my favourite soldering bit, and use this soldering iron on all my videos instead of the KSGER until it fails?
I assume you have prior experience of these as you already judged the results because you say it is chinese crap? The honest truth is, I have no evidence one way or the other
What I find interesting is that the KSGER T12 that I have used (bought it in 2019), and the BC3 tip with it , has worked hard almost every day for longer than this channel has existed. It is also Chinese crap and yet it is still working - yet for some reason you nor anyone else have any issue with that, though it only cost me £50 (used) on ebay with about 15 new tips
@Mr Guru I concur. And of course with T12 and similar you just put a new soldering tip in.
Well, if we're talking about this category of design, then I would have to doubt it because my Pinecil and PSU have been running since they debuted. There's not much to go wrong. There's no "heater", they're T12-style and are consumables (though I haven't worn one out yet, despite heavy Pb-free use), and the electronics are just the MCU and heating control. Even if that whole board breaks, it's designed to be replaced (people even like to change the "shells" of these for style, the transparent one's popular.)
And being able to change firmware on a whim is not a feature to sneeze at, and relates to the "not really 65W" argument: the PID with the base firmware seems to hold 350C steadier than my Hakko. 🤷What can I say, it's good.
@Mr Guru the T12's don't need parts replaced when the heater fails. You just replace the cheapest consumable, which is the tip. They're stupid simple and readily cloned with surprising quality out there.
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