Expensive doesn't always mean good and inexpensive doesn't always mean bad. I like videos like this and glad most of yours are. I think your channel is the one I enjoy the most. It's done at a level that beginners can learn from but not boaring to people who have been in the game for decades. Keep up the great work.
I saw that Archer solder, got memories of using an old Weller soldering gun to fix a radio as a kid. I forgot all about that. Thanks again for a fun video.
Those "cheap" soldering stations are made under various names, but always have the same model number. They are great. I don't know why people have such an issue with them. BigClivedotcom did a review on one and the temperature was really accurate and they hold the heat well for small to medium joints. Obviously on larger joints that sink a lot of heat, they need longer to recover. I have a similar hot air station and it works brilliantly and the temperature is very accurate on that too. Nothing wrong with them. They work well. You need to watch that you remember to turn them off as the firmware can occasionally be glitchy, but other than that I wish people would stop whinging. They are good. I took my heat gun apart and repositioned the reed switch properly. They seem to come loose in shipping sometimes. Really easy to take apart and replacement parts are cheap and readily available
seems the more recent units are a little better, got mine today from amazon.ca and it had a 3 prong cord and properly grounded inside but I needed to do the magnet fix for it to work properly. thank you very much for your video.
Love your videos. Your camera angle is great, not sure how you manage to work with it in your face. “awkward AF” LOL, going to start using that along with my goto PITA, and some that can not be used in public! Missed your mailbag Monday this week. guess China supply is an issue....
Actually the camera is just above my forehead.It's not in the way, but it is easy to glance at it to make sure I'm still in focus. I only do mailbags every second week - a guy could go broke doing them every week all year!
I know you do not really need this but just an FYI. They actually make a tool for the AC power cord stain relief. Amazon sells one called the strain relief crimper. Years ago I had to install several dozen power cords so I bought a really nice crimper tool (better than the Amazon one) and it was definitely worth the purchase if you are doing a lot of them. Nice video by the way.
I made a fake Weller soldering station over 5 videos, which seems to be working well. Thinking of away to use the weller SMD tweezers tips in a new design. Also need to remove the Arduino bootloader from it so there is no wait for the screen to come on at startup.
My "Katusu" iron now has a triple-length cable. I thought I'd better have a spare "handle", so bought one, plugged it in then realised the plug was wrongly wired - which was somewhat disastrous ... then I left the original one switched on for too long in an enclosed space and the business end ended up at 45 degrees ... so waste not, want not ... Experimenting with the same transformer and T12 bits is definitely on the cards ... perhaps when suitable handle material comes my way ... I love the way DiodeGoneWild does all his soldering with a gun - I now have one on my wish list - along with a secondhand microwave transformer for spot welding. I started soldering germanium transistors in the 70s with a wooden-handled "Solon" with a half-inch bit - I'm currently reviving the 3rd degree burn memories with my sloppy use of a glue gun. That original soldering iron LITERALLY burst into flames !
Thanks! I recently got one of these and was looking for more info. You have to appreciate that these devices have a ton of parts that can be easily replaced or changed. I'll also be grounding the instrument soon.
That yellow neutral wire that you are connecting to at 11:23 looks really light for the power requirements for the heat gun alone. And since the old plug was non-polarized are you sure you connected the new plug hot to hot? Ideally the hot should go to the fuse and then the switch before anything else. You can also take the clear protective plastic off the LED display and it might reduce reflections even though the case has a red filter. That plastic film is only there for protection while manufacturing.
Just bought one for 15 bucks on eBay, seller only has 87 feedbacks left as a seller but they are all positive, for 15 bucks I am not out much and I can always get my money back from PayPal if it doesn't arrive. Just subscribed.
soldering iron side died on me. any idea what it could be? i checked everything on the board, traics, element, transformer etc. heat gun works, but soldering iron doesnt light up.
Hello, May i start off by saying that your videos are amazing. And that i have learned, along with a couple of other channels, quite a bit (I especially like the Mailbag Mondays. I am kind of new to electronics and DIY projects. For which i have recently purchased the Baku 878L. Which works great. But since day one that when it's plugged into the electrical socket (even if the soldering or hot air functions are turned off) the device makes kind of a humming sound. What i would like to ask you, if it's not too much trouble, is if you have any idea what may be causing this? Transformer, maybe? Thank you ever so much. And keep pumping out these great videos. Cheers
The humming is likely to simply be the laminations of the transformer core vibrating along with the changing magnetic field. In a higher quality transformer, there would be varnish or some potting compound on the laminations to prevent this.
@@pileofstuff: Thank you ever so much for answering my question. And so quickly too... Can you please tell me if this will harm or even damage the transformer or the soldering station itself? I have been looking on UA-cam for a fix for this problem. And i have found a few interesting ones. Even a few that the solution is to screw in four screw (with nuts and bolts). Which wouldn't be good for my problem because the transformer in my soldering station doesn't have the four holes already in them. The one i found really interesting (since you mentioned varnish in your answer) is a guy who heats up his tranformer on his house heater. And then applies Shellac onto it. Which i looked up what it was and it is basically varnish. But then again, you know what Shellac is. Do you think that if i do the same (using everyday wood varish) it would stop the humming? Once again thank you very much for you time and patience. Cheers
@@johnmacedo4483 The vibrations are mostly annoying. Shouldn't damage anything. Shellac is another product that woodworkers use in place of varnish. I wouldn't bother to add some, but if yo are careful you shouldn't make anything worse if you are careful (though you might make a mess...)
The only advice i can give to anyone buying a cheap one like the 878d is to check it over carefully . I bought one and the first thing i did was open the case , NIGHTMARE , spent the next day sorting it out with added earths and numerous other things , now its o.k
Smashing job :-D i was confused by the odd earthing to the heat gun, it just didn't make any sense. Everything metal should be earthed, i never ever depend on earth leakage breakers. You have made it much safer now :-D, a real earth protecting you from leakage. Good job with the magnet :-D
There is no earth connection because in the USA many (most?) plugs and power outlets are 2-pin with no earth. The manufacturer couldn't have used a 3-pin cable and plug because Americans couldn't plug the unit in. Yes, I know that earthed sockets are starting to be used in the USA now days. Yes, I know that Pile'o is living in Canada. However he's been supplied a "US-spec" device.
@@johncoops6897 John not sure if you live in the US but I live in California and it is extremely hard to find any construction in the last few decades that are not 3-prong earth grounded. Over the last 50 years, all the houses I have lived in had grounded 3-prong receptacles. Also as far as spec'ed devices my home hobby lab with over several dozen test instruments from both the US and China all have grounded 3-prong plugs. Just and FYI and hope this is helpful.
@@jwrtiger - I live in Australia, and I realise that grounded sockets are used in modern US installations. I guess that we have a stereotypical image of the "standard US Socket" which is unswitched with 2 flat prongs and no earth.
Anything built in the last 50+ years in North America will have proper 3 pin power outlets. There are very few modern products sold that aren't supplied with a pin cable. The original cord on this unit had the Asian 120V plug (note the lack of holes in the top of the prongs and both prongs being the same size, not polarized). I wouldn't expect the international audience to be that familiar with the nuances, though. I certainly wouldn't be able to recognize a good Australian plug from a shoddy one.
@@pileofstuff - a shoddy Australian plug is when the Chinese supply one of their outwardly similar plugs. The Chinese pins are narrower and thinner, with non-insulated Line & Neutral, plus the entire thing is "upside down" (earth pin at the top). Totally and utterly unsafe and illegal here.
Looking at the internals, it is not double insulated. Plainly see only the inner insulation on the live wire. So the case should be earthed or you should add extra insulation to the mains wiring, hopping that the transformer has double insulation. Just heard that you are going to earth it. Nice looking beer, remember beer numbs the pain, but can't fix 120V shocks ;)
You really didn't notice the knob for the airflow is way bigger than the other 2? It even blocks the text between the display and the knob after reassembling :)
I'm actually in the market for a soldering station... think you might have sold me. Especially since I could get a T12 iron for it as an upgrade. UPDATE: I managed to snag one off Budget Electronics (see ebay, is in Toronto) . I rather like it! Had to do some minor repair right from the get-go. Interesting thing - it came with a grounded plug, so I guess they decided to fix that issue. I also didn't have an alignment problem with the magnets and reed switch like you did. Really, it's an excellent value.
I often buy the "cheap" stuff too but for stuff like a soldering iron that I know I am going to use for years I don't mind paying more. (And from a Canadian supplier with a good price on Amazon... like you I don't want to spend that kind of money dealing direct from China to save a few bucks with no hope to ever get support if I needed it.) I've got a nice Hakko FX-888D that has worked well. And its stand looks and works better than either of those! ;-P
pileofstuff, hi. Если есть возможность считать прошивку fleh буду очень благодарен , моя станция превратилась в кирпич по причине не исправной atmel 24c02 .
My question is why is the unit so large when there is nothing but empty space inside? Maybe bigger box looks more impressive? Watch Louis Rossman "review" of this unit where he literally smashes it with metal rod. Poor Baku. Biggest drawback of these cheap air stations is they don't have power to handle reworking large bga chips.
I'm enjoying your videos for quite some times. Today I need to make a comment. The Weller soldering iron you have is very likely equipped with a automatic solder temperature regulation. It is based on a ferro-magnetic switch that changes properties when it reaches a certain temperature. You can buy tips with different temperatures. This old iron is a gem! It simply works for decades. Have a look at page 2. docs.rs-online.com/5c77/0900766b8141ed88.pdf Thanks for your videos!
How come you don't have Amazom Affiliate link that I could send you a cut of me buying one of these out of Amazon's dime? Ebay is fine and all, but this is cheaper on Amazon (for US customers) and if I used your link, you would get a cut. free to me...
Amazon isn't cheaper here in Canada. And a lot of the stuff I'm interested in isn't available on amazon.ca, and don't ship to Canada from amazon.com I don't even have an account.
Your (new) mains earth has no direct connection to the enclosure, and a very dubious connection to the heat gun. When earthing / grounding to metalwork, you must scratch off the paint then use a star washer directly between the lug and the metal surface. The teeth of the washer bite in to provide a reliable long-term connection, as well as vibration resistance. At 12:30 you just connected your new earth lug onto to the original Chinese bolt, so it was sitting on top of the transformer frame. The transformer frame is INSULATED from the case by the yellow paint, and the bolt is also insulated underneath by paint. Also, you had a poor earth anyway with no star washers etc anywhere.
Expensive doesn't always mean good and inexpensive doesn't always mean bad. I like videos like this and glad most of yours are. I think your channel is the one I enjoy the most. It's done at a level that beginners can learn from but not boaring to people who have been in the game for decades. Keep up the great work.
its a total piece of garbage
I got an 862d+ station and I micro solder with it. The iron is perfect if you get the right tips. Like any iron. It's what you get to know.
I have been curious about this unit and now, curiosity satisfied. I'm looking forward to your next video from your own perspective, thanks!
I saw that Archer solder, got memories of using an old Weller soldering gun to fix a radio as a kid. I forgot all about that. Thanks again for a fun video.
I still have 2-3 rolls of that old Archer solder, even though Radio Shack ceased to exist in Canada about 16 years ago.
What a common sense video! More people should do this type of video. Thanks for posting.
Those "cheap" soldering stations are made under various names, but always have the same model number.
They are great. I don't know why people have such an issue with them.
BigClivedotcom did a review on one and the temperature was really accurate and they hold the heat well for small to medium joints. Obviously on larger joints that sink a lot of heat, they need longer to recover.
I have a similar hot air station and it works brilliantly and the temperature is very accurate on that too.
Nothing wrong with them. They work well. You need to watch that you remember to turn them off as the firmware can occasionally be glitchy, but other than that I wish people would stop whinging. They are good.
I took my heat gun apart and repositioned the reed switch properly. They seem to come loose in shipping sometimes. Really easy to take apart and replacement parts are cheap and readily available
omg...... did you see louis rossmann video about baku scrap? 🤦🏻♂️
You describe exactly what I need and why! Thanks for this review. Greetings from Costa Rica.
I am rolling with the yihua iron and heatgun no complaints here!
There ya go fixing it better than new, and for the cheap.
I recommend the KSGER T12 station, you can't beat it!
seems the more recent units are a little better, got mine today from amazon.ca and it had a 3 prong cord and properly grounded inside but I needed to do the magnet fix for it to work properly. thank you very much for your video.
Love your videos. Your camera angle is great, not sure how you manage to work with it in your face. “awkward AF” LOL, going to start using that along with my goto PITA, and some that can not be used in public! Missed your mailbag Monday this week. guess China supply is an issue....
Actually the camera is just above my forehead.It's not in the way, but it is easy to glance at it to make sure I'm still in focus.
I only do mailbags every second week - a guy could go broke doing them every week all year!
I know you do not really need this but just an FYI. They actually make a tool for the AC power cord stain relief. Amazon sells one called the strain relief crimper. Years ago I had to install several dozen power cords so I bought a really nice crimper tool (better than the Amazon one) and it was definitely worth the purchase if you are doing a lot of them. Nice video by the way.
I made a fake Weller soldering station over 5 videos, which seems to be working well. Thinking of away to use the weller SMD tweezers tips in a new design. Also need to remove the Arduino bootloader from it so there is no wait for the screen to come on at startup.
My "Katusu" iron now has a triple-length cable.
I thought I'd better have a spare "handle", so bought one, plugged it in then realised the plug was wrongly wired - which was somewhat disastrous ... then I left the original one switched on for too long in an enclosed space and the business end ended up at 45 degrees ... so waste not, want not ...
Experimenting with the same transformer and T12 bits is definitely on the cards ... perhaps when suitable handle material comes my way ...
I love the way DiodeGoneWild does all his soldering with a gun - I now have one on my wish list - along with a secondhand microwave transformer for spot welding.
I started soldering germanium transistors in the 70s with a wooden-handled "Solon" with a half-inch bit - I'm currently reviving the 3rd degree burn memories with my sloppy use of a glue gun.
That original soldering iron LITERALLY burst into flames !
Thanks! I recently got one of these and was looking for more info.
You have to appreciate that these devices have a ton of parts that can be easily replaced or changed.
I'll also be grounding the instrument soon.
That yellow neutral wire that you are connecting to at 11:23 looks really light for the power requirements for the heat gun alone.
And since the old plug was non-polarized are you sure you connected the new plug hot to hot? Ideally the hot should go to the fuse and then the switch before anything else.
You can also take the clear protective plastic off the LED display and it might reduce reflections even though the case has a red filter. That plastic film is only there for protection while manufacturing.
You finally were able to find a round tuit! Where did you find it? I have been looking for one for a very long time! Thanks for all the vids.
I have troubles getting a round tuit, too. Must be a secret.
Why fix something that ain’t broken, (that’s my motto) … keep up the awesome content mate 🤙🏼🇦🇺
Just bought one for 15 bucks on eBay, seller only has 87 feedbacks left as a seller but they are all positive, for 15 bucks I am not out much and I can always get my money back from PayPal if it doesn't arrive. Just subscribed.
That's my approach too.
This hobby can get really expensive if you let it, so saving money where we can is always welcome.
@@pileofstuff Agreed. I also just bought a battery spot welder and I just had a box 3-D printed for it. imgur.com/gallery/UBBvZY9
Thumbs up for the great start!!
I don't see any isolation between the 120V AC on the PCB and the low voltage. But at least now that you have the case grounded I would feel safer.
Where do you see 120V AC on the PCB?
soldering iron side died on me. any idea what it could be? i checked everything on the board, traics, element, transformer etc. heat gun works, but soldering iron doesnt light up.
Hello,
May i start off by saying that your videos are amazing. And that i have learned, along with a couple of other channels, quite a bit (I especially like the Mailbag Mondays.
I am kind of new to electronics and DIY projects. For which i have recently purchased the Baku 878L. Which works great. But since day one that when it's plugged into the electrical socket (even if the soldering or hot air functions are turned off) the device makes kind of a humming sound.
What i would like to ask you, if it's not too much trouble, is if you have any idea what may be causing this? Transformer, maybe?
Thank you ever so much. And keep pumping out these great videos.
Cheers
The humming is likely to simply be the laminations of the transformer core vibrating along with the changing magnetic field.
In a higher quality transformer, there would be varnish or some potting compound on the laminations to prevent this.
@@pileofstuff: Thank you ever so much for answering my question. And so quickly too...
Can you please tell me if this will harm or even damage the transformer or the soldering station itself?
I have been looking on UA-cam for a fix for this problem. And i have found a few interesting ones. Even a few that the solution is to screw in four screw (with nuts and bolts). Which wouldn't be good for my problem because the transformer in my soldering station doesn't have the four holes already in them.
The one i found really interesting (since you mentioned varnish in your answer) is a guy who heats up his tranformer on his house heater. And then applies Shellac onto it. Which i looked up what it was and it is basically varnish. But then again, you know what Shellac is.
Do you think that if i do the same (using everyday wood varish) it would stop the humming?
Once again thank you very much for you time and patience.
Cheers
@@johnmacedo4483 The vibrations are mostly annoying. Shouldn't damage anything.
Shellac is another product that woodworkers use in place of varnish.
I wouldn't bother to add some, but if yo are careful you shouldn't make anything worse if you are careful (though you might make a mess...)
Good video, very interesting and very informative. Thanks!
The only advice i can give to anyone buying a cheap one like the 878d is to check it over carefully . I bought one and the first thing i did was open the case , NIGHTMARE , spent the next day sorting it out with added earths and numerous other things , now its o.k
Smashing job :-D
i was confused by the odd earthing to the heat gun, it just didn't make any sense.
Everything metal should be earthed, i never ever depend on earth leakage breakers.
You have made it much safer now :-D, a real earth protecting you from leakage.
Good job with the magnet :-D
There is no earth connection because in the USA many (most?) plugs and power outlets are 2-pin with no earth. The manufacturer couldn't have used a 3-pin cable and plug because Americans couldn't plug the unit in.
Yes, I know that earthed sockets are starting to be used in the USA now days.
Yes, I know that Pile'o is living in Canada. However he's been supplied a "US-spec" device.
@@johncoops6897 John not sure if you live in the US but I live in California and it is extremely hard to find any construction in the last few decades that are not 3-prong earth grounded. Over the last 50 years, all the houses I have lived in had grounded 3-prong receptacles. Also as far as spec'ed devices my home hobby lab with over several dozen test instruments from both the US and China all have grounded 3-prong plugs. Just and FYI and hope this is helpful.
@@jwrtiger - I live in Australia, and I realise that grounded sockets are used in modern US installations. I guess that we have a stereotypical image of the "standard US Socket" which is unswitched with 2 flat prongs and no earth.
Anything built in the last 50+ years in North America will have proper 3 pin power outlets.
There are very few modern products sold that aren't supplied with a pin cable.
The original cord on this unit had the Asian 120V plug (note the lack of holes in the top of the prongs and both prongs being the same size, not polarized).
I wouldn't expect the international audience to be that familiar with the nuances, though. I certainly wouldn't be able to recognize a good Australian plug from a shoddy one.
@@pileofstuff - a shoddy Australian plug is when the Chinese supply one of their outwardly similar plugs. The Chinese pins are narrower and thinner, with non-insulated Line & Neutral, plus the entire thing is "upside down" (earth pin at the top). Totally and utterly unsafe and illegal here.
Looking at the internals, it is not double insulated. Plainly see only the inner insulation on the live wire. So the case should be earthed or you should add extra insulation to the mains wiring, hopping that the transformer has double insulation. Just heard that you are going to earth it. Nice looking beer, remember beer numbs the pain, but can't fix 120V shocks ;)
You really didn't notice the knob for the airflow is way bigger than the other 2? It even blocks the text between the display and the knob after reassembling :)
I think the heat gun stand is installed wrong. The gun is supposed to point up I believe. That maybe why the shut off doesn't work correctly.
If it's not broken leave it alone love your vids as always,.//.,
I'm actually in the market for a soldering station... think you might have sold me. Especially since I could get a T12 iron for it as an upgrade. UPDATE: I managed to snag one off Budget Electronics (see ebay, is in Toronto) . I rather like it! Had to do some minor repair right from the get-go. Interesting thing - it came with a grounded plug, so I guess they decided to fix that issue. I also didn't have an alignment problem with the magnets and reed switch like you did. Really, it's an excellent value.
Thank you for sharing!
I often buy the "cheap" stuff too but for stuff like a soldering iron that I know I am going to use for years I don't mind paying more. (And from a Canadian supplier with a good price on Amazon... like you I don't want to spend that kind of money dealing direct from China to save a few bucks with no hope to ever get support if I needed it.) I've got a nice Hakko FX-888D that has worked well. And its stand looks and works better than either of those! ;-P
11:33 you created your own chicken or was it the egg ;-)
pileofstuff, hi. Если есть возможность считать прошивку fleh буду очень благодарен , моя станция превратилась в кирпич по причине не исправной atmel 24c02 .
Just bought one off Amazon, it now comes with a 3 prong plug.
Is the ground pin actually connected?
@@pileofstuff I have not taken it out of the box yet, except to check the plug. I will check.
@@Mr1279Dave I double-checked mine after my modifications, just to be sure: instagram.com/p/B9fe8AcnTx1/
@@pileofstuff Yes, ground is connected to case.
My question is why is the unit so large when there is nothing but empty space inside? Maybe bigger box looks more impressive? Watch Louis Rossman "review" of this unit where he literally smashes it with metal rod. Poor Baku. Biggest drawback of these cheap air stations is they don't have power to handle reworking large bga chips.
I'm enjoying your videos for quite some times. Today I need to make a comment.
The Weller soldering iron you have is very likely equipped with a automatic solder temperature regulation. It is based on a ferro-magnetic switch that changes properties when it reaches a certain temperature. You can buy tips with different temperatures.
This old iron is a gem! It simply works for decades. Have a look at page 2.
docs.rs-online.com/5c77/0900766b8141ed88.pdf
Thanks for your videos!
How come you don't have Amazom Affiliate link that I could send you a cut of me buying one of these out of Amazon's dime? Ebay is fine and all, but this is cheaper on Amazon (for US customers) and if I used your link, you would get a cut. free to me...
Amazon isn't cheaper here in Canada. And a lot of the stuff I'm interested in isn't available on amazon.ca, and don't ship to Canada from amazon.com
I don't even have an account.
why not just add a better magnet to the holder?
lol commented before the end of the vid
Your (new) mains earth has no direct connection to the enclosure, and a very dubious connection to the heat gun.
When earthing / grounding to metalwork, you must scratch off the paint then use a star washer directly between the lug and the metal surface. The teeth of the washer bite in to provide a reliable long-term connection, as well as vibration resistance.
At 12:30 you just connected your new earth lug onto to the original Chinese bolt, so it was sitting on top of the transformer frame. The transformer frame is INSULATED from the case by the yellow paint, and the bolt is also insulated underneath by paint. Also, you had a poor earth anyway with no star washers etc anywhere.
we got new tools upgrade and check us
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