a selection of excellent models that have appeared on sale relatively recently
And yes, this soldering iron has its own operating system that you can customize for yourself. You can change temperature profiles, set the “sleep” mode or the device’s reaction to the owner’s movement (i.e., for example, he took the soldering iron in his hands – it immediately “wound up”, without pressing the button).
Unfortunately, the soldering iron does not come with a stand, but you can either purchase one or print it on a 3D printer if you have one.
The verdict is unequivocal: it is suitable for both beginners and pros, even though the latter most likely have a soldering station.
As for the characteristics, here are the most important:
Miniware TS101
And this is the successor of the TS-100 line, only more functional. It heats up faster and is easier to use. At the same time, the tip, like that of Pinecil, is of the TS-100 standard. They are not cheap, but not super expensive, as for some soldering stations.
The button on the body of the soldering iron is located very conveniently, so nothing interferes with the work. True, the case is slightly larger than that of the previous device, but this is not particularly noticeable. It sits well in the hand, it works well, what else is needed for happiness? Probably only high-quality flux and solder.
There is also a software shell that can be customized. In general, this is the advantage of most modern soldering irons that have a display and an OS with an interface.
The cost of the device is about $50, and this is the main drawback, since the soldering iron is approximately equal in capabilities to the Pinecil V2, but the price is almost twice as high. By the way, the maximum temperature of this soldering iron is lower than most others.
Here are some features:
Fnirsi HS-01
To be honest, I would call it a Pinecil clone, if not for the different characteristics. Even the packaging is very similar. Maybe, of course, the guys from Pinecil “borrowed” the design of their packaging from someone, but most likely not.
But let’s not talk about the design of the box. Let’s move on to the capabilities of the soldering iron. He has good ones – about the same as the previous models. True, his stings are incompatible with the TS-100 / TS-101, which is not very good. For example, I like the soldering irons I use to have different capabilities but interchangeable tips. With the exception, of course, of soldering stations and some micro-soldering irons – there is another story. A set of tips for this device costs about $15.
Also, the Fnirsi HS-01 is powered only by USB-C, it does not have a dedicated power port, like the other two soldering irons described above. But it heats up quickly and works great. It costs $30 and can be purchased on AliExpress.
Characteristics:
power – 65 W
Power Supply – 65W USB Type-C port
screen – OLED 0.87”
temperature range — 80-420 °C
voltage range – DC 9-20 V
By the way, this soldering iron is positioned by the manufacturer as a device that can be used on the road. This is true, but previous models can also be used on the road – they work from external batteries via USB-C without any problems.
Hakko FX-888D
Hakko devices are the object of desire for many beginner electronics engineers. Indeed, the company produces quality systems for service engineers, repairmen and other professionals whose work is related to electronics.
This is no longer a smart soldering iron, but a soldering station that you simply cannot carry around with you. It should be used permanently – installed on the table and work constantly in one place. The device has two buttons that control temperature profiles – quite conveniently.
The soldering “pen”, so to speak, sits well in the hand, there is no particular complaint. It does not fall out of the fingers, the coating is specially made in such a way as not to slip. The station works equally well with both thin boards and thick ones. True, in the latter case, it is recommended to increase the temperature so that the solder melts quickly.
The cost of a soldering station, unfortunately, exceeds the price of all the soldering irons described in the selection above, and combined. You can buy a station for about $160-170.
Characteristics:
temperature range — 50-480 °C
temperature stability ±1°C at standby temperature
output voltage – ~ 26 V
dimensions – 100 x 120 x 120 mm
power consumption – 65 W (26 V)
Well, that’s all. If you have your own preferences in the world of soldering irons and soldering stations, tell us about them in the comments. And if you like the selection, then we will do the second part – already on soldering stations, and not soldering irons.
