Hakko FX-888 110V -> 230V mod

[Torrentula]

Is it possible (and by that I mean 'how is it possible') to rewire the transformer board of a 110V Hakko FX-888 to run off 230V mains? (transformer board can be seen at 3:49: !)

You can see the markings on the board saying 230V/110V so I guess in the factory they do just the same and wire it depending on which voltage model is desired.

Thanks

[mariush]

The small PCB has the trace and hole for the 230v input from transformer, but the transformer supplies has only 0 - 110v and maybe 120v on the solder stations sold for US/Japan

You can just change the transformer inside with a 0-230v one with 24 or 28v / 3-4A on the secondary. A 24v one is about 20 euro: http://de.farnell.com/pro-power/ctfcs100-12/transformer-100va-2-x-12v/dp/1780896

[T4P]

The small PCB has the trace and hole for the 230v input from transformer, but the transformer supplies has only 0 - 110v and maybe 120v on the solder stations sold for US/Japan

You can just change the transformer inside with a 0-230v one with 24 or 28v / 3-4A on the secondary. A 24v one is about 20 euro: http://de.farnell.com/pro-power/ctfcs100-12/transformer-100va-2-x-12v/dp/1780896

But it needs a another secondary winding which is about 8V i think .

[Torrentula]

Right didn't consider this.. still it may be worth it because finding a hakko fx-888 in germany for a reasonable price is nearly impossible.

Thanks

[IanB]

If you purchase a 240 V to 120 V step down converter for your workshop you then have the possibility of buying other cheaper 120 V items from America apart from just the Hakko.

[Torrentula]

I'm probably searching for the wrong part because every step down transformer I can find costs 200+ €  O.o

[Spawn]

I am totally with IanB there, I am looking for a big step down converter too, the problem is they are quite expensive around here.

But something with 3000W would be really nice, that covers a lot equipment like bench meters and such, this one has nice price but the shipment costs will make it very expensive:
http://www.adaptelec.com/powerbright-svc3000w-110220v-ac-voltage-regulator-3000w-capacity-p-63.html

[IanB]

I think 3 kW tends to be big and expensive, but I have found 300 W or 500 W transformers for a reasonable price here in the US. 500 W won't support big power tools, but it will support many smaller items like soldering stations.

[IanB]

Here's an example to give you a price comparison:

http://www.frys.com/product/3696575

[Spawn]

I think 3 kW tends to be big and expensive

The one I linked is really cheap for Dutch market, a good build 500W one cost more than this 3kW one, I am not sure how good that 3kW one is to be honest but it looks decent. The size won’t matter for me, I would use it as main 110V supply for the bench with couple extra 110V sockets next to 220V ones.

[bilko]

Most construction sites use 110V power tools for safety reasons. A 3kw ISOLATED 230 to 110V transformer should cost around 50GBP

[Torrentula]

Hm.. I think amazon is our friend found several 230V to 110V step down transformers.

[nukie]

On the plus side, you can use the step down/up transformer, whatever your country voltage is, as an isolation transformer for your oscilloscope or power supply.

[Zero999]

If you just want to run the iron, a cheap auto transformer will do. If you need a general purpose transformer for running other appliances off, the you could get an isolation transformer with a twin 120V secondary which can be used to power 240V stuff too. Put it in a nice enclosure, with a switch to select between 120V US sockets or 230V European sockets.

[Miles Teg]

Hello,

What a shame! I bought a FX888 from ebay without checking the power rating. So I'm now with an useless FX888 120V in France (220V-50Hz) 

So tomorrow I will go looking for a correctly sized transformer in my electronic shop around.

But could you confirm that's a 24V rail needed on secondary?

Thanks

[mariush]

You should open it up and see what's written on it. If I remember correctly someone was saying the transformer has a 24v secondary AND a 8v (aproximately) secondary. so you may need two transformers or you may have an easier job getting a 230v to 120v converter.

[Miles Teg]

My trafo is only written:
FX888B
M AF2
1B98A

There is 3 pins for primary and 3 pins for secondary.
For each side, only 2 pins are connected.
So my guess is a 2x12V used as a 24V.
As the 2 external pin on secondary are connected (central is free).

[IanB]

A common suggestion higher in the thread is to find an external 120 V isolation transformer, such as would be used on a construction site for 120 V power tools. Apparently such transformers can sometimes be found quite cheaply.

[Miles Teg]

Hum... yes, but I prefer the internal way of life 

External supply will be my last solution, and anyway, the genuine trafo is already removed from my FX888 (to find a correct size trafo)

And I'm worrying about frequency. I'm not sure if the 120V trafo is 60Hz only or 60/50Hz. If 60Hz only, it will be subject to overheating or humming, and as we know that this trafo is a little bit undersized because not pulled 100%time.

[LEECH666]

Any reason why it has to be a Hakko?
Weller and Ersa are more widespread in Germany and they do make good soldering stations.
For example the WECP-20 from Weller is a decent iron with temperature control, and it usually sells for 50 to 70 Euros on ebay.

Florian

[T4P]

Any reason why it has to be a Hakko?
Weller and Ersa are more widespread in Germany and they do make good soldering stations.
For example the WECP-20 from Weller is a decent iron with temperature control, and it usually sells for 50 to 70 Euros on ebay.

Florian

Weller... They are having problems with quality recently.
Ersa... Expensive.

[G7PSK]

Instead of looking for step down transformers look for site safety transformers they can be got quite cheaply new and as site safty officers will condemn them for having the socket covers broken which happens easily and often you will often find them in skips or be able purchase one very cheaply from a large building site. The link is for one that costs £38.99 plus VAT making it a total of here in the UK £46.79 and this is for a 3.3 KW unit You hunt around and you might find this as a delivered price I always recon to pay around the £50.00 mark delivered for my transformers.

http://www.toolbaydirect.co.uk/catalogue/product/Transformers/249/Misc-33kVA-Dual-Outlet-240v-to-110v-Portable-Site-Transformer/175254/

[M. András]

Any reason why it has to be a Hakko?
Weller and Ersa are more widespread in Germany and they do make good soldering stations.
For example the WECP-20 from Weller is a decent iron with temperature control, and it usually sells for 50 to 70 Euros on ebay.

Florian

Weller... They are having problems with quality recently.
Ersa... Expensive.

add jbc too, all of them expensive

[Architect_1077]

This topic brought a question to mind:

Will a Hakko FX888 120V/60Hz safely run on 50Hz AC power, as would happen if plugged into a 230V - 120V stepdown transformer? Will the difference in AC frequency have any ill effects on it?

[T4P]

This topic brought a question to mind:

Will a Hakko FX888 120V/60Hz safely run on 50Hz AC power, as would happen if plugged into a 230V - 120V stepdown transformer? Will the difference in AC frequency have any ill effects on it?

The internal xfmr might overheat badly if spec'd to run on 60Hz and not 50Hz ...