Metcal Mx500 vs Mx5200

[Trevset]

Hello. I am new to the forum but have been reading topics on this forum for quite some time and it has helped me tremendously is many instances.  Before I ask this question I am sorry if it has been addressed before but I could not find it if it was.  I am wanting to buy a new Metcal soldering station and am torn between the mx500 or mx5200.  The only thing that concerns me is power. I don't want to spend the extra money for the mx5200 if the mx500 has plenty of power but I also don't want to short myself when I'll already be spending quite a bit of cash. If anyone has any insight on this I would be greatly appreciative if they could give me some information.


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[mikeselectricstuff]

Check the Thermaltronics range as well - compatible with Metcal tips.

Main difference with the 5200 is simultaneous dual outputs, which is rarely very useful. 

[Trevset]

I was just concerned about the 40w of output vs the 80w of output. I'm not really concerned about the simultaneous output as I won't be sharing this station and if I have another iron hooked up the heat up is so quick with these units I don't feel that would ever be an issue.


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[GreyWoolfe]

Like Mike said, the 5200 is 80W because you can use both channels at the same time.  The 500 won't let you do that.  So you are still at the equivalent 40W per channel on the 5200.  If you want 2 usable soldering irons in 1 package the 5200 is the way to go.  If the Metcal is going to be your primary station and you have another station as a secondary, maybe the 500 is the way to go.  I have a 500 and a Hakko FX-951.  I got the Metcal after the Hakko for a really good price, just couldn't pass it up.

Don't worry about 40W output.  The 500 has massive thermal capacity and recovery.  It will handle anything you can throw at it.  I added 5W bleeder resistors onto about 1/2' or so pads in 2 35A Astron power supplies with a 2.4 mm tip with almost immediate wetting of the solder on the filter capacitor leads. 

[Trevset]

Thanks so much for the replies you guys.  Knowing this I'll definitely be purchasing the 500.  I'll post back with my thoughts once I receive it.


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[mikeselectricstuff]

Check out the Thermaltronics TMT-9000S, basically the same as the MX-500 but cheaper - on RS UK. £270 vs. £350

[yngndrw]

I managed to get a used MX-PS5200 power unit for £240 (Posted) on Ebay, so check there if you don't mind used equipment.

There's currently an auction on for the power unit and a handpiece with a couple of days to go:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112284269417

Would recommend the STTC-126 tip.

Can't comment on the difference between 80W and 40W for these as I've only used the MX-5200, but I can tell you that the heat output of these at 80W is nothing short of absurd.

[Trevset]

I ended up ordering the MX-5200.  I figured I was already spending the money I might as well get the one I really want.  Thank you guys for all your help! I'll post back once it comes and I try it out.


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