Modding 120V Hakko FM-203 to 240V?

[Binaryb3n]

I've been looking at getting a FM-203 and a second hand one has come up on eBay. A few quick questions:

a) Is it possible to mod an American Hakko FM-203 for use in Australia? I know some have had success with the 888/D, hence the question. Haven't found anything specific to the FM-203 though. Otherwise, any suggestions for good step down transformers that will be compatible?

b) What questions should be asking about a second hand soldering station before clicking the buy button? And what sort of price should I be aiming for (for e.g., a new FM-203 from an Australian vendor is ($760AUD)

c) Any last minute soldering stations to consider in the ~$500AU price bracket (second shelf or new)? I was considering buying a new FM-203, so up to the $760 at most.

[wraper]

I know some have had success with the 888/D

Like replacing the transformer?

[blacksheeplogic]

I've been looking at getting a FM-203 and a second hand one has come up on eBay. A few quick questions:

a) Is it possible to mod an American Hakko FM-203 for use in Australia? I know some have had success with the 888/D, hence the question. Haven't found anything specific to the FM-203 though. Otherwise, any suggestions for good step down transformers that will be compatible?

You can replace or rewind the transformer. As I have a considerable investment in US equipment including soldiering gear I use a step down transformer. A small step-down is a lot cheaper than the 240V markup you will have to otherwise pay.

[Binaryb3n]

Like replacing the transformer?

Well that's what I've read. I expect the transformer in the FM-203 to be different though, so I'm wondering if anyone has experience or knows if it'll be possible.

You can replace or rewind the transformer. As I have a considerable investment in US equipment including soldiering gear I use a step down transformer. A small step-down is a lot cheaper than the 240V markup you will have to otherwise pay.

Good to know it shouldn't be a huge issue then. Any thoughts one what to look for before buying a second hand soldering station?

[Binaryb3n]

Well I was potentially foolish and actually splashed out on a 120V Hakko FM-206 station. Will be ordering the 240V replacement transformer, so hopefully that goes well..

I'll update once it's working (or not working), but if anyone knows anything about changing out the 110V transformer and fuse for the 240V equivalent, I'd love some pointers.

[karoru]

It's low power device without any very fancy transformer, it just has to have twice number of windings on primary (usually made with thinner wire so form factor won't change) and fuse rating divided by two and that's all.

Virtually any mains-rated part will also be rated for 240V operation so you don't have to worry about that. If you are desperate enough you could rewind the primary but it's a hard and time consuming job if you never winded a transformer before and honestly there are better ways to spend time on your hobby;)

[Binaryb3n]

Thanks @karoru. The transformer itself is just another component in the station - http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko/B3677/ In theory it should be plug and play, just change the fuse as well.

My only genuine concern realistically is that there might be some difference in the firmware. Hakko seem to have a put a lot of effort into creating FUD around different USA vs. Rest of World models... I can't seem to find any differences though.

I'm expecting the T12 and T15 tips to be compatible as well for example. But there's only one way to find out I suppose.

[dew]

Looks like there are two transformers. For FM-206 it is B3676 for 100/110/120 V and B3677 for 220/230/240 V. PCBs on both are the same (part B3678). Voltage can be selected within 20V range only. Transformer replacement is required to switch between US/Japan/... and EU/Australia/... models.