RF Soldering Station Choices

[RF-Engineer]

I'm looking at RF-based soldering stations like those made by Metcal and Thermaltronics.  After searching the forum archives, I don't see a discussion of 13.56 MHz systems versus lower RF at 450-470 kHz.  It seems the heating technology is the same but with a different heating frequency.  So, is there a practical difference?

Paul

[GreyWoolfe]

I have the Metcal MX-500P, 13.56 MHz.  The heating time is stupid fast, just a few seconds and the thermal recovery time is almost instantaneous, regardless of tip size being used or what I am soldering. I can't say anything about the lower frequency units, I have no experience with them.

[RF-Engineer]

Thanks for the feedback.  I placed an order through Tequipment.net for the Metcal MX-500AV. 

I was also looking at the Hakko FX100 with RF "power boost" but to me, it signaled a code name as an alternate technology to avert an existing patent claim on Oki/Metcal's SmartHeat technology.  Maybe not.  Anyway, I couldn't find much on it either.  I also looked at the Thermaltronics 9000 but wasn't impressed with the teardown video I saw.

Paul

[GreyWoolfe]

From what I understand, Thermaltronics was formed by some former Metcal engineers after the patent ran out.  I have a couple of Thermaltronics tips and they work the same as the OEM Metcal.   I got the MX-500P, Talon tweezers and stand in a trade at my local surplus store with NOS parts that I was given.  Some prudent and patient shopping on evilBay netted a new RM-3e and WS1.  Add 6 tips and I am all in at about $200 USD.   I also have a Hakko FX-951.  It is an excellent station and I really like it, however, I prefer the wand on the Metcal.  It feels more substantial.

[RF-Engineer]

In looking at the Thermaltronics units, I saw no U.S. vendors nor distributors other than eBay and Amazon channels.  I can't even find a legitimate physical address on their corporate website. 

The last time I purchased a Hakko FX888 on eBay, it was a knock-off.  As a result of that experience, I'll only purchase through company recognized distribution channels where there's accountability in the chain of custody from the point of manufacture to customer delivery.   

Paul

[GreyWoolfe]

Understandable.  I bought my tips from Denbo32, who is a forum member, though I haven't seen a post from him in quite some time.  It's amazing to see that the Hakko stations are probably the most copied/cloned of any soldering station.  I bought my FX-951 from TEquipment.net with the EEVBlog discount.

[AllTheGearNoIdea]

Does anyone know if these rf stations cause rf interference.  I note 13.5 is quite close to the amateur radio 20m band. I have various communications analyser and spectrum analysers and I’m thinking  of accidentally spending a day hunting down a birdy from the soldering iron.

Chris

[RobBarter]

As I've just received my Metcal 5200 in the post today I though I'd check the rf interference on my Siglent SA.   Please be aware I'm a newbie to Spectrum Analysers....

This is with the soldering iron melting solder.  It drops significantly when in cradle.  The siglent was approx 70cm away on the same table with a simple aerial (actually from an Icom R20 handheld receiver) directly on the port.