Thermaltronics 2000s or Metcal PS-900

[loki42]

I'm looking for a soldering station for (low volume) assembly work. Mostly fixing tombstone 402 caps and soldering DC connectors. All lead free and always the same boards, so I'm thinking the curie point stuff sounds interesting and the Metcal and Thermaltronics irons are universal voltage, so I can buy from the USA at a fraction of the price of local stuff.

So my question is, Thermaltronics 2000s or Metcal PS-900. The Thermaltronics is 220 USD with postage to AU or 260 USD with postage. Also if I go for the Thermaltronics, which handle should I get? The MFR stuff is a little more and the MX stuff is a lot more, even second hand because of postage.

[mikeselectricstuff]

I don't think there's much to choose between the equivalent Thermaltronics & metcals, so whichever's cheapest is probably fine.
IME Thermaltronics tips last a bit longer then metcal

[loki42]

ahh okay, Thermaltronics actually list MFR-1110 as the equivalent to the 2000s, and it's a much more expensive station, at USD 373 with postage. So I'm left with choosing between the 3 types of handle.

[Jamieson]

What system did you end up going with? 

[DC1MC]

Yes, I'm actually curious as well, as I consider a Thermaltronics 2000s.

 DC1MC

[Someone]

You need to be a little more specific these days as mentioned above the model number of the station can refer to many different handpiece and cartridge variations. There are cheap PS-800, PS-800E and PS-900 systems NOS or second hand to stick with the proven reliability and low cost tips (heater is in the handle) but even they come in 2 different incompatible tip sizes. The integrated heater+tip cartridges can be better value if you are in production, but more expensive to keep a wide selection of tips on hand for home use.

[DC1MC]

You need to be a little more specific these days as mentioned above the model number of the station can refer to many different handpiece and cartridge variations. There are cheap PS-800, PS-800E and PS-900 systems NOS or second hand to stick with the proven reliability and low cost tips (heater is in the handle) but even they come in 2 different incompatible tip sizes. The integrated heater+tip cartridges can be better value if you are in production, but more expensive to keep a wide selection of tips on hand for home use.

Hi, just in case you're responding to my post (the thread start was a while ago) I want to buy this T-2000s:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Thermaltronics-Lotstation-TMT-2000S-mit-Handstuck-SHP-K/192246708188

It's from around here and seem also have some accessories that I need and isn't very expensive.

So I would really appreciate if somebody will have a look and advise and mentor me if it's worth having in regard with the capability to put out some heat when need it (like when solering parts with pads on the ground plane) and the possibility to use more advnced compatible handles.

 Cheers.
 DC1MC

[Someone]

You need to be a little more specific these days as mentioned above the model number of the station can refer to many different handpiece and cartridge variations. There are cheap PS-800, PS-800E and PS-900 systems NOS or second hand to stick with the proven reliability and low cost tips (heater is in the handle) but even they come in 2 different incompatible tip sizes. The integrated heater+tip cartridges can be better value if you are in production, but more expensive to keep a wide selection of tips on hand for home use.

Hi, just in case you're responding to my post (the thread start was a while ago) I want to buy this T-2000s:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Thermaltronics-Lotstation-TMT-2000S-mit-Handstuck-SHP-K/192246708188

It's from around here and seem also have some accessories that I need and isn't very expensive.

So I would really appreciate if somebody will have a look and advise and mentor me if it's worth having in regard with the capability to put out some heat when need it (like when solering parts with pads on the ground plane) and the possibility to use more advnced compatible handles.

 Cheers.
 DC1MC

That is using the Thermaltronics K series tips which are unique to their system. All other parameters/functions are the same as the other 470kHz systems.

[DC1MC]

So that specific station only can use these K tips and nothing else, is that a global, station specific thing or is a tool/handle thing and this can be upgraded if the need arises and use the same controller ?

 Many thanks,
 DC1MC

[2N3055]

There is handle issue and fact that there are two working frequencies 470 kKz and 13.56 MHz... So be carefull...

[DC1MC]

Oh, they have the same controller with two frequencies ?!?!?
Or did I understand wrong, the model that I've posted, could only use these K tips and handle or it can be updated with other handle and tips ?

[2N3055]

No there are 470 kHz ad 13,54 MHz stations and on 470 kHz there are difernt handles and tips..

[DC1MC]

Which frequency is Thermaltronics and which one is Hakko ?

[2N3055]

Thermaltronics and metcal, I dont know for Hakko.

[wkb]

I don't think there's much to choose between the equivalent Thermaltronics & metcals, so whichever's cheapest is probably fine.
IME Thermaltronics tips last a bit longer then metcal

Fascinating. I have exactly the opposite experience: already 2 Thermaltronics tips died on me well before it was their time to go.