multi-purpose solder station: Aoyue 2702A vs X-TRONIC 4040

[nanofrog]

Aoyue 2702 iron is the same as the aoyue 2900, also the same tip as the FX-951. T12 tip.

Do they still make the T12 series?

I ask, as when I checked the tip link on the FX-951, all that's being shown are all T15 series, which I presume replaced T12.

As per quality, I think I'd trust the Hakko station more than the Aoyue in regard to the electronics and small details (silicone insulation, iron stand, iron's handle doesn't get hot with an extended solder project time, and proper strain relief for the iron's connector cable). Perhaps it's just me, but I've noticed those small details make a well designed station much easier and nicer to use, and thus I appreciate them enough to pay the difference.

Granted, a $500 - 600USD station vs. less than $100 Aoyue is a much harder sell for a hobbyist, but the FX-951 might be acceptable given it's MSRP of ~$250USD for those located in the US.

Really sucks that the pricing on a particular station tends to be so much more outside of the US. 

[WhiteFireDragon]

Aoyue 2702 iron is the same as the aoyue 2900, also the same tip as the FX-951. T12 tip.

Do they still make the T12 series?

I ask, as when I checked the tip link on the FX-951, all that's being shown are all T15 series, which I presume replaced T12.

Based on some searches and pictures, I think the Aoyue LF, Amico T12, and Hakko T15 tips are all interchangeable. The Amico T12 looks like it might have a few different rings though.

[nanofrog]

Based on some searches and pictures, I think the Aoyue LF, Amico T12, and Hakko T15 tips are all interchangeable. The Amico T12 looks like it might have a few different rings though.

I wouldn't think the Amico tip would work in a Hakko station due to the different contact count, and not sure if the Aoyue tips would fit either an Amico or Hakko station, as I can't find the number of contacts (no pics or illustrations of the handle end). 

Another member may be able to shed some light on this however, as it could prove useful.

[HackedFridgeMagnet]

You know there is a Aoyue 2703A+ model which I think was recently released, as a upgrade from the 2702.
Seems to be a major rework of the 2702.
http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Profesional-Repair-Rework-Station/dp/B007IJVVY0/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt


I have a 968 and it does it job.
One thing worth considering is the fume extractor on the soldering iron can get in the way. Although you can actually take the whole thing off if it is a real problem.
It is kind of nice how the pump (noisy though it is) does both the fume extractor and the hot air rework.

[WhiteFireDragon]

You know there is a Aoyue 2703A+ model which I think was recently released, as a upgrade from the 2702.
Seems to be a major rework of the 2702.
http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Profesional-Repair-Rework-Station/dp/B007IJVVY0/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

Yeah, I saw the 2703A+ model, and the only real significant difference to the 2702A+ is that it can support using the soldeing iron simultaneously withe the desoldeing gun. That doesn't justify a $80 price difference to me.

I have a 968 and it does it job.

Since a desoldering gun from a 2702A+ uses the same pump port has the soldering iron's smoke extractor, do you think we can just buy a desoldering gun and plug it into the vacuum port of the 968?

[ablacon64]

Since a desoldering gun from a 2702A+ uses the same pump port has the soldering iron's smoke extractor, do you think we can just buy a desoldering gun and plug it into the vacuum port of the 968?

Interesting idea, it may work. I have a 968 too (very good equipment).

[HackedFridgeMagnet]

Personally I don't think I would bother changing the air around, it will probably cause the hoses and stuff to fail earlier than they would otherwise.
I actually did want the 2703 but the 230v version wasn't released yet. In the end I got so confused I just bought the 968.

ps. my 968 came with a big dent in the top cover near the handle.
The Aoyue did actually survive this EMS impromptu drop test so I was  quite pleased. That is all except for one air pipe connector which the seller replaced.

[WhiteFireDragon]

Personally I don't think I would bother changing the air around, it will probably cause the hoses and stuff to fail earlier than they would otherwise.

Well it's not really changing any air around. In the 2702A+, the soldering iron + smoke absorber uses the same exact connections as the desoldering gun + suction tube. The power connectors are exactly the same, and the vacuum pump port are the same.

So carrying this idea to the 968, I don't see how you can't plug in a replacement desoldering gun from a 2702A+ into a 968. Only problem might be that the power connections has slightly different pin patterns so it can't be plugged in. I'm trying to verify this from online pics, but can't find a clear enough picture. If anyone can take a pic of the power port of the soldering iron and station from your 2702 or 968, that would be greatly appreciated.

[HackedFridgeMagnet]

Sorry about the quality.
Hope this helps.

Well I was thinking that if you have to screw and unscrew everytime you want to use the desoldering gun then the wear and tear on the plastic might be an issue.
Maybe it will be fine.

[ablacon64]

This picture is from my Yaxun 968, looks exactly the same equipment.

[plazma]

I got the 2702 model. It's very good for the price. I have owned it for 4 years and used it hundreds of hours. I bought 6 pieces total and none of the other owners have complained about it.

The long tips are for lead-free solder. They last very long with normal leaded solder. You can also hot swap the tips (still needs reset or turn of while swapping). The tips also heat up very fast. The handle is better with this model. Your grip point is closer to the tip than with the short tip handles.

I used to own an older AOYUE model with short tips. I hated the nut connection. It also got some connection faults some times.

The hot air also works well. I like to solder SMD components with solder paste and hot air.

[T4P]

Truth to be told i am soon no longer using my 936 clones, one of them is faster than the other but oddly the spacer leaves a space in the tip.
NO GOOD. It's a decently slapped-on clone that seems to perform better than the original but yeah, i don't like nut connection no more
Who says clones can't be better than the real thing?

[Joebeazelman]

Where there's an Aoyue there's a way. I was able to mod my 968A+ to work with a desoldering gun, effectively turning it into a 2702A+. It works flawlessly, so much so, that I felt guilty about it. Poor ole Aoyue lost a potential upsell due to a customer's determination.

It took a lot of research and a few setback, but I learned a lot about soldering stations. To quote the Elongated Muskrat, I know more about Aoyue soldering stations than anyone alive. Not surprisingly, the circuitry across the various models are practically the same, which is why their models are merely a configuration of features at low price points. While I haven't attempted it yet, I would gamble it might even be possible to retrofit a T12 style soldering iron to the 968A and perhaps even a C245! Although the heater and temperature are wired in parallel, the power and sensing are performed sequentially.

If there's interest, I might be able to do a write up on it.