EEVblog Electronics Community Forum

EEVblog => EEVblog Specific => Topic started by: EEVblog on August 11, 2018, 04:21:44 am

Title: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: EEVblog on August 11, 2018, 04:21:44 am
Review of the new 18W USB-C TS80 temperature controlled portable soldering iron.
http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bDjVklFw (http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bDjVklFw)

TLDR; Highly recommended, money well spent if you need a portable iron solution, but you need a QC3 battery pack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z9es-D9_8g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z9es-D9_8g)
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: nugglix on August 11, 2018, 09:53:37 am
Video is not visible on the YT channel.
Desired?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: 5n44p on August 11, 2018, 10:04:01 am
Maybe a community firmware will make it work also with 5V regular power banks?

EDIT: the previous model was open source in firmware and hardware. http://www.minidso.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=868&extra=page%3D1 (http://www.minidso.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=868&extra=page%3D1)

This is not, for now. At least i couldn't find any schematic or firmare. I guess that it is a bit more unlikely to get a community made firmare for this version
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: steve30 on August 12, 2018, 12:43:21 am
Looks good.

It would be interesting to see Dave's opinion on the included 'deathdaptor'.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: ChristopherN on August 12, 2018, 07:05:34 am
Has anyone tried to use it with Apple USB C power supplies for the current MacBook lineup? That would be a great combination.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: tsman on August 12, 2018, 08:59:43 am
That one has a genuine UL certificate. I didn't find the safety test report, but there's a QC3.0 compliance test certificate from UL Taiwan.
Nah. Not the USB PSU. He means the cheap plug converter with exposed contacts.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: Muttley Snickers on August 12, 2018, 10:26:01 am
Dave uploaded a short follow up video on the second channel about an hour ago, apparently some people were complaining that the unit lacked portability due to its power requirements.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iYcpiY2T2U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iYcpiY2T2U) 

Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: oh2hyt on August 12, 2018, 10:45:49 pm
Interesting bits from TS80 manual with help of babelfishgoogle translate:

Someone could look pcb if usb-c input connector has CC1&2 pins connected to mcu? If those are, then hacks have posibility get USB PD to work. Maybe in future a laptop could then be used as power supply for soldering.

Dave, what are dimensions of the edge of the TS-D25 tip? Specs tell only length.

Manual is here http://www.minidso.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=3202&extra=page%3D1 (http://www.minidso.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=3202&extra=page%3D1). I can't upload 1.09MB file.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: oh2hyt on August 12, 2018, 10:53:17 pm
I rechecked main channel video and settings showed "--°C". So the tip wasn't calibrated in the video. Seems user should do this at first use.

Edit 30.1.2019:
I guess that "--°C" was because the tip was hot in the video.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: 5n44p on August 13, 2018, 12:22:38 am
It only supports QC. QC can be emulated with MCU using DAC or resistors+GPIOs. QC is a "stupid" protocol without sophisticated timing and encoding mechanisms, not even CRC.

Is there an open specification for QC?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: DooMMasteR on August 13, 2018, 06:33:22 am
I hop they will release the schematics soon.
Would be nice to have USB-PD capabilities, but then again, it might be missing the USB-Vcc-PHY to communicate USB-PD-Request to the supply.
However USB-C to USB-C PD might stipp be possible via the CC1 and CC2 Pins on the connector.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: ciccio on August 13, 2018, 09:12:22 am
In the video Dave does not like the supplied free stand..
There is a dedicated (for TS-100) mini stand, available from Bangood (and others). Is is very nice and very small.
It could easily find a place int the supplied pouch.
See attached photo. It is not cheap (about 10 Euros).
Best regards
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: screwbreaker on August 13, 2018, 12:15:42 pm
I've got a stand like this.

This one, less than 2$ delivered:

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/New-Soldering-Iron-Gun-Stand-Holder-Support-Station-Metal-Base-and-Solder-Sponge/32756033269.html
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: artag on August 13, 2018, 01:08:18 pm
There are tips on sale for the TS100 with that same conical heatshield. Are they shorter than the standard TS100 tips ?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: screwbreaker on August 13, 2018, 01:10:22 pm
I wonder how much it last with a power bank.

Some time ago I've got a battery powered soldering iron, the weller BP865CEU.
And I really hate it. The batteries don't last nothing, and they was always discharged when I need it. And I can't use rechargeable batteries, not only because it's not recommended, but because they don't fit inside the battery holder.

This is the main problem with battery powered devices, you have to rely in batteries, which are not so good to store energy for long time.

In my opinion for who need to use a portable soldering iron form time to time, the best option are the butane one.
Butane never discharge, once you have the tank filled, you can keep it on the shelf for months, even years, and it still ready to use.
Even the refill tank don't loose his "charge" over time.

Fuels still the best option for store energy for long time.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: Bud on August 13, 2018, 01:19:50 pm
This iron could make a great promotional item. It is technological,  cute and has a real use , unlike most of promotional gadgets. I'd seriously considered it were i running a big company. in mass quantities it should be not that expensive to make.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: nixfu on August 13, 2018, 05:52:58 pm
So what is the difference between the TS80 and the TS100 I have seen so many other people like Louis Rossmann recommend?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: MacMeter on August 13, 2018, 06:29:19 pm
If you carry any cordless tools, you may already have a 18-20 volt DC power supply for your TS100!
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: thm_w on August 13, 2018, 07:27:52 pm
So what is the difference between the TS80 and the TS100 I have seen so many other people like Louis Rossmann recommend?

TS100 is 65W vs 24W on TS80
Barrel jack vs USB C with burnproof cable
Longer grip to tip on TS100

Most of the differences are covered in the video.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: Bud on August 13, 2018, 09:57:09 pm
If you carry any cordless tools, you may already have a 18-20 volt DC power supply for your TS100!

I do not think you need a soldering tool at a construction site unless you are a plumber, but then this puppy is not for the job  >:D
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: MacMeter on August 13, 2018, 11:35:55 pm
If you carry any cordless tools, you may already have a 18-20 volt DC power supply for your TS100!

I do not think you need a soldering tool at a construction site unless you are a plumber, but then this puppy is not for the job  >:D

Plumbers are not the only ones that carry and use cordless tools, and obviously this is not the tool they would be using so I’m missing your point.  :-//
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: chickenHeadKnob on August 13, 2018, 11:53:27 pm
So what is the difference between the TS80 and the TS100 I have seen so many other people like Louis Rossmann recommend?

TS100 is 65W vs 24W on TS80
Barrel jack vs USB C with burnproof cable
Longer grip to tip on TS100

Most of the differences are covered in the video.

An issue that is under-emphasized in Dave's video(s) is that the tips are not compatible and the selection of tips for the ts-100 are far greater. Over time expect to spend more on tips than the iron. The Haako clone tips and units win here. You can turn a  T-12 clone into a portable. Of course it  has more weight and bulk than the TS80 but that is the direction I am going. I have  a TS100 and a homebuilt T-12 clone.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: SparkyFX on August 14, 2018, 09:25:03 am
Cool little thing  :-+ and i was completely uninformed of quick charge specs for USB as well, so thanks for showing.

I do not think you need a soldering tool at a construction site unless you are a plumber, but then this puppy is not for the job  >:D
It´s probably quite versatile for use in vehicles or outdoor in general. In cars most cable connections should be crimped instead of soldered, but anyway... if you need to fix something and know what you are doing this thing might perform quite well.

I do have a propane/butane heated soldering iron, where temperature can only be guessed and it does blow out the hot gas next to the tip, therefore can not be used in tight spaces. So I guess a good temperature control might be important not to get over the melting point of several plastics or parts.

So i am one cigarette lighter adapter away from getting one.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: TheAmmoniacal on August 16, 2018, 07:08:46 am
Can you test if the TS80 is ESD "safe" without the strap? Any mains leakage to earth through the tip?

Pretty sure I've killed some components with the TS100 because of it.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: newbadboy on August 16, 2018, 01:07:51 pm
U guys mention the QC protocoll. Is it really needed with communication for this iron? What i can see in the video Dave only connects it to a bench power supply and it powers up without any communication?

Have i missed something.

Any way I have ordered one without power supply. Thinking of connecting it to a smaller LIPO pack with apropriate boost controller.

I know there are ones to buy but i already have some LIPO packs laying around.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: TheAmmoniacal on August 16, 2018, 01:12:05 pm
U guys mention the QC protocoll. Is it really needed with communication for this iron? What i can see in the video Dave only connects it to a bench power supply and it powers up without any communication?

Have i missed something.

Any way I have ordered one without power supply. Thinking of connecting it to a smaller LIPO pack with apropriate boost controller.

I know there are ones to buy but i already have some LIPO packs laying around.

The TS80 is powered from USB using Qualcomm's Quick Charge (QC) 2.0 (and up) fast-charging standard (9V @ 2A). You need a USB powerbank or a USB charger which is QC capable. Trying to power it from anything else will be difficult! If you want to use a LiPo pack you should look at the TS100 instead - Dave will upload a review of this very soon.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: thm_w on August 17, 2018, 12:28:39 am
Can you test if the TS80 is ESD "safe" without the strap? Any mains leakage to earth through the tip?

Pretty sure I've killed some components with the TS100 because of it.

It should be the same as the TS100, if you do not have a grounded output supply or grounding strap, you can get leakage current through the isolated supply. There is really no way around needing to use the grounding point.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/mini-ts100-soldering-iron-and-current-leakage/25/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/mini-ts100-soldering-iron-and-current-leakage/25/)

Using a USB power bank should make it safer, but any sort of AC USB power adapter is probably going to be isolated, having only a 2 prong plug.

That is definitely a trap.. they should include the grounding strap by default.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: newbadboy on August 17, 2018, 01:26:17 pm
Well anyway it starts up with 5V and tells the voltage is to low. Ill test if  it will  do something more with 9V. There must be some kind of IC that emulates the handshake that can be bought of the shelf....
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: ckambiselis on August 22, 2018, 02:29:21 pm
@Dave I'm going to make the question here too, since the new video post is all about the fanboy:ing etc and maybe you didn't see my question, could you measure or take a photo of the tip next to a ruler, I have access to a Weller micropencil that uses the RT tips and would like to know if the tip could actually fit by unscrewing the barrel part from the TS80 *(or maybe cutting it shorter), I measured the RT tips to be about 14mm from the root of the 3.5mm jack to the fingerguard/handle and about 6-7mm thick. also from google I can see people have found that the pinout of the RT tip is, tip of the jack is the heater +, the middle is one of the thermistor and the base is the common ground.

Thanks Oscar
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: Myklis on August 23, 2018, 06:10:47 pm
Tested on Google pixel 18w USB-C PD only charger
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: ckambiselis on August 24, 2018, 08:24:41 pm
Tested on Google pixel 18w USB-C PD only charger

Have you done any changes to the firmware or is it stock?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: sintax69 on August 25, 2018, 12:30:49 am
Got my self one of these little irons in the post yesterday having issue powering it I can only get it to boot into 5V low power mode which after a 30sec it shuts down
I did not get the white wall wart with it but I have tied 4 sepreate usb C supplys

1.Nitendeo swtich USB C charger
2.Lenova Yoga USB charge
3.Chiniese 45W USB C charger
4.Anker IQ battery bank

I have also tried multiple USB C cables with no luck has any one had this same issues with these iron ???
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on August 29, 2018, 11:40:02 pm
Someone please confirm or deny the Weller RT tips compatibility already. Really wondering if those tips are compatible.

Upd: I totally forgot Marco Reps has measured the TS80 tip in his video (5:50 (https://youtu.be/83STpUXHilk?t=350)) and it's doesn't seem to match Weller-RT pinout.

Upd: soldering tax, inside of the ts80 power supply (from reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/electronics/comments/9bm20v/i_opened_the_usb_powersupply_that_came_with_the/)). That's some quality Ben Heck soldering job right here:

(https://i.imgur.com/nHp22Tu.jpg)
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on September 21, 2018, 10:16:36 pm
Got TS80 today. Doesn't even turn on with Xiaomi 65W Type-C/Type-C PD Laptop adapter (CDQ07ZM), so beware. Works well with various cheap QC3.0 adapters though (namely ORICO QTW-1U and its own DNQ18U-U). Looking for 65W PSU that supports both laptops and this iron, tell me if you know one.

https://youtu.be/xc-yIq0m54o
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on September 24, 2018, 02:24:04 pm
Community firmware and stock firmware 1.06 are available now.
Ralim TS80 alpha firmware (TS80.hex): https://goo.gl/tHhDyD (https://goo.gl/tHhDyD)
Stock firmware (TS80.V1.06.hex) here: https://goo.gl/MeiBns (https://goo.gl/MeiBns)
See https://github.com/Ralim/ts100/issues/349 (https://github.com/Ralim/ts100/issues/349)

Upd: official firmware released http://www.minidso.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=3208 (http://www.minidso.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=3208)

Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: Romain on October 02, 2018, 10:17:41 am
The TS80 is NOT USB-PD compliant (the CC pins required on the USB-C connector for Power Delivery are not even connected).
Instead it is only QC 2.0 or 3.0 compatible.

Talking of which, I couldn't find a list of compatible power banks for the TS80. Some have auto-turn off features that make them unusable with the TS80.
You can find some info here about power banks, and custom firmwares:
https://github.com/Ralim/ts100/issues/349 (https://github.com/Ralim/ts100/issues/349)

My grain of salt: I just bought myself an Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 link (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N0X3NL5/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_2) which seems to work pretty well with the TS80. It has an auto-turn off of 2 minutes when the soldering iron is not heating (I think this is acceptable) and it supports QC3.0 in and out.
The only downside is that it doesn't support power pass-through (you cannot charge anything while the power bank is charging).

During my research I found the Xiaomi MI 2 quite interesting as it also does Quick Charge two ways (in and out) and also has a mode for low current devices (like a fitbit or stuff like that) to keep the output enabled for 2 hours. Pretty neat! I haven't bought it, so comments are welcomed  :-+
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on October 02, 2018, 12:55:39 pm
Didn't trace, but CC pins might be connected through vias. I guess PD still requires a few more hardware components even with software bitbanging.

My QC3 powerbank (that works) is 10000mAh Mi Power Bank Pro (PLM03ZM). Can be charged by PD but doesn't have PD output (Type-C is input only):
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Xiaomi-Mi-Powerbank-PRO-10000mAh-Power-Bank-External-Battery-Type-C-Portable-Bateria-Externa-Portable/32802457619.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Xiaomi-Mi-Powerbank-PRO-10000mAh-Power-Bank-External-Battery-Type-C-Portable-Bateria-Externa-Portable/32802457619.html)

There are power adapters that support both standards (and have both connectors), e.g. this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SIV-29W-PD-QC-3-0-Type-C-USB-2-4A-Travel-Charger-Power-Adapter-For/32879973269.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SIV-29W-PD-QC-3-0-Type-C-USB-2-4A-Travel-Charger-Power-Adapter-For/32879973269.html)

You'd need A-C cable anyway. TS80 doesn't work with C-C cable even in DFU mode. Generally everything C-C is PD, everything A-C is QC.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: oh2hyt on October 13, 2018, 04:47:29 pm
I received mine from Banggood couple days ago. Notes:

It shipped with FW 1.06

Supplied chisel tip is 2.5mm wide. I like to get 1.6mm or 2.0mm variant in future.

About 59mm between tip end and iron body.

Supplied USB-C USB-A cable doesn't have shield connected between connectors. Total resistance (including connectors) seem to be about 220mOhm. And yes, it is very flexible cable.

TS80 can be powered with laboratory powersupply outputing 9-10.4V (depends on resistance of heater element). This voltage range to stay within 24W as I have no idea how high power the heating element can survive. Iron's input voltage determines used power as heating element is just which on/off (pwm or pfm? - I haven't checked which one with scope) without voltage conversions. The Power setting in Iron's setup menu sets voltage it will request from QC 3.0 charger. (QC3.0 allows voltage requests in 200mV steps). So: Iron doesn't mind if input voltage is continuously 9V and doesn't drop to 5V while in stand by. Resistance of my heating element has measured 4.61 - 4.66ohm (power on TS80 and long press left button while in "start menu" and Iron will measure resistance).

I am using Blitzwolf BW-S5 USB-A QC3.0 charger. With 24W setting TS80 takes about 10.26V (powersupply end of cable) and about 2.2A max while heating, varying between 21-23W from my BW-S5. This heats tip 24C -> 300C in 14-16s. [Edit: corrected 320C to 300C] This charger increases voltage to compensate cable loss, so output is 10.14V at below 0.1A.

Even BW-S5 charger is Qualcomm Certificated, there is some timing or communication issues resulting low voltage error on TS80 screen and requiring rebooting TS80. Sometimes high voltage doesn't start fast enough or low voltage starts too soon. These happen when TS80 tries to transition from 5V to 9V or back to 5V. There is no issues while TS80 is in heating/soldering mode. These issues do not happen with Blitzwolf BW-S9 as psu, but its output voltage measures lower and it is not rated for above 18W power, even it outputs more. TS80 takes about 19-20W at 24W setting when using BW-S9.

After calibration (or should I say alignment?) the 18W power and 320C temperature setting measured 320 +- 1C with Fluke 87V with its supplied K-type probe while only probe touched tip. I didn't do long test, so I don't know how electronics heating up will affect. Test was done just after receiving TS80, so I don't know if power setting or all playing around has changed calibration.

Supplied ground wire is a bit annoying. It is stiff, specially spiral in cable. They should have made supplied usb cable have also shield and connect it to Iron end connector shield and separate it at power supply end to another connector for grouding. I might do my own cable.

I have not tried supplied psu. I didn't bother to search an adapter to plug it in EU socket.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: Cheshira on October 16, 2018, 10:55:06 am
Hi, mates!
Good topic!
I do FPV flights and normally carry lost of 12V and 16V lipo batteries.
I was looking towards buying a TS80 to carry with me to the field, but found out that for field use I'd need a QC 3.0 battery. Which I do not have!
I was wondering if I could prepare an adaptor from Lipo XT60 plug to a USB-A plug and use 12v 3cell battery!

But, from what I see, there is no certain answer! For exabple oh2hyt says, he is not sure how much power the heating element can withstand.
This surprizes me, I thought the electronics of the TS80 could regulate the power to feed to the heating element. No?

Ok, probably the electronics itself can't handle more than 24W of power. Then if I use this regulator from Aliexpress (https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/CCCV-5A-Lithium-ion-batteries-charging-module-LED-driver-Step-down-constant-current-power-supply-module/32461964537.html?spm=a2g0v.10010108.1000016.1.12386555Tnz80h&isOrigTitle=true) I would be able to limit voltage to 9v and current to 2-2.5A
What do you think?
Sorry if you see dumb question! I am a bit noob  ;D
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: oh2hyt on October 16, 2018, 02:04:35 pm
What I read from elsewhere (https://github.com/Ralim/ts100/issues/349#issuecomment-417179746), TS80 electronics (I'm not talking about heating element now) will die at about 16V. I have not tested, so don't blame me if it dies at lower voltages.

Normally TS80 will use QC3.0 (or QC2.0) protocol to regulated input voltage ie. maximum power/current to heating element. Also it has software over voltage protection which voltage you can set in menu (maximum setting is 13.0V, I would set it to below 11V). TS80 will shutdown at that voltage, but it won't protect electronics!

this regulator from Aliexpress (https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/CCCV-5A-Lithium-ion-batteries-charging-module-LED-driver-Step-down-constant-current-power-supply-module/32461964537.html?spm=a2g0v.10010108.1000016.1.12386555Tnz80h&isOrigTitle=true)
That is a constant current driver/regulator. It does not work with TS80. Constant current = output voltage can be (almost) anything to keep set output current.
You would need constant voltage, a voltage regulator, to output 9V converted from your battery voltage.
Also when playing with batteries some battery protection is good to have: a fuse to limit current in case of shortcircuit and a low voltage protection/alarm to not over discharge battery. Usually Lipo-packs do not have these protections build in.

Have you considered TS100? People use it directly from Lipo batteries. I don't have personal experience of it and I'm not sure what input voltage it accepts. Forum search should find topics about that.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: alex-sh on December 20, 2018, 05:47:28 am
I’m using TS80 with a power bank (graphene Apollo USB-C battery I ordered on a kickstarter. Yes it is USB-C PD and it works with the iron) OR LiPo 2S 7.4V XT60 through this BattGo adapter https://www.quadcopters.co.uk/isdt-battgo-bs-8s-smart-lipo-checker (https://www.quadcopters.co.uk/isdt-battgo-bs-8s-smart-lipo-checker)
Very universal iron

I would recommend to get an alternative firmware or update the firmware to officia 1.07 (valid as at 20/12/2018)
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: valery on December 27, 2018, 02:31:18 am
Maybe someone can help me? There is no circuit yet, but I really need to know the parameters of this capacitor. My TC80 is dead. Help me please.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on January 27, 2019, 11:58:39 am
A little bit more info regarding Weller RT tips, from Rossman's TS80 video comments.

I would love to say Louis is wrong on the tips, but he isn't. Weller does have quite similar 3.5mm tips for some of their irons. They are good, reasonably priced and somewhat widely available.... but they don't physically fit in the TS80. I tried, i have such a Weller (WHS M), and recently bought a TS80. I've seen someone selling TS80-boards without housing advertise with those tips, and now i get why. The charger/powerbank situation is really that you can use other things with what you buy specifically for this, not the other way around.

they don't physically fit even with the grip unscrewed. The threaded bit overhangs a little bit as you know, which would be just about the right amount and provide well-needed mechanical stability. However, the Weller tips are 9mm on the part that would need to fit there, and the TS80 tips are just under 8.5mm. An insignificant difference one would think, but that's quite enough to make them not fit. The inner diameter of the TS80 isn't even 8.6mm.

That pencil mark on the TS80 tip is how far in it needs to be able to go, and where the thickness differs with about 0.5mm.



(https://i.imgur.com/17CBbJx.jpg)
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on January 29, 2019, 11:10:00 pm
Tested on Google pixel 18w USB-C PD only charger
What the hell really? I swear there's no PD protocol support in TS80. Either the charger is not PD-only (which is kind of unusual, I've never heard of QC+PD combo with a single C-C cable) or "tested" means TS80 doesn't work with this charger.

Upd
There ARE QC/PD Type-C (QC4.0) combo chargers as figures, but not for the pixel. It's pretty hefty, 75W:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07BVDDW6J/ (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07BVDDW6J/)
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Delivery-Station-MacBook-Android/dp/B07CG7SY5Q/ (https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Delivery-Station-MacBook-Android/dp/B07CG7SY5Q/)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51eabV6FmZL.jpg)
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: creet6 on February 04, 2019, 11:28:17 pm
check these out:
https://hanpenblog.com/8405/ (https://hanpenblog.com/8405/)
https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-xiaomi-45w-usb-c-power-adapter-review-i-still-cant-believe-thing-only-costs-s20 (https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-xiaomi-45w-usb-c-power-adapter-review-i-still-cant-believe-thing-only-costs-s20)
the xiaomi works with multiple phones that support qc3.0/2.0
In theory it should work with the ts80 too. You used the usb c cable that came with the charger, which is "unmarked"(no E-marker). The charger doesn't output voltage when nothing is connection conforming to usb pd standards. So maybe the charger just think nothing is connected so using a different cable would work? can anyone test this?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: creet6 on February 04, 2019, 11:32:04 pm
i took apart this and soldered a xt60 in and it work great. it can output 30w to the ts80 with custom firmware

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-QuickCharge-Adapter-Samsung-Android/dp/B078FVQ4CG/ref=sr_1_6?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1549323054&sr=1-6&keywords=qc+3.0+car+charger&refinements=p_36%3A-700 (https://www.amazon.com/Charger-QuickCharge-Adapter-Samsung-Android/dp/B078FVQ4CG/ref=sr_1_6?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1549323054&sr=1-6&keywords=qc+3.0+car+charger&refinements=p_36%3A-700)
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: creet6 on February 12, 2019, 07:16:39 pm
can confirm now using a usb c to usb a adapter on the power supply, and using a usb a to usb c cable, the iron turns on and works at full power with qc3.0 support
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on February 16, 2019, 10:25:01 am
can confirm now using a usb c to usb a adapter on the power supply, and using a usb a to usb c cable, the iron turns on and works at full power with qc3.0 support
I don't get what's the point? Basically all A-C cables are QC, all C-C cables are PD. You've used C-A adapter + A-C cable? Which power source? Which adapter? Does it just dumb down Type-C to 4 wires electrically without logic conversion?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on February 16, 2019, 10:28:33 am
the xiaomi works with multiple phones that support qc3.0/2.0 In theory it should work with the ts80 too.
I have exactly that Xiaomi PD power unit and it's stock C-C cable and it DOES NOT WORK with TS80, the latter doesn't even turn on.
Xiaomi laptop and Xiaomi phones work though (they even report the quick charging mode somehow, I though it's just PD mode supported by those phones).

This is weird, article lists USB PD 2.0 and QC3.0/2.0 support simultaneously (isn't it supposed to be called QC4?) for the Xiaomi power source but I swear to god, phones work, TS80 DOES NOT. I don't know maybe it needs C-A "adapter" but hell knows which type of "adapter" your're using, there are a lot of those including full blown PD to QC power converters.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: oh2hyt on February 18, 2019, 09:54:06 am
I don't get what's the point? Basically all A-C cables are QC, all C-C cables are PD. You've used C-A adapter + A-C cable? Which power source? Which adapter? Does it just dumb down Type-C to 4 wires electrically without logic conversion?

You can try hack: Add 5.1kohm pulldown resistor between each CC-pin and signal ground in TS80, this should make C-C cable (which follows spec) and C-psu (whic follows spec, but has also QC 2.0 / 3.0) to work. I have not tested.
Edit 2019-02-19: Clarification: Two 5.1kohm resistors, one from CC1-pin to ground and one from CC2-pin to ground. If it didn't come clear from above. And do not connect CC-pins directly to each other. This is a device so it needs resistor from both CC-pins as C-C cable has only one of CC-pins connected between cable ends.

Simplified:
Charger or anything having female USB type-C connector is not allowed to supply voltage on Vusb pins before connecting pulldown resistor(s) to CC-pin(s). C-A (and C-B) cables and adapters have a resistor (only one CC pin, value 5.1kohm pulldown or 56kohm pullup) telling if their type-C male connector of cable/adapter is power sink or source. type-C charger/psu detects this resistor and if there is power sink connected, then starts to supply voltage to Vusb.
(I skipped PD communication via CC-pins, b/c it is not relevant with TS80 or when there is type A or type B connector in game)

There was/is a lot of adapters/cables with wrong resistor or it connected wrongly. These can damage your devices!
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on February 18, 2019, 10:37:25 pm
I think it's possible to solder that resistor inside TS80, it's 12-pin Type-C connector definitely has those CC pins. Not sure it will work though I afraid to kill it maybe someone else tries.
Those CC pins are probably not even soldered because TS80 DOES NOT and WILL NOT (according to manufacturer) EVER support PD negotiation and PD power source.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: salavat on March 14, 2019, 09:42:51 am
I need some help - my TS80 shows 130-140 C lower temperature, than actual one. I read all the debug menu values, all seems OK, checked D25 tip (4.45 Ohm, seems to be in range), done reset and calibration few times already, changed firmwares. etc.

Looks like it is a hardware problem, temp sensor chip probably. I can do reflow of the board (also probably I can request change for iron from the seller), but:
- I do not know whether chips are sensitive on temperature (afraid to burn out)
- which one to reflow
- whether it could be possible to return TS80 after that and whether it will fix the issue.

Any advice?)))
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: S53SG on July 04, 2019, 08:26:27 pm
I am looking for cable only, which comes with "pro" package. It's really good cable, so I would like to use it in other projects... does anybody know any part number of similar cable?
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: oh2hyt on July 14, 2019, 06:39:07 am
I am looking for cable only, which comes with "pro" package. It's really good cable, so I would like to use it in other projects... does anybody know any part number of similar cable?
I'm interested too. Even the cable is not so good: resistance is high and conectors' shields aren't connected together  :--. Well, it's partially so flexible because no shielding (or so I assume - I haven't cut one to see inside).
I have seen Banggood selling the cable + the charger combination.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: joric on December 31, 2019, 06:19:46 am
It can play music too: https://github.com/joric/ts80player
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: screwbreaker on January 03, 2020, 08:06:13 pm
... it constantly behaves worse than my 14W JBC Nano ...

Yes, but is portable. You don't have to compare it with a soldering station. It is not a replacement.
But, as a portable soldering iron, it perform very well.
Title: Re: EEVblog #1114 - NEW TS80 USB Soldering Iron Review
Post by: salavat on January 16, 2020, 12:04:20 am
What kind of tip do you use?
PS - does it really gets to 12V on TS80?
Have you tried custom firmware (aka Ralim at github)?

Except for high termal tip on my JBC T245 powered by "true" 130 watts (transformer at 24V and current limit of 6A in firmware) by Unisolder, peformance of TS80 is not too far away from T245.