contrary to the mhp30, the mhp50 seems to be able to follow a reflow profile.
That's not completely true. With the latest release 2.22 of IronOS (https://github.com/Ralim/IronOS/releases/tag/v2.22) you can define a reflow profile.
Today I received my MHP50. Decent quality, nice color display, needs a powerful power supply (100W) ....
ControllerModel MHP50
Hot Plate Model AL50 (aluminum) / BS50(brass)
Heating Area 50mm*50mm
Temperature Range 100-350°C
Temperature Stability 3%
Max Power DC 5525 150W / PD 100W
Power Input DC 5525 19-24V / PD20V (Use only one input)
- Size
Controller: 71.5mm*W55.5mm*H22.5mm
Hot plate: L50mm*W50mm*H29mm
- Weight
Controller: 78g
AL50: 60g, BS50: 87g
- Smart Modes
Multi smart modes: preset temperatures, heating curves, overturn protection, brightness adjustment, firmware upgrade
Build quality is excellent, but I need a new power supply capable of running it!
* according to the firmware 'info' screen, i have the hardware version "0.70", while the screenshots in the manual display "1.0".
Got mine today and did the first tests. I'm very happy with it, it allowed me to actually solder some smd stuff I couldn't do by hand (or with a very very bad 'yield' and much frustration). So it fulfills its first duty. I used the 'reflow' for this.
First impressions:
* it's very well done, it looks solid, the firmware is easy to get
* out of random, i took the 'brass' version. It's reassuringly heavy and seems very easy to clean, especially as the plate can be removed
* not that i really care, but it looks cute/beautiful, especially with the color screen
* according to the firmware 'info' screen, i have the hardware version "0.70", while the screenshots in the manual display "1.0". I feel bad about this. This corresponds to the pcb photos posted on the minios ticket though, and i have yet to note any kind of problem.
* the 'soldering zone target temperature', which corresponds to the top temperature of the reflow profile, can't be set lower than 230°C. I dislike it, the soldering paste i'm using is marked 183°C, and the components are delicate
* there are other places where the allowed values are weird/unpractical, such as a minimum of 100°C in (constant, no reflow) heat mode
* funny detail, there's a sensor to detect when the plate is not horizontal anymore, and stop heating for safety
* as done with mhp30 and other miniware gears i guess, but new to me, it uses dfu for updates; the config "file" can be seen (and modified) in the 'usb drive' appearing when connected to a computer
* i tested with usb-pd until 12v (i dont have more), but for real testing, i used an old laptop power supply that was largely enough (~80W). My mhp50 was delivered without any power supply.
* you can add (not change) a boot logo, though it's not as easy as I would have loved (I give details here https://freehackers.org/thomas/2024/01/31/custom-logo-on-miniware-mhp50/)
* I still find it too small, and somewhat expensive for what it is
* I still find it too small, and somewhat expensive for what it is
It is a bit overpriced. But the segment is underrepresented. And Miniware are riding on their name a bit. I bought the TS100 when it first came out and to this day it still works. So at least I have some faith in the quality of their products.
It is recommended to prepare a power supply that supports the PD3.1 protocol. In the upcoming MHP50 firmware, we have added PD3.1 protocol support and can work at 140W power.
Where did you order your MHP50?
Please, could you comment on the difference between hardware 0.70 (that most of us get) and the hardware 1.0 ?? Does it ever exist ? No flame intended, just information.
In case of HW Rev. 0.7, I'll thinking about retourning it.
I don't think that we get a reply.
Is there a HW Rev. 1.0 that exists? The V1.0 in the manual may just be a graphic.
I was about to order this puppy, but what is the difference between the Aluminum with Anodized Surface plate, and the Brass with Nano Ceremic Coating plate? I know the 30*30 only comes in Brass, so why the anodized Alu? Is there any benefit to that one?
as side effect it is easier to clean.
asked that myself too.
Have you seen this?
(Attachment Link)
Physically:
Aluminum has better thermal conductivity than brass; that's why they say, alu has a "more evenly heated surface". But considering the small area of 5x5 cm, I don't think there is much difference between the aluminum and brass MHP50.
Brass is not as "hard" as Aluminium. That could be the reason, why they spend an nano ceramic coating in addition; as side effect it is easier to clean. I read somewhere, that brass needs more time to reach the same temperature compared with aluminium.
Regarding the more evenly heated surface my decision was for the AL50 Hot Plate.
It is recommended to prepare a power supply that supports the PD3.1 protocol. In the upcoming MHP50 firmware, we have added PD3.1 protocol support and can work at 140W power.
About AL55 surface cleaning - I have no experience. I returned my MHP50 because
- I got one with PCB v0.7
- The reflow welding temperature can't be set below 230 °C (at least with FW v1.0). That's bad for low temp. soldering (e. g. 150 °C), as you unnecessarily stress your PCB with much more heat than actually needed.
There is no '1.00' and apparently Miniware felt it was ready for market. I don't see the point of returning it over a number which has little meaning if you're not the manufacturer.
... they are just making low cost soldering products, primarily for hobbyists.
... they are just making low cost soldering products, primarily for hobbyists.
I (respectfully) disagree. The MHP50 is expensive !
Anyways, I want one, should I get the Alu or the ?brass/copper? One?