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Why isn't there many soldering station that uses a switch-mode converter?
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technix:
Dave already have one of those soldering iron power supplies blowing up on him. That got me thinking: why isn't many soldering stations use switch-mode converters, which can be easily made to work with a wide input voltage and is irrelevant of the input frequency.

One design idea for a switch-mode soldering station is use a laptop power brick as the universal input converter that emits 19.5V 3A. Then use an adjustable buck converter to implement the feedback-controlled heater driver.
NiHaoMike:

--- Quote from: technix on December 18, 2018, 05:44:22 am ---One design idea for a switch-mode soldering station is use a laptop power brick as the universal input converter that emits 19.5V 3A. Then use an adjustable buck converter to implement the feedback-controlled heater driver.

--- End quote ---
That's what the TS100 did.
ataradov:
From "reputable" vendors - laziness and legacy. PACE still designs new products with some hardcore obsolete 8051 MCUs in them in PLCC package.

I think there is a reasonably good switcher soldering stations sold on AliExpress. I'll try to find the link.

Ok, it was banggood. Here it is https://www.banggood.com/Mini-V3_0-T12-Digital-Temperature-Controller-Soldering-Station-Soldering-Iron-Tips-T12-K-p-1338117.html

I've seen some good reviews of that station.

And for completeness here are the tips https://www.banggood.com/10pcs-T12-Soldering-Iron-Tips-Set-for-HAKKO-FX951-FX952-p-1191594.html
Nusa:
Dave is something of a special case. Most of us don't have to worry much about having ~120V hardware lying around to accidentally plug into ~240V power. Especially those of us that live in ~120V areas, as the reverse case isn't very dramatic.

Soldering irons are just an ideal scenario for transformers. Once you've got low voltage AC, all you have to do is connect it to the heater, add triac control and a control system and you're done. The tip heater doesn't care if it gets AC or DC, nor does it require any power conditioning. Plus you get isolation for free with a transformer.

Yes, modern irons will need some DC for the fancy displays and control systems, but a few diodes and caps will give you enough for that purpose. No need to switch to a full-fledged switching supply just for that.
ataradov:

--- Quote from: Nusa on December 18, 2018, 06:29:05 am ---No need to switch to a full-fledged switching supply just for that.

--- End quote ---
Size and cost are also factors here. Big transformers are expensive. Actually, if I knew about that $50 Chinese station, I would not have bought Pace ADS-200.

Also, not having that marketing dude write "we are sorry" email may be nice :).
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