Soldering station not reaching temperature

[Erwin Ried]

Hello, I have a cheap ATTEN 8586 (I think is quite nice) but lately I noticed how the temperature shown in the screen is different than the one in the soldering iron tip.

I have a tip thermometer (the temperature was spot on months ago) and now is like off 100°C, so I need about 470°C to start to melt temp (356°C in the tip). The calibration screw is on maximum.

Do I need a new soldering iron handle, or it might be a problem in the station?


That coil seems to be related with the temp sensor

[tautech]

The coil is for GND connection to the tip to minimize ESD.

Normally the base station has a trimmer for temp calibration. If it is an open frame type the wiper may have a poor connection.
Some units they can be accessed externally, adjust it slightly and it may come right.

Replacement 8586 elements and pencils are available on eBay.

[Erwin Ried]

I see, I applied some thermal paste and it worked, it seems the base of the ceramic element cracked so the presure against the tip probably is not optimal.

The regulation pot in the base is topped max (is accesable externally)

[GEuser]

Also check to see if the tip actually goes all the way on or down , mine had a 5mm further to go , it was that spacer tube it was too long .

I too tried graphite powder to aid thermal transfer and also to make sure the tip would come off easily as I swap them about a bit .

[sleemanj]

I'd stick in a new element, the thermocouple in it may be dicky.

Of course, catch 22, you need a soldering iron to solder the element into your soldering iron :-)

Here's a seller on Aliexpress, 5 elements for $8.42, free postage.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5-pcs-lot-ATTEN-Original-Replacement-Ceramic-Heating-Element-4-Core-Heater-Part-for-AT936b-8586/1907036724.html

Can't go to far wrong with that.

[Erwin Ried]

I'd stick in a new element, the thermocouple in it may be dicky.

Of course, catch 22, you need a soldering iron to solder the element into your soldering iron :-)

Here's a seller on Aliexpress, 5 elements for $8.42, free postage.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5-pcs-lot-ATTEN-Original-Replacement-Ceramic-Heating-Element-4-Core-Heater-Part-for-AT936b-8586/1907036724.html

Can't go to far wrong with that.

hahaha so cheap! thanks

[mij59]

Also check the base unit for bad solder joints, my new hot air unit had a broken triac solder joint.