Any opinions on the Aixun T420D?

[bozza]

This station seems to be new and it looks like it actually supports all three handles T210 T115 T245.
It also allows for two handles to be used simultaneously.

I found the station here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004320345359.html

The soldering iron holders are the same as the ones on the T3A and T3B but they come with an additional bracket/clip so you can hang your iron.
Can this bracket be purchased separately?

[Ungolian]

I will say that it's cheaper than I thought it would be.  The list price of $438 is more what I expected it to be, but $329 shipped with DHL is actually a really good deal.  However, I'm still a little concerned with Aixun's build quality and quality control.  The T3A&B were a little shaky when they were first released (especially the internal soldering), which seems to have improved.  The QC issues still remain though, which is overall easy to address if you know what you're doing.  Open the unit before you plug it in, clean up any stray solder, inspect the joints (around the power supply especially), make sure there's nothing rattling around inside, and expect a cracked inductor (and be pleasantly surprised if it isn't).  The handles themselves can also have issues.  Do extensive amounts of soldering with the cheap tips before you use good JBCs.  You don't want your nice new tips to melt down.  This unit is more complex than its smaller siblings, so opening it up and inspecting it may be a lot harder.  I do like that the cables all come out of the back, but I do wish they would've put the power button on the front though.  Aixun has shown that they are willing to support the firmware, and I'd expect this to be no different.  Overall, it's probably the top in Chinesium dual soldering stations, with a good price, and proven firmware support.  But you should expect to open it up and clean and inspect it before any serious use.         

[bozza]

I would love to see a review of this station. I think an Aixun will be my next station to compliment my T12 ksger. The T115 tips are definitely handy for very small SMD components where even the smallest T12 tips are just too big.

It is between this station and the Aixun T3B! I would love to see the additional bracket from this station on the T3B!

[Ungolian]

Heh, I'm sure SteveyG will be all over this one.  However, if you already have a good selection of T12 tips, I'd say the T3A might be better for you.  The 245 system has the best selection of tips in the world.  The T3A will run your T12 tips, the 210 and 115 tips are kind of limited (more expensive too), and aside from a slightly larger tip-to-grip distance, there's literally nothing you can't do with the 245 tips.  However, I will say that I don't do phone repairs, nothing smaller than 0603, so I don't know if the lower wattage of the T115 is more appealing/less likely to lift pads than the T245 stuff.  So take that for what it's worth. 

[bozza]

Honestly it is the size of the tips on the T12 which concern me the most. They are just too big. I was doing a repair the other day on a plastic connector on a phone pcb. There just so happened to be very sensitive components on the other side. Hot air was therefore not an option. Heating from the top makes the connector melt. Heating from the bottom will most likely damage some components on the underside.

It is possible to do the repair with a soldering iron, however even the smallest t12 tip is still too big for this component.

I have more than 30 different tips for my T12 iron so I do know which kind of tips I like.

There are many great tips for the T115. The issue is that they are expensive! It is possible to get 10 T12 imitation tips for the price of one genuine T115 JBC tip.

[mastershake]

i may go ahead and order one. ill decide soon.

[damanloox]

Anybody ordered one...? Still waiting on reviews to show up but I'm really tempted to hit that "buy now" button

[mastershake]

i have one coming. it got delayed in shipping for some reason though

[SteveyG]

Heh, I'm sure SteveyG will be all over this one. 

I may skip this one - at £300 +VAT +advance handling fee it'll be around £385, more than a genuine JBC CD-2 station, so the attractiveness drops dramatically even if it does have two handpieces.
Willing to reconsider if I get requests though.

[Ungolian]

I understand.  I'm fine with the T3A myself, so my interest is minimal.  I was curious about the build quality, and someone else already has one on the way.  So that will get answered.  Your Aixun videos do seem popular though, and it would make a nice cherry on the sundae that has been the series.  But at the same time, everyone already knows that Aixun and KSGER (plus it's clones) are the go-to pocket-friendly solutions.   

[damanloox]

I may skip this one - at £300 +VAT +advance handling fee it'll be around £385, more than a genuine JBC CD-2 station, so the attractiveness drops dramatically even if it does have two handpieces.

Yeah - it's not cheap, true. But the two handpieces make it attractive for me - I need 2nd handpiece. So I either buy 2nd t3b (which is not cheap either) or sell t3b I have and buy the "big one"..
Another option is JBC nano station but that's in 1200 Euro (+ VAT) range

[Paulaner]

Alright folks, I'll take the first step and potentially waste €450 on the full set with all 3 handles (t245, t210, t115 wish me luck. Ill report back as soon as I get my hands on this thing.

[mastershake]

i have one at the office sadly with health issues i have not been able to go to the office. ill see if i can get one of my head techs to open it up and go through it and get some opinions from the guys over there.

[SteveyG]

I've got one on the way now direct from Aixun.

Steve

[karaman]

Hi
I get my one. for my use t210 handle to smol. waiting for t45.  its nice look very good and quick

[IQfuturo]

Please post a photo inside AIXUN T420D

[Hydrawerk]

I've got one on the way now direct from Aixun.

Steve

We are looking forward to a teardown and review video on youtube. 

[Hydrawerk]

Aixun has shown that they are willing to support the firmware, and I'd expect this to be no different. 

Does Aixun have a website? I couldn't find any.

[IQfuturo]

Aixun has shown that they are willing to support the firmware, and I'd expect this to be no different. 

Does Aixun have a website? I couldn't find any.

https://www.aixuntech.com/xinpinshangshi433/111.html

[akatenev]

I have one, and i'm very satisfied. it's a really good soldering station, it's really fast, calibrated just right out of the box, solid, stable, and very useful. It has nice stands, just like an original JBC, and much better than Sugon, I2C, etc. There is a cute display, very easy to read, but not so professional looking like an original one. Sadly, it has proprietary connectors, just like another clones.

[SteveyG]

I've got one on the way now direct from Aixun.

Steve

We are looking forward to a teardown and review video on youtube. 

It's due on Friday, so video should hopefully follow soon.

[Hundleton1]

I have one in hand now, she be a beast. you can feel the weight of that toroidal that apparently in there. Will be testing a lot more this week. 

[SteveyG]

Here's the control PCB and MCU section

[SteveyG]

Channel A and B Outputs

[SteveyG]

And the 15V AC-DC section

[Hydrawerk]

Channel A and B Outputs

I do not like the (probably) high current brown flat cables.
Is the case made of plastic?

[Hydrawerk]

Thank you for the video...

[Hydrawerk]

Unfortunately, original JBC handles are not directly compatible with Aixun T420D.

The connector is different, but you can replace that easily.

[nikby]

Guys, if it's not too much trouble for you, check the contacts on the handle connector with a tester without installing a soldering iron.
Between which contacts is a jumper installed to determine the connected handle С115?

[eldy]

Anyone know if I get shipped a 220V version of this item if I can just switch the power plug to make it work with 110V? TIA!

[mastershake]

no as far as i was told no you can not. you may be able to re wire the transformer but the 220v i was told directly by aixun uses a different transformer then the 110v ive already been through this with 2 different sellers myself. i had to get them to exchange them. if you open it up the trans may have both hookups but i dont believe it does. you can watch sdg's video where he does a tear down and shows you the transformer itself.

so i re watched the video and no its one or the other see here https://youtu.be/4dOrV8wTkaw?t=441

[mastershake]

Guys, if it's not too much trouble for you, check the contacts on the handle connector with a tester without installing a soldering iron.
Between which contacts is a jumper installed to determine the connected handle С115?

there is a resistor inside the handle on both the 245 and 210 that tell the station which handle is connected so i assume the 115 is the same way i can check one tomm to see

[mastershake]

Anyone know if I get shipped a 220V version of this item if I can just switch the power plug to make it work with 110V? TIA!

just to double check i opened one of our 110v units and the trans in there is a 110v only. so you do need either 110v OR THE 220v

[eldy]

Thank you. A seller on AliExpress was selling a T420D with two handles and six cartridges for $220 shipped but it was only 220v. Ended up paying $320 out the door for a 110v version. Of course it had a bad 245K cartridge. Worked for 10 minutes (maybe 30 seconds soldering) and went kaput.

[mastershake]

contact aliexpress. they should help you get a refund. they may even give you a label to send it back to the them if you ask nicely. if not contact aixun. they have been good to me. though i have 9 t420d and not a single issue with any of them. i have had to have a couple p2408s units swapped out though

[pcm81]

Just pulled the trigger on T420D. Does anyone know if anyone makes a hot air handle compatible with this unit? Would me nice to exchange one of the irons with hot air.

[jbf]

Just pulled the trigger on T420D. Does anyone know if anyone makes a hot air handle compatible with this unit? Would me nice to exchange one of the irons with hot air.

Short answer is no. 

Hot air requires an air pump.  There's no pump in the unit so the handle would have to have a fan or pump inside it, and in-handle fans are typically trash.

They are making a hot air unit supposedly.  But as to when itll be released or what itll cost, no idea.

[mastershake]

i can not say the info i was given was 100% correct but i was told q4 of 2023 for the hot air

[pcm81]

Good to know. Thanks. I bought the 2-channel unit specifically with the hope that small hot air handle may come into existence... its useful to have even just for silly things like heat shrink etc; even if it is not powerful enough to de-solder an IC...

[pcm81]

Does anyone make an adapter cable to be able to use JBC handles without rewiring?

[mastershake]

some info on the h316d the hot air station coming from aixun

https://www.aixuntech.com/newsinfo/hot-air-soldering-station/

[jbf]

Here's the actual link:

https://www.aixuntech.com/newsinfo/aixun-smart-hot-air-gun-h310d-new-arrial/

[mastershake]

that link wasnt up yet when i posted the one i did. they added it later. there is a video showing some of the features here:

[pcm81]

T420D is in the house. So far i like it. Using a large chisel tip from JBC i was able to tin a 1/4" thick 4"x4" steel plate, so yeah enough power. The power graph is fun. Noticed that most of the time it is not running at 100%, suggesting that thermal transfer from the tip to the part being soldered is the limiting factor.

[jbf]

Noticed last night that Aixun hot air stations are now up on aliexpress. 
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800167540864.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.34f8M9AmM9Amte&algo_pvid=b0acacf1-3398-4b2f-972c-f35e973ae0d7&algo_exp_id=b0acacf1-3398-4b2f-972c-f35e973ae0d7-0&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21USD%21244.65%21168.81%21%21%21%21%21%40211bd4cd16858208602353317d07fa%2112000033878804739%21sea%21US%21760429942&curPageLogUid=qOg4pCReCq6b]
[url]https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800167540864.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.34f8M9AmM9Amte&algo_pvid=b0acacf1-3398-4b2f-972c-f35e973ae0d7&algo_exp_id=b0acacf1-3398-4b2f-972c-f35e973ae0d7-0&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21USD%21244.65%21168.81%21%21%21%21%21%40211bd4cd16858208602353317d07fa%2112000033878804739%21sea%21US%21760429942&curPageLogUid=qOg4pCReCq6b[/url]

[mastershake]

way to much imo. they will come down and prob even with free shipping if given a bit of time. the actual full msrp retail price is only 187.00. i have an order in for some of the 310d's but i have no received shipping confirmation yet. im hoping i will soon though i have 12 ordered (for the shop) but the 110v versions. ill keep you all posted on when or if they ship and ill ask if maybe i can do a discount or something (i doubt it though they are stingy with discounts but i will ask) i am also asking about becoming a aixun dealer here in the usa for the people here. and stocking the products.

[slavoy]

I recently posted a full review of this station with English subtitles if anyone is interested. It is the best-made and most functional Chinese soldering station I have tested so far. I recommend it.

[ilkinandr92]

Picked up T420 C245 for $160

[ilkinandr92]

Station arrived and tips for T245 Seem to have 2.8 ohms resistance.

[Ariamella]

How has the T420(D) iron been treating you folk? Considering getting it over the T3A due to the T3A buzzing issues.

[ndarjo21]

I think, it is better to have 2 soldering station. When one fail, you still have another

[ndarjo21]

Yeah sure. It is cheap. Btw, tell me if it have overshooting problem like t3a. I read one comment in youtube about t420d have overshooting problem after update the firmware.

[evgenij]

Hi folks,

I'm thinking about retiring my rds80 and buying a station with active soldering tips, so i came across the aixun stations. Since I want to stay as flexible as possible, the Aixun-T420 would be the "better" option for me than e.g. the Aixun-T320, especially since it supports 3 different holders. But what I'm not 100% sure about is this strange ground problem that the Aixun-T320/Aixun-T3A have. Is the T420 also affected?

br
Evgenij

[ndarjo21]

What i get from sdg video is, it happen when tip / ground earthed. So it will shorted voltage from thermocouple to the earth then affect the signal if temperature. He says it better use floating psu

[Neshco]

Looking for some active tip soldering station and this one is on the top of the list, what about the handles, have anyone tried genuine JBC handles and tips on it, does it need some hacking or can be plugged without any modification?

[GnomeZA]

Looking for some active tip soldering station and this one is on the top of the list, what about the handles, have anyone tried genuine JBC handles and tips on it, does it need some hacking or can be plugged without any modification?

Came to ask the same thing, I suspect it'll need a new connector.  I bought a genuine JBC T245-PA and used that on my Aixun T3A.  I've now ordered a T420 and I'd like to do the same for the 115 (using JBC NT115).

So I'm wondering if anyone knows what kind of connector is being used and what the pin out is?

EDIT: Oh you posted this a long time ago, ever get anywhere with that?

[erniarrow]

Hi all. I recently purchased the Aixun T420 single-channel solder station with a soldering iron holder. When using the C115 soldering handle and tip, I hear a clicking sound from the solder station when turning it on. This sound does not occur when I use the C210 handle and tip. Has any Aixun T420 user experienced the same issue? I suspect that this sound originates from the relay switching inside the solder station when adjusting the voltage for the new type of soldering tip, but I would appreciate confirmation from others regarding this matter. Thank you in advance.

[GnomeZA]

Hi all. I recently purchased the Aixun T420 single-channel solder station with a soldering iron holder. When using the C115 soldering handle and tip, I hear a clicking sound from the solder station when turning it on. This sound does not occur when I use the C210 handle and tip. Has any Aixun T420 user experienced the same issue? I suspect that this sound originates from the relay switching inside the solder station when adjusting the voltage for the new type of soldering tip, but I would appreciate confirmation from others regarding this matter. Thank you in advance.

T245 and T210 use a 28v winding and the T115 uses a 8.5v winding.  So the click is it selecting to the lower voltage winding.  You can see the windings here:

[GnomeZA]

I ordered a T420 from an Aliexpress seller and realised the T420 IS NOT the same as the T420D


source

And this isn't just wording or mistranslation; there is a different firmware



I should call out that based on that press release from Aixun you need to choose carefully, because some people are throwing out info like the T420 is a "gentle" path to T420D.  That does not appear to be the case.

They only appear to release partial firmwares on their Github, so I doubt you can just cross-flash; hardware not withstanding, would be interested to hear if anyone has attempted this cross flash.  Since the full firmware is not available and the microprocessor is read protected I'm not going to risk throwing $200 in the water.

Hardware wise my T420 has T420D hardware, identical to SDGs.  I got some black painted philips screws instead of stainless allen key nuts holding things in place (yes, I pay attention to that level of detail).  Otherwise I couldn't spot a single difference based on what SDG showed.

[erniarrow]

Is it just about software limitations? Hmm... Interesting.

[GnomeZA]

Is it just about software limitations? Hmm... Interesting.

Well keep in mind that they advertise a feature-set.  There is nothing preventing them from simplifying the hardware on the T420.  But for now, or at least the unit I got, the hardware is identical.  All the solder masks show "T420D" typically with "v1.0" or similar.

[erniarrow]

Do you have plans to purchase a soldering stand (my assumption is a left-sided soldering stand) and a different soldering iron handle, then use them simultaneously with another type of soldering iron to ensure this? I really want to do it, but unfortunately, my finances are limited at the moment.

[GnomeZA]

Do you have plans to purchase a soldering stand (my assumption is a left-sided soldering stand) and a different soldering iron handle, then use them simultaneously with another type of soldering iron to ensure this? I really want to do it, but unfortunately, my finances are limited at the moment.

My plan is to use T245 and T115.  I don't really see the point in T210 because I either want to solder really small SMD parts and for everything else I've been doing great with the T245.  Ofc many people could make the same argument for T210 and T115 but the T210 is a bit more power limited. (but I digress)

I ordered the T420 with a T115 handle.
I also ordered a genuine JBC T115 and T245 handle, so I'll be using those two.
I did the same conversion with my Aixun T3A which is using a genuine T245 handle, and the quality of the latest Aixun handles are a lot better, but I want the "genuine" JBC experience without JBC prices and I'm doing that using the genuine hand piece and tips

I still have a Aixun T245 handle (from T3A), changed the connector and tested it on the T420.  The problem I'm having is, it seem you have to use the stand.  If you connect it via the stand, it works just fine.  If you connect it via the station directly you can't turn on the iron.  It is detected just fine but it is stuck in sleep mode.  And before you tell me I connected it wrong, or it is the wrong handle or or or.  I tested this in all possible configurations. T115 connected directly and via stand. T245 direct and via stand.  Only one at a time, more than one at a time, etc.  The results are identical no matter the configuration.  I could no doubt make something that connects between the station and the back of the unit to allow it to turn on without a stand but what I wanted was the T115 hanging down using those suspension hanger things and turning on and off if I take it off.


TL;DR: Yes I ordered an additional cradle so I can use T245 and T115.  When I have time I want to use a single stand with both T245 and T115 with T115 hanging and T245 in the cradle.

[GnomeZA]

Pictures of the T420(D) stand.  I added the blue cable tie.  The slightly molten insulation on the yellow/green wire is my mistake, I reflowed a bunch of the joints on this thing taking it apart and that one wire got too hot.

[GnomeZA]

More pictures of the T420(D) stand.  The first picture was before I cleaned it.  The PCB after cleaning off the flux had some bits of copper showing which I touched up with nail polish (last pic).

With both the T245 and T115 hand-pieces, all metal parts are at earth potential.  Including the outside of the cartridges.

[GnomeZA]

T115 hand piece pictures

[GnomeZA]

T245 hand piece is 100% identical, wiring wise, to the JBC original hand piece.  I don't want to post someone else' pictures here without permission but google "T245 pinout" and you'll see it matches 100%.

This means you can use Aixun/JBC T245 hand pieces interchangeable between Aixun T420(D) and JBC stations

there is a resistor inside the handle on both the 245

Unfortunately, original JBC handles are not directly compatible with Aixun T420D.

Do you guys actually have this station?

I can't see that they would have changed this, there is no V1/V2 for T420D and the pin-out matches the standard JBC and the connector is the same.
At least for T245.
T115 for sure is different it has a different connector.
I don't have a T210 to test.

If you do have the station could you take a picture of your T245 hand-piece with the cover removed, where you had this resistor?

[GnomeZA]

Another T420D stand PCB exists which is used with the T210.
Cross posting with permission from @breeze1113

So here are some pictures and cable color pinout to the soldering station and the pinout from the base to hand piece. Note: the black and the blue are shorted by the pcb. I don't know why t is so different the pcbs of the right and the left base. Maybe it is made to not connect for example 2 245 hand pieces( just an Idea). Maybe it could be helful for someone. At this moment I can only connect the t245 hand piece to the left side base and the 210 to the right one.

[GnomeZA]

Based on this I also tested the T420.
Both AC/DC are at 0 volts when I measure to ground (measured with Keithley 2000 at fast speed, just in case).
But I was basically measuring 0.00<noise bits>mV.

[SteveyG]

Yes, the T420D doesn't seem to have any of the issues seen with the other units with tip voltage or strange behaviour on boards referenced to mains earth

[hasbihal]

I ordered a T420 from an Aliexpress seller and realised the T420 IS NOT the same as the T420D

(Attachment Link)
source

And this isn't just wording or mistranslation; there is a different firmware

(Attachment Link)

I should call out that based on that press release from Aixun you need to choose carefully, because some people are throwing out info like the T420 is a "gentle" path to T420D.  That does not appear to be the case.

They only appear to release partial firmwares on their Github, so I doubt you can just cross-flash; hardware not withstanding, would be interested to hear if anyone has attempted this cross flash.  Since the full firmware is not available and the microprocessor is read protected I'm not going to risk throwing $200 in the water.

Hardware wise my T420 has T420D hardware, identical to SDGs.  I got some black painted philips screws instead of stainless allen key nuts holding things in place (yes, I pay attention to that level of detail).  Otherwise I couldn't spot a single difference based on what SDG showed.

Just found out about the t420 that it is indeed upgradeable to dual channel.

 " Support T245/T210/T115 three handles, standard package with T210 cradle, support upgrading to two cradles with two channels work together"

I think what you found out was about t410 series. I am going to order t420 and try out

[mebel]

We are waiting for the feedback.

T420 and 2 handles at the same time.



The film is in russian but one can turn english subtitles.

[GnomeZA]

Just found out about the t420 that it is indeed upgradeable to dual channel.

 " Support T245/T210/T115 three handles, standard package with T210 cradle, support upgrading to two cradles with two channels work together"

I think what you found out was about t410 series. I am going to order t420 and try out

Link?

Their official documentation says it is not the same.

Did you miss the part where I literally posted a screenshot of their firmware page?
Or their FAQ saying that they are not the same? (https://web.archive.org/web/20231229095732/https://www.aixuntech.com/newsinfo/Aixun%20T420D%20VS%20T420%20Soldering%20Station/)

At present they seem to ship out the T420D with single cradle, but the units are officially not the same.
They could decide to change that in the future.

We are waiting for the feedback.

T420 and 2 handles at the same time.



The film is in russian but one can turn english subtitles.

He didn't show the firmware, but it is very likely he got the T420D with a single cradle.
If you get the T420 firmware you'd be screwed.
Since the T3A all Aixun stations ship with the microprocessor read protected.
So there is no way at present to cross flash even if you have the exact same hardware with the other firmware.

[hasbihal]

Just found out about the t420 that it is indeed upgradeable to dual channel.

 " Support T245/T210/T115 three handles, standard package with T210 cradle, support upgrading to two cradles with two channels work together"

I think what you found out was about t410 series. I am going to order t420 and try out

Link?

Their official documentation says it is not the same.

Did you miss the part where I literally posted a screenshot of their firmware page?
Or their FAQ saying that they are not the same? (https://web.archive.org/web/20231229095732/https://www.aixuntech.com/newsinfo/Aixun%20T420D%20VS%20T420%20Soldering%20Station/)

At present they seem to ship out the T420D with single cradle, but the units are officially not the same.
So they could decide to change that in the future.

No, I didn't miss this, it was actually the reason why I double checked.. I don't know why they write that, but watch the vid above which @mebel shared.

The info is on their homepage under products -> soldering stations -> page 2 -> t420

https://www.aixuntech.com/product/t420-smart-soldering-station-kit-for-bga-rework/

[hasbihal]

He didn't show the firmware, but it is very likely he got the T420D with a single cradle.
If you get the T420 firmware you'd be screwed.
Since the T3A all Aixun stations ship with the microprocessor read protected.
So there is no way at present to cross flash even if you have the exact same hardware with the other firmware.

Look at the packaging, it clearly says T420.. I don't know why you are insisting on that it wouldn't work, but w/e..
I'll wait till monday and then place my order since the company I want to buy it from wouldn't ship on weekends anyway.

[GnomeZA]

Look at the packaging, it clearly says T420.. I don't know why you are insisting on that it wouldn't work, but w/e..

I'm saying it could or could not work, they could be selling T420Ds as T420 right now.
But they can change that.
Because I'm reading the fine print and calling out the fact that hopes and dreams may work, but according to the fine print, it may not.
There is also a different firmware version available online for the T420 which was released recently.
And I found no way to switch between the T420D <-> T420 firmware.
So when those come into stock, it could be that some future reader sees your insistence that they are the same, and in fact not get what they thought they would get.

[hasbihal]

Look at the packaging, it clearly says T420.. I don't know why you are insisting on that it wouldn't work, but w/e..

I'm saying it could or could not work, they could be selling T420Ds as T420 right now.
But they can change that.
Because I'm reading the fine print and calling out the fact that hopes and dreams may work, but according to the fine print, it may not.
There is also a different firmware version available online for the T420 which was released recently.
So when those come into stock, it could be that some future reading sees your instance that they are the same and in fact not get what they thought they would get.

(Attachment Link)

True, they might have changed just to place the T420D better and at a better price point.. but the video of the russian guy is about 3 months old, soo my hopes are up.
Just saw the T400 btw, they announced it recently. Seems really interesting, but I assume it will be much more expensive than the T420..

I think I'm gonna wait for it to be released or at least tested by Steve or someone..

[GnomeZA]

True, they might have changed just to place the T420D better and at a better price point.. but the video of the russian guy is about 3 months old, soo my hopes are up.

The T420 firmware is very new, so it is more likely you'll get the T420D the sooner you order rather than later.
I ordered T420 in December and got a box that said T420D and T420D station with a cradle missing from the box.

Just saw the T400 btw, they announced it recently. Seems really interesting, but I assume it will be much more expensive than the T420..

I'm very sure it'll be more expensive.
It looks interesting, but nothing there is what I'm interested in at present.

I wish they could bring and alternative to the JBC desolder gun.
Basically a clone of their pump; the JBC desolder gun uses the same cartridge as a T245 apparently.
The other feature that would be great is to support the JBC tweezers.

There is a video, quite old now, with MarcoReps where he confirmed the JBC tweezers are just T245 with two channels.
So in theory a T420D could already power a JBC tweezer if you get created with wiring.

[hasbihal]

True, they might have changed just to place the T420D better and at a better price point.. but the video of the russian guy is about 3 months old, soo my hopes are up.

The T420 firmware is very new, so it is more likely you'll get the T420D the sooner you order rather than later.
I ordered T420 in December and got a box that said T420D and T420D station with a cradle missing from the box.

I asked the seller I wanted to buy from, apparently they are an authorized reseller.
They said, the t420 can be equipped with two handles/docks, but only one can be used simultaneously (I assume it's coded in the firmware).

[GnomeZA]

I asked the seller I wanted to buy from, apparently they are an authorized reseller.
They said, the t420 can be equipped with two handles/docks, but only one can be used simultaneously (I assume it's coded in the firmware).

The thing is, they could make a whole bunch of changes to it actually.  Since the transformer will only be half as loaded now.  So I think until we get an official "T420" (with the T420 firmware); you should assume you could either get a T420D or T420D with T420 firmware or a T420 with totally different internals, fewer transformer taps and so on.  I mean they are trying to save pennies on these things.  So no limits to what they can leave out to accomplish that.

[mebel]

Please stick to facts and not just assumptions.

[GnomeZA]

T420 and 2 handles at the same time.

I asked the seller I wanted to buy from, apparently they are an authorized reseller.
They said, the t420 can be equipped with two handles/docks, but only one can be used simultaneously (I assume it's coded in the firmware).

Please stick to facts and not just assumptions.

 

You have absolutely 0 authority on this forum and more importantly the whole point is to have open discussions, if people want to be informed.
Shutting down a discussion because it doesn't fit your narrative is fascist, maybe you should find a place where you'll be able to police what people can or can't talk about?

Pointing out the disconnect between what you assume you are getting and what the product facts STATE you are getting means YOU are making assumptions and the hardware.
You are assuming you are getting a T420D, when the specifications, new firmware releases and now resellers are saying that will no longer be the case.
Nowhere did they say "hey we are sending you a T420D hardware wise and it will be T420 firmware".
You made that assumption.

Next you'll link me to your Russian video again, and I'll say the same thing I've said before.
The firmware releases for T420 is new, it is not unusual for companies to send out a better product while working to release a lower cost variant of product.

[mebel]

your narrative is fascist

 

People want to read about facts not your speculations or wisdoms from glass ball.

[Okto47]

Bought a 420 two weeks ago , was in a 420 package but system says it’s a 420D
V1.21 produced 2023-11-20

But yes if there came a new 420 firmware it sounds like they plan to change that.
Luckily I’m not affected : )
Haven’t knowed that otherwise I had ordered a 420D. Doesn’t want two stands as I use one stand with T245 and T115 handle , the T115 hanging on the rod with T115 bracket .

Anyone knows if there is a firmware version which shows real temp drop when starting  soldering ? Bullsh** to always show adjusted temp at that graph.

And just if someone interested , from my tests the Aixun Handles and Wires have no ESD additives/ surface / threatment. The ESD Meter goes high after rubbing and the ESD surface meter shows nothing too. (Wrapped highly conductive foil with conductive glue around the wire at two locations and placed the surface sensors on the stand away flat end of it).

[hasbihal]

Bought a 420 two weeks ago , was in a 420 package but system says it’s a 420D
V1.21 produced 2023-11-20

But yes if there came a new 420 firmware it sounds like they plan to change that.
Luckily I’m not affected : )
Haven’t knowed that otherwise I had ordered a 420D. Doesn’t want two stands as I use one stand with T245 and T115 handle , the T115 hanging on the separate ordered rod with T115 bracket beside of the stand . Tool change is for booth. Main seating hole & that one at the rod are separated to each channel.

Anyone knows if there is a firmware version which shows real temp drop when starting  soldering ? Doesn’t like that it shows always the adjusted temp instead of real drop , makes the graph useless but maybe when they showed it they got too many questions why there is such a big temp drop even if usual with low mass cartridges.

So did I get that right? You CAN use both handles (T245 and T115) simultaneously? They heat both up at the same time?

[Okto47]

Yes at my station I could.
At menu it shows it’s a 420D even if I bought a 420 in a 420 package.

But maybe  they gonna change that and new 420 then can’t use booth channels at same time??
Usability then depends on how the switch function between handles is realized I thought.

[ResHacker]

Hi all, also yesterday pulled the trigger on T420 with one handle as I believe it's the best value for the buck for such station. Will post later if it is the "D" version or not but I don't really need it at the moment as I'm only hobbyist who loves to have quality gear 

Anyone knows if there is a firmware version which shows real temp drop when starting  soldering ? Bullsh** to always show adjusted temp at that graph.

Quite afraid of this shitty behavior which I also saw in videos on newer FWs on T3A, so is it really the case among all of the FWs? If you cool it down on a sponge, it remains still the same? Thx for the info..

[GnomeZA]

Quite afraid of this shitty behavior which I also saw in videos on newer FWs on T3A, so is it really the case among all of the FWs? If you cool it down on a sponge, it remains still the same? Thx for the info..

I'm running the latest firmware and have a Hakko tip temperature measurement thingy.
I've tested with a T245 and T115 and both behaved correctly.
I am using genuine T245 & T115 tips and also using the original JBC handles for both.
Doubt the handles would make a difference, but the tips could definitely make a difference

[ResHacker]

Thx for the info, will inform how about mine when it arrives..

I agree the handle should not have big impact on the temp measurement as it's basically a copy of the JBC. Regarding the tip itself, yes, but even for the non-original one there is thermal sensing element, so while of course it can read wrong numbers, it should be noticeable when you cool id quickly down (ie in the wet sponge).
I have seen some videos with T3A featuring the latest FW (think it was 1.34) showing still the same set temperature whatever happened. Would be sad to see it also on T420.

[Okto47]

Would be sad to see it also on T420.

Unfortunately it is , at least with the firmware my station came.
Would be interesting if there is a firmware which shows real temp and if a downgrade is possible.

At 350°C , touching a big copper piece with 5mm chisel until even became solid at top side of chisel , station still shows 350°C .
Even then it uses just a few percent of power , thought because of heater diameter , but that’s ok as it is not a 200W tip .

And is it ok that if starting the station with a clone tip it always ask which handpiece it is , but not with JBC or Aixun tips.
If someone interested, the <5$ clones often have stupid shapes , the 9-14$ mostly ok but need 20-50% longer for heating a very large area  as JBC ones (50% only at very long tip). Still ok for private and not often used tips . But Few clones died very fast too.

About JBC/aixun handles , shouldn’t affect temp readings anyhow and JBC has ESD safe design too , if I remember correctly (times ago) there is a connection between silicone wire and GND inside the connector. Not shure how important that really is but Aixun has nothing there (measured with ESD field & surface meter which I borrowed).
 Saw a connector diagram when searching pinout where it has XGD10603 diodes too but not shure about that.

[Okto47]

Anyone tried to make a C470 tip running with it?
Doesn’t know if the thermocouple voltage is similar enough to C425 . Thought station has enough power , maybe even could connect booth windings in series to get the original C470 voltage.

What works nicely is a DIY tweezer with a C245 at each channel . Used a small PCB which could hold a C245 tip for that , made to build an  handle but easy to mount on a large tweezer.

[hasbihal]

I bought one aswell two weeks ago and received my package a few days ago. Paid around 170€ shipped including taxes..
Menu says T420D, I ordered a second cradle to confirm that I can use both handles at the same time..

The thing is, that my unit does a buzzing sound.. I tried with an Aixun T210 handle and a geniune JBC T245 handle. On the T210 the sound is more prominent. And it doesn't matter which side I plug the cradle in, the buzzing still occurs.
I assume it comes from the toroidal transformer. The seller apparently contacted Aixun and replied to me, that it is "normal" that the unit does that sound.

Still its annoying as fuck.. and I'm thinking about sending it back.
Does anyone have the same issue?

[Okto47]

Does anyone have the same issue?

Yes the Trafo is not completely silent , if you mean the typical trafo buzzing which goes up down exactly same as energy meter at display.

If ionly that and not really loud it’s normal for that stations trafo type , how it works , that power
There are different trafo types and ways to build to make it way more silent but that’s nothing expectable from a china clone .

Clones with DC (switching power supply ) could be very quiet but have their own problems with cartridges made for AC.
Really expensive trafo systems are way quieter too but still hearable. My pace is not really one of the silent ones and is about ⅓ as loud.
<40W trafo systems could be nearly unhearable (but what I mean as nearly unhearable could be too loud for someone else).

The trafo and the 2CH was the reason for me to buy that one , but I have known before it’s not  silent , but my fume exhaust ventilation is not really silent too - a old GPU fan with a filter mounted on backside which turns on at full speed if I take any handle out of it’s cradle (and if soldering often you should have one too).

But could be a fault too if really loud, itself like unsymmetrical windings , broken  or electronic fault …. Or even from your side ; bad energy with a lot of noise , unsymmetrical AC , bad ground , voltage, frequency ….  (more unlikely in a private household that that  from other devices , but  bad energy supplier or bad installations ….). Or it stays at a non stable easy vibrating surface.
Or simply mechanically , maybe from shipping , like loose  screws , direct contact to plastic housing (instead of that thin rubber). Station has potential to make it quieter too through better damping , decoupling , weight , better housing/case . As it is it’s a thin lightweight plastic case with thin rubber as decoupling without damping and thin rubber as feets too.

[hasbihal]

Thank you for the detailed reply. I can safely say that there is no mechanical damage on the unit.

It might be that I am just very spoiled with silence and I've not used it in my "lab envoirement" yet. If other units have the same issue, then there is no point trying to swap my unit out and try other units..
Here is a video about that: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cui7suIONVU



Also; I tested a geniune JBC cartridge, but the displayed temp was higher than the measured temp (around 30°K difference). Did anyone else check and can compare?

Plus, I found some "hidden" menu. No clue what that could mean, but here they are..

[hanzz]

Plus, I found some "hidden" menu. No clue what that could mean, but here they are..

how did you get there?

[litris]

Hi, I always liked the T3A station and its quick tip change plus fast heat up time but I have already read a lot of the faults that the T320 from AiXun has also inherited.

That's why I've decided on a T420 is for my hobby and I don't need two handles although in the future I might add one more for smd specific use with smaller tips.

But today I saw the T420 showing in the specs 200W as the T420D, T3A even the T320 are 200W, but in the T420 manual it shows 100W 🤷🏻‍♂️.

How can it be that all lower model supplies have 200W even the T420D but the T420 shows in the manual 100W.

I would like to be sure that I will have the same power as the previous stations, before I buy it.

Do you know if the T420 is just as powerful 200W as all your models?

Thanks.
Edit:
I have always suffered with multiview (multilayer) pads plus large ground points or on-board transformers both with older JBCs and with the Yihua 937D that I have been using for over 15 years, so I worry about power so I don't suffer with soldering like that again.

[litris]

Thank you for the detailed reply. I can safely say that there is no mechanical damage on the unit.

It might be that I am just very spoiled with silence and I've not used it in my "lab envoirement" yet. If other units have the same issue, then there is no point trying to swap my unit out and try other units..
Here is a video about that: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cui7suIONVU



Also; I tested a geniune JBC cartridge, but the displayed temp was higher than the measured temp (around 30°K difference). Did anyone else check and can compare?

Plus, I found some "hidden" menu. No clue what that could mean, but here they are..

I built myself last year a power supply and mount a transformer almost equal to the T420D station two independent windings one of 15v 100w and another of 180w 24v and without load when I turn it on you do not hear anything but if you put your ear to the box you hear the hum, I expected noise is normal but use some rubber bands at the bottom with the screw through the center and another above is a huge washer that already brought but thick rubber that prevents vibration.

I haven't done a test with load but I'm sure the hum will increase (if I can, I'll do it and I'll let you know).

The source I built it because now everything is sold are switched sources and it is horrible the electrical noise that they put to test the projects that is why I ended up building one.

I had an older fixed one for a station and the hum was huge!

Anyway others who have it can confirm it.

In the video the cric cric that is not from the source I don't know what it will be, the nnnmn that is.

If you mean the one that sounds like a cricket, that's not it, it's something else, the one from the transformer is constant.

[hasbihal]

Hi, I always liked the T3A station and its quick tip change plus fast heat up time but I have already read a lot of the faults that the T320 from AiXun has also inherited.

That's why I've decided on a T420 is for my hobby and I don't need two handles although in the future I might add one more for smd specific use with smaller tips.

But today I saw the T420 showing in the specs 200W as the T420D, T3A even the T320 are 200W, but in the T420 manual it shows 100W 🤷🏻‍♂️.

How can it be that all lower model supplies have 200W even the T420D but the T420 shows in the manual 100W.

I would like to be sure that I will have the same power as the previous stations, before I buy it.

Do you know if the T420 is just as powerful 200W as all your models?

Thanks.
Edit:
I have always suffered with multiview (multilayer) pads plus large ground points or on-board transformers both with older JBCs and with the Yihua 937D that I have been using for over 15 years, so I worry about power so I don't suffer with soldering like that again.

I've bought one from Tempered store (https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006458278878.html) and talked to the seller before purchasing. They told me T420 is upgradable to two handles and both handles work at the same time (basically T420D). Thats why I bought from them.
After receiving my unit I powered it on and the menu said T420D, after a teardown, on every PCB it says T420D.

But I've also copntacted an italian seller (apparently certified by aixun) and he told me, that the T420 can be upgraded to two handles, but they apparently don't work simultaneously (using right handle -> if you pick up left handle it heats up, but right handle not)..

Eventhough most things I've read and seen so far is, that T420 is basically T420d with one cradle missing, it still might be that Aixun has changed that a few months ago (my unit was from 10.2023), so the italian seller might be right.

Thank you for the detailed reply. I can safely say that there is no mechanical damage on the unit.

It might be that I am just very spoiled with silence and I've not used it in my "lab envoirement" yet. If other units have the same issue, then there is no point trying to swap my unit out and try other units..
Here is a video about that: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cui7suIONVU



Also; I tested a geniune JBC cartridge, but the displayed temp was higher than the measured temp (around 30°K difference). Did anyone else check and can compare?

Plus, I found some "hidden" menu. No clue what that could mean, but here they are..

I built myself last year a power supply and mount a transformer almost equal to the T420D station two independent windings one of 15v 100w and another of 180w 24v and without load when I turn it on you do not hear anything but if you put your ear to the box you hear the hum, I expected noise is normal but use some rubber bands at the bottom with the screw through the center and another above is a huge washer that already brought but thick rubber that prevents vibration.

I haven't done a test with load but I'm sure the hum will increase (if I can, I'll do it and I'll let you know).

The source I built it because now everything is sold are switched sources and it is horrible the electrical noise that they put to test the projects that is why I ended up building one.

I had an older fixed one for a station and the hum was huge!

Anyway others who have it can confirm it.

In the video the cric cric that is not from the source I don't know what it will be, the nnnmn that is.

If you mean the one that sounds like a cricket, that's not it, it's something else, the one from the transformer is constant.

Well, I've used the station a bit by now, and I placed it further than the cradles. It doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would.. still thank you for the info.

[litris]

I've bought one from Tempered store (https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006458278878.html) and talked to the seller before purchasing. They told me T420 is upgradable to two handles and both handles work at the same time (basically T420D). Thats why I bought from them.
After receiving my unit I powered it on and the menu said T420D, after a teardown, on every PCB it says T420D.

Use the link you sent me and there is a screenshot that says 120w in the description if so I don't like it.

I have also thought that they are fake units.

Why on the official website they show a video of the T420 model using both handles at the same time.

This I don't need but I do want a higher wattage unit than the lower versions.

It doesn't make sense that an inferior one would have the ability to deliver more than a newer, more powerful version.

Thanks for the info and the link.

One question, in the EU zone do I have to pay customs fees because it exceeds 150€?

Thanks again.

Edit:
It appears that they ship a 100W T410 as a T420.

I leave official screenshots from the Aixun website.

[eutectique]

My interpretation of this marketing material is following:

• 200W high-power transformer -- this is literally the power rating of the transformer. Nothing is said how much power is delivered to the tip(s).
• 400W peak power -- two cold high-power tips (C245966) could potentially draw 400W from a power supply with a 200W transformer, during 2-seconds of warm-up.
• 100W peak power -- note that the leaflet mentions T210 handle. A C210 tip is likely to deliver up to 50W continuously.

[litris]

My interpretation of this marketing material is following:

• 200W high-power transformer -- this is literally the power rating of the transformer. Nothing is said how much power is delivered to the tip(s).
• 400W peak power -- two cold high-power tips (C245966) could potentially draw 400W from a power supply with a 200W transformer, during 2-seconds of warm-up.
• 100W peak power -- note that the leaflet mentions T210 handle. A C210 tip is likely to deliver up to 50W continuously.

Yes it looks like it.

And all three models support 2 at a time but the 100w the T410 would only run one at a time.

The 200W both at the same time but one at full power.

And the T420D both handles could use full power.

In the specs it says T420D 200w continuous and 400w peak.

The T420 says 200w only and in other places on the web it says 100w each output and in others 120w each output.

And the T410 100W peak and 50w continuous.

But outwardly they are identical you only know if you see the inside and the transformer.

I think there are sellers that sell one for the other just changing the sticker because if you don't open it you don't see it.

So there are videos where they go both at once and other users claim that only one works at a time the other stops working, in this case have received the T410 instead of the T420 because the latter if it works both at once, Aixun says in videos and shows it.

You have to know where to buy them.

[mebel]

Mine was delivered today.
Bought here

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805833443815.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.3ad61802QptNtH&dp=3017e259323f8fbd408a8e24a70a5290&af=2089403&cv=47843&afref=https%3A%2F%2Fakcedeals.eu%2F&mall_affr=pr3&utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=2089403&utm_content=47843&dp=3017e259323f8fbd408a8e24a70a5290&af=2089403&cv=47843&afref=https%3A%2F%2Fakcedeals.eu%2F&mall_affr=pr3&utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=2089403&utm_content=47843&aff_fcid=04343d7c37354a90a654709247365387-1710442351646-05120-_ePNSNV&aff_fsk=_ePNSNV&aff_platform=portals-tool&sk=_ePNSNV&aff_trace_key=04343d7c37354a90a654709247365387-1710442351646-05120-_ePNSNV&terminal_id=f66b0fa9eb23415586c911e54c0141a6&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Made date 30.08.2023
Firmware 1.13
Aixun app recognizes it as T420D.
Flashed newest firmware for T420D v1.24
Inside the transformer is 220VA.
On the display there is "T420D" info.

Had to pay tax and duty.

[litris]

Mine was delivered today.
Bought here

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805833443815.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.3ad61802QptNtH&dp=3017e259323f8fbd408a8e24a70a5290&af=2089403&cv=47843&afref=https%3A%2F%2Fakcedeals.eu%2F&mall_affr=pr3&utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=2089403&utm_content=47843&dp=3017e259323f8fbd408a8e24a70a5290&af=2089403&cv=47843&afref=https%3A%2F%2Fakcedeals.eu%2F&mall_affr=pr3&utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=2089403&utm_content=47843&aff_fcid=04343d7c37354a90a654709247365387-1710442351646-05120-_ePNSNV&aff_fsk=_ePNSNV&aff_platform=portals-tool&sk=_ePNSNV&aff_trace_key=04343d7c37354a90a654709247365387-1710442351646-05120-_ePNSNV&terminal_id=f66b0fa9eb23415586c911e54c0141a6&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Made date 30.08.2023
Firmware 1.13
Aixun app recognizes it as T420D.
Flashed newest firmware for T420D
Inside the transformer is 220VA.
On the display there is "T420D" info.

Thank you for the information.

That seller has the same one with 3 tips included and I am in contact with him and he told me it was 120w he sent me a screenshot.

He did not behave well at all and I am looking for another seller.

I asked him if the taxes were included so as not to pay customs and he told me to buy it first 🤷🏻‍♂️

[litris]

Inside the transformer is 220VA.

This would be about 180W or a little less.

It would be correct for a T420

[mebel]

T420D has the same 220VA transformer.

[mebel]

"He did not behave well at all and I am looking for another seller.

I asked him if the taxes were included so as not to pay customs and he told me to buy it first 🤷🏻‍♂️"

You misunderstood it, the Aliexpress store decides when to reduce the price by tax, this is shown on the last purchase screen.
Generally, if the price of the item exceeds EUR 150, you always pay the tax upon delivery.

[litris]

You misunderstood it, the Aliexpress store decides when to reduce the price by tax, this is shown on the last purchase screen.
Generally, if the price of the item exceeds EUR 150, you always pay the tax upon delivery.

Ahh ok! 🤦🏻‍♂️

I will use your link!

In the description of the link you send me it does show the actual power of 200W.

The one I have from the same seller shows 120W power but includes 3 tips.

I have never used a K tip.

All my tips were on normal JBC soldering irons and de-soldering irons a little flat and 1.6mm the flat 0.8mm and so I have run over 30 years the other years I used JBC but the smd handle of those years used very thin tips almost unusable.

With the regular JBC handle I used the round one.

Then the faster Chinese stations came out and I switched to the handle and tip I now use 907A.

I am not a newbie but I never used any other type of tip and I have many but it is slow to change.

Why did you choose that tip?

Is it practical?

Just to use your link and ask if you can send another tip or buy later a JBC if it supports it.

The tip in the photo is the one I have been using for many years, I don't know which one is the equivalent or the K could use the thin part, the pack of 3 tips with the T420 I have says 100W.

Thank you.

[litris]

Just sent me a message from the seller and it is correct the T420 is 200W the store data was wrong.

Just in case I will use your link with only one tip because it shows the 200w and it is good for testing.

If I choose the version with three tips it shows 100W and I could not claim it is only 18€ more but it says 100W.

Thanks for all the information, I like this station, I was going to buy the T420D to forget about it but never in all my years I have never needed two handles, I could use one for SMD and one for normal use but I end up using one for everything.

[litris]

Mine was delivered today.
Bought here

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805833443815.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.3ad61802QptNtH&dp=3017e259323f8fbd408a8e24a70a5290&af=2089403&cv=47843&afref=https%3A%2F%2Fakcedeals.eu%2F&mall_affr=pr3&utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=2089403&utm_content=47843&dp=3017e259323f8fbd408a8e24a70a5290&af=2089403&cv=47843&afref=https%3A%2F%2Fakcedeals.eu%2F&mall_affr=pr3&utm_source=admitad&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=2089403&utm_content=47843&aff_fcid=04343d7c37354a90a654709247365387-1710442351646-05120-_ePNSNV&aff_fsk=_ePNSNV&aff_platform=portals-tool&sk=_ePNSNV&aff_trace_key=04343d7c37354a90a654709247365387-1710442351646-05120-_ePNSNV&terminal_id=f66b0fa9eb23415586c911e54c0141a6&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Made date 30.08.2023
Firmware 1.13
Aixun app recognizes it as T420D.
Flashed newest firmware for T420D v1.24
Inside the transformer is 220VA.
On the display there is "T420D" info.

Had to pay tax and duty.

When I click to pay AliExpress deducts the taxes.

I have asked the seller what to do but AliExpress blocks messages that talk about customs fees and I do not know how to say whether to block the messages, if he sends it somehow to pass customs without costs or with the minimum costs.

Once I had an item blocked in customs because it does not carry documentation and it was an ordeal then I paid the same taxes as it cost me the shipment because you have to pay the paperwork or the person who is responsible for processing it.

How did you do it?

I am going to buy it from the same site and the same link.

Did you talk to him before?

I am from the EU zone

How much did you pay in fees, customs clearance?

Thank you.

[mebel]

Yes, I asked him to send me a station with 200w transformer and with t420D firmware.
He agreed.
I paid 23 percent tax and small amount of duty.

[litris]

Yes, I asked him to send me a station with 200w transformer and with t420D firmware.
He agreed.
I paid 23 percent tax and small amount of duty.

Perfect!

Another seller has been kinder and has explained it to me perfectly I leave a screenshot.

Sometimes it is better to buy where the deal is nicer, but I will still do it with your link that I know I reach you well.

But I will wait if he answers me.

[mebel]

My seller also declared low value but it didn't help.

[hasbihal]

Does anyone have the same issue?

Yes the Trafo is not completely silent , if you mean the typical trafo buzzing which goes up down exactly same as energy meter at display.

If ionly that and not really loud it’s normal for that stations trafo type , how it works , that power
There are different trafo types and ways to build to make it way more silent but that’s nothing expectable from a china clone .

Clones with DC (switching power supply ) could be very quiet but have their own problems with cartridges made for AC.
Really expensive trafo systems are way quieter too but still hearable. My pace is not really one of the silent ones and is about ⅓ as loud.
<40W trafo systems could be nearly unhearable (but what I mean as nearly unhearable could be too loud for someone else).

The trafo and the 2CH was the reason for me to buy that one , but I have known before it’s not  silent , but my fume exhaust ventilation is not really silent too - a old GPU fan with a filter mounted on backside which turns on at full speed if I take any handle out of it’s cradle (and if soldering often you should have one too).

But could be a fault too if really loud, itself like unsymmetrical windings , broken  or electronic fault …. Or even from your side ; bad energy with a lot of noise , unsymmetrical AC , bad ground , voltage, frequency ….  (more unlikely in a private household that that  from other devices , but  bad energy supplier or bad installations ….). Or it stays at a non stable easy vibrating surface.
Or simply mechanically , maybe from shipping , like loose  screws , direct contact to plastic housing (instead of that thin rubber). Station has potential to make it quieter too through better damping , decoupling , weight , better housing/case . As it is it’s a thin lightweight plastic case with thin rubber as decoupling without damping and thin rubber as feets too.

Coming back to this..

I kinda regret buying the T420 now tbh.. If I knew about the buzzing beforehand, I would've bought the T3A instead (plus apparently the buzzing there is fixable) and it would cost alot less..

Also; I got the left cradle now, and with both cradles and handles (left T210, right T245) connected, the buzzing is worse.

[litris]

Coming back to this..

I kinda regret buying the T420 now tbh.. If I knew about the buzzing beforehand, I would've bought the T3A instead (plus apparently the buzzing there is fixable) and it would cost alot less..

Also; I got the left cradle now, and with both cradles and handles (left T210, right T245) connected, the buzzing is worse.

For me and for almost every type of system, a teroidal transformer is much better than a switched one.

The ones I have do not make noise but they must be very well secured and insulated with a large rubber washer where it is attached, this prevents or minimizes vibrations.

But what happens to you is that if you demand more power, it will make more noise.

But if it makes a lot of noise or is bad or is a T410 or a T405 with a T420 label, it only changes the power it delivers, which is about 100w for one and 75w or less for the other.

It is only known from the weight of 4,406kg that of 200w and 400w peak the largest is the T420D.

But only if it is a lot of noise would I complain.

In the end I haven't bought it, customs is a hassle. I prefer to buy another way, that the shipping is from the EU (some sellers do it for a small amount) or that the taxes are included in the price or buying a cheaper one like the T3A Although I don't like the switched power supply, this way I avoid customs problems.

Sometimes they did not send the documentation and it was chaos, I had to go to customs to solve it and it was not easy to get the documentation, in the end I paid double the price of the item.

There is my fear, I don't know why AliExpress eliminates taxes on items over €150.

If anyone knows a seller who sent it in another way, let me know, I would appreciate it and in the end I was going to buy the T420D because I don't like the limitations, in your case if you add a Nas handle and one more support, you spend the same as a complete set of the T420D with two handles.

[neverendingstudent]

After listening to Louis Rossman's video where he talks about new technology soldering stations (cartridges / heater-in-tip tech) vs old technology (ceramic stick heating elements with metal sleeves) and how even a knockoff new-tech station is strongly preferable to a name-brand old-tech station, I decided to look into options and quality for a midrange purchase: not the high expense of JBC, but a higher end Chinese model.  Preference given to the 245 cartridge type since it seems to be widely used and widely available.

I'm glad I took the time to research and came across the videos and discussion outlining the voltage-at-tip, runaway heating and deceptive temp display issues of the Aixun T3A, because at first I was leaning towards buying that model.  Thank you to the EEVBlog community members and YouTube creators who took note of and shared those problems.  Random commentary on the ghosting / no response treatment some users and YouTubers have reported when trying to bring these issues up with Aixun: apparently there is a huge cultural issue for Chinese with 'admitting fault' - from what I've read (socially, culturally, and in business) they can't admit fault or error without it being a huge loss of face, so you end up with these situations where they will straight-up ignore feedback and support requests that point out fundamental design faults if it requires them to acknowledge said faults.

Now, in spite of known issues in the T3A model, I'm still considering Aixun's T420D.  I've heard from some posts that it doesn't suffer from the voltage-at-tip or runaway heating issues (makes sense that if it didn't have one, it wouldn't have the other since they are linked issues - and with the heavy transformer it is based off of an entirely different power supply design), though no idea on firmware reliability for not lying to you about real tip temps.

Are there any videos online that specifically show testing for the voltage / signal noise at tip, tip-to-ground contact, and tip temperature verification vs what is on screen?  Preferably testing with both Aixun cartridges and genuine JBC cartridges?  I'd feel more comfortable shelling out the money if I saw hard video documentation of those issues being tested.

Oh, and I saw a post here on EEVBlog of a GitHub repo that had an open-source firmware project for the T3A - does anyone know if someone is working on the same for the T420D?

Thanks everyone.

[Tor Björn]

The T420 host is no different from the T420D except for the configuration, this has already been covered in this thread. I bought a T420 in the T245A configuration at a bestboard Store for $161.
I'll tell how to ensure the operation of two handles (in my case T245A and T115A) with one holder. First of all, disconnect the yellow pair of wires inside the holder from the threaded bushing of the mast mounting screw. Next, you will need a donor contact for the aircraft connector of the T115A handle; I took an unused contact of pin #6 (ID) from the connector of another cheap T245 handle ($3 with coins). In the T115A connector remove part of adhesive to access to the hole for pin #4 (standby) and install the "donor" contact there. Solder the wire, the other end of which is connected to the mast in the area of the wing clamp.










Enjoy working with two handles and one holder at the same time.
Pin #3 is “extractor”, don’t get confused.
I bought the hangle (mast) with suspension (bracket) for the T115A separately in the same store, $6.67 with coins per pair. The T115A handle cost $5.75.
Gallery: https://postimg.cc/gallery/sWwPJw6

[mebel]

The c115 handle is connected directly to the station?

[Astray]

The T420 host is no different from the T420D except for the configuration, this has already been covered in this thread. I bought a T420 in the T245A configuration at a bestboard Store for $161.
I'll tell how to ensure the operation of two handles (in my case T245A and T115A) with one holder. First of all, disconnect the yellow pair of wires inside the holder from the threaded bushing of the mast mounting screw. Next, you will need a donor contact for the aircraft connector of the T115A handle; I took an unused contact of pin #6 (ID) from the connector of another cheap T245 handle ($3 with coins). In the T115A connector remove part of adhesive to access to the hole for pin #4 (standby) and install the "donor" contact there. Solder the wire, the other end of which is connected to the mast in the area of the wing clamp.

This is exactly what I was looking for! Any chance you could make it this a bit more detailed by highlighting changes you made in all photos and explaining why you did what did?

I would like to better understand the mechanism/circuitry used for the station that allows it to detect when the handle is attached to the stand makes the handle go into sleep mode.

Also I'm impressed you were able to get the device for so cheap. The cheapest I could find before aliexpress coupons was $210 for a T420 with single C245 handle.

Did you purchase a C115 handle version (T405) (which I saw for around $170 on the store you mentioned) and then bought a separate C245 handle?

[Tor Björn]

The c115 handle is connected directly to the station?

Yes, T115A handle with modified plug (with added "stanby" pin #4 and wire soldered to it) is connected directly to the host. Other end of the added wire must be connected to mast with bracket for T115A handle.
Yellow pair must be disconnected from mast's nut because this pair is "standby" pin signal of cradle's plug that also connected with T245/210 bracket and work with other channel (T245A handle in my case).
Sorry for my English, I can't explain it in any more detail or more clearly. 
...

Also I'm impressed you were able to get the device for so cheap. The cheapest I could find before aliexpress coupons was $210 for a T420 with single C245 handle.
Did you purchase a C115 handle version (T405) (which I saw for around $170 on the store you mentioned) and then bought a separate C245 handle?

Astray,

I bought a T420 in the T245A configuration at a bestboard Store for $161.

T420 in the T245A configuration (with T245A handle included, but without specific mast with hangle bracket for T115A handle) have a regular price for $181.48 at this store. I used a $20 coupon at "anniversary sale". But similar coupones or promocodes you can get it very often. Aliexpress holds different sales almost every month.

I bought the hangle (mast) with suspension (bracket) for the T115A separately at the same store, $6.67 with coins per pair. The T115A handle cost $5.75.

The T115A handle i bought at the China DIYPHONE Store aslo with coins. Regular price was $8.19.








Additional cheapest T245 handle I bought for $3.03 with coins just to have a "donor's pin".
....
There is another way to get "donor's" pin without buying donor handle or plug. You can extract pin #3 (extractor) from plug of holder. But in this case you have to connect extractor in parallel with bracket so that the station goes into standby when you change the 245/210 tip.
But buying a donor T245 handle is more reasonable, since this handle does not lose its functionality after removing the unused pin #6 and can be useful at any time if the genuine AiXun T245A handle breaks.

[Astray]

Yes, T115A handle with modified plug (with added "stanby" pin #4 and wire soldered to it) is connected directly to the host. Other end of the added wire must be connected to mast with bracket for T115A handle.
Yellow pair must be disconnected from mast's nut because this pair is "standby" pin signal of cradle's plug that also connected with T245/210 bracket and work with other channel (T245A handle in my case).
Sorry for my English, I can't explain it in any more detail or more clearly. 
....
There is another way to get "donor's" pin without buying donor handle or plug. You can extract pin #3 (extractor) from plug of holder. But in this case you have to connect extractor in parallel with bracket so that the station goes into standby when you change the 245/210 tip.
But buying a donor T245 handle is more reasonable, since this handle does not lose its functionality after removing the unused pin #6 and can be useful at any time if the genuine AiXun T245A handle breaks.

Do you have a photo or diagram of how the wire to the tall stand is connected to the main station? Is that standby pin just a ground pin or something different?

Wondering if might not be possible to internally connect the standby pins of both channels inside the main station so there's no need to run an extra wire.

Does anyone else know how these soldering stations work to put irons into sleep mode?

T420 in the T245A configuration (with T245A handle included, but without specific mast with hangle bracket for T115A handle) have a regular price for $181.48 at this store. I used a $20 coupon at "anniversary sale". But similar coupones or promocodes you can get it very often. Aliexpress holds different sales almost every month.

The T115A handle i bought at the China DIYPHONE Store aslo with coins. Regular price was $8.19.

Additional cheapest T245 handle I bought for $3.03 with coins just to have a "donor's pin".

Your prices are just across the board cheaper than mine, I believe it has to do with location as they probably have shipping costs included in the total price of the device. I shopped around quite a bit to find the cheapest I could and $210 was the cheapest before any coupons.

In hindsight, the cheapest maneuver was probably buying a T405 unit and hoping to get sent one with T420D firmware and buy the 245 handle. I think this would be the most cost effective as I've seen the 405 go for $170 before coupons and it would also include the little arm stand and you wouldn't need to buy those separately. Still a gamble though because no way to know if you'll get a main unit with T420D firmware.

[Tor Björn]

Do you have a photo or diagram of how the wire to the tall stand is connected to the main station?

Yes, you can see additionally installed pin #4 in plug of T115A handle on my photos in post #115. One end of extra wire is soldered to this pin, other end - connected to the "tall stand" (pre-disabled from "stanby" yellow pair internally in holder).

Is that standby pin just a ground pin or something different?

"Stanby" pin #4 and "extractor" pin #3 are internally pulled up (to 3.3V) different pins of microcontroller. When you insert a handle to cradle (connected to pin #4) or tip of cartridge to extractor (connected to pin #3) you push these pins to gnd, and can see a state "stanby" or "extract" on station's display. T245 handle have a gnd on metal ring, T115A have a gnd both on metal tip and on metal shank near rubber cable gland.

Wondering if might not be possible to internally connect the standby pins of both channels inside the main station so there's no need to run an extra wire.

No. "Stanby" pin #4, "extractor" pin #3 of channel #1, and "Stanby" pin #4 and "extractor" pin #3 of channel #2 are FOUR different pins of MC.

In hindsight, the cheapest maneuver was probably buying a T405 unit and hoping to get sent one with T420D firmware...

All sellers warned me that T405 only works with T115 handle and T410 only works with T210 handle:

Maybe this words are "chinese half-truth" and these kits  have the same hosts with same transfos (less powerful than T420/420d) that can work with both T115 and T210 handles but not at same time.

[Astray]

Yes, you can see additionally installed pin #4 in plug of T115A handle on my photos in post #115. One end of extra wire is soldered to this pin, other end - connected to the "tall stand" (pre-disabled from "stanby" yellow pair internally in holder).

Okay, so I think a finally understand. You have 2 wires coming out of the socket that connects to one of the ports of the back and one of those wires is going to the tall stand with arm for the T115 handle. I think a photo of the back of your main unit with all the wires would be very helpful to others in the future if they want to do the same mod. I will be doing it myself once I get the T115 handle in the mail.

"Stanby" pin #4 and "extractor" pin #3 are internally pulled up (to 3.3V) different pins of microcontroller. When you insert a handle to cradle (connected to pin #4) or tip of cartridge to extractor (connected to pin #3) you push these pins to gnd, and can see a state "stanby" or "extract" on station's display. T245 handle have a gnd on metal ring, T115A have a gnd both on metal tip and on metal shank near rubber cable gland.

No. "Stanby" pin #4, "extractor" pin #3 of channel #1, and "Stanby" pin #4 and "extractor" pin #3 of channel #2 are FOUR different pins of MC.

Oh, so if either the tip or the metal rings on the handle touch the stand then those pins will be grounded and tell the microcontroller to put the handles in sleep mode! This is very helpful.

Even if you connect those pins together with a resistor in the inside the unit it would cause both handles to be in sleep mode if either one of them was grounded so that would defeat the purpose.

Maybe this words are "chinese half-truth" and these kits  have the same hosts with same transfos (less powerful than T420/420d) that can work with both T115 and T210 handles but not at same time.

I'm a bit doubtful they are different hardware, but very possibly have different firmware/software that would prevent using a dual station. It's already too late anyways, I have my unit even though I select the wrong handle and now have a T210 handle and 3 tips that I did not need or want haha. The seller is sending me the correct T245 handle but not the tips because I made a mistake while ordering. This mistake ended up costing me $30 extra unfortunately :'(

[Tor Björn]

I think a photo of the back of your main unit with all the wires would be very helpful to others in the future if they want to do the same mod.

I agree with you, Astray. I specifically re-disassembled the holder and captured the necessary changes

[Astray]

Anyone embarking on the modification that Tor Björn did, the solder iron stand base has screws under the two front feet so you can get access to the grounding wire you need to disconnect.

[digger]

i'm trying to select which T420D variant to get.

can someone please clarify which genuine JBC handles work with it and under what conditions? for example, do some handles only work on the left or right cradle, and do some handles need modification?

I want the "genuine" JBC experience without JBC prices and I'm doing that using the genuine hand piece and tips

i feel the same way.

there are various bundles for sale on this T420D listing for example.
it seems like you can get basically any combination of two or three of: 245, 210, 115

it has been said that genuine T245 works without modification, and since that would likely be my most used handle, i am inclined to get a genuine JBC T245 and then get the T420D bundle with the aixun T210 & T115. that way, i can judge for myself if the genuine handles seem any better, and i can upgrade to genuine T210 and/or T115 at my leisure.



however, i am confused by some things i have read:

T115 for sure is different it has a different connector.

so the genuine T115 has a connector that's not present on the T420D? but i could probably work around that, right? since i'd have an aixun T115 on hand, i could just reuse its connector on a genuine T115?

At this moment I can only connect the t245 hand piece to the left side base and the 210 to the right one.

wait... so am i potentially screwing myself by getting the T210 & T115 combo!? is it possible that i won't be able to use a T245 (genuine or aixun)? 

i wonder if it would be somehow safer to spend slightly more on the combo with all three handles...


in summary, i guess my questions are:

• genuine T245 "just works", right? i think the answer is yes...
• ...but it only works in certain cradles?
• do you think it's possible to end up with a T240D combo that does NOT work with T245?
• how about genuine T210 and T115?

thanks a lot

[digger]

actually, i got the set with all three handles because it ended up being about a dollar cheaper, lol. by spending slightly more, a better coupon triggered. i guess i'll see how it goes.

still, if anyone knows the answers to my questions, i'd love to hear more.

[ryanscott6]

So my T420D just showed up after being on the slow boat for the last month.  So far so good!  I picked up a genuine JBC T245-A handle to go with this station.  I can confirm the wiring is the same but mechanically it doesn't fit in the T420D socket.  The JBC uses a 6-pin connection and the T420D uses a 7-pin.  To get it to fit you'll either need to move the plastic end piece over from the Aixun handle or drill out the top pin location in the JBC plastic bit.  After that, it works great.

[Meter Deter]

has anyone done a mod to add a Power switch to the front of base ??
im going to buying AIXUN T420D. but the power switch in the back is inconvenient.
if someone has done the mod. please post pictures.

[marck120]

So my T420D just showed up after being on the slow boat for the last month.  So far so good!  I picked up a genuine JBC T245-A handle to go with this station.  I can confirm the wiring is the same but mechanically it doesn't fit in the T420D socket.  The JBC uses a 6-pin connection and the T420D uses a 7-pin.  To get it to fit you'll either need to move the plastic end piece over from the Aixun handle or drill out the top pin location in the JBC plastic bit.  After that, it works great.

Hi, how come your T420D has 7 pins, in some videos I saw there are 6 pins.

[ryanscott6]

Good question!  Will be interesting to see if others get a 7 or 6 pin socket.  Maybe I got a newer revision of it or maybe all they had at the factory was 7-pin sockets for awhile.   I ended up sending my T420D back since wouldn't turn on all the time when hitting the switch, and when it did turn it, it hummed like a mf'er.

[marck120]

Good question!  Will be interesting to see if others get a 7 or 6 pin socket.

Since your T420D had 7 pins at this point there are two different versions, I really don't know, I've been researching for three months, I have to make a decision, I'm still undecided, I don't know if it's better to spend 50 -80 euros for a T12 station like a KSGER / Quicko STM32, AIFEN A8, YIHUA 948DB +-II, or a JBC 245 clone (with linear transformer and compatible with original JBC handles) for about 220 euros, Aixun T420, GVM H3, Jabe UD-1200, or get to 300 euros and get an original JBC station, JBC BT-2BWA 140w, or an I-CON NANO MK2 80w considering that it is less powerful but the tips are cheaper.

[digger]

according to the UI, mine was produced 2024-3-2

it's 6pin connectors on everything (all 4 ports). both ports on the cradles and both ports on the back of the main unit.

i tested, and T115 and T245 work in either cradle. genuine JBC T245 also works.

i did not disassemble anything and look inside the cradles to see if there were some kind of subtle differences implied upthread like different pcbs.

[marck120]

according to the UI, mine was produced 2024-3-2

it's 6pin connectors on everything (all 4 ports). both ports on the cradles and both ports on the back of the main unit.

i tested, and T115 and T245 work in either cradle. genuine JBC T245 also works.

i did not disassemble anything and look inside the cradles to see if there were some kind of subtle differences implied upthread like different pcbs.

Thanks for the confirmation, I was actually interested in the Aixun T420 with the single mount, can I ask where you purchased yours ?

[digger]

Thanks for the confirmation, I was actually interested in the Aixun T420 with the single mount, can I ask where you purchased yours ?

i have T420D. iirc, "US set E" from this listing: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806814522103.html

idk if you have experience with aliexpress, but you should search the full name of the product on there and look at the final price from several sellers. the price is different probably if you are logged in. i usually just go for the cheapest seller.

also, i would get T420D, not T420. i bet T420 won't even be much cheaper, and it's useful to have two handles for a lot of things. i've used them simultaneously before.

also, this could be worth considering instead if you really only want one handle:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/aixun-t413-200w-smart-soldering-station-compatible-with-t245t225-handle/

[marck120]

@digger

Thanks for the advice, actually I have been buying on Aliexpress for a short time, I check the price and the reliability of the seller, number of followers, how long he has been registered, feedback, I also use three extensions on the browser, AliHelper - shopping assistant, Alitools Shopping Assistant and Up Assistant, they give me a rating with a score.

The T420 actually costs about 90 euros less, it depends on the shop, in Italy I found it for 215 euros, if I get to 300 euros I think it is better to focus on the basic JBC model like the JBC BT-2BWA

The problem with the Aixun T413 is that it is not compatible with the original JBC handles, I had contacted AiXun via the AiXun Tech page on Facebook and this is what they replied to me:

Aixun Technology
T413 is equipped with a self-designed temperature control algorithm and intelligent software, so the traditional handles of some brands are not able to adapt to our system to enjoy more user-friendly functions.

In addition, a user who has the T413 told me that the station did not recognize the original JBC tips, it was necessary to heat the tips first to make them recognized.

[indi1984]

I ordred mine a few weeks ago and got in touch with Aixun about this issue.   They stated the 7 pin was an "upgraded and improved design".   I explained that it was inconvenient to customers, as most handles out there were 6 pin.   I actually got a spare left side base in yesterday.  Took it apart, and can confirm that the harness from the left base to the main unit, pin 7 is not connected to anything.  (pin 7 is a a red wire in that cable, and is actually cut short at the left base side. Kinda shoddy as they ddint even heat shrink over the cut end.). In theory you can probably de-pin the 7th pin on the handle stands and be good to go, but I just drilled a small hole in the oem JBC 245 handle to accomodate.    I have a feeling that Aixun switched to a 7 pin connector, as everything I find states that the 6 pin has been discontinued/obsoleted by the mfg. ( RPC1-12P-6S(72) from Hirose ).