Hakko FX-888 Aus/NZ

[Ronnie]

Hello,
  Does anyone know the specified mains frequency of Hakko FX-888 Aus/NZ sold in Australia and New Zealand? Mains frequency is not indicated in the user manual. I'm sure it is designed to work at 50Hz but what about at 60Hz? I live in the Philippines where electricity is 220V 60Hz.
  I don't want to take the risk of using a 50Hz equipment on 60Hz mains frequency as this will most likely void the warranty if ever it gets defective within the warranty period due to operating the soldering station at incorrect mains frequency.

http://australia.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=6803464
http://newzealand.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=6803464

[saturation]

Isn't there a label underneath the unit?

[Ronnie]

  I have no idea if there is a label underneath the soldering station stating mains frequency since I don't have the unit yet. I'm still deciding if I'll buy the Hakko FX-888 (US$221) or the Weller WESD51D (US$181) which is specified to work at 50Hz & 60Hz.
  FX-888 temp stability is ±1°C while WESD51D is ±6°C. FX-888 power is 65W to 50W for WESD51D. But Weller temp control is digital compared to Hakko's analog control. I still prefer the FX-888 over the Weller due to better temp stability and higher power provided it was engineered to operate efficiently and reliably at 220V 60Hz electricity.

[saturation]

Thanks Ronnie.  This Hakko model is the successor of the very popular Hakko 936, still sold in the uSA.  Even if analog, its reputation as a stable workhorse soldering iron makes it still very popular here, and the 888 are not sold in the USA directly.

I prefer the 936, and thus would trust the 888 over the Weller.  In the end the more important items are durability, temp stability, and maintenance cost.  That said, I prefer the 936!  The price is surprising, we have the 936 for about $80.

  I have no idea if there is a label underneath the soldering station stating mains frequency since I don't have the unit yet. I'm still deciding if I'll buy the Hakko FX-888 (US$221) or the Weller WESD51D (US$181) which is specified to work at 50Hz & 60Hz.
  FX-888 temp stability is ±1°C while WESD51D is ±6°C. FX-888 power is 65W to 50W for WESD51D. But Weller temp control is digital compared to Hakko's analog control. I still prefer the FX-888 over the Weller due to better temp stability and higher power provided it was engineered to operate efficiently and reliably at 220V 60Hz electricity.

[Ronnie]

This Hakko model is the successor of the very popular Hakko 936, still sold in the uSA.

If the Hakko 936 was replaced by FX-888 then knowing the specified mains frequency of 936 230V version will enable us to conclude FX-888 230V model operating frequency.

So anyone out there who owns a Hakko 936 230V model who would gladly extend a hand in checking its specified mains frequency on the label underneath the unit?

FX-888 user manual is not comprehensive it does not specify mains input voltage and frequency only output voltage and power consumption causing confusion to potential customers and users.

http://www.wescomponents.com/datasheets/hakko/fx888_manual.pdf

[saturation]

My 936 manual shows a Philippine Hakko office:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CDgQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tequipment.net%2Fpdf%2FHakko%2F936e199809a.pdf&rct=j&q=haiki%20philippines%20trading%20company&ei=Hce3TPvtC4aglAfA9viICQ&usg=AFQjCNGKVi43EjMf4WHLKpsSRjpvzR0Nzg&cad=rja

Good luck!

[Hewitson]

So anyone out there who owns a Hakko 936 230V model who would gladly extend a hand in checking its specified mains frequency on the label underneath the unit?

Sure. Unfortunately it is only rated at 230V-240V 50Hz.

[EEVblog]

Mine says 240V 50Hz
No mention of 60Hz on the unit or in the specs.

Dave.

[Hewitson]

I wouldn't have thought the frequency would make a huge difference in this particular situation, however I accept no responsibility for damaged soldering stations

[Ronnie]

Transformer use at a frequency other than its specified frequency will not operate efficiently and possible reliability problem.
Now the only way to know if FX-888 was designed to work at 60Hz is to visit Hakko Philippines to see the label underneath a demo or stock unit else I will finally consider the Weller WESD51D which is rated at 220V 50/60Hz.

[Ronnie]

Attached is the picture of the back of a Hakko 936 indicating mains voltage and frequency.
If anyone have a picture of the label for FX-888 then it is easier to know if models sold in Australia and New Zealand are acceptable to use in the Philippines. I haven't visited yet Hakko Philippines due to busy work schedule.

Note: the picture is from http://www.adafruit.com/images/hakko936back.jpg