CFW for KSGER/Quicko STM32 Soldering Stations

[wasyoungonce]

Is there no KSGER/Quicko model with the tip connected to the ground ?

Always assume the tip isn’t grounded till you physically look at it and measure it.   Of course if it’s JBC etc…..they will be

Cheers

[marck120]

Is there no KSGER/Quicko model with the tip connected to the ground ?

Always assume the tip isn’t grounded till you physically look at it and measure it.   Of course if it’s JBC etc…..they will be

Cheers

Of course this problem is really disheartening, after buying a new soldering station you have to open it and fix it, considering that you need a second soldering iron.

But is it really necessary ? If the voltage on the tip is excessive it can damage small SMD components such as capacitors, resistors etc..?

Looking for a T12 station with the tip connected to the ground becomes a problem, AIFEN A8, GEEBOON TC20A, YIHUA 948DB + II perhaps have the tip connected to the ground, I don't know if there is a list, I had selected the various KSGER / Quicko with the grounding on the case but I see that it is not enough, I checked the photos on the front panel noting the models that had the green GND cable on the control panel but it was a useless job, since the green cable of the front panel is not connected to the tip as you explained to me.

Watching some videos I saw that by fixing the grounding on the case automatically the GX12 connector is also connected to the ground.

https://youtu.be/-6IZ_sBgw8I?t=1749

Here they say that the Ksger 2.04 has the tip connected to the ground.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/dodgy-technology/dangerous-solder-station-ksger-t12/msg4794356/#msg4794356

[marck120]

Hi, I found a video online, I asked the author of the video and he explained that the tip is connected to the ground, it has a resistance on the tip of 0.15 ohm, so R PE = 0.15 ohm means that the resistance between the tip of the soldering iron and the ground wire (PE) is very low, this indicates a good connection to the ground, at least I think so.

Protective Earth (PE) and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) are two different things, you will never have complete ESD protection but with a low resistance between the tip of the soldering iron and the ground, you greatly reduce the risk of having a high voltage on the tip.

To obtain some ESD protection I read that a 1 MΩ resistance is enough from the ground pin on the socket from the soldering iron connector to the ground on the power socket.

Basically it was enough to pass a ground wire through the power supply that goes from the GND pin of the GX12 connector to the GND of the power socket, but I see that on the new models from KSGER and Quicko they have updated the PCB and the ground path runs along the printed circuit board, ending with a wire soldered to the PE and connected to the case.

As the author of the video explained to me this is not enough, it is only necessary to add a ground wire from the GND of the power socket to the case.

" The original state was that the PE of the power socket leads to the PCB and ends on a white wire after a thin path. This is wrong and in case of a short circuit it would burn the path and I would have voltage on the metal cover. Therefore, I ran the wire from the power socket directly to the protective terminal of the cover. Also, the negative pole of the source is connected to PE and there is a surge protection on the PCB. That's why I left the white wire connected."

At this point it is worth buying the new models of KSGER and Quicko that have the updated PCB what do you think ?

This QUICKO model also comes with a ground cable, but isn't the 952 older than the 958 ?

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/32803295956.html

Which model is best to get ?

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005005739325838.html

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005005223036678.html

Video :



Modifications to make :

[nokin]

Checked and chips are fake ...
So I cannot write due to cwf file size is bigger than chip's....

Mine is Ksger v3 pcb revision. Chip is STM32F030C8T6 (?) <--- maybe problem here ?

[DavidAlfa]

Must be a 101/2/3 to be compatible, the 030 is definitely not!
That board seems very different, I've never seen a compatible board with a F0 series except 1st gen Quicko (072).
It's very possible that it wont't work again, unless you have an original backup.

[marck120]

@DavidAlfa

Hi, sorry, among the various KSGER and Quicko which is the most up-to-date and safe model regarding the PCB and grounding ?

[DavidAlfa]

I think all are very much the same.
Some have the case floating, others have no ground at all, I don't know, in any case it's very easy to solve, so I don't think it's the most important factor when choosing a soldering station.
I'd get one with good power design, low noise, etc, if not coming grounded I'll fix myself.

[marck120]

I'd get one with good power design, low noise, etc, if not coming grounded I'll fix myself.

Thank you for the advice, unfortunately I have little experience, how can I recognize if it has a good power design and low noise, could you tell me the exact model please ?

[DavidAlfa]

There's no way to tell whether you'll be getting a new or old board...
Sometimes you can see the board in the description or the feedback.
And it's likely you'll get a fake stm32 anyways.

Basically get any T12 with stm32...

[marck120]

@DavidAlfa

Thank you, I thought it worked a bit like smartphones, for example Quicko 952, 956, 958, 959, I assume the 952 is the basic version and the 959 the most advanced model, KSGER v2.01, V2.1S, v2.3, v3.1s, in principle the latest version should be improved, yes I'm also checking the description of the various devices and user reviews.

Maybe at this point the mini version is better so I can match a quality power supply, even if in the version with the integrated power supply I don't think it's difficult to replace the power supply, in the end what matters is the stm32 controller, I think I can power the controller with any 24v power supply:

https://www.digikey.it/en/products/detail/triad-magnetics/VPT24-6670/2090084

https://www.digikey.it/it/products/detail/mean-well-usa-inc/LRS-150-24/7705015

[DavidAlfa]

The number makes little sense actually (At least to me). Light differences only.
First check that's compatible, lots are STC-based and won't work (Check github readme).

[wasyoungonce]

@DavidAlfa
Maybe at this point the mini version is better so I can match a quality power supply, even if in the version with the integrated power supply I don't think it's difficult to replace the power supply, in the end what matters is the stm32 controller, I think I can power the controller with any 24v power supply:
/VPT24-6670/2090084[/url]

Too many variants of non compliant ICs and who knows their capabilities or pin outs.   Better to use proper STM IC.   I Purchased 958 as it was definite correct STM IC and power supply didn’t have heat sinks o ove PCB traces (separated by PCB resist only).  But they were not earthed to the iron (case was).

So easy enough to fix.  But Is is a good PSU?  Time will tell. As said I replaced two with the OpenSource STM PCBs and I’m glad I did.   It’s just personal choice.   Yes more costly.

I think this CFW is great but asking to modify firmware for unknown ICs…just cannot be done ….as said who knows what capabilities the clone ICs have and their variants.

Oh on earthing.  Usually GND earths are crimped to connections as high current can melt solder and make them fall off. Just say’in.  Of course I always use GFI on all equipment and house is MEN connected.   

I’m enjoying my systems.  So good to walk away let them switch to SLP then to stdby.  So good to properly cal them and I like the “boot boost” function.  I have 3 STM stations and one old 936.  I use two irons at times, reasonably often.   So far the power of these stations is enough for me ….except removing a DB15 soldered mount hole.  Need one iron “4mm” D and vac desolder to suck out molten Solder.   Worked a treat.

Thanks to all who contributed to this …especially DavidAllfa and clytle374 and all early adopters.   Great community

[marck120]

@DavidAlfa

Yes I read the github :

https://github.com/deividAlfa/stm32_soldering_iron_controller

Currently supported controllers:

Quicko T12-072: First gen Quicko, STM32F072 variant. Compatibility issues were fixed since v1.04.
Quicko T12-103 First gen Quicko, same board but mounting a STM32F103.
KSGER v1.5: Profile for STM32F103 (There are no other known CPUs used in this board).
KSGER v2, JCD T12, T12-955, Handskit: Profile compatible with all STM32F101/2/3xx models.
KSGER v3, T12-958: Profile compatible with all STM32F101/2/3xx models.
T12-958 v2: Profile compatible with STM32F103. Needs a mod for battery to work.
Don't follow the version reported in the original firmware to identify your board.
To this day, the easiest way to quickly identify your controller version is by checking the OLED screen connection:

4 pin (I2C) = Generic v2 (KSGER/Quecoo/Handskit/etc.)
6 pin (SPI) = Generic v3
7 pin (SPI) = Only used by KSGER v1.5 or first gen Quicko, easy to differentiate.
For KSGER v2/v3: As long as use the correct firmware, any STM32 variant (101/102/103/C8/R8/CB/RB) will work.
There are several compatible/cloned boards in the market that will work fine with KSGER profiles.

T12-951, T12-952, T12-956, T12-959 use STC MCU, not supported by this firmware.

The T12-952 actually should not be compatible, but it says T12-STM32

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/32803295956.html

In the end the selection narrows down, either KSGER v3 or QUICKO 958

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/4000465426683.html

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005005223118143.html

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005002724734568.html

Regarding the power supplies I see two models, one black and one green, I think they are the same in terms of build quality.

@wasyoungonce

Very interesting, but I imagine the STM OpenSource PCB is an OpenSource project to build a custom controller, there are files available for the project (like Gerber files) that allow you to have the PCB produced by a printed circuit board manufacturing company, that is, you have to have the PCB printed and then buy and solder the necessary electronic components, like the STM32 microcontroller, resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.

I think it's a project like this ?

https://github.com/AxxAxx/AxxSolder

Or did you buy the STM OpenSource PCB already assembled ?

I haven't had the chance to try the advanced features you're talking about yet, I've seen some videos where they show all the functions of the custom firmware.

However, from what I understand, you've assembled a custom controller, at this point I don't think it's a problem for you to also replace the quality power supply.

Yes, some jobs require a lot of power, to desolder the DB15 connectors it is better to get a 100w soldering iron, to suck up the tin for now I am happy with a simple tin sucking pump, then we will see later, consider that I have nothing, in addition to the station I need the tin, the programmer, desoldering braid, flux and a support for the handle.

[wasyoungonce]

Marck

I purchased Clythe374’sPCBs see here.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/open-t12-soldering-station-released/

It was a little expensive because I’m in Australia.  But the prices reasonable. I got a fully assembled front panel and control PCB.  Thought I needed to fit the thermocouple opamp onto the PCB and insert some jumper links …..hook it up and earth tip connector.  Works a charm

I wanted the open source firmware   Sure I could flash the controllers I had, T12-958 has correct STM controller already fitted.   But I chose the commonality path.  They are both in service almost every day doing STAM ICs, RS232ICs,SOT-32s, HEDS encoders, DC motors lots of differing stuff.   In fact they they are sitting there in stdby while I take a break write this.   Some of the stuff I work on I have to be very careful as the PCBs are getting older and pads lift way to easily.  So precise heat control is imperative.  This system is precise. 

The extra power is great.  They are spot on temp cal’d (finally I got procedure snd NTC wrong).

What can I say.  They work well.  Oh I purchased a myriad of cartridges not a “sellers set” but ones I chose (from Quicko) like: 2 & 3mm drag tips (2ea), D5/4/3.2/1.6; Ku knife, various Hoof (bevel) sizes, some sml wedge and conical etc tips etc for SMD

[marck120]

@wasyoungonce

I didn't know Clythe374's PCB, I really like these projects, I saw that you inserted the controller on the Quicko 958, for now I don't want to complicate things too much otherwise I'll stay on the forum until Christmas, I wrote the first post on soldering stations on August 31st and today is October 16th.

DavidAlfa's firmware is more than enough for me, I don't even know if I'll use all the functions, the only thing that's certain is that I absolutely need a second soldering iron to fix the grounding problem, even if you explained to me that it's better to crimp the cables and not solder them.

If I need two stations, it's not a good idea to buy the same ones, maybe I can buy the Quicko 958 and then any Quicko mini, or a KSGER v3 and a Quicko 958, you told me you have three soldering stations.

I would have liked to try a c245 system like this but I don't know if it's worth it:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005005431966064.html

Calculating the cost of the power supply, the handle, the case, the tips, maybe it's quicker to buy it ready-made:

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005005540641453.html

With about 100€ I would have two stations, a T12 and a c245, there are so many solutions it's difficult to understand which is the right choice.

The Quicko 958 however I think are all the same, only the handles change ?

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005002724734568.html

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005003064223657.html

Yes regarding the T12 tips they recommended these to me:

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/32833768846.html

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/32834486432.html

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/32833792043.html

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/32834661555.html

[nokin]

Must be a 101/2/3 to be compatible, the 030 is definitely not!
That board seems very different, I've never seen a compatible board with a F0 series except 1st gen Quicko (072).
It's very possible that it wont't work again, unless you have an original backup.

Let's me tell my story...
I bought 8 panels of Wlidia version, all of them are no power. Infact they are Ksger print label and pcb v3.4 (100% indentical) with boot Wlidia image.
The main cause is broken didode from input power to LDO 3.3v. So I replaced and all are back to life.
I ordered ST-link and 2 of stm32f but 030 revision. I didn't notice about this in David warning before, somewhere I don't remember.

ST-link is fake also, so RST pin maybe swaped or not corrected as genuine and STlink Ultility can't detect chip. So I have to reset chip manually by shorting nRST pin to gnd.
Don't know if these 030 can check fake or real by same way of 100, but it was showed fake as David wrote. All are 0xFFFFFF.

Now I ordered new lot of stm32f, but 4 of 100xxx and make hope again.

[DavidAlfa]

You don't care if the 030 is fake or not, they won't work with cfw anyways, if that's your target.

Those are pretty bad boards, small voltage regulator converting 24 to 3.3V, small copper pads, will run hot and even trip overheating protection.

[nokin]

I'll mod it later (add a heat sink for fet, replace LDO by a small switching power board - cellphone charger).

030s "fake" are cheap, $0.5 each. I'll report later for 100s fake or real.

[nokin]

I've got 4 pcs of STM32f100 today, installed 2 of them and checked all are genuine. Flash new fw Kgser v3x and I'm using C210 handle.
But I met 2 problems :
1. Tip protection is activated frequently when I set over 350oC
2. Sleep mode (wake = STAND) is in reversed activation : short tip handle to gnd -->heater work and open tip to gnd -->go to sleep.

[DavidAlfa]

How are you wiring everything?

[moffet]

I replaced the chip in KSGER T12 board with an STM32F103RCT6 because I was suspecting the board came with a fake chip.
I uploaded KSGER_v2_OLED.bin and everything was working fine. I powered the station few times. I was able to safe some settings. But now I have a blank screen.
I can still connect to the MCU and upload a firmware, but the screen doesn't display anything.
After that I also tried v1.10.8 release, but the screen is still blank.

The chip has 256KB flash.
The value at 0xE0042000 address is 10036414.
The value at 0x1FFFF7E0 is FFFF0100.

Any help?

[DavidAlfa]

Probably some bad solder joint. Try erasing the stm32 too.

[moffet]

Probably some bad solder joint. Try erasing the stm32 too.

You mean "Full chip erase" in ST-LINK Utility? And upload the firmware again?

[DavidAlfa]

Yes

[moffet]

I've uploaded FLASH_TEST_KSGER_v2_OLED.zip.
And the following text appeared on the screen:

CPUID: 411fc231
Flash: 256KB

Nothing more.
After next power off/on, the screen is blank. I've tried uploading the firmware multiple times, but the screen continues to be blank.
I don't know what is going on. Is the MCU faulty? ST-LINK utility works without any problems with that chip.