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Measuring the temperature of a soldering iron tip
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smbaker:
Recently my favorite xytronic iron failed, and I replaced it with a Hakko 888D (mistake! won't do that again!). It feels to me like the Hakko is is soldering at a much lower temperature than the xytronic did. I'd like to find a way to accurately measure the tip temperature on the Hakko so I can calibrate it. I have a fluke multimeter with a type-k thermocouple. Is holding the thermocouple to the tip of the soldering iron an appropriate technique? I'm using nothing other than hand pressure to press the thermocouple to the tip (holding it several inches back, of course).

Unfortunately, the current xytronic I had been using is kaput so I don't have its data point. But comparing my Hakko to the very first iron I ever owned, a 30-35 year old xytronic, both set to 370C, I'm reading the following:

Old xytronic: 350C
Brand new Hakko: 280C

I also have a seek thermal iphone camera, which while I don't believe is giving me accurate temperatures, but it too is showing the Hakko significantly cooler than the other iron.

Scott
mendip_discovery:
You can use a k-type on the end, and add a bit of solder to help transfer the temp. But it is never really that accurate.

I have played with the "Solder Iron Calibration Unit" things you can buy on ebay and amazon but never used one to test a proper probe.

I always think it is a bit of a joke because if the solder doesn't melt, they just up the temp. It get funnier when asked to measure the temp of a hot air gun.
Fungus:

--- Quote from: smbaker on March 04, 2023, 06:29:31 pm ---Is holding the thermocouple to the tip of the soldering iron an appropriate technique?

--- End quote ---

You might have to hang a blob of solder from the tip of the iron and put the thermocouple inside it.  :)

Another trick is to start with a cold iron and hold some 60:40 solder to the tip while it heats up.

Watch the temperature while you do it. What number does it show when the solder melts?


--- Quote from: smbaker on March 04, 2023, 06:29:31 pm ---I also have a seek thermal iphone camera, which while I don't believe is giving me accurate temperatures, but it too is showing the Hakko significantly cooler than the other iron.

--- End quote ---

Turn it up until they both show the same on the camera. That's your data point.

I have one of those Hakkos and I find that trying to change the temperature is such a pain in the ass that I don't bother. I found the point at which my solder melts (using the technique above) and added 50. That's where it stays, I never have any problems.

(Worst user interface ever)
timeandfrequency:
Hi smbaker,

Such a solder iron temperature tester should be helpful for your purpose.
Another brand
wraper:

--- Quote from: smbaker on March 04, 2023, 06:29:31 pm ---Unfortunately, the current xytronic I had been using is kaput so I don't have its data point. But comparing my Hakko to the very first iron I ever owned, a 30-35 year old xytronic, both set to 370C, I'm reading the following:

Old xytronic: 350C
Brand new Hakko: 280C

--- End quote ---
Likely you are measuring both incorrectly, it's very easy to get lower than actual reading. Also it's possible that Hakko has correct temperature but Xytronic higher than set. Also where did you buy 888D, are you sure it's genuine?

--- Quote ---Is holding the thermocouple to the tip of the soldering iron an appropriate technique?
--- End quote ---
Nope, it must be a thin thermocouple inserted into a molten blob of solder.
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