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Weller WTCP-51 solder station and TCP-S pencil not working
Faringdon:
Hi,
We are using this, and and it only intermittently works
Do you know of common failure modes for this?
It just looks like a mains transformer with a linear regulator....
TCP-S solder pencil
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2824114.pdf
WTCP-51 solder station
https://mm.digikey.com/Volume0/opasdata/d220001/medias/docus/1294/T0053220699.pdf
This shows TCP pencil repair , but is that the same as TCP-S?
Also, the top of this (below) says the WTCP-51 is not suitable for ESD operation as the "tip is not anti-static"...but surely the tip is earthed?
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1448594.pdf
Gyro:
WTF kind of WTCP hack it that? An ebay triac dimmer on the input to the transformer? :o
The WTCP51 is just a 24V transformer in a box. The TCP(-S) tip temperature is controlled by the curie point slug on the back of the tip and the magnastat switch in the iron. Varying the 24V AC supply to the iron makes zero sense.
Ten to one, if it's intermittent then it's the magnastat switch contacts or plunger, tapping on the bench should restore operation, you should be able to hear it clicking on and off.
If the tip is mains grounded (3 core silicone lead and mains lead) then it's ESD safe. If it isn't (2 core), then it's not.
The second video shows the test and repair procedure quite clearly.
Faringdon:
Thanks, i am wondering if our problem is something to do with the fact that we have an adapter piece between the tip's bottom and the magnet in the stem.
Anyway will have to get it apart, and also, it looks like maybe it'll be the magnet bit that will need replacing, or refurbishing, or the spring is too corroded to be springy.
I cant find the bits on the web, it seems a EC234 or a BA60 is needed, and one of these got updated, and wont fit in come irons, so this is looking like a long job.
im amazed the "magnet switch method" gives accurate temperature regulation....maybe it doesnt(?)
There must be some cheap temperature IC for this kind of thing..surely you just buy a cheap NTC, and bang it into an insulator so that when the solder tip is 400degc, the ntc is 125degc?
andy2000:
--- Quote from: Faringdon on June 15, 2024, 01:55:54 pm ---
im amazed the "magnet switch method" gives accurate temperature regulation....maybe it doesnt(?)
There must be some cheap temperature IC for this kind of thing..surely you just buy a cheap NTC, and bang it into an insulator so that when the solder tip is 400degc, the ntc is 125degc?
--- End quote ---
It works well for 1960's technology, but you can obviously do better with a modern temperature controller. The adjustable models have a thermistor in the tip, and an electronic control circuit. If that's what you want, then it would make more sense to buy one rather than trying to modify what you have.
Gyro:
Curie point is actually very accurate (a few degrees). The only downside is that you need a different tip/slug for each temperature. The upside is that people on the line can't mess with the temperature setting.
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