Please drop some links for the soldering irons y’all use, mine is apparently lost in my parent’s attic, and thinking of, probably too large for console modding.
I figured to ask here as I believe the console modding community here would already have some good finds. I’m also wanting todo a battery mod to my GBC soon.
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I use a TS100 USB-powered iron. It’s fine for the relatively light soldering jobs I generally do.
I changed my very expensive Weller to a Pinecil V1 some 1,5 years ago and it has made much better solderer than the past decades before it. But it almost requires the silicon cable to make that cable invisible. For a year I used Lenovo usb-c charger and it is way too stiff to let you forget that cable exists.
I also recommend to buy a proper hot blower with very small nozzle. They’re expensive nowadays (around 100 USD I guess), but everytime you need to use it, it saves your mental health as a whole.
What key details in a blower would I be looking for really?
This is the model I have, and I don’t even how it could be better. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005654088891.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.7f6a6010ZrOgBF&browser_id=2c05aeec773d47d9900cc41be8da6f78&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=caeecddccbedaf18a210b0eef8060ead61bf16583b&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!61.14!22.8!!!472.89!!%40211bec8616927714996103990d07a1!12000033917999856!sea!FI!0!A&algo_pvid=9ab58c4b-a8fe-405a-9b8a-7f9935b1ef70&_universallink=1&m_page_id=caeecddccbedaf18a210b0eef8060ead61bf16583b
Some 1,5 years ago I checked this item last time and it was around 80 USD so the price cut is massive.
I looked pretty hard at a rechargeable pen style soldering iron, but was convinced by more experienced users and reviewers to get a Hakko. I got the Hakko FX888D. The colors make it look like a toy; believe me, it is not. It’s wild how fast it changes temperature, both hotter and cooler: it cools off almost as fast as it heats, which is pretty fantastic. Tons of options for replacing the tip, too. I’m not great at soldering and it has really made me more successful than I have a right to be. Very pleased.
I use the Metcal MX-500P and the Hakko FM-203 system, but they’re both probably overkill if you’re just doing console modding occasionally.
I use a weller WSD 81 soldering station. But I got it for free, since I work in the pcb soldering business, and my boss gave me that one when I asked to borrow a soldering station since it’s an old model we don’t use in production anymore. He said I could keep it, which is great. The tips are still being sold.
Pinecil is going to be the default suggestion as you really can’t go wrong with the price/performance. It’ll totally blow most low end stations out of the water.
If you want something a bit higher end that’s nicer to use in a desktop environment, get an Aixun T3A. Way more power, has a proper stand with a dormancy sensor, and uses nicer JBC style tips.
I would strongly advise against any name brand irons or stations, they all kinda suck for the price.
Currently using a Hakko 936 at work. Thing is a workhorse but shows its age nowadays when it comes to digital controls.
I have a Weller digital 70W model (WE1010NA). I’ve been happy with it; it heats up quickly and accurately and it doesn’t look like it’s made by Fisher-Price 😛
Tilswall Soldering Station 65W used to be $40 and the best deal in irons, it’s now $75 and I would still argue the best iron for the money. Consistent temps, quick heating, comes with decent tips and has solid support for other tips. I’ve used this on countless keyboards, consoles, prototype boards, etc.
I have a pinecil v1. Really happy about it
I use the Yihua 8786D-I. Combo iron and heat gun. Works fantastically. Been using it for a few years at this point.
Yihua makes clones of Hakko products.
There’s also the Pinecil, which I hear is good.
