Good Quality 230V solder iron/station needed

[RJ Guitars]

Hey guys,

I have been assigned overseas a lot lately and I want to be able to take some circuit boards over and solder them up. Is there a decent 230V solder station or temp controlled iron that somebody can recommend? I also would appreciate a vendor website or phone number to hook up with.

thanks,

rj

[David Root]

Hi RJ, Weller, Metcal, Pace, Hakko all have them. If there is a 230V Weller WES51, that would be good, and I have heard very good things about Hakko.

[ToneMerc]

I use the Antex brand.
http://www.antex.co.uk/product.asp?strP ... 0&P_ID=828

[ToneMerc]

dup

[billyz]

What about a stepup transformer? You will probably be needing a few anyway.

[v846]

This ebay seller might have what you're looking for, call 888-307-8800

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

[Structo]

Do you think you will have any trouble with airport security with the boards and components?
I bet it will raise a few eyebrows when your bag goes through X ray.

[selloutrr]

I had a hell of a time bringing a soldering iron back from seattle in my carry on a couple years back. They didnt take it away but I was pulled aside and a person of great interest as they tried to decide if I could kill someone with it. I also travel for work and bring a full tech kit in a water tight pelican case and as long as I check it I've never had them so much as blink an eye. It's bright orange, has wheels and retractable handle. Spray painted in white my last name and number so I can spot it a mile away!

[Structo]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking about.
A pencil soldering iron could be used to stab someone.
So maybe that is best checked as well.

[RJ Guitars]

Tom,

It's hard to say what customs and security are actually looking for. To the average person most of it looks similar to the tools and other stuff that I usually have with me. I'd be curious if any of them could say what a tube is or does, but I don't really need to take any tubes either way.

Taking in parts while taking out assemblies can be tricky if you you do things on a big scale... in my case I just would like to make us use of a an hour here and there. If I got a couple boards soldered up and the tag ends trimmed, I'd be pleased.

rj

[Structo]

Oh I completely understand, it's a hobby.

I know at one time I was going to work in Brazil which in the end fizzled.
I still went but didn't work on the project I thought I would.
I'm a plasterer by trade and I use a lot of sharp tools.
This was shortly after 9/11 and most people I asked about shipping my tools said I would be better off buying something there than risk getting held up in security and missing a connecting flight.

In the end I'm glad I didn't need plastering tools because they use such different tools and methods down there that I wouldn't have a clue how to do it like they do.

I don't fly that often but every time I do it's a new and different experience.

[overtone]

RJ,
I liked the Antex, I have used two, but now I only use a German ERSA RDS-80 station. After using a soldering station it does seem to be the only way to go. But it is not very portable if you are flying.

For the amount of work you are thinking of doing, the Antex does seem a good suggestion and you can even choose the plug type when you order. You probably know about the fascinating variations of plugs here in Europe!

+1 on getting one in the country you are in, maybe Antex would deliver to where ever you will be staying.

It is the carry on hand baggage that gets exciting for everyone. Once I forgot that I had a Corsican Vendetta switchblade from holiday in my jacket pocket. That was a problem... but really off topic.

On the Antex I found the built in temperature control to be a bit hit and miss, but then I seem to have had a lemon because it died halfway through the first build I used it on! I have another simple 25W Antex at the bottom of the drawer and that still works. If you get totally stuck, please let me know and I can get the spare off to where ever you will be staying.

Enjoy the trip

[malt]

Hi, the best soldering station i have used is a pace us made very nice holds the temp very well. http://www.paceworldwide.com/product/view/id/1679.html

[Aurora]

Since you say 230V, I assume your going to Europe...
it would make things easier to help you, if you'd say where you're goin'....
Just bear in mind that prices this side of the pond are quite stiffer thn in US, so ebay might be worthwhile......

[DonMoose]

I think I like the flexibility of the step-up ... or does anyone make a universal-input iron (like PC power supplies)?