>>>OT<<<Hot air solder station>>>OT<<<

I am looking to make my Ublox GPS mods easier to do. Also to aid in replacing the power port / SMD fuses.
Toughbook likes to solder FFC cables. I do not.
I found a 12 pin breakout board, but it's not a straight install. You need to cut a couple of the very tiny traces. I want to start assembling my own standard 12pin breakout board. No one seems to sell them assembled.

A hot air system is the best way to assemble SMD's

What do I look for?
What do I avoid?
I don't think I need a dual purpose. Hot air only is what I want..
I'm cheap/poor and will not use it that often...I do not want the diamond studded version.
I doubt that I will ever do much much more than FFC and power connectors. No reballing or cpu type of work. .
"I'm looking for basic technical advice.
Any wattage to avoid?
Any nozzles that are best?
Temperature range?
Do the fancy lcd temp readouts really make any difference?

I want to start assembling these in order to ease the installation of the aftermarket Ublox GPS. And any other internal usb device you may want to install.





These are what I currently modify and use.

 

I'm going to be completely off-topic and I apologize for that, but damn, you toughbook guys seem pretty hardcore to be wondering about this kind of technical skill on here. May I offer my admiration?

I must admit that you might already have seen these, but maybe they might aid you:

RESOLVED Help me find a good hot air rework station! - Page 1
Deciding Between Hot-Air Rework & Desoldering Stations | Circuit Specialists Blog

Cheers.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct...2YYd92bLXcKc3M5kW2VOVzRw&ust=1406403435271377

I have this only under a different name. It lives in the saddle shop with the spiders and gets occasional use. Lots of tips, spare parts come with it. Small footprint. The negative is the length of the cable and hose. I use it to warm screen protector edge so I can lift them with my fingernail, bending plastic, soldering once in a while, all kinds of tasks. And it was cheap.

 

Thank you for the admiration....
There is a fine line between hard core and insane....I seem to cross the line at times....
These are great links to read...Thank you....I did not see them before.
I do tend to stay in the Panasonic forum of the board....I'm only allowed out after a period of good behavior.

 

Jeff,
I was looking at that same one on fleabay. With my collection of soldering irons, I'm not sure I need the soldering iron section..I am interested in hot air to remove AND replace the components.
Desoldering station with a vac pump is interesting though...Here is the El Cheapo hot air only unit I was looking at for $50.00..700 watts???

New Digital 858D SMD Heat Soldering Iron Hot Air Gun Rework Station w 3NOZZLES | eBay



I also saw this one for a few more dollars. It's also 700watts

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301211084068?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

I have used this recently to remove USB ports and it did the job for me. I have only used it a few times and cannot really judge the quality however i did notice that it took a longer time to get to its set temperature compared to my Hakko.

 

Thank you,
That's the kind of comparison that's very helpful.

 

All moved now...:thumbsup:

 

I can't vouch for the hot air and desoldering....but the digital read out on the soldering station I've got is good and helps allot....

 

Come on Shawn... A good fine point on the soldering iron and a 10X headset is all you need...

Oh yeah... And steady hands!

One thing I do is borrow techniques from when I used to letter signs. (And I still do) Hand lettering signs with a shaky hand is the kiss of death. I don't use it a lot but there are times when I need a Mahl Stick. It allows you to rest your hand on the stick to keep you steady. Such as this...



A lot of times you can achieve the same thing by using your other arm as a bridge.

 

My eyes are worse than 20/400 .....10x doesn't even come close. I have a clip on set on the shelf. I do have a Mattel USB microscope that goes to 100x. That may work.

I like the idea of a Mahl Stick.......I can use that for future tasks.

 

I am almost ready to pull the trigger on a 995D. It costs a bit over $100.00. That's what I expected to spend in the first place.
They advertise it as having a real Hakko element in the iron. It also is supposed to have better temperature regulation along with more settings and control. Plus a really cool blue display.

SMD Technology, 2in1 SMD Rework Soldering Station 995D+

Clear LCD Display, Cool/Hot Airflow, Auto/Manual Selection, Iron Sleep Function

With the big LCD display, it shows all specificaton clearly and dynamically. You can use hot air gun and soldering iron separately, with no interference with each other. The newest microcomputer processor PID program control technology ensures rapid warming-up and the stable accurate temperature control.


4 Nozzles (3x Round: ø5mm, ø8mm, ø10mm, 1x Square: ø13mm )
1 IC Extractor for ease using an extraction operation
1 Sponge to wipe the soldering tips at times

Advanced Functions:

Blue backlight LCD dynamical display to show precision temperature
Celsius/Fahrenheit temperature display conversion function
Temperature correction for appropriately calibration temperature of air gun and soldering iron(-50°C to + 50°C)
Iron sleep function of soldering iron in standby mode for avoiding the iron tip oxidation at high temperature
Auto and manual startup function of airflow temperature for more personality and convenience
Automatic cut-off heater function will effectively prolong the heater's life

Other Features:

SAMSUNG microcomputer control for quick warmup
Digital PID technology to enhance temperature stability
ESD design of soldering iron to protect sensitive components
Adjust the airflow and temperature via buttons and rotation knob easily
Automatically stop rotation when the temperature is less than 70°C
Intelligence self-detection function features safe personal operation
Handle with sensor switch features access operating mode when picks up or standby mode when lays down
International standard heater for convenient use and exchange
Plastic holder for placing the hot air gun
Alloy iron stand for keeping the iron from flammable materials
Suitable for SOIC, CHIP, QFP, PLCC, BGA and temperature-sensitive components
Fits for heating shrink, drying, lacquer removal, viscidity removal, ice-out, pre-heating and glue soldering
Output power: 720W, Voltage: 110V/AC
Soldering station unit dimension: 4"L x 6"D x 5 1/2"H
CE approve

Specifications:

Hot Air Gun Power 650W
Fan Brushless fan gentle wind
Resistant <2Ω
Airflow 120L/min(max.)
Handpiece Size <23mm
Noise <45dB
Temp. Stability ± 1°C
Temp. Control 100~480°C

Soldering Hot Iron
Power 80W Iron
ESM design
Resistant <2Ω
Heater Japan Import
Temp. Stability ± 1°C
Temp. Control 200~480°C

Package Content:

1x 2in1 Soldering Station Unit
1x Hot Air Gun
1x Hot Iron
1x Stand
1x Holder
1x IC Extractor
1x Sponge
4x Nozzles
1x Manual

 

Woo Hoo...:hi2:They dropped the price for the 995D to under $100.:thumbsup:. I couldn't pass it up, besides I was tired of investigating.... The horse was dead....
I doubt that I will regret spending the extra money to get the "better" tool. Better meaning more buttons and a larger screen. More Star Trekish..
I'll check the temperature readings with my trusty Radio Shack multimeter temp probe. I'll also try the laser temp sensor I have. I have it, but WHERE do I have it?
I'll post a quick review once I get it and start doing my breakout boards.
No more Home Depot heatgun to do heat shrink tubing anymore. At least I wasn't using the propane torch anymore.



I'm moving on up.....(Insert Jefferson's theme here)

 

Heat gun for heat shrink tubing? All you need is this....



LOL

Seriously though... I need to look into one of these when I get my new shop built next year.

 

I got tired of swapping power port connectors using solder wick and desoldering irons. It's such a PITA. It should be much simpler to use hot air and loosen ALL 4 of the connections at the same time.

I am kind of excited to see if I can make those 12 pin breakout boards...

Now I need to get some paste solder..Kester EP256 is supposed to be pretty good..

I won an auction for an assortment of used dental instruments. tweezers, picks, stainless syringes, dental spatula (6" stainless), scrapers, and a couple that I have no clue about. I paid about $1.20 per instrument.

Here is a stainless stencil for applying solder paste. It's a universal type that seems handy.

http://www.proto-advantage.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=400015

 

Shawn! This is what I do have. I am using this for almost three years now. I use this for reflowing GPU chips of other pc. Most of those pc's are HP, toshi..tba, De..ull or even so..ry, lol... Also on replacing the eeprom. As I remember I only paid 39buck locally.

ohlip

 

Shawn... If you are going SMD... You need to check out this link... You'll love it!

This Hackaday Prize Entry Sucks

 

Shawn -

Oh, dang dude. I'm sorry I wasn't here to advise you before you pulled the trigger.

You WILL NOT be happy with that one unless you use it like twice a year. It has the air pump built into the handle, which makes it terribly unwieldy and way too heavy; if you use it for an afternoon it will give you carpal tunnel. Seriously. You want a standalone Hot Air Rework station that has the air pump in the base, not in the handset.

My first one was a cheapo model (no display; heat knob, speed knob) made that way. I kept it about a month before I fleaBayed it and bought my first Aoyue product; the original 2702. I still have it 5 years later; my only complaint really is that I have used it UP and pretty much worn it out.



That's what happens with favorite tools; you use them all the time. The problem with the Aoyue All-In-One is not that it is bad; in fact, iy is VERY good at everything it does. The problem is that I found myself always using the soldering iron portion with the fume recovery; which works VERY well. Unfortunately, it ALSO uses the same pump that runs the hot air; after 5 years of everyday use, the pump is worn out. It rattles and is weak; I have to run it at 80-100% to do ANYTHING useful with it.

If I had it to do again (and I will soon) I would buy a similar cheap Hot-Air station, with the pump in the base, but buy the components separately. I can recommend the Ayoue hardware and the Hakko hardware; though both are getting pretty pricy. When I got my Aoyue, the 2702 and a mountain of extra tips for the hot air and the iron cost like $200 shipped.

I recommend getting one that has the flow meter; it will tell you a lot more than all the fancy lights and buttons; LCD displays are CHEAP nowadays.

I can recommend this vendor (SRA-Solder/Stan Rubenstein) and this unit for $139:



AOYUE 852A SMD SMT Hot Air 2 in 1 Rework Station | eBay

I bought my 2702 from him 5 years ago; he's a stable seller with excellent service. This station comes with a good starter set of single nozzles and incorporated vacuum picker (believe me, you WANT this for what you're doing); I've attached the Aoyue Nozzle chart. If I were shopping this right now, I'd probably do the AOYUE 852A, or get this one for $199:



AOYUE 738H 5 in 1 SMD SMT Hot Air Rework Soldering Station with Many EXTRAS | eBay

and buy a cheap aquarium pump to use for the smoke sucker so I don't wear out/clog up the pump in the unit.

If you can, cancel your order or if it's still in new condition, sell it on eBay. Get one of the ones above. You will be GLAD you did.


mnem

 

Correctly tinning the solder lands makes soldering components (12-pin socket, IC, FFC or whatever) to a board easy.

A flux pen makes all the difference to this job.

Brush the area of the solder lands on the board with flux, load a medium sized iron with a little solder and wipe all 12 lands in one quick pass of the iron. Result is 12 shiny, perfectly-formed pads of solder ready for the component.
If there's too much solder go over it with a dry iron using more flux if needed.
Then wipe off the flux, hold the component in place and heat the tops of its pins with a lightly-tinned iron.

I've replaced 30-pin, .25 pitch ports in ipods this way to avoid overheating nearby components with hot air.
I'm convinced that working fast like this with a 2.5 or a 3mm. iron inputs far less heat than struggling for ages with, say, a 1mm. tip.

I wouldn't be without a hot air station either though, especially for BGA rework and easy component removal.

Forgot this: If you do a lot of close work try to find a stereo microscope for a reasonable price. You'll love it.

 

Jesus... This thread is like p0rn to me.... I want a new solder station! I guess when I build my new shop!

 

Wait til I post info about the rework fixture for holding the pcb and hot air gun...

 

This is so getting to be like.....



Geeky but hot all at the same time!

Edit: Sorry... But after posting this pic... I think I am in love!

 

Well..I'm in lust, love... nah...

Here

 

Shawn... Uh... No... I like the Vulcan wannabe geek more!

Sorry brah!

EDIT: I shouldn't have revisited this thread tonight... I can't stop looking at the geeky Vulcan! This is what happens when you stay up late working on Toughbook!

 

Yep, I meant lust for the Vulcan.......

I was planning to post the pic of the solder stand and commented on your post at the same time....

 

Not to hijack or revive an old thread, I've recently been elected at work to repair some special tools and replace some ports and resisters on the/attach to the boards and after fighting with a regular soldering station was wondering if a hot air rework might be better...

Did you ever get one Shawn?

 

Hot air station is so much better. It takes a little practice.
I picked up an assortment of nozzles
I also got an assortment of tweezers. Here is a nice assortment.
Tweezers Jewelry Soldering Fiber Grip Cross Locking Set of 5 Bent Straight Tip | eBay

I also got one similar to this.
Cross Lock Fiber Tweezer Stand Up Self Closing w Stand for Soldering Stainless | eBay

The temperature adjustable soldering iron is very useful also. I recently got a 0.5 mm tip.

 

Which hot air station did you end up getting? I've been watching several....

 

This one. 995D

SMD Technology, 2in1 SMD Rework Soldering Station 995D+

Clear LCD Display, Cool/Hot Airflow, Auto/Manual Selection, Iron Sleep Function

With the big LCD display, it shows all specificaton clearly and dynamically. You can use hot air gun and soldering iron separately, with no interference with each other. The newest microcomputer processor PID program control technology ensures rapid warming-up and the stable accurate temperature control.


4 Nozzles (3x Round: ø5mm, ø8mm, ø10mm, 1x Square: ø13mm )
1 IC Extractor for ease using an extraction operation
1 Sponge to wipe the soldering tips at times

Advanced Functions:

Blue backlight LCD dynamical display to show precision temperature
Celsius/Fahrenheit temperature display conversion function
Temperature correction for appropriately calibration temperature of air gun and soldering iron(-50°C to + 50°C)
Iron sleep function of soldering iron in standby mode for avoiding the iron tip oxidation at high temperature
Auto and manual startup function of airflow temperature for more personality and convenience
Automatic cut-off heater function will effectively prolong the heater's life

Other Features:

SAMSUNG microcomputer control for quick warmup
Digital PID technology to enhance temperature stability
ESD design of soldering iron to protect sensitive components
Adjust the airflow and temperature via buttons and rotation knob easily
Automatically stop rotation when the temperature is less than 70°C
Intelligence self-detection function features safe personal operation
Handle with sensor switch features access operating mode when picks up or standby mode when lays down
International standard heater for convenient use and exchange
Plastic holder for placing the hot air gun
Alloy iron stand for keeping the iron from flammable materials
Suitable for SOIC, CHIP, QFP, PLCC, BGA and temperature-sensitive components
Fits for heating shrink, drying, lacquer removal, viscidity removal, ice-out, pre-heating and glue soldering
Output power: 720W, Voltage: 110V/AC
Soldering station unit dimension: 4"L x 6"D x 5 1/2"H
CE approve

Specifications:

Hot Air Gun Power 650W
Fan Brushless fan gentle wind
Resistant <2Ω
Airflow 120L/min(max.)
Handpiece Size <23mm
Noise <45dB
Temp. Stability ± 1°C
Temp. Control 100~480°C

Soldering Hot Iron
Power 80W Iron
ESM design
Resistant <2Ω
Heater Japan Import
Temp. Stability ± 1°C
Temp. Control 200~480°C

Package Content:

1x 2in1 Soldering Station Unit
1x Hot Air Gun
1x Hot Iron
1x Stand
1x Holder
1x IC Extractor
1x Sponge
4x Nozzles
1x Manual

 

Thanks, that's one of the ones I was eyeing... everyone at work likes breaking the usb type b ports out of the tools

 

The hotair makes it so much easier to remove components with multiple connections.

 

I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get one... Thanks for the info Shawn

 

Here's the best price I found.

2in1 Rework Soldering Iron Station SMD Digital 995D Nozzles ESD PLCC BGA | eBay

 

ya know , retired politicians could be re-purposed for hot air desoldering .