MJLorton Solar Power and Electronic Measurement Equipment Forum
Youtube Video Episodes => YouTube Video Episodes => Topic started by: birrbert on June 19, 2013, 11:03:00 AM
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Hi Everybody!
My questions is related to the Hakko soldering station that's been briefly presented in this T4D. Would it work in Europe (plugged into 220 Volts) as it does in USA (110 Volts)? I'm just curious how would the transformer (or any other component for that matter) react to 220 V? Would it cause any difference in power or the station should work exactly the same way both in Europe and USA? I have a slight feeling that one would have to use a 220V to 110V transformer first and plug the station's cord into that...
Link to T4D #69: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ga8R7FEJZI
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AFAIK they are only available as a 110V version, so to use in the EU or where you have a 220V supply they would need a simple step down autotransformer to use them. Just note that all the autotransformers you find for cheap often are not legal, as they use a socket outlet as both power in and power output, with the pins of the supplied plug being live when plugged in to the mains. Simple enough to take the end cover off on the 220V side and connect it correctly to a lead with a strain relief instead of the plug, you just need to get an old lead with the strain relief cable grip on it and make an appropriate hole and then connect it inside, adding the non existent earth connection it needs to the frame of the transformer. As well look at how the windings are connected, as normally you find the transformer is wound as a 55V, 110V, 55V set of 2 windings. You need to just remember that the output will float at a minimum of 55V above earth. Then you plug the Hakko into the 110V output permanently, and it will work with pretty much no problems. There are issues with the differing mains frequencies, but this will not affect heat output, only slightly increasing copper loss in the internal transformer.
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If you want a Hakko iron, you'd probably be best of buying one from a European distributor, as these are 230V models. There is a distributor in the UK called Dancap Electronics whom I bought mine from. Not sure about other countries, but I assume there are distributors in other countries.
My UK FX-888 was more expensive than the equivalent US models, but I think it was well worth the money, especially compared to the alternatives on the market.
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Hi all
This is my first post on the forums ::)
Martin suggested I post a link to the my teardown pics of the FX888D, also supplied by DANCAP in the UK.
http://runawaybrainz.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/hakko-fx-888d-solder-station-hi-res.html (http://runawaybrainz.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/hakko-fx-888d-solder-station-hi-res.html)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8i_VMeDOOk/UTdkQM9FURI/AAAAAAAAChk/n4beO-DOeqk/s640/IMGA0283.jpg)
Cheers
Rupert
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Thanks Rupert, I like the layout inside it's a clever use of space and looks very tidy.
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Hi again! It seems that I'll be able to get my hands on a Hakko FX-888 from USA and this is very good news. :)
Could you please recommend me a 220 V to 110 V AC transformer? I believe this would be the easiest way, but I have no clue how much is the station's AC power consumption so I don't think I could select one myself.
Thanks for the help in advance!
edit: does it have to know 220 V/50 Hz to 110 V/60 Hz?
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100VA would work for this, the heater is around 60W full out.