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I finally got a Metcal

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MaximRecoil:


--- Quote from: Peale on May 05, 2007, 04:47:20 am ---How's this one?

Link

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That is the SP series. They retail new in the $250 range (link). I have no experience with them but they work on the same RF-driven principle as the MX series (and its direct predecessors -- RFG-30/STSS and PS2E-01) which I have plenty of experience with. I've read good things about them. They are kind of the economy line. For example, the Metcal website suggests the SP series for the floor workers and the MX series for the techs:


--- Quote ---The SP200 is an ideal choice for both large and small companies. You can put an SP200 on the benches of through-hole soldering and surface mount touch-up benches, and a Metcal MX500 Surface Mount Rework System on the benches of your SMT rework operators. -- Link
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The only reservations I have with them is that their handpieces and tip cartridges aren't compatible with the MX series (though their design/appearance is similar). It is easier to find cheap sources (like auctions) for tip cartridges for the MX series because they are more commonly used in factories than the SP series is, and they have been in production for a lot longer. Plus, in my case, I can get tip cartridges from my ex-coworkers for the MX series, whereas I wouldn't be able to for the SP series.

Edit: Some tips for anyone searching for Metcals on eBay or whatever:

Metcal often used different numbers for the power supply vs. the system (system includes the handpiece and workstand). For example:

SP-PW1 is the model number of the power supply, while SP200 is the name of the system that is based on the SP-PW1 power supply, which includes the SP-HC1 handpiece and WS2 workstand.

RFG-30 is the name of the power supply. STSS-001 and STSS-002 are the names of the systems based on that power supply. These use the STSS-RM3E handpiece, and the later MX-RM3E handpiece is also compatible -- the same applies to the PS2E-01 power supply, which came with the STSS-001/002 systems, and used the STSS-RM3E handpiece as well as the current MX-RM3E handpiece. WS1 is the current workstand that is compatible with these.

With the MX-500 they seemed to merge the model number of the power supply and the name of the system, so no confusion there. There are just different letters appended to the end of MX-500, i.e., MX-500P = power supply and MX-500S-11 = system. These also use the WS1 workstand.

The STSS and MX systems are compatible with each other, but not compatible with SP systems.

The STSS and MX systems use STTC-XXX tip cartridges. SP systems use SSC-XXXX tip cartridges.

scotthh:

I finally got one too! Since MaximRecoil started this thread, I've been waiting to replace my $7 Radio Shack soldering iron... Does anyone know if there are local dealers (preferably in Westchester County, NY) that sell the tips? I need some instant gratification.

MaximRecoil:


--- Quote from: scotthh on March 12, 2008, 10:03:53 pm ---I finally got one too! Since MaximRecoil started this thread, I've been waiting to replace my $7 Radio Shack soldering iron... Does anyone know if there are local dealers (preferably in Westchester County, NY) that sell the tips? I need some instant gratification.

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Nice. Does it power up? That's the same type that I have (RFG-30). Mine still works perfectly.

I don't know if you'll be able to find anything local or not. Metcal generally sells to factories and such, so you may not find any local retail outlets that carry their stuff. I bought a new tip cartridge from eBay, and it came with a roll of solder wick for less than $20 shipped, and I'm still using it. They last for about 80 hours of continuous use before you notice decreasing performance, which probably translates to the rest of my life for home use.

As I mentioned in previous posts, my preference is the STTC-126 tip cartridge. It is the one I used at work for both small surface-mount stuff and larger through-hole stuff. I found the size and angle of the tip to be perfect for pretty much everything. Most of my co-workers preferred that particular tip too.

Assuming your station is working correctly, wait until you get a new tip and turn it on, and find that it reaches operating temperature in about 7 seconds (compare that to how long your Radio Shack iron takes). I have a feeling you'll appreciate the ergonomics compared to your Radio Shack iron as well.

scotthh:

I just won the auction, I'll let you know if it powers up when I get it. I bid on a couple of STTC-126's too, but the auctions are for a few more days. I asked OKI's regional sales manager who recommended Techni-Tool for new tips, so I guess retail is out.  Now it's going to show up and I can only look at it for a few days...

MaximRecoil:

You'll need a power cord for it. In case you didn't know already, it uses the same type of power cord that a PC uses (IEC connector). I have a bunch of those kicking around anyway, so that was no problem (mine didn't come with a power cord either).

Mine came with a used tip cartridge so I could see if it worked right away, while I waited for the new tip cartridge in the mail. Mine also came with the correct Metcal stand for the handpiece; something you'll probably want to look into getting eventually—they makes things a lot more convenient when soldering.

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