On Mon, Apr 21, 2025 at 09:59 AM, @Ludwig_DH8WN wrote:
I would use a sharp pencil type tip for the solder iron, set the temperature to 350¡ãC, put a bit flux on D109, a bit solder at the tip and touch one side of D109. After a few seconds I would try slightly to lift this side of D109 using tweezers. After this the same for the other side until D109 is free.
Nothing beats TWO irons, one in each hand, for removing such components.? Touch each end and lift it off.?
I have been evaluating two of the Pinecil irons (with the shorter tips) and am pretty impressed.? I am able to drop the tip temperature 30-50¡ãF and get the same results as my older Weller irons, which now are getting old and failure-prone.? Lower temperature bodes well for the longevity of the tips and helps avoid scorched flux.? The irons sleep when no motion is detected or when you long press the "-" button, another tip saver.? These behaviors are among many programmable parameters, I left most at default settings until I understand the extensive "Iron OS" documentation.
ST-D2 and ST-B4 seem to be the most useful tips thus far, on mostly smaller work.? Having the temperature sensor located right at the tip helps them punch above their weight when soldering e.g. copper alligator clips to AWG14 wire.? Quick and easy, no waiting on the iron to catch up.??
They have a power display and pop right up to 50+ watts when I contact the joint, the response is near instantaneous.? I have found that I do not need the little screw which clamps the tip, the internal spring holds well enough.
If these hold up I think I have found the solution to my aging soldering station problem.
?
73, Don N2VGU
Donald S Brant Jr