Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Centaur on March 19, 2008, 10:45:36 PM

Title: is this soldering station a good deal?
Post by: Centaur on March 19, 2008, 10:45:36 PM
Is this a good deal?
http://www.omnitronelectronics.net/phpstore/html/89-2933-TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED-ESD-SOLDERING-STATION.html (http://www.omnitronelectronics.net/phpstore/html/89-2933-TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED-ESD-SOLDERING-STATION.html)

I'm new and I don't really know what to look for in a soldering station.  I really don't want to spend 100+ on one because i doubt i will really use it all that much.

Or I could buy just a 30W pencil for really cheep
http://www.omnitronelectronics.net/phpstore/html/88-3001--SOLDERING-IRON-PENCIL-TYPE-30-WATT.html (http://www.omnitronelectronics.net/phpstore/html/88-3001--SOLDERING-IRON-PENCIL-TYPE-30-WATT.html)
and use that until i felt it was time to upgrade. 

So I'm looking at either buying a cheep one now with the plans for upgrading in the future if I need it, or the more expensive station now with the hope that I would not want to upgrade.

Any opinions?
Title: Re: is this soldering station a good deal?
Post by: airman00 on March 20, 2008, 06:53:13 AM
well it all depends what your plan for robotics is


If you are a beginner then the pencil soldering iron will be fine for you for 2 years or more
Soldering stations are good when you need to solder delicate components , etc.


Pencil should be fine for you . Also use a solderless breadboard for your robot instead of a prototype board, as to minimize soldering.
Title: Re: is this soldering station a good deal?
Post by: Rebelgium on March 21, 2008, 06:49:38 AM
I've been studying electronics for 6 years, and I don't need a solderstation.
I have a 40W and a 15W weller pencil. Perfect :)