Metcal solder iron problem

92.2.70.128

Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:54:59

andy evans
Audiophile

Posts: 1981
Joined: October 20, 2000

I have a Metcal solder station which should be self-regulating for temperaure. It's started to cut out and come back on. changing tips sometimes helps but it seems to happen with a few tips.

What's likely to be the problem here?

1) Tips
2) Handset
3) Solder station

All help welcome.,

Andy

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RE: Metcal solder iron problem

djk

18:03:42 07/18/12

RE: Metcal solder iron problem

6bq5

15:46:16 07/18/12

...

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RE: Metcal solder iron problem

djk

18:03:42 07/18/12

RE: Metcal solder iron problem

6bq5

15:46:16 07/18/12

RE: Metcal solder iron problem, posted on July 18, 2012 at 15:46:16

6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 589
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
Contributor
Since: September 14, 2012

Andy,
I have not used the Metcal system; however I have used the Weller systems for many years when I was doing production work, and kept one for home use.

Typically when these units can not keep temperature, they need a bit of cleaning. The high heat tends to leave the metal prone to absorbing water vapor from the atmosphere, and then they can oxidize / corrode when not in use, and the coefficients for the X-oxide version of the metal is quite different from the original -
Try cleaning with a non-woven abrasive pad (green scrubie) and then blow out with glean air and try again - do not forget to clean the hand held wand as well as the tip. [N.B. All this work should be done with the unit COLD and UNPLUGGED]

let me know how that works for you,
Happy Listening,

RE: Metcal solder iron problem, posted on July 18, 2012 at 18:03:42
djk Manufacturer Posts: 5350 Joined: June 17, 2000	Most likely the co-axial connection to the tip is dirty. Rotate the cold tip in the handset several times and it should clean up. Solder smoke and flux residue are the usual suspects.

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Metcal solder iron problem

92.2.70.128