I am looking into getting a soldering iron and a digital multimeter. What are the best ones I can get for under $120? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif
Thanks.
Thanks.
Good soldering iron and DMM for under $120?
- Thread starter Pi_is_blue
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IlluminatingBikr
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
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Are you asking for both (seperately) to be under $120, or combined under $120?
Looking to get both the DMM and soldering iron for $120 or less. My father might buy them both for me if it is less than $120 for both of them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
shankus
Flashlight Enthusiast
Wow, not many responses.
I wish I had some suggestions, but my stuff was fairly expensive.
I know that if I had to do it over again, I'd get both on ebay. Not much is worth what you pay for it new.
I think Wavetek makes decent meters that are inexpensive. Or, I had a Craftsman Digital meter that was fine. I have seen used Flukes on ebay go for the $40-60 range, depending on the model.
I would also check B/S/T. I have gotten many things from here and I've not had a bad experience yet.
Anybody else have any suggestions?
I wish I had some suggestions, but my stuff was fairly expensive.
I know that if I had to do it over again, I'd get both on ebay. Not much is worth what you pay for it new.
I think Wavetek makes decent meters that are inexpensive. Or, I had a Craftsman Digital meter that was fine. I have seen used Flukes on ebay go for the $40-60 range, depending on the model.
I would also check B/S/T. I have gotten many things from here and I've not had a bad experience yet.
Anybody else have any suggestions?
milkyspit
Flashlight Enthusiast
Pi, which will you use more?
You could of course cut some corners on both items, but might also consider going for higher quality on the item that's more important to you, and getting something cheaper for now on the one you'll use less.
If the DMM is more important to you, you ought to be able to buy a used Fluke 77 in excellent condition on ebay for $70 or so, and you have plenty of choices of decent entry level soldering irons for $50 or less.
On the other hand, if the soldering iron is more important to you, you should be able to find a used Metcal SP200 system in excellent condition, complete with tips and other accessories, on ebay for $100, perhaps a bit more. Meanwhile, it's not hard to find a $10 DMM that will do all the basics with plenty of accuracy for a hobbyist.
Decision time I guess. But these are the fun decisions. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You could of course cut some corners on both items, but might also consider going for higher quality on the item that's more important to you, and getting something cheaper for now on the one you'll use less.
If the DMM is more important to you, you ought to be able to buy a used Fluke 77 in excellent condition on ebay for $70 or so, and you have plenty of choices of decent entry level soldering irons for $50 or less.
On the other hand, if the soldering iron is more important to you, you should be able to find a used Metcal SP200 system in excellent condition, complete with tips and other accessories, on ebay for $100, perhaps a bit more. Meanwhile, it's not hard to find a $10 DMM that will do all the basics with plenty of accuracy for a hobbyist.
Decision time I guess. But these are the fun decisions. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Rothrandir
Flashaholic
jeez illy, is your dad willing to adopt?
i need a nice dmm and soldering iron also! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
i need a nice dmm and soldering iron also! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
IlluminatingBikr
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2003
- Messages
- 2,320
[ QUOTE ]
Rothrandir said:
jeez illy, is your dad willing to adopt?
i need a nice dmm and soldering iron also! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Ummm, roth.... did you mean Pi?
Rothrandir said:
jeez illy, is your dad willing to adopt?
i need a nice dmm and soldering iron also! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Ummm, roth.... did you mean Pi?
jtice
Flashaholic
lol roth,,,, you really need to try paying attention some time....
pi_is_blue is the one asking about them.
Use www.froogle.com to serch for the DMM. There are plenty arounf 50 60 that are fine for what you will need them for. Heck, I've seen $20 that would do the job.
pi_is_blue is the one asking about them.
Use www.froogle.com to serch for the DMM. There are plenty arounf 50 60 that are fine for what you will need them for. Heck, I've seen $20 that would do the job.
Rothrandir
Flashaholic
bah, shut up you two /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twakfl.gif
pi, illy, tailcap, tailswitch..it's all the same /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
pi, illy, tailcap, tailswitch..it's all the same /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Sure.
First off, starting out I don't think you don't really want big bucks gear, for sure it's not really needed and won't be for some time to come. You need good solid stuff, of course, suited to the task, but there's a lot of experience with this stuff out there. Remember, we put men on the moon without fancy solder stations and sub one percent accurate DMMs (for the most part) and can still easily do 90% of all we do with those same 'primitive' tools.
So I suggest a mid range iron. Go to Jameco and check out the soldering irons in the catalog section.
Jameco solder stations and irons
The current model of the version I've used for 30 years or so is the 42 Watt Weller (WCTCP), now IMO overpriced at $130. However, the model WCL100 stations have given us excellent service at the college for several years now in the student shop (a particularly brutal environment where everything is treated as a rental......), at $50 it gets my nod for a station. Adjustable temperature, cheap long life tips, known reliable under adverse use. Likewise I can also recommend the model W100G, a closed loop 100 watt line driven TC iron. With the standard tips they're up to "usin' temperature" before you get the rest of your stuff set up and are 'just the ticket' for field work. Such an iron can easily serve you 20 or more years into the future even if replaced at a later date by some flashy bench top unit. It's really surprising how many tasks are more than a three foot radius of the solder station....no matter where you put it.
Don't forget solder (63% Tin if possible, never under 60), say .032 or so. And some solder wick and maybe a 'solder sucker'. And while we're on the subject, how you fixed for a small pair of wire cutters and small 'long nose' pliers? You're helpless without them. That soldering iron is useless without these bits, all you can do is burn yourself.....
That should leave you with say $30 or $40 for a DMM, a 'great plenty'. You'll probably want 3.5 digits (big is easier to read), with the 'normal ranges'. Take your pick, there are a lot of them out there, most just fine for the task. I've personally had good luck with both Wavetek and Metex brands on the low end, and Keithley and Fluke on the other. Be sure it has a 10 amp or so DC current range if you're going to use it for flashlights. I'd look at the Metex M3800, I used one for long time, even broke the display window one of many drops, up until someone borrowed it without asking and just forgot to bring it back (or so they no doubt look at it as.....).
Doug Owen
First off, starting out I don't think you don't really want big bucks gear, for sure it's not really needed and won't be for some time to come. You need good solid stuff, of course, suited to the task, but there's a lot of experience with this stuff out there. Remember, we put men on the moon without fancy solder stations and sub one percent accurate DMMs (for the most part) and can still easily do 90% of all we do with those same 'primitive' tools.
So I suggest a mid range iron. Go to Jameco and check out the soldering irons in the catalog section.
Jameco solder stations and irons
The current model of the version I've used for 30 years or so is the 42 Watt Weller (WCTCP), now IMO overpriced at $130. However, the model WCL100 stations have given us excellent service at the college for several years now in the student shop (a particularly brutal environment where everything is treated as a rental......), at $50 it gets my nod for a station. Adjustable temperature, cheap long life tips, known reliable under adverse use. Likewise I can also recommend the model W100G, a closed loop 100 watt line driven TC iron. With the standard tips they're up to "usin' temperature" before you get the rest of your stuff set up and are 'just the ticket' for field work. Such an iron can easily serve you 20 or more years into the future even if replaced at a later date by some flashy bench top unit. It's really surprising how many tasks are more than a three foot radius of the solder station....no matter where you put it.
Don't forget solder (63% Tin if possible, never under 60), say .032 or so. And some solder wick and maybe a 'solder sucker'. And while we're on the subject, how you fixed for a small pair of wire cutters and small 'long nose' pliers? You're helpless without them. That soldering iron is useless without these bits, all you can do is burn yourself.....
That should leave you with say $30 or $40 for a DMM, a 'great plenty'. You'll probably want 3.5 digits (big is easier to read), with the 'normal ranges'. Take your pick, there are a lot of them out there, most just fine for the task. I've personally had good luck with both Wavetek and Metex brands on the low end, and Keithley and Fluke on the other. Be sure it has a 10 amp or so DC current range if you're going to use it for flashlights. I'd look at the Metex M3800, I used one for long time, even broke the display window one of many drops, up until someone borrowed it without asking and just forgot to bring it back (or so they no doubt look at it as.....).
Doug Owen
Thanks Doug! That was really helpful!
Just got a inexpensive DMM from radioshack (my dad paid for it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif). I love measuring the voltage on all my batteries. I just measured half a dozen unused SF 123a batteries. They all measured 3.28 volts. Now to get a soldering iron plus accessories! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
milkyspit
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hey now, Pi. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif You must be thrilled. Now go for that soldering iron! One word of advice: buy one that gives you all you need and more now (enough power, the right features, etc.), or you'll only be back to buy another sooner than you might like. There are lots of models and brands that could work, and some are pretty inexpensive. Enjoy the ride! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif
I use two of these. Soldering Stations
They are really inexpensive and have served me very well. Granted, they are not Metcals, but they work. I've done lots with them.
I'd just suggest that you get your preferred tips when you get the stations. Shipping can be rough.
They also carry these, DMM among others.
They are really inexpensive and have served me very well. Granted, they are not Metcals, but they work. I've done lots with them.
I'd just suggest that you get your preferred tips when you get the stations. Shipping can be rough.
They also carry these, DMM among others.
GarageBoy
Flashlight Enthusiast
The cheapest weller is like 50$ and is very nice. I use my dad's ANCIENT WTCP, which the connector had broken on, so he soldered the iron to the transformer base. It was also thrown on the ground by my mom when she got pissed at him. The magnetic temperature control makes sure my tip is 800 degrees
markdi
Flashlight Enthusiast
I have a wtcps weller soldering station
the wtcps stations are great. Some times you can find them cheap used
new they are exspensive.
and a metcal I need to fix.
the wtcps stations are great. Some times you can find them cheap used
new they are exspensive.
and a metcal I need to fix.
riscfaktor
Newly Enlightened
Best all-purpose gun I use is the Weller GT7A. I think I paid around 70$ for it but that was probably 10-15 yrs ago. It uses an replaceable powerhead. Replacement heads are around $40-50. These aren't prone to burning out like some of the loop type tips. It gets very hot very fast, and really isn't for most circuit board level work. For most other jobs and big jobs that smaller guns can't touch, the GT can't be beat.
For circuit boards and more precise work I like to use one of Weller's butane models. They have the ability to change tips, get hot enough while not too hot, and are portable. They also aren't prone to magnetism like some cheap electric guns--a plus when working on sensitive circuits.
For circuit boards and more precise work I like to use one of Weller's butane models. They have the ability to change tips, get hot enough while not too hot, and are portable. They also aren't prone to magnetism like some cheap electric guns--a plus when working on sensitive circuits.
Sigman
* The Arctic Moderator *
I've dealt with Circuit Specialists in the past and have been very pleased with them. I just got a catalog from "Marlin P. Jones & Assoc." (www.mpja.com) and they have the same solder station the Circuit Specialists is offering (the link in Chop's post).
One stop shopping with Circuit Specialists...they had a deal that gave you a free DMM when spending over a certain amount of money. You HAD to use their special code to get it, if you didn't - they didn't give it to you. I'll go and prowl around their site and see if it's still valid.
Edit: YES, "The Promotional Deal" is still valid. Make sure you read the page and enter the code. It's the same DMM they sell for $30, free with an order over $50! There must be something else you need? Pick up a Meterman LM631 Lightmeter! They "had" the best price around when I got mine!
That soldering station if temperature controlled as well...I may have to order one myself!
One stop shopping with Circuit Specialists...they had a deal that gave you a free DMM when spending over a certain amount of money. You HAD to use their special code to get it, if you didn't - they didn't give it to you. I'll go and prowl around their site and see if it's still valid.
Edit: YES, "The Promotional Deal" is still valid. Make sure you read the page and enter the code. It's the same DMM they sell for $30, free with an order over $50! There must be something else you need? Pick up a Meterman LM631 Lightmeter! They "had" the best price around when I got mine!
That soldering station if temperature controlled as well...I may have to order one myself!
Sigman,
That's how I got one of my DMM's. Just order the station and a few tips. The reason that I got the CSI was because the wands were so small. It made is easy to get into tight places. The Wellers were just too bulky, but I suppose it depends on what you do.
That's how I got one of my DMM's. Just order the station and a few tips. The reason that I got the CSI was because the wands were so small. It made is easy to get into tight places. The Wellers were just too bulky, but I suppose it depends on what you do.
