dlj04(at)josephson.com
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 Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 9:40 am Post subject: Few more comments on Metcal |
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We have been using the Metcal stations for about 20 years and even the
one or two stations we bought at full retail have paid for themselves
within a short time. I first used these when doing consulting for Apple
and there was no turning back. There are two simple differences between
these and other irons: (1) the work heats up much faster for a given
temperature because the tip (and only the tip) is maintained at the
right temperature, and (2) the tool is so much smaller and lighter that
it's just a lot easier to use.
There are three series of these systems. The original MX500 is the most
common. It uses a modified coaxial F connector for the handpiece, and
single-pin tips from the STTC series. This is what we use (my company
makes microphones for recording studios.) The newest MX5000 have more
power, a lot of programmable features and options for handpiece grips
etc. but they use the same STTC tips. There was a low cost SP200 series
for a while using a different handpiece connector and different tips, I
would recommend that you avoid them -- while they work fine, the tips
and handpiece connectors (that have two small pins inside rather than
the single coaxial pin of the STTC) don't last as long in our experience.
Two cautions with the older MX500 units: they don't have auto
idle/shutoff and the tip will erode if you leave it on for weeks without
using it, and some of the power units can be damaged if you turn them on
without having a tip and handpiece connected. Be sure the handpiece
cable is securely threaded or pushed on before you turn on the power.
The standard STTC-137 tip for normal use and STTC-117 for heavy work do
most of what we need.
I have an old standby Weller WTCP station in the travel kit because it's
smaller than the Metcal. The standard PTA7 and bigger PTD7 tips are all
you need.
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