Source: https://www.youtube.com/@iFixitYourself/videos
ifixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station
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Introducing the FixUp Power Series Portable Soldering Station: A Game-Changer for Makers and Repair Enthusiasts
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Today marks a significant milestone as we unveil our first-ever electronic device, the FixUp Power Series Portable Soldering Station. This innovative tool is designed to make soldering easier, more efficient, and accessible to everyone.
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Our portable soldering station boasts a powerful 55 watt-hour battery that provides up to eight hours of uninterrupted use. The smart iron features a super-powerful 100-watt element that heats up in under five seconds, making it ideal for various soldering tasks.
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We collaborated with LumaField to create an exclusive teardown guide, offering a glimpse into the device's internal components. As we'll demonstrate, our portable soldering station is designed with repairability in mind, making it easy for users to replace and upgrade parts.
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Unboxing Experience
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The FixUp Power Series Portable Soldering Station comes with a comprehensive documentation package, including a poster featuring helpful soldering tips for beginners. Additionally, the box contains the power station, smart soldering iron, and its USB-C cable.
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Hidden beneath the insert lies a complementary driver kit, complete with bits required to repair both the iron and power station. This thoughtful inclusion highlights our commitment to empowering users to maintain and upgrade their device.
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Disassembling the Portable Power Station
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Using a Torx driver, remove the two screws on the back of the device to access the internal components. Next, carefully disconnect the battery connector by inserting a spudger into one of the slots and rotating it to lift the connector.
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With the battery disconnected, press on the two screw dimples to slide the outer case forward, separating it from the internals. The tool mounts on either side of the case can be removed by unscrewing a single Phillips screw each. The kickstand simply pulls straight out.
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Further disassembly reveals the battery cover, which pops off with minimal effort from the spudger. The rechargeable 55 watt-hour battery is easily replaceable, thanks to our thoughtful design.
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Continue by removing the power knob and front cover/action button. Flipping the internals over exposes the guard rails secured by four Phillips screws. Once removed, the chassis lifts right up, providing access to the UI board and its components.
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Disassembling the Smart Soldering Iron
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Begin by removing the heat-resistant soldering cap, which features a replaceable cap spring clip. Next, pull out the soldering iron tip and remove the four Phillips screws on the cap end of the iron.
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Once the screws are removed, lift off the blue cap end to expose the power switch and circuit board. The handle twists to separate the grip from the rest of the handle.
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Designing for Repairability
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In creating our first electronic device, we prioritized repairability and maintainability. Every component is designed to be easily removable and replaceable, ensuring users can fix their portable soldering station without unnecessary hassle.
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We also offer replacement parts and comprehensive guides to facilitate any repairs that may be required. This dedication to user empowerment sets our product apart from others in the market.
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Conclusion
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The FixUp Power Series Portable Soldering Station represents a significant leap forward in soldering technology. Its powerful performance, repairability, and maintainability make it an essential tool for makers, repair enthusiasts, and professionals alike.
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| iFixit Teardown |
iFixit is a website and community that provides repair guides and teardowns of various electronic devices, gadgets, and machines. |
| Background |
iFixit was founded in 2003 by Kyle Wiens and Luke Soules as a small business selling repair parts for Apple laptops. Over time, the company grew and expanded its focus to include repair guides and teardowns of various electronic devices. |
| Teardown Process |
The iFixit team carefully disassembles each device, documenting every step with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the device's internal components and how they work together. |
| Repair Guides |
In addition to teardowns, iFixit also provides repair guides for various devices, which include step-by-step instructions on how to fix common issues or replace worn-out parts. These guides are written by experts and are designed to be easy to follow. |
| Community Involvement |
iFixit has a large and active community of users who contribute to the website by writing repair guides, sharing their own teardowns, and participating in discussions. The community is encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise with others. |
| Impact |
iFixit's work has had a significant impact on the electronics industry, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste by encouraging users to repair and maintain their devices rather than discarding them. The website has also inspired a new generation of DIY enthusiasts and makers. |
| iFixit Teardown: FixUp Power Series Soldering Station |
| Introduction |
The iFixit team has taken apart the FixUp Power Series Soldering Station to see what makes it tick. In this teardown, we'll dive into the station's features, components, and design choices. |
| Design and Features |
The FixUp Power Series Soldering Station boasts a compact design with a footprint of just 6.5 x 4.3 inches. The station features a digital display, adjustable temperature control (up to 480°C), and a robust metal chassis. The soldering iron is equipped with a quick-change tip mechanism, allowing for easy switching between different soldering tasks. |
| Components |
The FixUp Power Series Soldering Station contains several notable components, including: |
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• A Microchip PIC16F877A microcontroller, which handles temperature control and user interface logic. |
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• A Vishay Sfernice thermistor (NTC-3950), used for temperature sensing. |
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• A STMicroelectronics L7805CV voltage regulator, providing a stable 5V supply for the microcontroller and other components. |
| Soldering Iron |
The soldering iron features a ceramic heating element, which provides fast heat-up times and efficient energy transfer. The iron also includes a thermocouple (Type-K) for temperature measurement and control. |
| Power Supply |
The FixUp Power Series Soldering Station is powered by an external 24V DC supply, which is converted to the required voltages using a series of voltage regulators. The power supply is designed with safety features such as overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown. |
| Repairability |
The iFixit team found that the FixUp Power Series Soldering Station has a moderate level of repairability. While some components, like the microcontroller and voltage regulators, are relatively easy to replace, others, such as the ceramic heating element and thermocouple, may require more specialized tools and expertise. |
| Conclusion |
The FixUp Power Series Soldering Station is a well-designed and feature-rich soldering solution. While it's not perfect, the station's compact design, adjustable temperature control, and robust construction make it an attractive option for hobbyists and professionals alike. |
| Q1: What is the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station? |
The iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station is a high-quality soldering iron and station designed for professionals and hobbyists alike. |
| Q2: What are the key features of the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station? |
The station features a high-temperature soldering iron with adjustable temperature control, a comfortable grip, and a sturdy base with built-in cable management. |
| Q3: What is the temperature range of the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station? |
The soldering iron has an adjustable temperature range of 200°C to 450°C (392°F to 842°F), making it suitable for a variety of soldering tasks. |
| Q4: Is the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station ESD-safe? |
Yes, the station is designed with ESD safety in mind and features anti-static materials to protect sensitive electronics from damage. |
| Q5: What type of power supply does the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station use? |
The station uses a high-quality, switched-mode power supply that is energy-efficient and provides stable voltage output. |
| Q6: Is the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station compatible with other soldering irons? |
The station is designed to work with a variety of soldering irons, including those from other manufacturers. |
| Q7: What is the warranty period for the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station? |
iFixit offers a 1-year limited warranty on the station, covering defects in materials and workmanship. |
| Q8: Can I purchase replacement parts for the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station? |
Yes, iFixit offers a range of replacement parts and accessories for the station, including soldering iron tips and heating elements. |
| Q9: Is the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station suitable for beginners? |
While the station is designed with professionals in mind, it is also a great choice for beginners who want a high-quality soldering iron and station to learn on. |
| Q10: Where can I purchase the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station? |
The station is available for purchase directly from the iFixit website, as well as through authorized retailers and distributors. |
| Rank |
Pioneers/Companies |
Contribution |
| 1. |
Hakko |
Developed the first temperature-controlled soldering iron in 1954, revolutionizing the electronics industry. |
| 2. |
Weller |
Introduced the first gas-fired soldering iron in 1941 and continued to innovate with temperature-controlled models. |
| 3. |
Metcal |
Developed the first high-temperature soldering iron in the 1970s, suitable for lead-free solders. |
| 4. |
JBC Tools |
Introduced advanced temperature-controlled soldering stations with precise control and fast heating. |
| 5. |
Xytron |
Developed high-end soldering stations with advanced features like automatic temperature control and precision tip heating. |
| 6. |
OKI |
Introduced the first microprocessor-controlled soldering station in the 1980s, enhancing accuracy and reliability. |
| 7. |
Ersa |
Developed advanced reflow soldering systems for high-volume production lines, improving efficiency and yield. |
| 8. |
Kurtz Ersa |
Introduced innovative reflow soldering technologies like vacuum reflow and nitrogen-based systems. |
| 9. |
Texas Instruments |
Developed advanced temperature-controlled soldering stations with precise control and fast heating for high-volume production. |
| 10. |
iFixit |
Popularized the concept of repair and DIY electronics with their FixUp Power Series Soldering Station, making advanced soldering technology accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. |
| Component |
Description |
Technical Details |
| Main PCB |
The main printed circuit board (PCB) of the iFixit Teardown FixUp Power Series Soldering Station. |
- PCB material: FR4 (Flame Retardant 4)
- Thickness: 1.6 mm
- Copper thickness: 35 μm
- Solder mask color: Green
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| Microcontroller |
The brain of the soldering station, responsible for controlling temperature, voltage, and other functions. |
- Part number: STM32F103C8T6 (STMicroelectronics)
- Clock speed: 72 MHz
- Flash memory: 64 KB
- SRAM: 20 KB
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| Temperature Control IC |
Responsible for regulating the temperature of the soldering iron. |
- Part number: MAX31855 (Maxim Integrated)
- Temperature range: -20°C to 500°C
- Accuracy: ±2.5°C
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| Power Supply |
The component responsible for providing power to the soldering station. |
- Input voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz
- Output voltage: 24V DC
- Power rating: 65W
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| Soldering Iron Heater |
The component responsible for heating the soldering iron. |
- Type: Thermistor-controlled ceramic heater
- Power rating: 40W
- Temperature range: up to 450°C
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| LED Display |
The component responsible for displaying temperature, voltage, and other information. |
- Type: 4-digit 7-segment LED display
- Display size: 27 mm x 14 mm
- Digit height: 12.7 mm
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| User Interface |
The component responsible for user input and interaction. |
- Type: Rotary encoder with push-button
- Encoder resolution: 16 steps per rotation
- Button type: Momentary contact switch
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