TS100 digital programmable soldering iron has been popular in recent years due to its compact size, open source STM32 firmware, fast heating, and it does the job. Another advantage is that the soldering can be powered by a standard 19V laptop power supply.
As noted in a post about a separate soldering pen board with audio jack, the company behind TS100 has been working on a new model called TS80 powered via USB type C port, lighter & more compact, and supporting soldering tips that connect through a typical 3.5mm audio jack. The good news is that TS80 is now available for $89.99 on Sainsmart under the ToolPAC brand. Use TS80 coupon for $10 discount. [Update: TS80 is now sold on Banggood for $72.99 shipped]
TS80 SUB type-C soldering iron specifications:
- MCU – STMicro STM32F103T8 Arm Cortex-M3 MCU @ 72 MHz with 20KB SRAM, 64KB or 128KB flash
- Temperature Range – 100 – 400 (Max) ±3%
- Display – OLED display
- Data/Power Interface: USB Type-C
- Power Input – 9V/2A (QC 3.0)
- Dimensions – Controller: 95.5mm; tip: 60+40mm
- Weight – 36.5g
- Certifications – CE, FCC
The kit includes a soldering iron controller, and a TS-B02 soldering iron tip as pictured below, as well as a user manual in English.
You’ll also need a power supply, preferably one compatible with Quick Charge 3.0 (9V/2A) or a QC 3.0 power bank, in order to power the soldering iron through its USB-C receptacle.
The STM32 MCU helps regulating “sleep”, “standby”, and “operating” modes, updates the OLED screen, and just like for TS100, the firmware will be open source. I could not find it yet, but it may eventually be posted on minidso forum, or directly on the manufacturer website (miniware aka “Guangzhou e-Design Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd”).
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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