I just ordered a Metcal MX-500 power supply off the big auction site, and I still need to order a hand piece and work stand. Is it worth spending the extra on the newer MX-H1-AV? From what I gather, the older RM3E is plastic with a rubber grip, and the H1-AV is aluminum with a replaceable rubber grip. The H1-AV is also supposedly slightly smaller and lighter. The older ones pop up used periodically, while the newer one would need to be purchased new. Can anyone that has experience with Metcal soldering stations give their opinion?
I've got a few of the newer ones at work. They're nice in that you can use colour-coded and different feeling rubber grips, which is useful for using two handpiece with different tips. That said I haven't bothered to replace my older rm3e handpiece at home. It still feels nice to use.
They do occasionally fail - we've had perhaps three or four handpieces go in the bin over the years. The failure mode is generally that they go intermittent, which drives you nuts using the iron as the tip is occasionally cold. I'd opt for new simply because an intermittent one is very annoying.
Make sure your holder has a proper foam in it. Lots of the newer ones only have a bit of brass wool, which seems to be the latest fad for not properly cleaning your tip.
They do occasionally fail - we've had perhaps three or four handpieces go in the bin over the years. The failure mode is generally that they go intermittent, which drives you nuts using the iron as the tip is occasionally cold. I'd opt for new simply because an intermittent one is very annoying.
Make sure your holder has a proper foam in it. Lots of the newer ones only have a bit of brass wool, which seems to be the latest fad for not properly cleaning your tip.
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That's good to know. When you compare the prices of the new handles, the $10 difference makes it a no-brainer. Unless the older one is more comfortable to use. If you could trade in your rm3e for the newer one free of charge, would you?
The MX500 has 2 LED's (unless its really old). One for power and the second indicates the connection to the tip has opened (SWR exceeds limit). If the cable is intermittent they light will flash as its wiggled. They did a really good job on those cables given how much abuse they get. I see no reason to get a new one if a good used sample is available for significantly less. The going price seems to be $70 or so? Too high but that's a different story.
I've got a used Metcal recently, with the MX-H1-AV handle.
I don't know if it's normal or specific issue with my unit, but I'll get the attached error message if I turn on the station while holding the handle in my hand. There is no problem if I turn on the station while the handle is on the stand, and after that everything is working fine, so not a big issue but still keep me wondering why ...
I don't know if it's normal or specific issue with my unit, but I'll get the attached error message if I turn on the station while holding the handle in my hand. There is no problem if I turn on the station while the handle is on the stand, and after that everything is working fine, so not a big issue but still keep me wondering why ...
Attachments
Probably the SWR is out of the ideal range when its out of the stand triggering that warning. The tip needs to be a 75 Ohm load at 28 MHz +/- something or a lot of power is reflected back to the power supply. On very early units that could damage the power supply, for example unplugging the tip with the power on. Once they have the sensor its not hard to add that to a micro to display. You may have an issue with the cable.
> You may have an issue with the cable.
Thanks. Probably my hands are providing a leakage path for the 25MHz signals.
Thanks. Probably my hands are providing a leakage path for the 25MHz signals.
All I have ever had is the older style, the RM-3E, bought from the bay. If your using a fire stick now, this is a huge leap forward. Doesn't sound like enough of a difference to spend the extra money. The cord is very slim and flexible, it's a dream to use this thing.
BillWojo
BillWojo
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