SBC6120 (a build-it-yourself PDP-8 clone) Last Buy and, End ofLife - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

6 Jun 2006

Chuck said:

...
  So, with the fancy irons with solid-state temperature
control
 circuitry, is the Weller TC201 now out of fashion?  It's been my
 faithful compainion for decades--some years ago, I snagged a big batch
 of assorted tips from a going-out-of-business sale, so I haven't had
 any reason to change just yet.

 But is there something that's tons better? 
There is no iron better than the TC201!!!  None, Not at all, in no 
way...  Had it since I finished my traineeship.

The only reason I could imaging is if you are soldering using wierd 
non-lead solder, then the precise temperature control matters.

But there are cases where the TC201 simply doesn't have the thermal 
mass....  for those cases, never forget the 200W plumbers iron.

For all of the electronics I can still see (until my eyesight fails me), 
my Weller is the answer.

Take Care,

Doug