Question: soldering iron PSU

[Spanky]

I've got an ancient Weller PS‑2D, which has a transformer inside. I would like to replace this with a switched mode PSU, is there a catch at all or a reason not to do that?

 

[Ronnie Dent]

Not sure why you would, the transformer gives 24 volts AC to the element in the iron

 

[Spanky]

Not sure why you would, the transformer gives 24 volts AC to the element in the iron

Because I volunteer at the local repair café and I want to reduce the weight of the amount of stuff I take along.

 

[Ronnie Dent]

In that case you can buy 24v switch mode psu’s on eBay but I think it will be bigger than the transformer case and probably DC

 

[big10p]

Because I volunteer at the local repair café and I want to reduce the weight of the amount of stuff I take along.

A portable iron might be an option. I got one of these a few months back for doing work inside cabs etc. Used it loads. It's been fantastic and will even work off a battery pack.

KAIWEETS 65W USB C Soldering Iron, Solder Iron Set Aluminum, Temperature Adjustable 80-420°C, Portable Soldering Iron with Smart Digital Screen, 65W GaN Charger, USB C Cable and 5 Soldering Tips : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Portable soldering iron with adjustable 80-420°C temperature, 65W GaN charger, and 5 interchangeable tips for precise repairs on drones, jewelry, watches, and phones.

amzn.eu

 

[Ace`]

I suggest a T12 or T245 knock off iron from aliexpress/amazon. I use a Geeboon tc22 and it's a fantastic JBC knock off, and I went from a high end Metcal before that.

 

[Bods]

A portable iron might be an option. I got one of these a few months back for doing work inside cabs etc. Used it loads. It's been fantastic and will even work off a battery pack.

KAIWEETS 65W USB C Soldering Iron, Solder Iron Set Aluminum, Temperature Adjustable 80-420°C, Portable Soldering Iron with Smart Digital Screen, 65W GaN Charger, USB C Cable and 5 Soldering Tips : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Portable soldering iron with adjustable 80-420°C temperature, 65W GaN charger, and 5 interchangeable tips for precise repairs on drones, jewelry, watches, and phones.

amzn.eu

Looks quite neat that, are the extra tips cartridge type that just pull out push in? says it heats up superquick so assume the element is in the tip like Oki Metcal

 

[big10p]

Looks quite neat that, are the extra tips cartridge type that just pull out push in? says it heats up superquick so assume the element is in the tip like Oki Metcal

Yeah, the tips have a ceramic base with the element in, I guess. Just need to unscrew the thing at the base to remove the tip.

Cable could do with being a bit longer, but it's a nice rubbery one that won't tangle. As I said, works off battery pack, but might struggle to reach max temps off one. Takes a bit longer to desolder big joints. Probably a better battery pack than mine would be in order. Very handy tool.