After a Year of Use - Atten ST-862D Thoughts

[@FFcossag]

Thank you for this video - it's immensely valuable to hear opinions based on actual long-term use of a product.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

It was my pleasure, and thanks for the comment. And I'm still enjoying the Atten hot air gun and still wish I would have bought one long before I did.

[@xxwookey]

Thanks for the 'after use' review. These are so valuable. And the look inside. The alternative is the Quick 861DW which has very similar functionality and UI and is _really_ well made (RFI filter is in a tin box, fan is on vibration mounts, everything is sleeved and zip-tied), but nearly twice as expensive. You can see where a bit of money has been saved, but it looks like it would still last a reasonable time. Presumably the fan is the bit most likely to wear out. I've wanted a rework station for a long time, and this one looks like good value whilst also being of reasonable quality.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I think it will hold up well. I don't use mine every day. But 2 to 3 times a week.

[@th3maz1ngwotchannel10]

Thanks a lot for this well made presentation. I just ordered one today. I was hesitating between the atten or the quick 861DW which is more expensive, but finally chose the Atten. Greetings from France !

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I'm sure once you get it, you will wish you ordered one the first time you thought about getting one. I know I did.

[@alarmsquadnj]

I’m planning on getting this one 😊

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I have enjoyed using mine and wish I had bought one sooner.

[@guzikunio]

I think you can change the function of this button in the settings. The heater will turn on automatically when removed from the base, button will still work but you won't need to use it.

[@andrewwturner]

After 6 months of ownership I didn't know about the nozzle removal bracket! From new mine has always intermittently given an E08 error but apart from that I'm very happy with it. I agree with your remarks about the button on the handle, it is in an very unnatural position.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I ended up putting a small piece of sandpaper on the button, which makes it much easier to find now.

[@em0_tion]

Thank you for sharing such valuable info, now that's what I call a real review! 👌 BTW, my initial solution idea for the stand is just attach it to a dumbell weight (and shape of your choice). Quick, cheap and easy to find internationally. You can also stick silicone feet to it so you don't scratch your desk and eliminate all movement. And if you can't find feet, just squeeze 4 small hot melt glue balls - works like a charm. Bonus tip: one could also use a dumbell weight and plastic coolant pipes to make a DIY 3rd hand for basic soldering. 😁

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I had a small piece of scrap granite I was going to glue to the stand. I just never did it. The coolant pipe is a great idea. I’ve got a couple of those tucked away somewhere. I’ll have to find them and put them to use. Thanks.

[@bobweiram6321]

It's super easy to find parts for Chinese products. Unlike US manufacturers where they fend for themselves, Chinese industry is built on cooperation and mutual interests. Almost all the individual components are made by specialty manufacturers. The differentiation is in the brand and features. Often you'll see two stations where one claims to be 1200 watts and the other 1300 watts. Upon close scrutiny there's no difference in the heaters. The firmware controls how much power is supplied to the heater. It's one of the reasons they took away knobs so upgrading isn't as easy as switching out potentiometers. Depending on the part, you can buy them as jelly bean parts, or salvage them from a completely different product. The air blower, heater, transformer and display are interchangeable across several different brands.

[@cdyoutoob]

Pg 10 of manual (original poor english) 9. Start mode options (S-S) : Heating-up start mode option, there are two options available Nor: Normal (Default) The standby function is not turn on or entered to standby mode: the device turn on/off is control by handle button, press once to open,press again to close. The standby function has been turn on but not enter to standby mode: the output is control by handle seat, the handle will start immediately when remove from the handle seat;return handle to handle seat to turn off output For: In forced mode, turn on/off the device is only control by handle remove/return to handle seat. the handle will start immediately when remove from the handle seat; return handle to handle seat to turn off output. The standby function is forbid under this mode.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I keep mine in standby mode, think I have it set to 6 minutes. I probably should just set it to 10. Yes, the manual isn’t very clear but the button still works to turn it on and off in standby mode. It’s very convenient to just pick up the nozzle and have it come on.

[@breakjitsu]

I started watching your videos on ps5 sensors and enjoyed your information and insight. Can you please go over what are the best tools for solderings and desoldering? I want to replace my potentiometers, but I'm looking into whats the best soldering kit and pcb holder. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the amazing work.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I'm going to have some of that in the next video. If you just want the tools to replace the joysticks, I would go with a low-cost temperature-controlled soldering iron from Amazon. Get one with at least 60 watts. And it would be worth a bit extra if you could get tips for it. On the other hand, if it's going to be something you want to use a lot I would go for a brand name soldering iron. I'm kind of fond of the Hakko brand.

[@MarkATrombley]

Would gluing a tiny piece of sandpaper to the switch make it easier to find?

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

It very well might. I'm going to try that. Thanks.

[@em0_tion]

Great tip, thanks. 👍

[@Tokaisho1]

As someone else mentioned "you can change the function of this button in the settings. The heater will turn on automatically when removed from the base, button will still work but you won't need to use it."@@metalplasticelectronics354

[@irishguy200007]

Or maybe a piece of a nettle.

[@aboudjeneral]

Is it good for mobile repair? Does it melt plastic connectors if I try to re use? I hear that mobile component are bit weaker than other electronics.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

With the heat turned up it will melt most any plastic. I've been able to replace parts next to good quality connectors with out any problems. Cheap plastic connectors, they will melt. I've had to be very careful around so of the cheap through hole connectors that I ordered from Amazon. They melt very easy. I haven't done any mobile repair but I would think most of the parts in a mobile device will have gone through a reflow soldering oven.

[@doniherald7745]

for plastic component try heat up from the bottom pcb

[@MrKevin920]

You can change a setting in menu for it to turn on when taken off the stand

[@TheKoodus]

Thank you for your insights!!

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

You bet!

[@Monkeyindatrees]

With no nitpicking is the high frequency tone in the back frol then atten or camera? Sounda like a old tv

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

The only time the Atten makes any noise is when the blower is running, but it's not a high-frequency sound.

[@faustsmith]

How did you like this hot air station for working on more dense Apple boards?

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I haven't worked on any highly dense boards. I mostly use it for boards I have made. I don't see any reason for it not to work well, though. You have very good control over the air volume.

[@haliimaaxmed]

i am hesitating between attent or quick 861dw wich one to buy ,do you recommend to buy it

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

The Atten is the only one I have ever used. But I've been very happy with it.

[@MrBlingBlingNr1]

Where do you get the angeld nozzles from?

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

They came with the hot air station. Rossmann repair group was the only place I saw selling the air station with the bent nozzles. So I order it from them. Link: store.rossmanngroup.com/atten-862.html . Before I bought the station I did find some bent nozzle kits of Ebay. But if I remember they shipped from Hong Kong. It was only like $10 more for the station with the bent nozzles from Rossmann, so I went with that. If you already have the station might check on Ebay to start.

[@MrBlingBlingNr1]

@@metalplasticelectronics354 Ok thank you. I´m interessted in buying the station. I don´t know if it is maybe a little bit overkill for me. But i don´t like the small stations.

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I think you will love it. Go for it.

[@MrBlingBlingNr1]

@@metalplasticelectronics354 Got mine yesterday. Works perfectly

[@hossamhrmobilerepair3656]

Atten or quik 861d?

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I have not used the Quick. So I don't know which is better. The Atten has worked great for me.

[@lord_haven1114]

Watch Louis rossmanns videos on it. Both are basically the same other than a few tiny differences, but atten is cheaper. He uses them all day every day so he’d know how they work and how durable they are. If he sells them it means they are awesome

[@rezakxwave]

Atten

[@veter_ok]

Thank you. Your video is a crusial for my choice

[@metalplasticelectronics354]

I hope you enjoy which every one you decide to get. I’ve really have enjoyed using this Atten. I used it today, and thought I’m sure glad I got it.

[@GoProCare]

Atten best PP