Enhancing Hakko FX-888D: Upgrading the Troublesome Connector & Adding Orientation Indicator

[@quademasters249]

Just got mine. I'll wait for it to break before I do this too. Thanks.

[@flint9591]

It's still a good choice. I like everything about it, but the connector. You can try a strain relief that might eliminate the issue before it starts.

[@goodun2974]

@@flint9591 , If you're mostly using the soldering station for service calls on the road and you want something that's a little easier to toss in the tool bag or tool box and not worry about it, Harbor Freight sells a surprisingly good temperature controllable analog soldering station for $45, which uses a higher-quality screw-on connector. I did a review and teardown of it on my channel recently, and the only thing I can really fault it for is that the cable that connects the wand to the station is thick and stiff and not heat resistant, but of course it could be changed out for a flexible silicone cable. The tips that come with it (plated iron, not copper) aren't great either but if you put better tips on it (T18 or 900M will work), it performs quite well.

[@goodun2974]

A Dremel tool probably would have been easier for elongating the notches where you need to mount the connector to the plastic front panel. And man, them screws are rather a bit larger than they need to be.....#4-40 or 3 mm hardware would be more appropriate, and you wouldn't have needed to drill out the DIN plugs' mounting holes.

[@dovetomarc]

Love the video. The music a huge annoying distraction with all due respect.

[@DanielWilcoxbucketofmass]

Good to know, its hard to fill "fast speed" with silence.

[@goodun2974]

​@@DanielWilcoxbucketofmass, You have music playing while you're diagramming out the wiring to the din plug * in real-time*....

[@obidahasdia4095]

Just mute it ​@@goodun2974

[@flint9591]

Informative video. My Hakko just became intermittent at the din, even though all looks fine. Will use your fix.

[@goodun2974]

It amazes me that HAKKO uses an ordinary DIN plug for the connector when many clones and no-name units, including some that sell for significantly less, use screw on microphone or ham radio type connectors with a metal shell and more current-carrying/ heat-sinking capability. I've been working with audio electronics for over 50 years and have lots of experience with audio equipment using DIN plugs, and I would never design a soldering station to use them. BTW, It is possible to obtain DIN plugs to go on the cable which have a metal outer shell and a locking tab.

[@flint9591]

@@goodun2974 Love everything else about the iron. Actually behaved today !

[@Crappy.Consumer.Reports]

This music was not a good choice and not only because it’s too loud.

[@straightkey]

Could be a fake judging by the label on the bottom.

[@salmanrashid6245]

not a fake

[@goodun2974]

There are several videos on KZbin about how to tell a real Hakko from a fake , and this one has the hallmarks of the real thing.

[@ankawojcieszuk8344]

fake as hell

[@DanielWilcoxbucketofmass]

Um, no. But if you donate $100k USD to my channel, I will go live and we can explore together. What say you!?