TS101 Soldering Iron - Better than TS100?

[@nhlvan]

Great review, I decided to get the TS101 after 3 years after my $35 soldering iron from Amazon started failing.

[@jamisonlm3]

IMHO, you can't go wrong either way. The ts101 is an upgrade, for sure. I think we're very lucky to live in a time when such great soldering irons can be had for such a small amount of money. In that way, we're spoiled a bit.

[@EvilDaveCanada]

A review with a comparison between both models is VERY useful for someone like me who wants to finally upgrade from an AC powered pencil soldering iron. I am finally trying to build a permanent project using an RP2040 based board and want propery temperature control for any soldering I may have to do.

[@choppergirl]

If you don't use these on a regular basis, coming back to them, the menus and buttons presses which you don't remember are confusing as phwck. I end up just guessing at the button to turn it on, and then when I need to pause it, unplug the dmmn thing from the power source. When I need to use it again, plug it back into power. I got smart and use a power strip for turning power on and off. I mean, I guess I could spend 5 to 10 minutes every time I use the iron figuring out the menus all over again, but I don't have time for that. An AC power strip switch is the way to go. On, off, on, off. Once the temp is set, I don't need any other bloody mess in the menus.

[@MaNameizJeff]

I didn't know these existed. I was wondering what I should try and use for micro electronics as I want to do some old console modding. Now I know what I need.

[@DavidUnderhill]

Finally got mine today, great little iron. Only problem is what to do with my other 5 irons, Probably give them to some mates.

[@Ohm7111]

I bought it last year and I am using it at home with 65W PD charger. I am happy with it. Works fine. My plan was to use it with powerbank, but you have to have powerfull one. I tried it with a few 18W 12V PD powerbanks and the iron never switched to 12V, always only 9V. And at 9V the power is only 9W, which is almost useless. Later i bought SEQURE S60 and it is perfect for use with powerbanks.

[@wifigod]

USB PD has no 12V mode, despite it being a seemingly obvious voltage to offer, only 9V and 15V. Any 12V from USB is using QC (QuickCharge), and most of the power banks will supply both PD and QC voltages, but you need the proper trigger board. Also, there are plenty of PD supplies that DO NOT support QC, so even with a QC trigger, it won't supply 12V.

[@Ohm7111]

@@wifigod Are you sure? Because if I connect my TS101 (does not support QC, only PD) to 20W charger it will switch to 12V. With 18W charger (or powerbank) it will stay at 9V. With 33W charger it will switch to 15V and with 65W it will switch to 20V.

[@Ohm7111]

@@wifigod Just tried 22W powerbank. TS101 will also switch to 12V.

[@joeking433]

@@wifigod So what is the ideal situation as far as power supply?

[@gothic0love]

Thanks for the quick complete review. BTW. You can update firmware with an open source bin file and improve it; also add more setup options to tweak and performance. Nice review 👍

[@conin.v]

May I kindly ask what's the firmware you're using, and where do I get it?, thanks!

[@rozwell69]

To truly appreciate TS100, you have to use Ralim IronOS firmware, which not only improves it's operation but also comes with new settings & features. Just give it a try and you won't look back ;) And IronOS support for TS101 is coming soon...

[@gbamck]

Great bit of info, thank you 👍

[@maksym3d]

Great tip about the barrel jack! TS101 is sold with either a power brick or a PD charger and was wondering why would I possibly want yet another brick.

[@sdgelectronics]

I didn't compare them side by side like this so didn't notice at the time, but the update rate and font on the TS100 is far nicer. Why not use your Antex stand for the TS100/TS101?

[@JulianIlett]

Desk space (or lack of it). That's why I like the tiny Miniware stand.

[@harmonic5107]

Glad to know everyone else also ignores the clamping screw 😂 It being able to run off of USB C is awesome. I've been using the pinecil for a while now for that reason. But the ts101 seems a lot more sturdy.

[@muppetpaster]

Pine cil does it for me as well😊

[@theelmonk]

You could just use a trigger board to select maximum USB power though

[@jimmyuk86]

There is a modified firmware for the ts100. It might be worth comparing the ts101 to the ts100 with the modified firmware installed.

[@JulianIlett]

Yes I did.

[@josephtannenbaum8696]

Where did you get the battery connector for the 18v batteries. Also the 18v batteries when fully charged are approximately 20.5 v.

[@TheBackyardChemist]

What would happen if you put 28V on the barrel jack input? I mean presumably the FETs inside can handle the voltage, so why 28V is PD only?

[@JulianIlett]

Interesting idea.

[@jean-paulisambart2444]

The mosfets are rated to 40V. I use the TS100 usually at 30V, giving me well over 100W.

[@CryptikDesign]

To get angular rotation via USB C you can use on of the PD magnet usb c cables

[@321tryagain]

I really prefer the way the buttons on the Pinecil are spaced further apart (left and right of the screen) compared to the miniware TS soldering irons

[@Loneman_OG]

So, if you already have the TS100, it's probably not worth the upgrade; otherwise, it's better to grab the TS101? I do _exactly_ the same thing with rotating the cable, but I've been fruitlessly searching for a twin-cored super-flexible silicone cable and a miniature DC jack. Oh, and 'Boost Mode' should be referred to as _'Beast_ Mode'... because that's precisely what these things are; beasts! 😎 PS Is there any chance you could provide a link to the fast-charge supply you're using? _Moochass grassyarse!_ 👍

[@AntalMadincea]

See the silicone cables for tattoo machines.

[@joeking433]

I’m not sure about the different power sources. What is the difference in using the barrel jack and source compared to the usb-c jack and source?

[@JanJeronimus]

I have never used it, however there are magnetic USB C cables. Perhas nice to use with the soldering iron.

[@andyguest6543]

I'd love to see this compared to the pinecil iron

[@sdgelectronics]

There's not really anything in it. The cartridges are the limiting factor on all of these.

[@Phoen1x883]

@@sdgelectronics The Pinecil is cheaper and has shorter tips. It's probably the better choice for those looking for a new iron.

[@joeking433]

@@Phoen1x883 It’s not much cheaper after you buy a power supply and cable. I have about $70 in my Pinecil. Plus Miniware throws in some solder and a cheapie stand.

[@pleasecho2]

Ive been using these since they came out. So far I've replaced (3) tips and a barrel jack. The power connection gets flaky and it annoyingly shuts down and restarts Great little iron but hobby level only. Not for heavy use IMO

[@JennaHasm]

Never had any problems. Maybe you have a problem with your outlet power cord.

[@pleasecho2]

@JennaHasm the problem is the connection with the power jack loosens with use. I've seen this in a couple of these. I eventually eliminated the jack and wired the cord directly inside

[@NicksStuff]

I wonder why it's only 45W at 20V with the USB-C

[@handyvan3422]

I got 90w to work type c 28v 5A with 140w type c cord and anker737 powerbank that outputs 140w max on one c port heats up so fast it only reads a little over 100w for 3 seconds on the power bank then dives back down to 2w to keep it stable

[@JennaHasm]

This is a necessary question: How do I recoat the iron tip to be like brand new? I can't find what it was coated with anywhere.

[@acelexus]

Do you know of any adaptors for DeWalt 18v batteries to provide power via barrel jack?

[@aephix73]

not worth the upgrade. Honestly I prefer the Pinecil. It's basically the TS100 only a third of the price. It even uses the same firmware.

[@olDirdey]

the price is relativized because you need an expensive power supply unit

[@GhostHxr]

Doesn’t sell on Amazon tho. However, I find these tips are all really expensive.

[@joeking433]

By the time you get a power supply and a cable it’s not that much cheaper than the Miniware irons.

[@Stuart-AJC]

My TS100's display haas just stopped working, which is a right pain. I may replace it with one of these, thanks for the review.

[@andymouse]

Yeah me too and was thinking the same !!

[@electronic7979]

Nice review video and good Soldering Iron

[@GreenStorm01]

how would you compare the TS101 with the Pinecil v2 ? Apparently the built quality of the TS101 is much nicer (not just cheapish plastic) ?

[@gd.ritter]

Oh that battery tester is a neat device. What’s the part number please so i can try to find a used one?

[@RadiatorTwo]

Any long term info on the OLED display on the TS101? I had 2 TS100 and on both the OLED faded out over time. (Probably because OLEDs don´t like the heat...) Does the TS101 still have that problem?

[@MasitahBahairudin]

how do i know i need which tip? there's ts1 and tsb2. idk which one to buy.

[@jeffegg2]

wish I could have chosen the tip... they gave a kinda medium tip and i need fine.

[@MoAvW]

Great review! Does the new TS101 uses the same tips as the TS100? Cheers

[@riverstones-wd40]

Yes, they are swappable... But not with the 80

[@BladeScraper]

I have one of these. Works fine. It'll run on 45W PD but the size conductor you can solder is limited. 60W PD is better, of course. Best is a 6s LiPo (yes it will handle a fully charged 6s despite being only rated to 24V). Never tried a PD3.1 adapter, only a 60W max PD adapter. That seems new as I don't recall my manual saying anything about getting 90W from PD.

[@ag.page.]

Can someone help??? when I plug in my 6s battery it is heating very slow. My ts 100 is few seconds and ts101 very slow. Any solutions?

[@K0nr4d_]

There is also the TS80P which supports PD up to 30W.

[@JulianIlett]

Ah OK. I'd seen the TS80P mentioned, but I don't know anything about it.

[@andymouse]

I love the my TS100 but the screen is on the way out so might look at this...cheers.

[@Stuupiddd]

How to get this products in middle east oman?? 😢

[@KrzysztofC-1]

I'm still using TS100 with 24V, but I need to make myself a cable to be able to use a LiPo battery and make it portable.

[@muppetpaster]

My TS100 also has boost...I also have the Pine version....😊

[@bleepbloopblahp]

Is the barrel jack the same odd size as the ts100? Looks like a great upgrade just for the USB-C option.

[@JulianIlett]

Yes, it's a 5525 DC jack, 5.5mm outside diameter, 2.5mm pin diameter.

[@joeking433]

What is the advantage of the barrel jack to the usb-c power?

[@-joo3033]

​@@joeking433more power and more flexibility with the power supply

[@UpLateGeek]

It is interesting, but from the practical test reviews I've seen, it still doesn't match a T12 clone station. I've pretty much decided my next Christmas present to myself (or possibly sooner if I have a project that needs it) will be one of those, because my current conifer tree/pencil -based soldering iron just doesn't cut it for reworking boards with heavy internal ground/power layers.

[@theelmonk]

what software do you have on the TS100 ? It doesn't look like the default (at least, not the default mine came with). The TS101 UI looks a lot like the MHP30. I don't like either UI very much - it always takes me 2 goes to get the result I want.

[@JulianIlett]

I believe it's the Ralim software.

[@sarkasaa]

Have you checked whether ralims IronOs works with the ts101?

[@JulianIlett]

I'm pretty sure I put that on the TS100 to get the boost function. But this already has it.

[@tyttuut]

Have you tried the Pinecil yet? I bought one to use on the go but it's completely replaced my FX-888D. I love it.

[@JulianIlett]

No I never tried it.

[@MartinE63]

Anyone found a source for the super flexible USB-C cables that are provided in the full iron package?

[@JulianIlett]

The USB (type C) cables I bought from Lidl were silicone - I haven't tried melting them yet.

[@Brian-uq6jm]

I might have missed it in the video, but does the TS101 use exactly the same tips as the TS100?

[@JulianIlett]

Yes

[@joinedupjon]

There are magnetic charging cables that claim to support fast charging and would allow rotation - if it got to be a problem you could try using one of those (never tried one of these myself - just saw them for sale in the usual places)

[@bleepbloopblahp]

Are you aware of any that claim to support the higher current demands of this soldering iron?

[@serdarsanr8355]

I got one but it constantly resets randomly. Tried few different adapters even their original cable.

[@pleasecho2]

Same here. What a horrible choice of connectors

[@sp-vt4je]

Are they both using a custom firmware in this video? Or is it stock? Any links to download?

[@JulianIlett]

As I remember it, the TS100 is using custom firmware - because I wanted the boost function.

[@egoauxiliatussum...5926]

No actual soldering test? :(

[@MatSmithLondon]

I have the TS100 and use it at the max voltage and I'm sure the warm-up was much quicker, e.g. around 5 seconds? Is it possible I'm imagining this? Based on your comparison, I like the tip stats, but I prefer the display update speed on the TS100 (when warming up, you can see the numbers counting up more quickly). Small detail but I prefer that.

[@CharlesRyann]

this makes me realize how basic my soldering iron is....plug in = on and unplug = off....and thats it for mine 😂 those both seem cool

[@aurthorthing7403]

Looks like the Pinecil. Pinecil did this last year or more ago...not sure the wattage of the pinecil but it's only 40 bucks in the United State of freeddoom.

[@sdgelectronics]

Pinecil is far chunkier and more cheaply made.

[@nontonlalajo]

Is the tip switchable between ts100 and ts101?

[@JulianIlett]

Yes

[@NicksStuff]

Three soldering irons *from the same company* and three different ecosystems; way to go, Miniware!

[@Sylvan_dB]

Why in the world would not they not allow 28VDC in the barrel jack? That is absolutely senseless! By the way, I use a simple DC to DC boost converter to feed my soldering iron with 24VDC. (It's a Chinese T12 tip iron.) I can run it from my Ryobi batteries or from a lithium iron jump starter or just about any D.C. source that can supply ca. 90 watts.

[@montygibbon1905]

Is this an affiliate link paid promo video as opposed to a munufactuter funded video?

[@JulianIlett]

Have a guess.

[@AMPProf]

Hmmm.. Lets add blutooth and ai.. The temp gauge is Awesome

[@Elnufo]

i was today years old when i learned the word Parentheses. I only knew them as Brackets, up until now. Thanks for that 😅

[@pdrg]

The more useful of those changes sound like firmware upgrades TBH

[@1959Berre]

Anyhow, the TS100 is rather a fragile thing. The display dies for no particular reason.

[@Loneman_OG]

I can vouch for this. I replaced my screen a few months ago, and it was a simple job; IIRC, new screens were under a couple of quid, so I bought a few extra for Mr Justin Case.

[@theelmonk]

@@Loneman_OG I also had to replace one after a few months. Someone on ebay had them, not too cheap but UK and it fit better than the first one I tried.

[@chris_is_here_oh_no]

Excellent review.

[@SLAYERSARCH]

a vaporizer uses a very similar system :)

[@muppetpaster]

Not revolutionairy enough for me to go change.

[@james10739]

Ya and it's fairly expensive but the pinecil is the same thing and was like $25 I'm not sure if it is more now but it was

[@joeking433]

@@james10739 The Pinecil is misleading at $25 for it now has a $13 shipping fee. And then you have to buy a power supply and cable. It’s a typical bait and switch with the high price shipping. They probably had free shipping initially until they could jack it up to $38 with shipping. And then $20 for the power supply and $10 for the nice silicone 100w cable and it’s at $68. Then add a few dollars for the solder and stand that Miniware throws in and they’re really not priced much differently.

[@algator55]

It usually takes 30 seconds to solder acceptable component with a basic soldering iron but with those fancy pancy soldering irons it'll take you five minutes to do something very basic😢

[@joshuajhoyt]

Lol wut

[@joeking433]

Nah.

[@paradiselost9946]

five seconds in, not even. already concerned... "smart". ARRRRRRRGH!!!! *continues holding copper bar over charcoal fire*

[@bradenlee5693]

This thing sucks... i have a 100w adapter and cable and it wont even melt solder into a 14awg wire. Unless you use the barrel jack this thing is useless.

[@jlucasound]

Julian! Hey, you wonderful man, you need to do something to boost "sales". I love your videos because I/you "opened my eyes to Arduino" and you were the first one I saw. I was like a baby bird. Anyway, whilst I can't suggest anything, maybe your many viewers could suggest something to bring in more Subs. I hope I am not upsetting you. The only reason I say this is because I love and look forward to your new videos but I don't see numbers I think you deserve. I know. None of my business. 🤩❤🦾

[@JulianIlett]

Thanks. I'm not unhappy with how the channel is doing. Just as long as I don't end up working at Tesco. Yeah, it's a tricky balance between popular content and earning a living. I only need a couple more years before my pension arrangements kick in. Then I'll simply make the videos I want to make and not worry about the money side of things :) Thanks for your continued support :)