I have a Magnum 2004 soldering station and some other Magnum 60W irons. The 2004 soldering station has developed a mystery problem and I suspect the tip temperature does not reflect the dialled-in temperature on the soldering station's base.
I usually work with it set to around 350degrees C and recently have endless trouble tinning the tip using resin core lead or silver content solder. Soldering very fine coil wires for cartridges or other fine work has become very troublesome.
I have two working heating elements for the 2004 and recently swopped them. The elements are about 4 and 2 years old respectively and swopping them did not cure the underheating? problem.
A few weeks ago, I also bought a new thermocouple but the problem persists.
I also have a large selection of Magnum tips which are branded "Plato" which I bought from Mantech and sold as the correct spare parts for Magnum 2004 soldering stations.
I have been in touch with Magnum Johannesburg re this problem and got a quick emailed response from Angelo to the effect to buy another element.
Question: Would you know if these Magnum elements 'die' gradually, thus becoming less capable of heating the Magnum's tip to its indicated temperature over time before finally expiring?
Take for example domestic (clothing) irons, kitchen kettles or geyser elements - my experience is that these things die catastrophically - they don't become less efficient in heating BEFORE they die.
Any ideas as to the problem here?
Thanks.
skollie
I usually work with it set to around 350degrees C and recently have endless trouble tinning the tip using resin core lead or silver content solder. Soldering very fine coil wires for cartridges or other fine work has become very troublesome.
I have two working heating elements for the 2004 and recently swopped them. The elements are about 4 and 2 years old respectively and swopping them did not cure the underheating? problem.
A few weeks ago, I also bought a new thermocouple but the problem persists.
I also have a large selection of Magnum tips which are branded "Plato" which I bought from Mantech and sold as the correct spare parts for Magnum 2004 soldering stations.
I have been in touch with Magnum Johannesburg re this problem and got a quick emailed response from Angelo to the effect to buy another element.
Question: Would you know if these Magnum elements 'die' gradually, thus becoming less capable of heating the Magnum's tip to its indicated temperature over time before finally expiring?
Take for example domestic (clothing) irons, kitchen kettles or geyser elements - my experience is that these things die catastrophically - they don't become less efficient in heating BEFORE they die.
Any ideas as to the problem here?
Thanks.
skollie
