24-10-2012, 01:04 PM
Rob, I guess this is a variant of the Weller iron I swear by. Is the iron itself a TCP1, with a 24v 2amp element? The bits are interchangeable, with the temperature setting indicated by a number stamped on the end of the bit opposite the 'business end'. The bit is iron-plated, so only needs wiping on the wet sponge when hot to clean it. Don't ever be tempted to file the bit, or you'll remove the iron plating and it will then rapidly burn away.
The thermostat works by a magnet being attracted to the end of the bit when it is too cold, releasing as the bit reaches working temperature, operating a switch to supply the 24v to the element.
The banana plug is probably an earth lead for the iron, so you can decide whether to earth it or leave it floating.
My 'base station' is in a 'fore-and-aft' configuration rather than the 'sideways' configuration that this one is. It just contains the mains to 24v transformer.
The older irons used terminal posts for connection, later ones used a miniature Bulgin-style connector.
Parts are getting a bit hard to find, so buy spare bits, element and thermostat if you see them is my advice.
I think £65 was a tad expensive, as it has obviously seen some life!
Andy
The thermostat works by a magnet being attracted to the end of the bit when it is too cold, releasing as the bit reaches working temperature, operating a switch to supply the 24v to the element.
The banana plug is probably an earth lead for the iron, so you can decide whether to earth it or leave it floating.
My 'base station' is in a 'fore-and-aft' configuration rather than the 'sideways' configuration that this one is. It just contains the mains to 24v transformer.
The older irons used terminal posts for connection, later ones used a miniature Bulgin-style connector.
Parts are getting a bit hard to find, so buy spare bits, element and thermostat if you see them is my advice.
I think £65 was a tad expensive, as it has obviously seen some life!
Andy
