Testing the PINECIL and a new FUSE kit

Today I'm gonna take a look at the Pinecil and see if it can get the job done! Will USB power be enough to make the solder flow?

Space is tight in the RV, so let's get to welding!

Gear used in the video:
📺 Chris's Youtube Channel: @hamradioexperience

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[LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

I love my Pinecil. Works great. I got a couple extra tips for it and change them as appropriate. It is good stuff. Make sure to update the firmware on it.

[m_a_s]

The Pinecils are great! One is in my POTA kit for some ad-hoc repairs.

[chunkylover]

love my pinecil i got the little holder for it and a wired up a dc cord and keep it with my spare stuff for radio repairs in the field

[DrakonicCz]

I've noticed that you weren't running on 20V PD, with 20V it heats up in ~9s. Also if you hold the + button while soldering, you boost the temperature and power draw and can dump a lot of heat in those pads.

[jmount]

That was fun, thank you! I probably should look into a powerpole fuse block.

[KJRZOnTheAir]

Nice little Fuse Block and soldering iron! 73!

[hamradioexperience]

All, another update. I am completely sold out (unless you want an empty 3D printed enclosure)! PCBs just shipped for the next batch of fuse blocks, so 1-2 weeks and I'll be able to sell again? Thank you all!! 73,

[mjy]

That's the exact same solder I've been using for years now, and I absolutely love it. The eutectic mix ratio was a game changer for me. It's fantastic because of its practically non-existent transition window between the melting and freezing point.

[hamradioexperience]

Thanks Steve for the video! I love me some Pinecil too. USB-C PD will of course give you more wattage to the tip of the iron, but in case, I also made myself a powerpole cable that works with the barrel plug on the back of the Pinecil. And, to protect that, guess what you could use! Yup, my fuse blocks! :) 73,

[KNRAY]

If you need to re-home the Hako to make room you can send it to North Alabama. I'll even bring it by Hamfest so you can visit it if you miss it. That is a nice small iron.

[davidm.wilson]

Hi.
Very cool! I also liked the trick with the fuses. Thanks for the soldering trick. Be safe

David Wilson from VK land(Nowra)

[IrregularInterest]

Great video TO, I've been using the Pinecil as my primary soldering station for a few months and have been rather happy with it. The ability for it to serve as both my at home soldering station and be easily tucked away in a portable repair kit has been fantastic.

[PEWPEWPEWCLICK]

Yup totally agree I use my pinecil iron more than my station now!

[victorcharlie]

Nothing smells better in the morning than a Cup of coffee and some lead filled Solder, throw in the u.s.b. "ultimate survival buddy", great work man! Tnx.

[Dusty_Ham]

I love my pinecil it's so convenient to carry around in a kit, and not take up much space. I don't solder a whole lot, but it's certain convenient when I do solder.

[phillyedhrj]

Sweet! Nice and compact. Should be great for going portable in case of emergencies.

[TomV]

nice! I have one similar, TS100, and a power pole adapter I made for it. I find myself using the ts100 quite a bit over dragging out the whole solder station box.

[michaelscott]

I only started soldering about 5 years ago and decided to just go lead free. Not having soldered with lead I haven't missed it at all.

[pcfreak]

I just got the same iron and I like it as well. I just wish it didn’t have a 5525 barrel jack but a slightly smaller one (maybe 5521?) so I could use the Powerpole to barrel jack cables I already have for my KX2.

[feltusfeicit]

I've been using the TS-100 iron for a couple of years, they look very closely related. I do recommend getting a wider tip: I have 3 sizes.