TS101 Soldering Iron - Better than TS100?

Comparison between the TS101 and the TS100 soldering irons.

TS101 main features:
Dual power source - DC barrel jack or USB type C Power Delivery.
Larger 128x32 pixel display.
Sprung ball grip for soldering tip.
3 adjustable user temperatures.
Boost temperature.

Or buy it at Team BlackSheep:

[jamisonlm]

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.

[nhlvan]

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

[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.

[gothiclove]

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 👍

[rozwell]

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...

[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.

[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.

[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!_ 👍

[harmonic]

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.

[Ohm]

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.

[aephix]

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.

[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?

[jimmyuk]

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

[maksymd]

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.

[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.

[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?

[andyguest]

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

[electronic]

Nice review video and good Soldering Iron

[tryagain]

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

[NicksStuff]

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