How does one go about looking through patents? Is there a URL link that you know? I know that it is public knowledge and that you could go to the patent office to look through items by category, but I have not seen an internet link. Was just wondering if anyone knew.Mac L said:
MP
A few things to note. I have owned one of these and returned it days later. It does work but it is very touchy. You have to get the tip just right on the joint for it to heat up and most the time you do have to put some pressure on it. The problem is the instruction book specifically says do not press down on the tip or you'll break it. I sucks batteries way to fast. This device is only good to keep in a glove box for and emergency solder needs, that way the batteries have a chance to recover a bit from it's last use. The thing doesn't heat and cool as fast as it says. It heats up in a short time (20secs) but the longer it's on the longer it takes to cool. It normally takes awhile to heat up so by the time you soldered your joint the thing is to hot to touch for the next minute ..... not seconds. I have looked over the patent and the patent covers the idea and tip not the circuit that drives it, it might be under another patent. The thing does put off sparks when you first touch a solder joint. Melting an already existing solder joint is a lot easier then making a new one. When trying to make a new joint if you start the tool on the solder pad you will turn the pad red hot and melt it off the board, if you start it on the solder then when it starts to melt you lose the connection between the tips and it stops heating. If you get clumsy with the tip and it touches two pads at once you will send a bad amount of current through your circuit. My suggestion. Save your money.
audioguru2
- Apr 6, 2004
- 12,026
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- Apr 6, 2004
- Messages
- 12,026
It is a wonderful piece of junk!
logan_dslasher
- Jul 23, 2004
- 392
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- Jul 23, 2004
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- 392
am just glad that i didn't ask something like that for a present on my graduation.. it used to be in my wishlist... eheheaudioguru said:
Brendan w.
- Jun 11, 2005
- 23
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- Jun 11, 2005
- Messages
- 23
I got i for Christmas...
2006
and i can't really get it to work
i've practiced and practiced still can't get it to work
sometimes i get it to melt but when i try to get it where i want it, it
turns hard
therefore i think harder to solder
but everything else about it is nice
i'm going to bu some more solder to practice with
2006
and i can't really get it to work
i've practiced and practiced still can't get it to work
sometimes i get it to melt but when i try to get it where i want it, it
turns hard
therefore i think harder to solder
but everything else about it is nice
i'm going to bu some more solder to practice with
Theatronics
- Jul 12, 2006
- 158
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2006
- Messages
- 158
The 'COLD HEAT' soldering iron works on the tiny amount of current needed to heat the element at the end of the device. Look closely at the end of the tip.
It has a divide down the middle. Both sides of the tip must touch a conductor.
The current flowing through the conductor will cause it to heat very quickly.
On the Top of the device is an LED that should turn RED when the tip is in contact with a good conductor. AS the heat builds you can then add solder.
On the TV ad they show people (ZAPPING) things together. In fact that is a BAD thing to do because the solder and metal have not had a chance to 'FLOW' and as a result you will get a cold solder joint. Leave the device ON the part for a moment and then add the solder. Just like you would with a normal soldering iron.
The tip REALLY DOES cool down as fast as they say. So I do like using mine.
I have a few butane irons I have used also but the heat from the flame on the side of the units melt and burn nearby parts. The "COLD HEAT' unit has some good uses but it is not a universal tool.
Important tip. Never heat the SOLDER. as the solder melts the electrical contact will break and it will be hard to keep the heat flowing. Remember it cools down VERY fast. Heat the PART then add the solder to the PART not the tip.
Let me know if that helps.
-Mike
It has a divide down the middle. Both sides of the tip must touch a conductor.
The current flowing through the conductor will cause it to heat very quickly.
On the Top of the device is an LED that should turn RED when the tip is in contact with a good conductor. AS the heat builds you can then add solder.
On the TV ad they show people (ZAPPING) things together. In fact that is a BAD thing to do because the solder and metal have not had a chance to 'FLOW' and as a result you will get a cold solder joint. Leave the device ON the part for a moment and then add the solder. Just like you would with a normal soldering iron.
The tip REALLY DOES cool down as fast as they say. So I do like using mine.
I have a few butane irons I have used also but the heat from the flame on the side of the units melt and burn nearby parts. The "COLD HEAT' unit has some good uses but it is not a universal tool.
Important tip. Never heat the SOLDER. as the solder melts the electrical contact will break and it will be hard to keep the heat flowing. Remember it cools down VERY fast. Heat the PART then add the solder to the PART not the tip.
Let me know if that helps.
-Mike
fullyautomatic12
- Aug 21, 2006
- 8
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2006
- Messages
- 8
i have seen those things, i need to get one, i have burned myself with soldering irons way to many times cause it slips, or i fall on it, or just dont pay attention, i got to get one of those
N
nanop
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Cold Heat Soldering iron have their goods and bads. I think with some practice, they're on the cutting edge!
For info about cold heat soldering iron, go here:
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cold-heat.htm
This site shows how the radioshack cold heat soldering iron works, inside of the iron, cold heat, and more. Great Site
For info about cold heat soldering iron, go here:
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cold-heat.htm
This site shows how the radioshack cold heat soldering iron works, inside of the iron, cold heat, and more. Great Site
I got one of these dumb things for christmas last year and it is not so great for electronics. I got the pro version which appears to be a bit more bulky and hard to handle in tight spaces. I've found the tip for this thing to be a bit big as well, it wants to touch more than I want it to. I have also found that you have to get that tip on there just right or it wont turn on. The only advantage to this thing is that you don't have a cord to get in your way. Other wise, it's not that great.
I would recommend saving your money for a solder desolder station... I would love to have one of those...!
I would recommend saving your money for a solder desolder station... I would love to have one of those...!
I have oneand you wouldnt want to use it on sensitive electronic equipment as it circulates a relatively high current through at the point where you are soldering. While it is good for welding small wires together and such I wouldnt recommend it on electronic circuitry.