Originally Posted by
TheDesigner
Hey guys,
I'm an industrial design student and I'm currently working on designing improvements for a soldering Iron used by DIY RC car enthusiasts, if you guys could give me any insight into your world that would greatly appreciated,
1) If you could add or subtract anything from the iron, what would it be?
2) What are you soldering, how often?
3) Do you turn on/off as needed, or is soldering iron left on after completing task?
4) Do you consider safety concerns?
5) Do you find stress in hand when using? Would you perfer a differnet way of holding the iron?
6) What kind of iron do you use?
7) How much does it weight?
8) How long have you been working with a soldering iron?
Thank you for your feedback.
Ok, I'll play along
1) My home iron is perfection, so I would say nothing else is needed... unless you could make it wireless
2) 16ga through 12ga wire, connected to motor and ESC tabs. Sometimes smaller wire for LEDs, etc. How often varies, frequently with a new car when finding a good wire layout, etc., but once it's set, the iron may stay cold for a few weeks.
3) I leave the iron on while I know I still have a few things to solder, but if it'll be 10+ minutes before my next task, I'll turn it off. I turn it off when I'm done of course.
4) Yes, I do. Melted skin, melted clothes, melted plastic, none are a good thing.
5) No, I'm fine with the current design(s)
6) Hakko FX888D at home, a $20 60W Hobbico iron in the pit bag for on-the-go emergencies.
7) The Hakko has a heavy station, which is why it stays at home. The Hobbico is super light.
8) On and off for the past 15 years, a lot more since I got into RC.