Testing the KSGER T12 STM32 V3.1S soldering station 

Thanks for the encouraging words! I like making longer videos because I can include more information about the stuff I am working on. Since I am not relying on the RU-vid revenue, I am not trying to squeeze everything into a 10-minutes long video. It's more fun to explain more stuff.

It is also a good idea. Or you can add a plastic sheet, too.

That was a nice find for that price! I hope you will enjoy using the soldering station. I am still very satisfied with it.

Thank you! I look at the front panel and not the back panel, so it is not visible, however you are absolutely right. I just simply did not think about it at the moment when I did it. I am not fully aware of the differences between the two models, but I would assume that both are reasonably good. I am still using it and it works just fine.

Based on the feedback I am getting from the viewers, it seems that this soldering station has several different versions with different microcontrollers. I guess, as long as you do not want to go into details with customization, the microcontroller does not really affect anything.

That's a good question. I honestly don't know how good electrical insulators those gloves are. I mainly wear them to avoid grease on the parts I touch, and protect my skin against the chemicals I use sometimes. Luckily I didn't have the chance to test their insulating properties. 😄

@@CuriousScientist lol thanks. I avoid high voltage circuits out of fear.

I don't know his video, but I will check it.

Thanks! I am glad to hear that you appreciate the detailed discussion!

Aliexpress.

Hi! It is still running without any issues. I use it quite often when I need to solder something larger. I bought a new handle for it some months ago and I like that too.

thank you brother. the official ksger store was selling v3 with mm32 mcu, no stm32 anymore

It probably doesn't matter too much. The other microcontroller is probably similar to the STM32. It must be some copy due to the chip shortage.

But you cant Install custom firmware on to the mm32 version

Thanks! I am glad that you found the video useful.

I think, after a while their link just became broken. Try to still click my link and the same unit should show up in the recommendation (right panel), or just search for the "KSGER T12". I could find a similar unit I showed in this video. Or in the "worst case", you can find it on Aliexpress. I hope this helps.

@@CuriousScientist No, they only sell the “Mini” version now. It looks the same from the front but it is shorter and has no power supply. :( They also got rid of the clock and some other functions.

Oh, I see, I didn't know this! It's a pity because I really like the station. I even invested in a new handle and a full set of tips because I want to use it for various tasks. I think the manufacturer KSGER must have an official AliExpress store, maybe they still have the normal version in stock.

@@CuriousScientist They still have the 2.1. Without the power supply the 3.1S Mini is basically just a less-portable version of the TS100. :( TS100 even fits the same tips.

@@CuriousScientist They still have the KSGER 3.1S and 2.1S on the official aliexpress store, but the 3.1S is now using another replacement chip because the STM32's are hard to get a hold of. I bought a 2.1S instead. They're quite nice, speak a good level of english, and they're willing to change default tips/handle for you. The FX9501 is a better handle, and they told me for 3 usd extra, I could receive that instead of their default one, so I obliged.

Sorry I haven't looked at the firmware. I think the one it has is good enough.

@@CuriousScientist The custom one has a lot more configurations

Sure, all that matters is a galvanic contact between the different parts. Just make sure that you use thick enough wire. Also, you might need a beefy soldering iron because the metal part can sink a lot of heat before you can solder on it.

@@CuriousScientistYeah, that’s what I thought, I will probably use a Pinecil v2 at 20V 3.25A, with 16awg wire, and T12-C4 tip for some thermal mass, sounds good?

Sure! Pinecil is a decent iron and nearly 80 W should be enough!

@@CuriousScientist That’s 80W on 24V 😂 I’m only running 65W with a short tip and 20V 3.25A Should be fine though. Could always go up to 400C if needed

Sure, it'll be enough!

I am sorry, but what is a "PE pad"? According to the drawings one can find on the internet, the tip should be grounded.

​@@CuriousScientist Hi there! The PE pad can be seen on the main board. If you look where the revision numbers are, on the left hand side there is a sort of pad with 'PE' on it (near one of what I think are the heat sinks). A couple have said that to ground the tip, you need to solder a wire from this PE pad to a negative pad behind the front inductor. Is this true? Many thanks and great video!

Hi! I need some time to be able to answer it because I would need to disassemble the soldering station. I will look at it soon and reply to this same comment thread. Cheers!

@@Kobra31677 So, I am back! I disassembled it. There are 2 PE (protective earth) connections on the main PCB. One is at the HV side close to the place where the live voltage comes in, and the other is close to the connectors that go to the other PCB of the front panel. The PE and the negative voltage seem to be totally separated. I tested it through the most notable points, but nothing made my multimeter beep. The tip of the iron is connected to the negative voltage. The pin which goes to the negative power rail is pin #3 in the connector. If the notch of the connector is at "12 hours", then pin 3 is the pin at "6 hours" position. This negative is common throughout the whole board, but once again, it is not connected to PE anywhere. I would _assume_ that connecting the PE to this negative rail (therefore to the tip of the iron) would be what you are looking for. I guess that's the way if you need to ground (earth) the tip of the iron. To be sure, check the polarity of the tip on your side too in case you have a different revision and the negative pole is not pin 3. I will upload some pictures later but I wanted to write these down before I forget everything.

@@CuriousScientist Brilliant! So do you think that this is necessary to do or do you think that the only real mod we would need to do is to connect the earth to the case so that the case is grounded? Many thanks!

I was lucky enough to receive this kit for free in exchange for the promotional video, so I did not have too much choice over the components. But in fact, this station exists with a more professional looking handle as well! That Omnifixo is really great, I cannot recommend it enough to people since it has _hand_ful of cool features. ;D I actually saw it on Instagram on maker moekoe’s page like 2 years ago, then I started to read about it and finally bought one. I also bought its newest version when it was released and it has very nice improvements as compared to the previous version.

No greasy fingerprints on the device and no irritated skin from the chemicals. ;)

See my previous comment.

Let me decide the length of my videos. I do it for educational and entertainment purposes and not for profit maximizing. I don't like short videos because I like to explain things well so people hopefully get a good understanding of the topic or issue.

@@CuriousScientist it is not an attack on your creativity. I like your channel and wanted to provide feedback which would make it more interesting for a larger audience.

Thanks, and I appreciate your feedback of course! I just wanted to make it clear that I do these long videos on purpose. Those who need help will watch the long videos, those who not will click away after 20 seconds anyway.

@@CuriousScientist I can not agree. I watch a lot of channels on this topic and 10 minute videos explain the basics well. You have great potential, but you need to separate basic material from advanced.

The issue with the 10-ish minute videos is that you really need to put a lot of work in it if you want to have a 10 minute video with all the info and everything. I do my videos without any scripts or without too much preparation. I just record what I do. As long as this is my hobby, I cannot and don't want to put too much effort in the videos because I simply don't have the necessary time.