[AH] Trim-pot debacle (ADVICE PLEASE!)

[Martin Czech]

> A soldering station is a soldering iron with built-in thermostat and transformer/stand. The heater usually runs on 24 volts, that's why the transformer is needed. There are soldering irons that run on mains voltage but they usually have no thermostat. I recommend the Weller TCP. It has been the industry standard ever since I got into electronics, over 20 years ago. It is also one of the least expensive among the "serious" stations. It is truly a lifetime investment. I have had mine for 20 years and have only replaced tips a couple of times.

Yeah, a regulated solder station is a must.
It should also have a jack in order to discharge the iron with 1 Meg Ohm
or so to workbench ground. Ie. the ESD table math/arm-strap earth system.

A soldering iron on an audio line without grounding makes a noticable
ZAP ! in the speaker, ie. this was a discharge.

m.c.