Hi Chris
Thanks for useful info, especially interesting to know that the
manufacturer of these units is Velleman.
I've read about these arriving with broken heaters elswehere, one
individual having to return it 4 times, until he got one that wasn't
smashed...
As for the temperature, the website here :
http://computronics.com.au/kinsten/et/ (Australian), claims a heater
temperature for both the ET10 & ET20 models of 60C - way higher than
your measured 33C ! - might be worth checking out what Velleman
themselves have to say about this - spec sheet etc...
Maplin : yeah, they are pretty good, but still pack everything
possible into 'jiffy' bags, (if they can find one big enough)..
Packing is certainly NOT their strong point, forgive the pun ;)
As for refusing to post your comments, I'm not at all suprised.
Richard
--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Horne" <chris@s...>
wrote:
>
> The problem with this tank is not just the price... :-(
>
> I bought one a few weeks ago and was very disappointed..
>
> I ordered online and first off the heater was broken..
> the packaging was whlly inadequate.
>
> I returned it and was still disappointed when the replacement came.
>
> The tank itself is fine, the air pump is fine, but the heater was
> obviously substituted with a unit designed for aquariums ...
> although it is adjustable, it will not adjust to the 40 degrees
> celsius needed for efficient etching. In fact 33 was the maximum!
>
> Anyone who has etched boards in quantity will tell you that it will
> be considerably slower.
>
> The manufacturer of the tank is Velleman and I checked their site
> for this product and the original heater IS supposed to be a 40
> degree type.
>
> In the end I rooked around in my shed and came up with a heater for
> beer that can be adjusted to 40.
>
> I phoned Maplin and spoke to customer servives and their reply was
> to the effect that nowhere on the advertisement does it state that
> the tank heats the fluid to 40 degrees.
>
> I tried to enter a review of the item on their website but for sme
> reason, it seems to have been censored out !
>
> I wonder why !
>
> Dont get me wrong, I generally applaud Maplin for their service and
> range, they are a useful supplier when the normal suppliers haven't
> got stock etc. but in this case, they are just plain wrong.
>
> If you want to etch boards in any sensible time, you will have to
> buy a different heater...
>
> Chris (-=Spiyda=-) (and here ends the rant for the day !)