iFixit needs to repair the soldering iron

iFixit embodies the spirit of “screw it, I’ll simply do it myself” that has at all times been a trait of some tech fanatics. As one of many Right to Repair motion’s proponents, the corporate is now flexing its muscle tissue with an electronics product of its very personal. FixHub is a USB-C powered soldering iron designed to assist repair no matter’s in your workbench (and be simply fixable itself). The iron is joined by a 55Wh battery pack which acts as a stand and temperature management, guaranteeing you may sort things wherever you go.

Founder Kyle Wiens defined FixHub was born of frustration with soldering irons, and their limits. He was irritated that he needed to drag an extension twine out on the road to repair his automobile stereo. So the iFixit group set about on the lookout for a approach to enhance what has historically been an unsophisticated software. That features making it smarter, extra versatile and simply repairable.

The 100 watt iron can attain your required soldering temperature in simply 5 seconds. Nestled contained in the iron’s physique is an accelerometer which may detect if the iron is idle and in its holder. If it does, it should robotically set it to chill down — hopefully wringing further life out of the tip of the iron. And if the iron falls out of your hand it’ll minimize energy to hopefully stop any nasty accidents. There’s additionally an LED ring on the physique that’ll inform you when the iron is cool sufficient to the touch, warming up, or able to go.

You should use the iron with any USB-C energy supply that may output 20W, nevertheless it’ll keep set on the manufacturing facility default temperature of 660f/350c. For extra management (and portability), you’ll must seize the FixHub Energy Station, the corporate’s new 55Wh battery pack. It’ll output as much as 100W directly, with sufficient juice to run two irons concurrently, or one iron whereas recharging one other USB-C gadget. Up entrance, you’ll get a show and a flip dial to allow you to management the iron’s temperature ought to it’s essential to tweak it.

This being iFixit, each merchandise are modular and repairable, with the same old dedication to making sure straightforward serviceability. The packaging even accommodates an iFixit screwdriver that can allow you to disassemble each merchandise as and when required. The hope is that you simply’ll nonetheless be fixing your electronics with certainly one of these in hand for many years to come back.

iFixit will start delivery its FixHub merchandise on October 15 within the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. The Sensible Soldering Iron will set you again $80, whereas the Soldering Station, which incorporates the soldering iron and the battery pack, prices $250. It’s also possible to decide up the Soldering Toolkit for $300, which can embody the above, plus plenty of equipment and supplies.