Thanks for the report Jim. K0AZ Mike Sanders 18169 Highway 174 MT Vernon, Missouri 65712-9171 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jim candela Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 9:05 AM To: Discussion of AM Radio Subject: [AMRadio] Coleman Powermate "Cold Heat" Soldering iron review Hi All, I received one of these soldering irons for Christmas. I've long seen the ads, and wondered if this device would be a useful addition to my ham shack. They take 3 "AA" batteries, and I had 3 freshly charged 2000 ma / hr NIMH batteries handy. The device appears to have a graphite split tip such that no current flows until something conductive is put into the gap. I tried solder, and had to wiggle it around to make connection, and then yes it did melt briefly until the blob fell out opening the current path. Next step was to solder something. I tried to unsolder a wire from a PCB. I had to change angle to get the connection, and the pad warmed, cooled, warmed, cooled as I moved the iron to regain the connection. After about 30 seconds, no more heat...just cold heat I guess. I looked at the tip, and plastic from the tip mount had melted and filled the gap between the graphite elements. The tip was shot! Right now my Coleman soldering iron is in the trash can alongside my Tornado fuel saver. %^$^%$*^&^%*$*$ Don't waste your money on this soldering iron... Regards, Jim Candela WD5JKO -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.18/230 - Release Date: 1/14/2006 ______________________________________________________________ AMRadio mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:[email protected] AMfone Website: http://www.amfone.net AM List Admin: Brian Sherrod/w5ami, Paul Courson/wa3vjb -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.18/230 - Release Date: 1/14/06 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.18/230 - Release Date: 1/14/06
