Jim the Coleman product is a branded product from those people who advertise
on cable TV.
https://www.asseenontvnetwork.com/vcc/coldheat/coldheat/products/127700/
My wife thought it would be a good birthday gift so I have one too. I tried
it one time and had the same results. The bad part is they reminded her
that an optional tip would be best so she bought it.
Cost, $19.95 for the iron, $35 for the optional tip + shipping. Another
thing, as you pointed out, it uses electricity flowing through the joint to
melt the solder. There are some things I don't want electricity flowing
through.
I don't know about Coleman, but the Cold Heat people advertise that if you
are not satisfied they will refund your money. I am going to check
tomorrow.
73 Jim
W5JO
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim candela" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Discussion of AM Radio" <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 9:05 AM
Subject: [AMRadio] Coleman Powermate "Cold Heat" Soldering iron review
Hi All,
I received one of these soldering irons for Christmas. I've long seen
the ads, and wondered if this device would be a useful addition to my ham
shack. They take 3 "AA" batteries, and I had 3 freshly charged 2000 ma /
hr
NIMH batteries handy. The device appears to have a graphite split tip such
that no current flows until something conductive is put into the gap. I
tried solder, and had to wiggle it around to make connection, and then yes
it did melt briefly until the blob fell out opening the current path. Next
step was to solder something. I tried to unsolder a wire from a PCB. I had
to change angle to get the connection, and the pad warmed, cooled, warmed,
cooled as I moved the iron to regain the connection. After about 30
seconds,
no more heat...just cold heat I guess. I looked at the tip, and plastic
from
the tip mount had melted and filled the gap between the graphite elements.
The tip was shot!
Right now my Coleman soldering iron is in the trash can alongside my
Tornado fuel saver. %^$^%$*^&^%*$*$
Don't waste your money on this soldering iron...
Regards,
Jim Candela
WD5JKO
