"Jim Adney" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 06:56:51 -0500 "gb"
wrote:

"Jim Adney" wrote in message
. ..

I have one recommendation on a fix you should perform on any WTCPx
that you buy: Open up the case, take the output connector apart, and
SOLDER the wires to the connector sockets. Reassemble. If you do that,
it will treat you right, and you'll come to love this iron

Jim - are you saving that some units you have seen were not properly
soldered?
I have never seen this (and I have been repairing the WTCPx series for 30
years now). The 2 parts that need replaced on WTCPx series that are bad:
EC234/TC208 heater and 3 amp fuse inside the base unit.

I've never seen them come soldered. In my experience they always just
come crimped. Most of the time this is okay, but when they crimp to a
solid wire, which is often, they this connection seems to fail within
about a year, The connection heats up and melts the connector. They're
impossible to fix at that point, unless you have a replacement
connector.

Jim - I just checked.
I have about 5 of the socket connector / plug (TC369A or PL120) kits in
stock.

The TCP series, as you noted was originally directly wired to the power base
unit. First by external binding posts to a bakelite base unit -- then
internally inside the base unit. Weller came up with a 3 pin plug and
socket in the late 1970s (WTCPN era and first EC series stations). The NA
version fo the TCP conenctor is unique (most likely a special mfg. connector
by AMP or Weller)

Weller primarily uses the AMP connector series (available from DigiKey) for
its other station models (EC, WES, WEC, WSD, etc)

In fact if you look very carefully at an EC1201A or TC-201T iron ---
the EC234 "plug in" heater plugs into a black socket adapter atop the
handle.
These 3 socket pins are same as iron conenctors used for other Weller AND
almost all Pace soldering stations - they are all crimp.
http://ecommas.tycoelectronics.com/c...14-10011_A.pdf

Page 256 of DigiKey catalog upper left corner (Audio/Instrument conenctors -
DIN style made by AMP) are the parts for any repairs on those stations
http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T052/0256.pdf

A25082-ND (Amp 207438-3) Connector pins
A25083-ND (AMp 207437-3) Connector sockets

The UK / EU designs are slightly different and use a 3-pin Bulgen
connnector.

AMP Hand crimp tool [90363-1]

Note: The early WTCPx irons have a one-piece power unit/iron stand,
while the later ones come as separate units, like your 2002. I like
the early, simpler version, but you may prefer the smaller, separate
stand. Buy the style you prefer.

Weller had 4 major styles (designs) for the WTCPx soldering station
series.

Original TCP1/PU-1; W-TCP; WTCP-L
WTCPK (Special metal box made for the military under gov't contract)
WTCPN; WTCPR; WTCPZ
WTCPS; WTCPT

I've probably never seen the first version, and certainly never the
second. My experience has all been with the latter 2.

I have got about 5 of the W-TCP (blue) and 2 WTCP-L in stock.
I worked on the original 1950s bakelite in the 1970s -- but have not seen
one (except for eBay) for several years.

Fair Radio Sales sold a number of the WTCPK about 8 years ago (gov't surplus
sale)

Greg