I can see the need for firmware in oscilloscopes, like a Siglent, but why would I need or want the complexity of firmware in a soldering iron that could possibly go awry and self-destruct?
I picked up a JBC clone soldering station for cheap from overseas and never looked back. It takes all of the regular tips. It gets almost as hot as fast as the real thing, but it's not quite as accurate or as powerful as a real JBC. For home use, it's good enough for me. I JB welded on a JBC tip quick change stand on the top of the station.
Home lab protips:
0. Save money by buying most equipment used, including taking an occasional risk on repairing nonfunctional items.
1. If you enjoy your health, don't risk it. Don't solder indoors near living areas, get a serious vacuum canister-style fume extractor, ventilate with outside air, and always wash your hands after handling electronics or soldering.
2. A bi/trinocular microscope with a polarized light source. Your eyes will thank you.
3. Regardless of the route you go for soldering, get a temperature tester. It's good to know the accuracy (skew) and precision of selected vs. actual.
I picked up a JBC clone soldering station for cheap from overseas and never looked back. It takes all of the regular tips. It gets almost as hot as fast as the real thing, but it's not quite as accurate or as powerful as a real JBC. For home use, it's good enough for me. I JB welded on a JBC tip quick change stand on the top of the station.
Home lab protips:
0. Save money by buying most equipment used, including taking an occasional risk on repairing nonfunctional items.
1. If you enjoy your health, don't risk it. Don't solder indoors near living areas, get a serious vacuum canister-style fume extractor, ventilate with outside air, and always wash your hands after handling electronics or soldering.
2. A bi/trinocular microscope with a polarized light source. Your eyes will thank you.
3. Regardless of the route you go for soldering, get a temperature tester. It's good to know the accuracy (skew) and precision of selected vs. actual.