RT Soldering pen

Description

Every hardware hacker need good soldering tool. My idea was to build own but with very specific qualities. On one side not so expensive, on second side high quality and also small with precise control and features. I found some projects where is used Weller soldering tips designed for WMRP soldering iron with standard 3.5mm jack and inside the tip is also thermocouple for sensing temperature. These tips are not so cheap but the quality is really great, especially for fine soldering. Hardware design is based on similar projects but with many modifications and improvements. Also my request was to make the hardware small as possible to fit into handle and capable to supply from hobbyist LiPO <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://battery.Buy">battery.Buy</a> one on tindiy: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tindie.com/products/vlk/rt-soldering-pen/">https://www.tindie.com/products/vlk/rt-soldering-pen/</a>

Details

Features:

very compact - will fit into handle
display show status, preset and tip temperature, power, supply voltage, drop, ...
two buttons
automatic standby
sensing supply voltage and tip current
precise regulation with PID (PSD controller with some modifications)
supply voltage is from 5V to 18V (best is 10-13V)
designed to supply from LIPO battery 2S (7.4V max is about 18W) or 3S (11.1V max is more than 40W)
calculating consumed Wh
heat-up in 5sec from 25 to 400°C (with 40W limit)
Idle current about 8mA

What is planed:

case
battery monitor (warn when battery need charge)
configuration editor for some constants from PSD controller, power limit, ....
open-source everything

Videos:

Files

Weller-RT6-Holder-Bottom-V1.0.stl

RT pen case bottom part for HW v1.0

Standard Tesselated Geometry - 9.53 MB - 12/08/2019 at 19:15

Download

Weller-RT6-Holder-Top-V1.0.stl

RT pen case Top part for HW 1.0

Standard Tesselated Geometry - 4.78 MB - 12/08/2019 at 19:15

Download

rt_soldering_pen_sch.png

Schematic

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) - 64.37 kB - 03/30/2017 at 19:45

Preview

Components

1 × STM32F031 Microprocessors, Microcontrollers, DSPs / ARM, RISC-Based Microcontrollers

1 × AD8551 Precise operational amplifier

1 × ACS711 Hall effect current sensor

1 × LMR14203 Power Management ICs / Switching Regulators and Controllers

1 × OLED display 0.91" 128x32

Project Logs

Collapse

Display replacement
vlk • 05/02/2023 at 09:25 • 0 comments

https://www.tme.eu/sk/katalog/graficke-oled-displeje_112280/?mapped_params=412%3A1443492%3B1132%3A1493191%3B1136%3A1583825%2C1630915%3B1449%3A1630916%3B
New HW revision v1.1
vlk • 02/08/2021 at 21:00 • 0 comments

- new switches

- updated layout with fixed current sensor connection bug
RT PEN CASE
vlk • 12/08/2019 at 19:22 • 4 comments

Otto Winter send me STL files with case design for HW v1.0

Bottom part: Weller-RT6-Holder-Bottom-V1.0.stl

Top part: Weller-RT6-Holder-Top-V1.0.stl

About new RT tips

vlk • 12/08/2019 at 18:55 • 0 comments

RTM, RTP and RTU tips

Weller this year introduced new series of RT tips with nice slogan "No compromise".

There are three types:

RTM - RT Micro - they are same like previous line RT, but with new naming
RTP - RT Pico - these tips are smaller, shorter for more precise soldering
RTU - RT Ultra - these tips are in opposite bigger and designed for higher power (till 150 Watts)

All the tips have same pinout and in general are compatible,

RTM and RTP (also previous RT) have resistance of heating element 2 Ohm and they are designed for 12 V (current is 6 A) but maximum average heating power is 40 Watts - this power is controlled and limited by PWM.

RTU has resistance of heating element 3.5 Ohm, this mean, to reach 150Watts is necessary to use higher voltage - at least 24V, but the current will be still similar - what is good for the JACK connector.

But actual design of RT soldering pen has limitation for power at 18 V and current to RT, RTM and RTP will be at 18 V: 9 Amps - the pen it should withstand it, because average pulse power is limited by SW to 40 W) question is what can withstand the JACK connector.

The main question is how to use this with RTU tips they need 24 V. so, absolute maximum rating of HW 1.0* is 25V for supply voltage (limiting element is input capacitor) after replacing input cap next limit will be 30V (maximum voltage of MOSFET switches)

*Absolute maximum rating for previous HW v0.3 is 20V - this is limited by 20V MOSFET switch.

For RTU if the supply will be 24V then output power can be near to 150 Watts, but this need also modifications in SW to allow higher output power. Yes, this is planed and new release will available be soon.

Another problem with new tips is that each kind RT/RTM, RTP and RTU has different dimensions of the cylinder on JACK side and is necessary to count with this for case design. (old RT and new RTM have same dimensions of the cylinder) this is also reason why Weller sell for each kind different tip holder.

MS tips:

If I talking about tips there is one more question: What it mean if in name is "MS", it mean that tip meets Military Specifications. But there is no more informations. In general the main different is that shield of the tip is electrically isolated from the connector, standard tips have shield connected to ground.

Weller RT TIP type	max average power	heater element resistance	current and power at 12V	current and power at 16V	current and power at 24V
RTM / RT	40W (55W*)	2Ω	6A / 72W	8A / 128W	-
RTP	40W	2Ω	6A / 72W	8A / 128W	-
RTU	150W	3.5Ω	3.4A / 41W	4.6A / 73W	6.8A / 164W

* some RT tips have 55W limit (RTM 36 S / RT 11)

from left: RTP, RTM, RTM MS, RTU

New RT tips
vlk • 10/06/2019 at 20:14 • 1 comment

just found, that Weller announced new RT soldering tips
Youtube: New Weller tips
New firmware v0.4.0
vlk • 10/06/2019 at 20:06 • 0 comments

New firmware is ready to download, it support HW v0.3 and also new HW v1.0.
features:
- display brightness control
- turn off display to protect pixels burning when is inactive for 15 minutes (wake up by pressing both buttons at once)
- increased maximum preset temperature to 500°C (only for HW v1.0)
https://github.com/pavelrevak/rt_soldering_pen/releases
New redesign is ready
vlk • 09/26/2019 at 18:30 • 1 comment
New HW
vlk • 05/07/2019 at 18:36 • 3 comments
After longer delay, after some troubles, new revision is getting ready.
There will be two major enhancements:
- full reverse polarity protection
- added accelerometer
Stay tuned..
New version of Firmware v0.2.0
vlk • 08/09/2018 at 18:14 • 0 comments

Main changes:
- improved PID
- saving preset temperatures
List of all changes and download: https://github.com/pavelrevak/rt_soldering_pen/releases
New version of Firmware v0.1.0
vlk • 07/24/2018 at 21:29 • 0 comments

Although is still in development state is stable and has many new features, like simple main screen with large temperature, Fahrenheit mode or left-handed mode.
There is also many features in background
Update is easy and safe with any SWD (ST-Link) programmer
Download from github: https://github.com/pavelrevak/rt_soldering_pen/releases
Updating firmware with cheap Chinese ST-Link programmer:
To program, use ST-Link utility from ST, or any other SW for Flashing STM32 micro-controllers (openocd, texane/stlink, pystlink, ...)
There is also possible to use ST-Link part of any Discovery or Nucleo board.

View all 18 project logs

Discussions

Romain wrote 07/28/2019 at 09:47

Hi there,

Just wanted to let you know I'm very interested in your project.

Do you know when the HW revision is going to be available?

Also, I wanted to design a 3D printed case for this (with two side that can be clipped or screwed together). Would be interested if I shared the design?

Cheers!

Are you sure? yes | no

ovDarkness wrote 04/28/2019 at 20:56

Dear Vik,
I work with industrial 3D printing and CNC, I can help with design and manufacturing of a case for your project. I'd also gladly buy one for myself :D
Please contact me if you're interested in cooperation. We're just over the border - in Poland :)

Are you sure? yes | no

Manu wrote 04/23/2019 at 14:09

Hi, great project! What is limiting the input voltage to 15V?

Are you sure? yes | no

warleyssant wrote 03/11/2019 at 18:50

When will it be available in tindie? I want to buy

Are you sure? yes | no

Chris wrote 01/26/2019 at 03:02

@Otto Winter It's been more than a few days, and I'd kill for that case. Do you have any updates?

Any updates for this project in general? The repo is active but this page hasn't been updated in a while.

EDIT: Or, as Hikopan pointed out the board has been out of stock since October, has this project been abandoned?

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 05/13/2019 at 13:02

@Chris

you don't need to kill for this case, I can send you the STL File.
Never forget, we are a ordinray people and not a Company and we have our private Life as a FIRST Prionity and much later coming our hobby!
I don't look every day or every weeks this page... Sorry!

Now you make it yourself, congratulation.

Best Regards

Are you sure? yes | no

Chris wrote 05/13/2019 at 14:45

@Otto Winter Of course! Sorry if I came off as impatient or demanding, I was just very impressed and eager to build my own. Weller tip compatibility make this more appealing than TS80 and your enclosure looks phenomenal.

A copy of the STL file would be hugely appreciated!

Are you sure? yes | no

elektrinis wrote 01/07/2019 at 20:15

So is the case/enclosure STL available yet? It's been over 6 months now...
I have cracked two screens already due to it being in a heatshrink.

Are you sure? yes | no

elektrinis wrote 01/11/2019 at 18:04

Never mind, designed and printed my own.

Are you sure? yes | no

Jarrett wrote 01/11/2019 at 19:25

Got a link? Sounds like some other people here would be excited about that ;)

Are you sure? yes | no

xorlosch wrote 06/20/2020 at 12:24

i just cracked my screen when trying to fit it into the too narrow case. what did you do? could you replace the screen with a new one? and how? i would also like to repair mine as the display is not showing anithing anymore. thanks

Are you sure? yes | no

Hikopan1972 wrote 11/12/2018 at 08:29

Hello !!

I want buy a soldering pen board but it seems out of stock now , will it be available soon ? Thanks

Are you sure? yes | no

Branimir wrote 10/16/2018 at 10:40

Hello!

Do you sell any naked PCBs?I'd like to assemble it on my own,if i have this option.

Are you sure? yes | no

Messschuh wrote 09/07/2018 at 19:18

got mine RTsp few month ago and i also have the TS100. the TS100 is OK for use at home with a notebook power supply or so, but for mobile use with 12 volt or a 4s lipo battery the performance isnt really great. i use the genuine rt weller battery solder since many years at work, i love this tool it works great, but for privat use it is to expensive. so i bought the RT soldering pen and i‘m really happy with it. in my opinon it works better than the original one.

i want to upgrade the firmware, still have V0.0.1 , but i have no idea how it works. bought the st link v2 and try to upgrade but i have absolutly no idea what to do. is there any tutorial avalible how to upgrade the firmware??? allready read the „readme.md“ at github but it dosent help me. so maybe someone have a link for a tutorial or can help with some helpful tips. ?

Are you sure? yes | no

Jarrett wrote 09/07/2018 at 19:26

hi Messschuh,

I'm not associated with this project in any way, but the directions look fairly straightforward (to me, someone who is comfortable with embedded toolchains).

Where are you lost?

It looks like there are two main components:

1. Physically hooking the STLink up to the soldering iron. There are pictures above on how to do it, and the readme.md shows the exact wires you have to connect.

2. Getting / compiling / flashing the firmware. Basically, with the STLink programmer connected, run all of those commands in the readme.md on the terminal. Only for Linux / Mac, Windows would have a very different (and not recommended) workflow

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 09/07/2018 at 20:58

Hello Messschuh, thanks for asking, that is true that I don't have very detailed tutorial to update firmware (for non-programmers), I will improve it!

For now you can download the compiled version of firmware (.hex or it will work also with .srec or .bin) from github: https://github.com/pavelrevak/rt_soldering_pen/releases/tag/v0.2.0

so you don't need to install any toolchain and build it.

Then if you are on windows you can download clickable flashing tool - stlink-utility from ST: https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stsw-link004.html (probably for download you need to register into st.com)

And with this utility you can flash the new firmware. it is easy and safe, but I suggest you to remove the soldering tip before updating and if the firmware will run successfully (also check the version if is v0.2.0) then connect the tip and test it.

So, if you will have any problems, send me email or private message and I will try to help you directly.

Are you sure? yes | no

Messschuh wrote 09/08/2018 at 11:39

wow, thx guys for fast answer .

about the wiring, that isnt my problem. im not „stupid“ at all, i can programm an arduino, i can programmm a cs 8635 bluetooth receiver and so on...., but i still have no experience with the st. maybe i can do a tutorial when i check how it works. luv this project, and would be happy if i can support it.

thx again for quick response guys u are awersome.

Are you sure? yes | no

Messschuh wrote 09/10/2018 at 16:02

OK, got it. Downloaded the ST tool and the hex file the rest was self-explaining. It`s so easy if how to know. :)

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 08/29/2018 at 14:30

The new case is born!
In the next days the STL Data, for 3D printing would be available...
Here is the "perliminary" picture: www.global-motions.com/ftp/RTSP-V0.6-1.jpg

Are you sure? yes | no

Jan wrote 08/29/2018 at 20:36

That background! Can you add a space cat surfing on the handle as well? Would be awesome. Jokes aside: that looks really comfortable to hold and work with. Nice job!

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 08/29/2018 at 22:53

Thank you, sorry, a white background looks really bad ;-)

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/31/2018 at 00:04

Otto that case is amazing to you actually have that DC cable can you link me to it?

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 08/31/2018 at 07:19

Here is it:
https://tensility.com/cable-assemblies/dc-power-cables/2-1-mm-center-pin/10-02956

https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=839-1457-ND

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 09/03/2018 at 16:47

otto have you printed a prototype of your design yet idk if 3d printing is the way to go what method do you recommend using to print that. What your going for it might be better to get a bunch injection molded and have vlk sell them with/ as addon to his pen. I just dont know what wuld be the best way

Are you sure? yes | no

JaneDoe wrote 09/04/2018 at 16:28

I seem to remember injection moulding beeing Very Very expensive...

That's why we have a 3D Printing industry going ;)

Otto's render of the case look stunning.

Just got a RT tip for my controller, d*mn this thing heats up fast :D

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 09/06/2018 at 11:34

I let it 3D printed with MJF (SLS like) method by www.rapidobject.com.
Two complete cases for 35€. Yes it was not cheap...
If you have a good 3D Printer, you can try to print it yourself.

Are you sure? yes | no

Messschuh wrote 09/07/2018 at 19:22

really nice work otto, when the stl is avalible i will try to print it with my fdm printer.

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 09/29/2018 at 04:08

Otto ETA on STL data??

Are you sure? yes | no

boehme.peer wrote 06/07/2019 at 19:38

That looks realy good. Are the STL Files available? I would try to print it on a sla printer.

Are you sure? yes | no

Arne Wichmann wrote 08/25/2018 at 14:57

I designed an experimental Housing: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3066792

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 08/25/2018 at 20:09

Hi Arne, it is very original design, nice! thanks for sharing it.

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/26/2018 at 08:30

Hey thanks for sharing the design i got this part printed using SLS for 22.26 at sculpteo it would of been cheaper but i got polished finish will post pics when it arrives they were the cheapest i found if anyone else is intrested

Are you sure? yes | no

Arne Wichmann wrote 08/27/2018 at 14:16

I just noticed that I had a bug in the design (measured from the knob of the buttons, not the corner of the button housing). I have fixed it on Thingyverse. Maybe you can still change your order? (My print of the buggy design still worked, but the buttons were quite off...)

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/27/2018 at 16:08

i was able to update design as it was printed yet guess im lucky i ordered on a weekend again thankyou so much

*Also have you printed this? Mind posting pics?

Are you sure? yes | no

Arne Wichmann wrote 08/27/2018 at 17:03

https://www.thingiverse.com/make:530872 simple black PLA-extrusion print, with bad light conditions :)

Are you sure? yes | no

Arne Wichmann wrote 09/05/2018 at 15:07

I have tweaked my design a bit: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3084826

(Currently untested.)

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/24/2018 at 22:35

confirmed xbox 360 powersupply powers it perfectly

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/19/2018 at 22:47

For anyone wanting to use somthing other than lipo to power this an xbox 360 slim power supply should work quite well the can be found quite cheap on ebay. NOTE I have not tested this yet but was informed by other that this psu can support the high 6-8 amp pulsing. and i will be using a xt30u connector to make a nice connection while still maintaining portablity. I will update later this week when i recieve the psu. https://ibb.co/ncqCdK

Also Otto Winter i dont know what type of connector your incorporating to fit with your 3d print design but alot of lipo batterys come with xt30 or jst xt30 supports higher amp rating without getting to hot

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/19/2018 at 22:54

only reason i thought of xt30 was w/ a case i think it would make a nice snug connection rather then just placing a jst over the 2 prongs

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 08/15/2018 at 09:16

The new Firmware V0.2.0 working fine with LiPo 4S 3000mAh (14,8V) !
Thank you :-)

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 08/01/2018 at 14:03

hey just wana make sure this pen doesnt have to be powered by a Lipo battery correct? Im planing on using a 12v or 14v 3amp power supply if im reading correctly that should work itll be about 42w

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 08/01/2018 at 20:05

Hello, it is not easy, because it has pulse current, with peak dependent on supply voltage, peaks are short but they are at 12V 6A or at 16V 8A. although the current is high average power will be at maximum 40W, so if the supply will have strong capacity bank, it will be work.

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 08/01/2018 at 20:07

some info I described here: https://github.com/pavelrevak/rt_soldering_pen/blob/master/doc/MANUAL.md#supply-from-ac-power-supply

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/27/2018 at 15:39

I've found something that can kill the RT Solder Pen!
If somebody do not pushing the RT Pen full in the socket, you do not have any values from thermostat and the pen glowing with orange color !!!
In the software, you should prevent heating the pen, without sensing the thermostat resistance!
Best Regards
Otto

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 07/27/2018 at 19:00

Hi Otto, thanks for reporting, I have in software this state but detecting code is not implemented right now, so this is good reason to do this.

Hope your RT TIP survive this shock.

There is also other problem if somebody connect supply in reverse and TIP is connected, then MCU is protected by diode, but TIP not (due to large drop voltage on diode) and it get full power through diode inside MOSFET.

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/27/2018 at 23:21

My RT TIP is Ok because I did disconnected it fast enough...
For the revese power connection I don't see any solution, because of no place for such high current protection circuit!
The user should look for the correct polarisation of the Power connection...
You can put one 10-20A shottky diode between plus and minus wires.
If the User connecting it wrong they get only a short circuit and your controller is saved from burning out.

Are you sure? yes | no

Otto Winter wrote 07/27/2018 at 12:33

Hello, now I got your new Board and it is perfect and working well!
In the next weeks I'll change my prior designed enclosure and give it free for 3D printing here.
Best Regards
Otto

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 07/27/2018 at 19:04

Hi Otto, thanks for the order and also big interest to create enclosure, we will looking forward for the design, thanks!

Are you sure? yes | no

nickwrgggdd wrote 07/24/2018 at 00:23

Where are the Solder Points on the board for Programming the STM32

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 07/25/2018 at 08:56

These pins are near to MCU in middle of PCB and marked G, C, D (GND, CLK, DATA).

Look on these pictures: https://hackaday.io/project/18899-rt-soldering-pen/log/149976-new-version-of-firmware-v010

Are you sure? yes | no

ivan003003 wrote 06/29/2018 at 14:02

Hello there Mr.vlk

I have read carefully the technical characteristic of your RT Soldering pen.

I'm really in love with it and i'm very excited to buy it,at least one :)

However,for me the only one problem is this :

i can't go to buy this item raw as it is now!

without any kind of enclousure and an incorporated power plug.

I really hope that you & Otto Winter will release the RT soldering pen in final version,with the enclousure and the incorporated power plug.

Thanks you very much !

Are you sure? yes | no

vlk wrote 07/08/2018 at 05:37

Hi Ivan, enclosure is planed

Are you sure? yes | no

ivan003003 wrote 07/10/2018 at 17:47

I'm very,very glad :)

Are you sure? yes | no

[deleted]

[this comment has been deleted]

vlk wrote 06/26/2018 at 10:46

No, it is not a clone, it is completely created from scratch (HW and SW), it uses different MCU, also have current sensor, for better diagnostic and more precise regulation and also it can operate at lover voltages, faster heating (4s). Also biggest advantage are Weller tips, and is made in EU. On other side there is no USB.

Are you sure? yes | no

Previous Next

RT Soldering pen

Description

Details

Files

Weller-RT6-Holder-Bottom-V1.0.stl

Weller-RT6-Holder-Top-V1.0.stl

rt_soldering_pen_sch.png

Components

Project Logs

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Display replacement

New HW revision v1.1

RT PEN CASE

About new RT tips

New RT tips

New firmware v0.4.0

New redesign is ready

New HW

New version of Firmware v0.2.0

New version of Firmware v0.1.0

Discussions

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Weller-RT6-Holder-Bottom-V1.0.stl

Weller-RT6-Holder-Top-V1.0.stl

rt_soldering_pen_sch.png

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