Can i use the original JBC T245 handle with the T3A?
Yes
I did this and rewired an original T245-PA hand piece with the GX12-5 connector.
I will discuss this more at the bottom of the post.
If yes, how's the pinout?
You can find the pin-out here:
https://www.printables.com/model/497695-aixun-t3a-front-esd-protector-filter or
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/any-opinions-on-the-aixun-t3a/msg4258522/#msg4258522The T245 pin out is easy to find, just google "JBC T245 pinout". It has 3 colour coded wires, it is not complicated honestly, you'll see quickly how easy it is.
Is it the same as the T3A clone?
No, next to each other
none of the Aixun hand pieces are identical to the JBC originals.
Not T245 and not T115 (especially not T115)
I'm not implying they are inferior quality, they just clearly aren't from the same factory because there are differences.
The latest T245 hand piece the T420D comes with is very nearly identical to the JBC handle, I'm not convinced it is worth going for JBC original over the Aixun T420D handle.
They T245 Aixun on the T240D is just slightly shorter than the original hand piece and other than the markings, you'd have to hold them next to each other to tell.
Aixun hand pieces don't come with the little smoke cover plug thing eitherWould it be worth it?
I've got the original hand pieces, so I haven't used the Aixun extensively, only JBC.
But if you are strapped for cash, I recommend you stick to the Aixun handle until you have a need to do otherwise.
I'm not, and wasn't strapped for cash, my job is incredible high pressure, high time demand and I do electronics as a hobby to relax.
So I spent the money to avoid wasting time, which I have little of,
but it was not based on an actual problem I had.I've only used the original JBC tips and hand piece because I wanted as close to JBC original as possible and not run into issues.
But I can't bring myself to buy a JBC station.
It is just too much money and there are plenty of cases of exceptionally questionable build quality on JBC stations. (again not money related, quality and no compelling reason IMO)
I now own a T3A and T420D.
I really like both.
The T420D operates the same way as the original JBC, and doesn't have the grounding bug T3A does (see Tony359 on YouTube)
Is the T420D worth the extra money?
I'm honestly not sure, my T3A soldered like a champ, I'm using a T115 now too and that I'm super happy I got that, which is why I got the T420D so I could run T245 and T115 from the same station.
But if I was only running T245 would it have been worth the money to replace T3A with T420D?
In a word, no, not to me.
My day job isn't electronics however, it is just a hobby, so maybe if I have a repair shop I'd say yes.
If you compare JBC original station to Aixun T420D, hands down the Aixun IMO.
The build quality is excellent, something JBC doesn't even get right.
I opened mine and it is identical to what SDG got, the quality on that station is excellent.
It is not usual Chinese stuff, there is no left over flux on the T420D PCB, the component layout is on point and they didn't bodge anything on that board.
Can i use the original JBC T245 handle with the T3A?
Now that we've talked about my attempt at providing you with an unbiased opinion, let's talk about if you really wanted a genuine JBC hand piece.
I said I replaced my T245-PA hand piece connector with a GX12-5 connector.
Do I recommend it?
No, since I got the T420D which uses the original JBC connectors, I've put the JBC connector back.
I created a 3d printed model to convert the
PCB mount version of JBC connector to a
GX12-5.
If you aren't a 3d printer person or cad isn't your thing I'm sure you can figure something out.
But I'd recommend leaving the JBC overpriced hand-piece in factory condition and making an "adaptor".