Got an FR-300 in September, and went to power it on today... heater element is dead. So, 5 months, less than 2 hours use time.
The same thing happened to mine
last October, although I had many more than 2 hours use when it died. I got mine in the beginning of May, but like yours, there was no abuse or reason for the heater to crap out. After checking resistance, Hakko also sent me a prepaid return label for shipping
. They repaired mine under warranty and it was back to me in just over a weeks time including turn-around and shipping both ways
.
This was the technician's comments on the repair ticket:
"Upon inspection, our technician found the following: Received dsldr tool with used N50-04 nozzle only. Upon inspection found tool powering-up but unable to heat-up due to the ceramic heater was found broken-off from the heating core. Front holder was found cracked/worn out. Found with the set temperature control at setting #2 with no adjustment to the CAL POT. Enclosure and nozzle are used and still functional - replacement is optional. Heating element and front holder will be replace in warranty. Maintenance will be provided and temperature will be adjusted at ±10°F from the set temperature. All else okay at this time." I was hopping my trouble was just a fluke, so did not want to say anything until I saw other reports of the same thing happening. I guess it could happen two or three times without being an issue, but certainly something to keep an eye on
.
Staze, please post back with Hakko's findings.
Since then I have put many more hours on the gun without further problems
.