HAKKO FR-301 desoldering tool

[simone.pignatti]

HAKKO has released the new FR-301 desoldering tool with improved anti clogging system. The unit is already available with CE mark and 220/240V input.



This unit support different nozzle from FR-300.
Nozzle N61 series is the same for FR-410, it offers more shapes including the high demanded oval one.

[julianhigginson]

That looks like a nice improvement.

now I know why element14(farnell) is having a deep discount on their FR-300 stock at the moment.

any idea of when we should expect the 301 to start showing up outside japan?

[jasonbrent]

Of course they have... since my 300 just arrived last week..

[simone.pignatti]

We have them but we are based in Europe

[Ray.B]

Hi guys

     Ray.B here and I called American Hakko a while back about the FR-301 which was listed on the Japanese Hakko website.  I had bought the FR-300 late last year, and I was asking about the length of support for the FR-300 which I just bought.  Well they then said that they didn't have it on their website yet.  Well today, Hakko discontinued the FR-300, they have three years for sales and five years minimum to when parts and tip will run out ( maybe longer if the parts last ), per their website announcement.
    While I had them on the phone I asked if they would produce a conversion kit or upgrade path for a FR-300 to FR-301 conversion.  They took it under consideration.  I just downloaded a FR-301 parts list from Hakko and some of the parts are the same between the FR-300 and FR-301.  I noticed that the heater and the tip parts were different of course, some of the other parts were identical part numbers.  Some of the parts are different numbers, but they may fit the FR-300.  I noticed the parts list for the FR-301 shows different part numbers for the motor 120, and 240, where the FR-300 used a 35 volt motor changing input voltages with resistors, on the EEVblog forums.  Maybe they changed the motor to a full line voltage direct drive?  Well at least we have two to three years to sort out the differences, to get a list of parts to convert our FR-300 to FR-301.  Later Ray.B

[matura713]

Well at least we have two to three years to sort out the differences, to get a list of parts to convert our FR-300 to FR-301.  Later Ray.B

actually, it seems Hakko already took great care to make such conversion impossible even from financial standpoint (not to mention finding to buy the corresponding FR-301 part), because calculating the cost of all obviously different parts gives total cost of such conversion essential more than buying FR-301. so, especially people like me that recently purchased FR-300 are simply f***ed by Hakko...and that whole story is another good example of 'planned obsolescence'.

Let me not just talk empty words, but give full details for my calculation:

1) Firstly, such conversion entirely depends on that if the control board inside FR-300 is fully compatible with the new Heating element for FR-301. So, let's assume this, because otherwise simply conversion cannot be done, because that board is not sold separately even for FR-300.

2) The motor doesn't matter, because even if FR-301 uses different one (as model, etc) it has the exact same specifications as the one inside FR-300:

"Vacuum Pressure: 81 kPa (610mmHg)"
"Suction flow: 11 L/m"

So, there is already motor in your FR-300 with the exact same capabilities as FR-301.

3) And here is the table of all the rest different parts between FR-301 and FR-301 (and price - the price is for FR-300 part only, in case Google search didn't reveal where corresponding FR-301 part can be purchased):

3.1) "Ceramic paper filter-L" (estimated cost around USD 10):
* FR-301 part A5044 - price: USD 9.57 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part A1033 - price: USD 10.40 (Amazon US), 9.57 (TEquipment)

3.2) "Pre-filter" (estimated cost around USD 6):
* FR-301 part B5104, price: USD 6.21 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part B5016, price: USD 5.81 (TEquipment)

3.3) "Front holder" (estimated cost around USD 4):
* FR-301 part A5030, price: USD 3.44 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part A1217, price: USD 10.90 (Amazon US), 2.94 (TEquipment)

3.4) "Filter holder" (estimated cost around USD 4):
* FR-301 part A5031, price: USD 3.93 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part B5020, price: USD 3.53 (TEquipment)

3.5) "Filter pipe" (estimated cost around USD 9):
* FR-301 part B5194, price: USD 8.58 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part B5017, price: USD 5.71 (TEquipment), USD 14.84 (Amazon US)

BTW, 3.1) to 3.5) are the parts forming the so-called "Filter pipe assembly"...

3.6) "Back holder"  (estimated cost around USD 5):
* FR-301 part B5195, price: USD 4.92 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part B5019, price: USD 4.43 (TEquipment)

3.7) "Heating element" (estimated cost - for sure more than the old heater for FR-300, let's say USD 100):
* FR-301 part UNKNOWN!! (Please, if you know the part number reply here to update it)
* FR-300 part:
- A5000 for 120V, i.e. for USA, price almost 80 USD (Amazon US), USD 55 (TEquipment)
- A5001 for 220-230, i.e. Europe, price around 60 EUR (basically in Europe is same price as the US version in Amazon)

3.8 ) "Protective pipe assembly" (estimated cost around USD 25):
* FR-301 part B5193, price USD 19.57 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part B5014, price USD 32.99 (Amazon US), USD 19.57 (TEquipment)

3.9) "Nozzle wrench" (estimated cost around USD 20):
* FR-301 part B5106, price USD 18.47 (TEquipment)
* FR-300 part B5014, price USD (cannot find anywhere sold seperately)

3.10) "Standard nozzle for FR-301", part number N61-08, price around 20 USD (widely available as it's for many Hakko products)

OK, even we're talking for 10 parts, it's very easy, because:

* 3.1 to 3.6 are the filter pipe and estimated price is around USD 40

* 3.7 is most essential - the heater and an open question from where to buy, how much exactly it costs and if it's in the first place compatible with the board inside FR-300. In any way, I think minimum price is no less than USD 60-80 considering the corresponding FR-300 part, let's put it USD

* 3.8 ), 3.9) and 3.10) are fully external parts and what you do every time when change the nozzle on FR-300,  total price of USD 65

That makes the conversion almost close to USD 200 - taking into account my case, that I am in Europe, need to pay shipping costs and then 20% or so in custom duties, then such conversion is more than new FR-301, which is USD 270.

Last, but not least would someone take the risk when even if 3.7) actually can be purchased it's questionable if it is compatible with FR-300 control board or not - most likely not. In case, what is left from FR-300, only the plastic case!!

I must say, if FR-300 control board is compatible with 3.7) and 3.7) can be purchased then at least as work involved the conversion is piece of cake.

[simone.pignatti]

FR-301 Heating element A5049 Euro 50 + VAT (same price of FR-300)

[matura713]

FR-301 Heating element A5049 Euro 50 + VAT (same price of FR-300)

thank you for that information... do you know who is selling A5049 in Europe? because searching in Google gives no results.

[simone.pignatti]

we have 3 pcs in stock, I sent you the link in PM

[matura713]

the final nail in the coffin (if the cost was not enough for you) why such conversion is not very feasible thing to do - the "flange" is the last difference (which I initially missed) between FR-300 and FR-301 and that part seems is not sold separately neither for FR-300, nor for FR-301 (please, post here if it's sold separately).

so, that "flange" is the black plastic part between the heating element and the housing body - see the attached pictures. it's much thicker for FR-301, because back side of the new heating element of FR-301 is longer than the old heating element of FR-300 and the new thicker flange accounts for that. (that means the 4 screws on FR-301 that keeps it in place are different, i.e. longer too. other than that the plastic housing of FR-300 and FR-301 is the same - it has exact same part number as well between the two).

[matura713]

OK, after such thorough investigation from my side, I want to make the final conclusion as separate post:

0. if temperature feedback of the new heating element of FR-301 (see point III. ) is compatible with the control board in FR-300 then conversion of FR-300 to FR-301 is not only possible, but it seems it's without any loss of features compared to retail FR-301 unit.

I. motor is different between FR-300 and FR-301 and i believe that's actually the main reason why FR-301 control board is different rather than the concern mentioned in point 0. however, that doesn't matter feature-wise for FR-300 to FR-301 conversion, because both motors give: "Vacuum Pressure: 81 kPa (610mmHg)" and "Suction flow: 11 L/m"

II. (see the post above) The only part not available for purchase (at the time of writing this) is different "flange" between of  FR-300 and FR-301. however, maybe, that's not real limitation (rather than cosmetic one) as the front part (more geometrically complex) of the 2 flanges is the same and thickness difference can potentially be compensated with simple solution like washers/spacers, etc.

III. new "Heating element" for FR-301:
* part number A5047 for USA (120V)
* part number A5049 for Europe (220-240V)
* Price: respectively USD 50 or EUR 50 without taxes, i.e. in Europe that mean something like 55-60 EUR total, i guess similarly in the USA retail price will be 55-60 USD with all taxes.

IV. "Filter pipe assembly" for FR-301, 2 options to buy it:
* as single set with part number B5185 (that's the cheaper option, USD 20)
* as 5 separate parts from which it consists ( 1 - "Ceramic paper filter-L" #A5044, 2- "Pre-filter" #B5104, 3 - "Front holder" #A5030, "Filter holder" #A5031 , 5 - "Filter pipe" #B5194)

V. "Back holder" for FR-301 part number B5195, price: USD 5

VI. Heating "Element Cover" for FR-301 part number B5193, price: USD 20

VII. "Nozzle wrench" for FR-301 part number B5106, USD 20

VIII. "Standard nozzle for FR-301" part number N61-08 or any other N61 nozzle of your choice, price: USD 20

[DC1MC]

Quick question form a newbie (in advanced desoldering tools): is this tool suitable for troughhole components and does it have enough power for power electronics stuff ( thick pins connected to large copper planes and so on) ?

And if yes, how much does it cost and where can I get it for a good price in DE/EU ?

 Cheers,
 DC1MC

 

[simone.pignatti]

Quick question form a newbie (in advanced desoldering tools): is this tool suitable for troughhole components and does it have enough power for power electronics stuff ( thick pins connected to large copper planes and so on) ?

And if yes, how much does it cost and where can I get it for a good price in DE/EU ?

 Cheers,
 DC1MC

 

This is a good question since it is hard to advice the right desoldering tool without seeing the PWB.
The most important is the heat transfer capability.
We have the FR301 in stock but we would like to get some images about your application first.
We send you a PM.
Thanks.

[Ray.B]

say simone.pignatti

 Ray.B  say do you work for a supply company (Hakko)?  Since you have parts availability, I was wondering if you could take pictures of the control boards of the FR-300 and the FR-301.  Then the different front flanges between the two units.  Also, in the documentation for the
FR-300 and the FR-301 the shows the nozzle changing tool is B5015 for both the units, but on the website its the B5106.  On the last page of the FR-301 instruction manual the "flange" is shown as a part of the "joint cover" with a part number B5198 for the flange.  It sounds like Hakko hasn't got all of their part numbers all straightened out on the newer FR-301, also some of the parts on the website show FR4101 parts for FR-301 listings.  I was wondering if someone needs to call American Hakko or Hakko direct to get the people in the know.  Anyway like I said before Hakko should provide a easy upgrade path to loyal Hakko customers.  The people on the phone when I talked to them were very friendly and happy to help when I had the parts list from the website.  We need to talk to someone that has knowledge about what will work with what.  Later Ray.B

[matura713]

take pictures of the control boards of the FR-300 and the FR-301

FYI, pictures of FR-300 control board are available everywhere including here, for example:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/hakko-fr-300-05-desoldering-iron-120v-gt-240v/msg1309916/#msg1309916

so, main question at least to me regarding FR-301 board is: does it still use simple LM2903 dual comparator for temp control (with calibration pot) or some new fancy micro-controller?

Hakko FR-301 leaflet has only one out of 5 new features listed (the other 4 are all due to new N61 nozzles and the heating element compatible with N61 nozzles) that could suggest not as simple temp control as that on FR-300:

High-Precision Temperature Control

however, that could be due to better sensor in the heating element, not more intelligent control board.

Other than that the rest of control board seems irrelevant to me, because FR-300 and FR-301 heating elements need same power supply and motor power supply on FR-300 is done with "capacitor dropper", which will be different for the motor in retail FR-301 unit,  that runs on 120V or 220-240V.

the different front flanges between the two units.

you can see the pictures of the 2 flanges I posted few posts above. I doubt someone will be able to make better pictures (any time soon), because those 2 parts are not sold anywhere.

Also, if 3-4 years later after FR-300 release you still can not purchase separately flange for it, then I doubt it will be any different for FR-301 and that part simply won't be sold separately.

IMHO, as I already mentioned, that I don't see as critical, especially for initial conversion - you can compensate the thickness difference with installing spacers between the housing body and your FR-300 flange. As far as how long spacer to use, that's easy to estimate with measuring the difference in length between back side of FR-300 and FR-301 heating elements.

Also, another even better clue is "Front holder" (B5030) for FR-301 - when installed it need to cover exactly the part of back side of FR-301 heating element that goes inside the "Filter pipe" (B5194) - that allows you to exactly know how far FR-300 flange, with mounted FR-301 heating element on it, needs to be moved away from the housing body.

So, plenty of way to use FR-300 flange and adjust it with spacers - most important is that FR-300 flange front side is compatible with the new heating element, because the 3 mounting parts are the same ("Movable joint" #B5063, "Wave spring" #B5064, "Joint cover" #B5062).

Also, in the documentation for the FR-300 and the FR-301 the shows the nozzle changing tool is B5015 for both the units, but on the website its the B5106...
....
also some of the parts on the website show FR4101 parts for FR-301 listings.

No any mystery or question here. B5106 is correct as well in general any FR410 parts related to the nozzles and Heating "Element Cover", tips changing, etc are correct, because N61 nozzles that FR-301 uses, are the one FR410 is using for years - hence the same parts. So, almost all parts I listed as difference between FR-301 and FR-300 are actually FR410 parts - that's why I guess all those parts are available for purchase at the moment - as FR410 spare parts and that's why FR-301 flange is exception - as it's not FR410 spare part.

[matura713]

BTW, even FR-301 manual has the exact same calibration procedure as FR-300, on pictures of FR-301 it looks like the hole where the pot is located is like empty, but on FR-300 is so clearly visible - pictures attached. that's kind of strange.

[Ray.B]

matura713

Ray.B  from my last post on "flanges" which may be put on the next page, well I found the missing "flange".  On the  6: Maintance section under Replacing the Heating Element (heating core) they point out the "Flange" where you take out two screws to separate the case halfs.
The part is listed (as per my last post), 8: Replacement Parts/ Options     Item 4, B5198, Flange, with screws.  The part is available as a replacement part, which would make sense that it is where their is lots wear and tear in replacing the Heating Element.

Like I said in my last post, you may need to get the hard to find parts directly from American Hakko/ Hakko because they are not in the surplus market. 
 Later Ray.B 

[matura713]

...B5198 ... you may need to get the hard to find parts directly from American Hakko/ Hakko

my point is that exact part is not sold in any online shop of American Hakko/ Hakko (at least at the moment), I already checked them all. so, from my point of view, it's simply not available even directly from Hakko.

Feel free to prove me wrong...

However, contrary to B5198 all other parts are available and in stock from multiple sources, not a problem at all to acquire them.

In any way, B5198 is not critically important, it's more cosmetic thing, what's the main question is what is on FR-301 control board to do the temperature control - if it's LM2903 (or similar IC) or something fancy.

[EDIT] The price of all needed parts for conversion attempt is so close to buying retail  FR-301 unit, that even if such conversion is possible but gives loss of features (e.g. FR-301 control board provides more intelligent temperature control than using something like LM2903), then IMHO it just doesn't worth to do it.

[0.01C]

I bought a Hakko FR301 from Rakuten.com at JPN18900/USD180.

[matura713]

I bought a Hakko FR301 from Rakuten.com at JPN18900/USD180

Congratulations, I purchased my FR300 from there, but at the end it was not really cheaper, because shipping from Japan to Europe/USA is like additional USD 60-70 and then I needed to pay import taxed. so, I end up with USD 300 as total (or about additional USD 120 in shipping costs and taxes). Plus the cost of 220V to 100V transformer to use it in Europe (which is another USD 40) - it's really not cheaper (at least if you're in Europe/USA)!!

anyway, we are waiting to "not turn it on, but take it apart". yes, joke aside, if you open it and make pictures of the board inside will be greatly appreciated - similar to posts here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/hakko-fr-300-05-desoldering-iron-120v-gt-240v/msg1309916/#msg1309916

and how to take it apart is very easy and here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/hakko-fr-300-desoldering-gun-teardown/

[DC1MC]

It seems that @simone.pignatti is MIA  , I send him some pictures by request to advise me if this tool is suitable for power components desoldering. No answer so far but I'm sure that there are few knowledgeable people in this thread so I'll post them here as well, with the question: what unsoldering tool is the best for the trough-hole components, especially power electronics soldered to hi surface copper planes and hole enforcer tubes.

 Many thanks,
 DC1MC

[simone.pignatti]

It seems that @simone.pignatti is MIA  , I send him some pictures by request to advise me if this tool is suitable for power components desoldering. No answer so far but I'm sure that there are few knowledgeable people in this thread so I'll post them here as well, with the question: what unsoldering tool is the best for the trough-hole components, especially power electronics soldered to hi surface copper planes and hole enforcer tubes.

 Many thanks,
 DC1MC

Hello, sorry for not replying I was traveling to UK ... actually in hotel room now typing.
I took a look at you pics and it seems the FR-301 may be not powerful enough, also for the coil.
What process of soldering do you use?
FR-400 and FR-410 can do the job but they are not at the same price tag.

[DC1MC]

Hi, the soldering process it's actually not known to me, I just have to deal with the end result, I wanted a tool that was having enough oompph to dislodge pins connected to copper planes, even if the examples were a bit to the max , but for example I have a standard 14 DIP package with 2-3 consecutive pins connected to a large ground plane, what about this situation, will 301 be able to suck them clean ? Or really we need a more powerful tool ?

 Cheers and thanks for the answer,
 DC1MC 

[0.01C]

It seems that @simone.pignatti is MIA  , I send him some pictures by request to advise me if this tool is suitable for power components desoldering. No answer so far but I'm sure that there are few knowledgeable people in this thread so I'll post them here as well, with the question: what unsoldering tool is the best for the trough-hole components, especially power electronics soldered to hi surface copper planes and hole enforcer tubes.

 Many thanks,
 DC1MC

Hello, sorry for not replying I was traveling to UK ... actually in hotel room now typing.
I took a look at you pics and it seems the FR-301 may be not powerful enough, also for the coil.
What process of soldering do you use?
FR-400 and FR-410 can do the job but they are not at the same price tag.

You can increase the ac voltage to 120V for increase the power from 100W to 140W.

[DC1MC]

Could it be that FR-410 has more thermal mass, or is some other difference, why will be suitable more than 301 ?