After discussing the potential purchase of a Puhui T890 with forum members in another thread, I decided to buy a used Jovy RE-7500 that matches my relatively humble needs. I am not looking to rework games platforms ! I currently have a T862++ but need something with the ability to run a thermal profile.
OK, so I found a suitable used RE-7500 in Estonia and managed to negotiate it down to a price I can afford, thanks to a very kind and friendly seller. That unit should last me many years so I see it as a long term investment.
Now the bad news..... it would appear that Jovy closed-down in 2018
A pity as their products appear to have a good reputation. German design, German components, assembled in Hong Kong !
Now the closing of the company would not normally be that much of a concern to Jovy rework station owners as consumable parts are available from other sources. The Software is a stumbling block however. The Jovy units can be operated from the front panel but really deliver when connected to a PC. The original “Control Room” software for the RE-7500 was free and appears to be without any licence or activation requirement. I presume the RE-7500 is effectively the “licence” as its serial number is read-out during installation. The later RE-7550 and RE-8500 use a different software that most definitely has an activation requirement. You have to email Jovy all manner of information and they send you an activation code...... YUK! I hate that kind of activation as you are effectively stuck if the company disappears, as is the case here with Jovy
The software is a key component of many BGA rework stations, including the Jovy units, as it enables the user to create custom rework profiles to suit the job at hand. It enables uploading of different thermal profiles to the hardware and shows both progress and accuracy of the reflow process. You can even carry out manual reflow whilst using the Thermocouple temperature plot as a visual guide to guide your actions. Without software, you can miss a lot during a reflow.
I think I am OK with the Control Room software but I cannot download it via the Wayback Machine archives. I found an old 2012 version but wondered if anyone had a later version that they are willing to share with me please. No piracy issues as the software was a free download and I own a RE-7500 that acts as my licence.
I would love to hear from any fellow Jovy BGA station owners and welcome any hints and tips plus any rework profiles that you may be willing to share.
If anyone knows what happened to Jovy, I would be interested to hear. It seems too good a product to not be revived by another company or a reborn Jovy ?
Many Thanks in advance
Fraser