How does the Metcal Tipsaver work?

[Rory]

I've been reading about how certain Metcal workstands (Tipsaver_TM) will reduce power to the handpiece when placed in the stand.  I searched Metcal's patents and didn't see anything pertaining.

Anybody know how it's done?  Is it possible to retrofit an RFG-30 to have this function?

My guess is that there's a magnet that affects the tip, how it does so I'm not sure, is the Curie point influenced by a strong external magnetic field?

[nanofrog]

Been asked before. 

Based on another thread, it uses a couple of magnets, so should be possible (same thread indicates tip drops to ~150F). 

[Rory]

I searched for it, couldn't find it. Sorry.

[nanofrog]

I searched for it, couldn't find it. Sorry.

Moderator please remove this thread.

Probably needed a simpler search. Found it just using "Metcal stand", and it was in the first few listed. 

[thm_w]

I bought the newer stand and handpiece to use with an old RFG-30 and it works well. The new aluminum handpiece design is awesome.

I don't have an older handpiece to check if it will fit the new stand. As pointed out it uses magnets inside the stand. You could always just put magnets in your existing stand and play with the location to get a good idle temperature.

Upgrade kit: http://www.newark.com/oki-metcal/mx-uk1/solder-station/dp/19P7649?ost=mx-uk1
Discussion: www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/metcal-not-just-heat-conduction/

[Rory]

Thanks, for the info thm_w. I did some eBay shopping and got an RFG-30, an MX-RM3E handpiece and some assorted cartridges.  I'm blanching at the cost of the tipsaver stand, so I'll end up building one.

[AndersAnd]

Been asked before. 

Based on another thread, it uses a couple of magnets, so should be possible (same thread indicates tip drops to ~150F). 

I searched for it, couldn't find it. Sorry.

Metcal autosleep stands - how do they work? https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/metcal-autosleep-stands-how-do-they-work/msg225666/

[Rory]

Thank you!