Weller TCP hack

Weller TCP Hack

Replacing the faulty magnetic switch in a Weller TCP is a costly affair, this project is a workaround for just that. The upgraded soldering iron has a thermocouple sensor and triac heater control. Optionally, the temperature can be displayed on a cheap DVM module.

Soldering iron hack : remove the magnetic switch. Get a china-made temperature sensor from a cheap (I had defect irons with good thermocouple) Chinese soldering iron or order a replacement heater containing it (Aliexpress search "Ceramic Heating Element"). Form an omega-shaped 1 cm wide brass plate in which the sensor fits tight in the middle, and the outer part of the "omega" fits in the heater tube (5.6mm). Position the plate holding the sensor in the tube so that it touches the soldering tip bottom. Use eventually a weak spring to push the sensor against it. Attach new 4 wire cable to the soldering iron. The sensor output voltage 41 uV / C degree Red + Blue -. I have not used the old connector socket