The Miniware TS1C: A Cordless Smart Soldering Station with a Premium Price
The Miniware TS1C is a cordless soldering station that’s compatible with the TS80P soldering iron. Unlike traditional soldering irons, it features a super-capacitor inside the iron, providing a higher charge capacity and faster charge time. This eliminates the need for a trailing cable, giving you the freedom to move around.
Priced at $125, the Miniware TS1C may seem expensive, but its cordless operation and higher capacity make it a worthwhile investment for those who value convenience and efficiency in their soldering work.
The unboxing experience of the Miniware TS1C is nothing short of premium. From the packaging to the station itself, everything exudes a high-end look and feel. Although the soldering iron may not match the same level of premium quality, the presentation is flawless.
The Miniware TS1C soldering station features an OLED display and controls on the station, with a single “boost” button on the iron. The soldering iron is primarily made of plastic, which may raise concerns about durability. However, during testing, I did notice a few sharp bits of plastic flashing when removing the tip for cleaning, which affected my confidence in its overall quality.
Charging the soldering iron is as simple as placing it in the station. With a temperature range of up to 400 degrees Celsius, the TS1C offers versatility for various soldering tasks. Additionally, it comes with a sponge for cleaning the soldering iron tip, a thoughtful inclusion.
In use, the TS1C delivers precise and robust soldering performance. It handles fine soldering with ease and can also tackle larger joints. If more heat is required, the “boost” button provides an extra power boost when needed.
The TS1C boasts an impressive battery life, capable of soldering up to 80 fine joints on a single charge. In my testing, I was able to solder 180 surface mount components or 80 through-hole components on a single charge. For larger joints, a recharge may be necessary.
In terms of connectivity, the soldering iron and station can communicate via Bluetooth. This feature allows for real-time temperature and power status display on the station. Furthermore, users can customize the color of the station’s LED light and even perform firmware updates. The TS1C also supports the use of other TS80P compatible soldering tips with a TRS connection.
In conclusion, the Miniware TS1C is an excellent choice for those in need of a compact soldering station that operates on USB-C power. Its cordless design eliminates the hassle of a trailing cable, providing greater freedom of movement. Despite some concerns about the soldering iron’s build quality, the TS1C’s higher capacity and cordless nature make it a worthwhile investment for soldering enthusiasts and professionals alike.
