Hakko FX-888D Solder Station Not Reaching Optimal Temp.

[diablo175]

Anyone own one (or similar to it) and encounter this issue? I've read a few online posts about issues that could go wrong- bad element, cruddy tip, etc. Hoping it's just a matter of replacing the tip or the element. Hasn't been more than 3 or 4 years since I bought this one.

[JGravelin]

My friend.

https://kb.hakkousa.com/Knowledgebase/10599/How-do-I-reset-the-HAKKO-FX888D-back-to-factory-default-settings

The vid walks you through it.

And this too:

https://kb.hakkousa.com/KnowledgebaseArticle11663.aspx

 

Edited January 12 by JGravelin

[BoogieMKIIA]

I have that one or a similar model, really like it. Please report if the reset works, or if you need a new tip.

[diablo175]

12 hours ago, JGravelin said:

My friend.

https://kb.hakkousa.com/Knowledgebase/10599/How-do-I-reset-the-HAKKO-FX888D-back-to-factory-default-settings

The vid walks you through it.

And this too:

https://kb.hakkousa.com/KnowledgebaseArticle11663.aspx

 

Thank you buddy! I did the reset and (I guess) it worked given I was finally able to anchor the ground lead to the volume pot. How coincidental that you provided the info needed to install one of your double slug Mongoose p'ups in my Charvel.

9 hours ago, BoogieMKIIA said:

I have that one or a similar model, really like it. Please report if the reset works, or if you need a new tip.

It appears to have worked. I think it's still a bit under-performing so when the new tip comes in, I'll give it a shot.

[Dutchman]

I have one exactly like it. Replacing the tips really allows these to work better. I've used a chisel tip long as I remember. When it gets slow and still reads 750 I switch tips and it works like new again!

[diablo175]

30 minutes ago, Dutchman said:

I have one exactly like it. Replacing the tips really allows these to work better. I've used a chisel tip long as I remember. When it gets slow and still reads 750 I switch tips and it works like new again!

I hope you're right. I have a set of Hakko tips incoming tomorrow.

The unit reset worked just enough to get the ground lead secured to the vol pot. But even that was a struggle. After a chat with Josh, we think it might be that the tip just has seen too much action and needs to be replaced.

Edited January 12 by diablo175

[HSB0531]

On 1/11/2025 at 6:55 PM, diablo175 said:

Anyone own one (or similar to it) and encounter this issue? I've read a few online posts about issues that could go wrong- bad element, cruddy tip, etc. Hoping it's just a matter of replacing the tip or the element. Hasn't been more than 3 or 4 years since I bought this one.

I have that exact same solder station.  It was in continuous use for many years.  I've never had to replace the heating element, but I went through tips quite a lot.  This is normal though.  Also, never use a water saturated sponge to clean the tip.  It will cause it to fail quicker from thermal shock.  Always use the brass "sponge" that came with it and replace it often.  Is the digital display showing low temps and the tip not hot enough?  Or is the display correct and the tip isn't hot enough?

[diablo175]

1 hour ago, HSB0531 said:

I have that exact same solder station.  It was in continuous use for many years.  I've never had to replace the heating element, but I went through tips quite a lot.  This is normal though.  Also, never use a water saturated sponge to clean the tip.  It will cause it to fail quicker from thermal shock.  Always use the brass "sponge" that came with it and replace it often.  Is the digital display showing low temps and the tip not hot enough?  Or is the display correct and the tip isn't hot enough?

Your advice is right in line with Josh's! Yeah, the display was show 840 degrees and it wasn't even melting flux core solder. New tips arrived yesterday!!

[HSB0531]

2 hours ago, diablo175 said:

Your advice is right in line with Josh's! Yeah, the display was show 840 degrees and it wasn't even melting flux core solder. New tips arrived yesterday!!

Thanks for that.

I think I was replacing tips every month.  Of course, that was when I was soldering 100+ XLR connectors per day.

Also consider what type of solder you're using.  I use silver solder. It has a much lower melting point and is a lot cleaner on the solder connection and what it leaves on the tip.  I use Cardas silver solder and it gives a mirror finish on all metals, but best on gold plated contacts.

It isn't lead free, but there are companies that make lead free silver solder.

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/394195537706?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=394195537706&targetid=2299003535955&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1022194&poi=&campaignid=21214315381&mkgroupid=161363866036&rlsatarget=pla-2299003535955&abcId=9407526&merchantid=8094924&gad_source=5

 

Edited January 14 by HSB0531

[HSB0531]

On 1/12/2025 at 2:06 PM, Dutchman said:

I have one exactly like it. Replacing the tips really allows these to work better. I've used a chisel tip long as I remember. When it gets slow and still reads 750 I switch tips and it works like new again!

Yes, and there's many sized tips in chisel and conical shapes depending on what size/type work you're soldering.  When I bought mine, I got 2 of several sizes of conical and wedge shaped so I could see which ones worked best for the jobs I was doing.