Recommended Gear
Pinecil Soldering Iron
A portable, USB-C powered soldering iron with precision temperature control and open-source firmware — perfect for bench work and field repairs.
Why It’s Great
The Pinecil has become my go-to soldering iron for almost every project. Here’s why it stands out:
- USB-C Power Delivery — Works with any 65W+ USB-C PD charger or power bank. No proprietary adapters, no bulky power supply.
- Rapid Heat-Up — Reaches 300°C in under 12 seconds. No more waiting around.
- Precision Control — Adjustable temperature from 100°C to 400°C with ±1°C stability. Perfect for delicate SMD work and heavy ground planes alike.
- Open-Source Firmware — Runs IronOS (formerly Ralim’s firmware). Fully customizable, with active community development and regular updates.
- Portable & Lightweight — Small form factor fits in any toolbox. Great for field repairs, maker events, or traveling to hackathons.
- TS100/TS80 Compatible Tips — Wide range of tip options from multiple vendors. Easy to find replacements.
- OLED Display — Shows real-time temperature, power draw, and settings. Clear feedback at a glance.
- Affordable — Around $25-35 USD. Incredible value for the feature set.
Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Input | USB-C PD 20V/3A (60W) or DC 12-24V |
| Temperature Range | 100°C – 400°C |
| Heating Element | Ceramic with replaceable tips |
| Firmware | IronOS (open-source) |
| Display | 96x16 OLED |
| Tip Compatibility | TS100 / TS80 / Pinecil tips |
| Weight | ~30g (without cable) |
| Typical Cost | USD 25-35 |
Use Cases
Perfect for:
- SMD soldering and rework (0402, 0603, QFP, SOIC packages)
- Through-hole component assembly
- Wire splicing and connector work
- Portable field repairs
- Electronics workshops and maker events
- Learning to solder (great first iron)
Not ideal for:
- Very large ground planes (may need more thermal mass)
- Extended heavy-duty production runs (designed for hobby/repair use)
Where to Buy
Available from:
- Pine64 Store
- AliExpress (various sellers)
- Amazon (check reviews for genuine units)
Part of the FullyAutomatix recommended tools collection — gear that actually gets used in the workshop.