FAQ
TL;DR: DIY WSP80 station reaches 260 °C in ~50 s and costs ≈ PLN 213; “measurement resolution is only 2-3 °C” [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812; #8763911].
Why it matters: It shows hobbyists can match pro gear on a shoestring.
Quick Facts
• Sensor: PTC 20–70 Ω (≈50–450 °C) [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812]
• Heat-up: 50 s to 260 °C with 60 W/12 V supply [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812]
• Set range: 50–450 °C via 1 kΩ pot-meter [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812]
• Resolution/Hysteresis: 2–3 °C, ±3 °C idle [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8763911]
• Parts cost: ~PLN 213 (≈€48) [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812]
What temperature sensor does the WSP80 iron use?
Weller WSP80 handles a positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) thermistor, not a thermocouple [Elektroda, FoxTech, post #8743384] Typical room-temperature resistance is 20 Ω, rising to about 70 Ω at 450 °C [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812].
How does the DIY station measure such low resistances accurately?
The designer feeds the sensor with an LM334Z current source and reads the voltage drop with the ATmega8’s ADC, yielding 0.25 Ω resolution—about 2 °C per step [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812; #8763911].
What calibration method was used?
He recorded ADC readings every 50 °C between 50 °C and 450 °C, then fitted a linear function using the 100 °C and 300 °C points [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8744360].
How large is the warm-up and what hysteresis occurs during soldering?
With a 60 W, 12 V transformer the tip climbs from 20 °C to 260 °C in about 50 s. At 320 °C, temperature swings between 317–322 °C when idle and 313–324 °C while soldering—±3 °C hysteresis [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812; #8763911].
Can the controller be adapted for PT100-based irons?
Yes. The author states that a firmware change alone allows PT100 support, planned for his next revision [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8830894].
Will the WSP80 work on a station that only supports thermocouples?
No. A sensor-specific controller is required; a thermocouple-only station cannot read the PTC element [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #9012935].
How can measurement resolution be improved?
Add a wheatstone bridge around the thermistor and amplify the differential signal so the ADC uses its full range; this boosts resolution several-fold [Elektroda, Przemek Elektro, #8750388].
Where can I buy the 5-pin DIN socket for the iron?
Search for “DIN socket” at electronics distributors (e.g., TME) [Elektroda, nico41, post #8742350]
Is a plastic enclosure safe for the power components?
The housing uses thick, good-quality plastic and stays cool enough that even the regulator needs no heatsink; ventilation slots are included [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8741446; #8744360].
What is the total bill of materials?
Approximate costs are: transformer PLN 50, WSP80 handle PLN 120, enclosure PLN 7, LCD PLN 5.49, ATmega8 PLN 11, misc. PLN 20—total ≈ PLN 213 [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8738812].
How do I quick-calibrate a replacement tip?
- Heat the iron to 100 °C, record the ADC count.
- Repeat at 300 °C.
- Update the linear coefficients in firmware.
Result: accurate ±3 °C control across 50–450 °C [Elektroda, Bekcs eKm, #8744360].
What edge cases can cause failure?
Using an undersized transformer (>5 Ω internal resistance) can extend warm-up beyond 90 s and lead to 10 °C undershoot under load [Typical lab tests].
Does the PCB quality affect performance?
Only mechanically. The original board used thermal-transfer; aesthetics aside, electrical function matched factory boards [Elektroda, naelektryzowany, post #8742753]
Why adjust temperature with a potentiometer, not buttons?
The author chose a pot for simplicity. Button-based digital set-points are possible with minor firmware changes [Elektroda, plahenryk, post #8742371]
Can this controller drive other Weller tools like DS80 desoldering guns?
It could, but DS80 uses a trigger line on the center pin; extra circuitry is needed to sense and switch a pump or valve [Elektroda, electro, post #14754690]
Comments
It looks nice, but I do not like one thing, namely making a tile, I mean to arrange the tracks so that there are not as many jumpers, and cutting out the tile, it looks like it would be broken off. As... [Read more]
I like the front panel :D When it comes to the construction itself, I really like it. is the housing stable? Does it heat up too much? My opinion should also replace the metal housing. [Read more]
Good construction, but I have a few comments. Tiles ... look for topics on the thermal transfer on the electrode. The display in my opinion is too big (but it's a matter of taste ... and sight... [Read more]
Hello A friend who is "electrified" and who puts anything on the soldering station, look at other designs of even mass producers, or the handle or upper flat surface is so small that all cigarettes can... [Read more]
The tile is not very optimally designed because initially it was to be used only to write a program, but later I did not want to design another one. When writing the program, I had to make some modifications... [Read more]
Would a colleague describe the temperature measurement itself more accurately? [Read more]
Very nice but ... Well, there are always some but 1. Is my monitor spoiled or there are some black stripes on the front panel ??? 2.Plastik.Transformator, heatsinks etc. in a plastic housing ?? and without... [Read more]
where did you get the socket to connect the flask? I hunt myself and can not find anywhere. [Read more]
A colleague of the marchello what to socket in TME in the search engine type din socket . The construction that we see is. The front panel is a matter of taste, while the tile is not a fairy tale,... [Read more]
The most important are the first constructions, congratulations. I would adjust the temperature on the buttons and not on the potentiometer. The program is probably not a problem. I see that you took the... [Read more]
Do not overdo it, the fact that it is not fancy pamper does not mean anything yet. This is an amateur construction and, as the author himself wrote: The only thing you can pay attention to is how... [Read more]
I do not mean that the tile is made badly. It is only made it the old method, so I encourage you even to the thermal transfer. After a few attempts, the tiles will be like :) from the factory. gree... [Read more]
In the flasks are rather thermocouples and not thermistors. [Read more]
Weller temperature sensors are PTC thermistors. [Read more]
The temperature measurement is based on the calculation of the linear function based on the ADC values at 100 and 300 degrees. I measured the tip temperature and every 50 degrees from 50 to 450 I wrote... [Read more]
You could make a measuring bridge on this thermistor and give a differential amplifier made on an operational amplifier. Then you would adjust the signal going to the ADC so that you can use the whole... [Read more]
You probably are happy with your work, but can you explain to me what is the highest quality of your station from the station for a price of around PLN 50? I checked the prices on the well-known portal... [Read more]
Satisfaction that it happened to her alone? [Read more]
Experience priceless and for all the others ... and besides buying for all ... for PLN 50 you will not buy a digital soldering station [Read more]