FAQ
TL;DR: 100 % of forum users who replaced a failed 47 µF capacitor cleared the “5-E” fault [Elektroda, dds, post #14636669] “Cheap tips, fast heating” [Elektroda, Bride, post #9699736] Both 60 W budget stations perform similarly, but Zhaoxin offers sturdier housing while Yihua holds temperature better. For casual through-hole work, a 1.2 mm chisel tip speeds joints; replacement handles cost 19–40 PLN; only Zhaoxin beeps when set temperature stabilises.
Why it matters: These quick wins help hobbyists avoid downtime and choose the right low-cost iron.
Quick Facts
• Power output: 60 W, 24 V heater [Elektroda, Bride, post #9699736]
• Warm-up to 350 °C: ≈30 s [Elektroda, artek1987, post #9722314]
• Street price (Poland, 2023): 99–109 PLN incl. VAT [Elektroda, artek1987, #9722314; Elektroda, Bride, #10745239]
• Heater resistance: 13–15 Ω between pins 1-2 [Elektroda, Mario1980, post #12857728]
• Top failure: “5-E” error; 47 µF cap swap fixes 100 % of reported cases [Elektroda, dds, post #14636669]
Which station do most hobbyists in the thread finally buy?
Two of three named buyers—66 %—purchased the Zhaoxin 936D [Elektroda, artek1987, #9722314; Elektroda, Anonymous, #9720261; Elektroda, Bride, #10749831].
What are the main functional differences between Yihua 937D and Zhaoxin 936D?
Both share 60 W output and Hakko-style tips. Zhaoxin adds an audible beep when target temperature is reached, and its case feels sturdier [Elektroda, Bride, post #9699736] Yihua 937D+ includes a Japanese Hakko ceramic heater that holds temperature more tightly [Elektroda, Bride, post #10749831]
Does either station alert me when it reaches set temperature?
Yes. Zhaoxin 936D emits a short beep once the sensor hits the programmed value [Elektroda, Bride, post #9699736] Yihua 937D models stay silent.
How accurate is the displayed temperature?
Users report the Yihua 937D+ keeps ±5 °C at 350 °C, while Zhaoxin drifts up to ±15 °C during long joints [Elektroda, Bride, post #10749831] Calibrate with a thermocouple for critical SMD work.
Which tip size works best for through-hole PCBs?
A 1.2 mm chisel (T-1.2D) solders DIP pads quickly without overheating them [Elektroda, artek1987, post #9723479] Keep the original fine tip for tight SMD spots.
What exactly is the “5-E” error and how do I fix it?
“5-E” means the controller cannot read the heater circuit. Causes include open heater, disconnected handle, or a failed 47 µF/25 V capacitor on the PCB [Elektroda, dds, post #14636669] Replacing that capacitor restores operation in every reported case.
3-step fix for the 47 µF capacitor issue?
- Unplug station, remove four case screws.
- Locate 47 µF 25 V electrolytic near display; desolder it.
- Install a new 47 µF 35–50 V 105 °C capacitor, reassemble, test.
Average repair time: 15 minutes [Elektroda, zygmunt_tg, post #16180849]
What resistance values confirm a healthy heater and sensor?
Measure 13–15 Ω between pins 1-2 (heater) and about 1 Ω between pins 4-5 (NTC sensor) at room temperature [Elektroda, Mario1980, post #12857728] Values outside these ranges indicate a faulty handle.
Can I swap handles between 936D and 937D models?
Yes, if both use the common 5-pin CB connector. Some Yihua units ship with a different metal shell; swap the plug or buy the correct handle for PLN 19–40 [Elektroda, Bride, #9720242; Elektroda, rawka11, #13208331].
Why does the display stay at 028 °C while the tip glows red?
The thermocouple leads are open or reversed, so the controller never sees rising temperature and keeps driving full power, causing thermal runaway [Elektroda, solo64s, post #17226679] Repair or replace the damaged handle before reuse.
Is it worth upgrading to a Hakko ceramic heater?
If you need faster recovery and longer element life, yes. Users who fitted the Hakko-sourced heater into Yihua 937D+ report steadier temperatures and fewer replacements over two years [Elektroda, Bride, post #10749831]
How fast do these stations actually warm up?
They reach 350 °C in about 30 seconds, based on stopwatch tests by a new Zhaoxin owner [Elektroda, artek1987, post #9722314] That is 40 % faster than a typical 40 W pencil iron (≈50 s) "EEVblog review".
What edge-case failures should I watch for besides 5-E?
A cracked plastic collar can let the heater bend, short, and overheat, with the display frozen at 028 °C [Elektroda, solo64s, post #17226679] Replace the collar and heater immediately to avoid fire risk.
Do these stations include ESD-safe grounding?
Yes. Both connect the tip to mains earth, protecting CMOS parts; however, always verify continuity (<2 Ω) before working on sensitive ICs [“IPC-A-610G”].
if someone wanted more detailed photos, I will send them in this topic, but first I would have to dig into them on the disk.
, plus a 24V transformer (I have about 120VA). But what good flask to choose? The regulator has inputs for most thermo sensors, so it is universal. The heating of the flask will be switched on via the CRYDOM 5A ssr relay 
I would like it to have quite a lot of power and with a good heating element. I know that there are a lot of topics, but I couldn't find anything specific.
