In brief: iFixit is taking a modern approach to a classic tool. Their new portable soldering system tackles a common pain point in electronics tinkering and repair: the cumbersome power cord attached to traditional soldering irons.
The FixHub portable soldering station is exactly what you think it is: a battery-powered, portable soldering kit. The 55 watt-hour hub can provide up to eight hours of soldering without recharging, and has dual USB-C power delivery ports to connect up to two irons at once (or you could use the other port to charge your phone).
The 100 watt smart soldering iron, meanwhile, is factory preset to 350 degrees Celsius and heats up to soldering temperature in less than five seconds. iFixit says the tip temperature can be adjusted between 100 C and 420 C using the FixHub power station or the web interface, and includes an illuminated ring for heat indication. There is also a cap for safe storage and handling as well as built-in safety features like auto standby and fall protection. Interchangeable tips are also a thing, should you happen to wear yours out or ruin them like I tend to do.
In true iFixit fashion, the portable power station is easy to repair. The company provides full specifications, repair guides, and circuit schematics online, and replacement components will be readily available.
iFixit said the idea came about after founder Kyle Wiens had to run an extension cord to his car just to fix his stereo.
The iFixit smart soldering iron is priced at $79.95, is available to pre-order now, and is scheduled to ship in mid-October. Notably, it does not have to be used with the portable power station; any USB-C power delivery source with enough output can run it. The full kit with iron and portable soldering station will set you back $249.95, and also ships in mid-October.
Last but not least is the toolkit, a bundle that includes a slew of accessories and materials to get going, and even comes with a roll to carry everything. It goes for $299.95 and ships next month.
