# Tools **URL:** https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/c/general/tools/30.md [Latest](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/categories.md) --- ## [About the Tools category](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/about-the-tools-category/63)
**Author:** [@Graham](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Graham)\ **Replies:** 0
A Maker without their tools is like an artist without a brush, or a mechanic without a spanner! Whether it’s soldering irons, microscopes, tweezers, saws, programmers, screwdrivers, CNC routers, or laser cutters come ha… --- ## [DMM suggestions](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/dmm-suggestions/24056)
**Author:** [@Mark285907](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark285907)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [16 March 2026 06:25 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/dmm-suggestions/24056 "2026-03-16T06:25:55Z")
Hi all. I’m looking for recommendations on a DMM to replace my 30yo Fluke 77 Series 2 DMM. The 77 still works but is probably past its use by date. Intended use is home automation and general home maintenance. For the … --- ## [Eprom (aka Pico) puller](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/eprom-aka-pico-puller/23446)
**Author:** [@Mark285907](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark285907)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [27 October 2025 20:47 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/eprom-aka-pico-puller/23446 "2025-10-27T20:47:23Z")
Back in the 90’s I was programming and commissioning building controllers. These controllers would require an eprom to be programmed and inserted into a socket on the PCBs. If there was an update they’d have to be pull… --- ## [Soldering tip alternatives for Hakko FX-888D](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/soldering-tip-alternatives-for-hakko-fx-888d/19231)
**Author:** [@JoshT](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/JoshT)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [15 March 2024 08:59 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/soldering-tip-alternatives-for-hakko-fx-888d/19231 "2024-03-15T08:59:44Z")
Hi, After 6 years of sketching together ideas, watching thousands of YouTube clips, slowly procuring tools and components I’ve finally struck my first blow with the soldering iron. I have the Hakko FX-888D soldering st… --- ## [Recommendations for a better/newer USB-TTL cable](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/recommendations-for-a-better-newer-usb-ttl-cable/13632)
**Author:** [@Donald23173](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Donald23173)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [23 January 2024 01:38 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/recommendations-for-a-better-newer-usb-ttl-cable/13632 "2024-01-23T01:38:55Z")
I have been using Raspberry Pis, and years ago purchased a USB-TTL cable (which I believe is USB to TTL Serial UART RS232 Adaptor (PL2303TA) | 018-USB-PL2303HX | Core Electronics Australia). I have since got into Home A… --- ## [BlackMagic Probe RPI Pico](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/blackmagic-probe-rpi-pico/14671)
**Author:** [@GregO](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/GregO)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [16 February 2023 06:26 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/blackmagic-probe-rpi-pico/14671 "2023-02-16T06:26:35Z")
Has anyone had any luck debugging the Pico on VSCODE as I have found it to be a nightmare. Pico C/C++ development I assumed would be like Arduino, but it is clunky as #$%&. The latest BlackMagick Probe looks to be the … --- ## [Soundbar recommendation?](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/soundbar-recommendation/14831)
**Author:** [@Erin201358](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Erin201358)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [13 August 2022 11:53 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/soundbar-recommendation/14831 "2022-08-13T11:53:54Z")
I would like to upgrade the sound setup of my home. I am trying to choose a soundbar, I’ve heard a lot about the second one Yamaha https://houseandbeyond.org/best-soundbars-under-300/, could you recommend me anything bas… --- ## [Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station (CE04584)](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-fx-888d-digital-soldering-station-ce04584/4271)
**Author:** [@Core](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Core)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [9 January 2022 10:28 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-fx-888d-digital-soldering-station-ce04584/4271 "2022-01-09T10:28:52Z")
This is a placeholder topic for “Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station” comments. The Hakko FX-888D is our go to recommendation for a high-quality soldering iron that has all the features and specs you’d normally fi… --- ## [Is it normal for my solder iron to dissolve itself?](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/is-it-normal-for-my-solder-iron-to-dissolve-itself/11747)
**Author:** [@teena175334](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/teena175334)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [12 October 2021 09:08 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/is-it-normal-for-my-solder-iron-to-dissolve-itself/11747 "2021-10-12T09:08:39Z")
Hey all, I used a solder iron for the first time today (it was a brand new one from bunnings: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-30w-soldering-iron-kit\_p0248284) I’m a little worried, because it looks like the head got … --- ## [Hakko T18 series tips](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-t18-series-tips/11565)
**Author:** [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [5 October 2021 09:06 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-t18-series-tips/11565 "2021-10-05T09:06:39Z")
One for the Core support guys Could you please provide some dimensions for the Hakko T18 series iron tips. The “business end” dimensions are there but the ones I am interested in are: The main barrel outside diameter … --- ## [Hakko FX-888D - Which tip?](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-fx-888d-which-tip/8459)
**Author:** [@Kevin48023](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Kevin48023)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [27 September 2020 08:18 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-fx-888d-which-tip/8459 "2020-09-27T08:18:05Z")
Since I got my Hakko FX-888D I’ve been using the conical tip that came with it. After a learning period (aka Soldering 101), I’ve been getting acceptable results. But lately I’ve been reading about other tips. So: Is th… --- ## [\[Selling Legendary Tools\] Saleae Logic 16 Pro & HackRF One](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/selling-legendary-tools-saleae-logic-16-pro-hackrf-one/8284)
**Author:** [@John135387](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/John135387)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [28 August 2020 03:39 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/selling-legendary-tools-saleae-logic-16-pro-hackrf-one/8284 "2020-08-28T03:39:51Z")
If you haven’t been living under a rock your whole life, you know the epicness of these tools. They are both in excellent condition - consider taking them off my hands! Saleae Logic Pro 16: This thing is an absolute … --- ## [Hakko FR301 Portable Desoldering Tool (CE06075)](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-fr301-portable-desoldering-tool-ce06075/6804)
**Author:** [@Core](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Core)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [5 December 2019 03:05 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-fr301-portable-desoldering-tool-ce06075/6804 "2019-12-05T03:05:15Z")
This is a placeholder topic for “Hakko FR301 Portable Desoldering Tool” comments. Forget damaged boards and burnt fingers often caused by desoldering using a braid or manual pump. A quality desoldering pump is essenti… --- ## [Hakko RED Soldering Iron 20W (CE05648)](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-red-soldering-iron-20w-ce05648/6912)
**Author:** [@Core](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Core)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [3 December 2019 05:05 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hakko-red-soldering-iron-20w-ce05648/6912 "2019-12-03T05:05:48Z")
This is a placeholder topic for “Hakko RED Soldering Iron 20W” comments. Ideal for use in a variety of soldering works like hobbies, repairing electric household appliances.20W: Circuit boards, small electrical parts,… --- ## [Solder Oven Recommendations](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/solder-oven-recommendations/4673)
**Author:** [@Arnold16700](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Arnold16700)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [1 March 2019 04:11 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/solder-oven-recommendations/4673 "2019-03-01T04:11:43Z")
Can anyone recommend a model/suppler of a cost effective solder oven for small prototyping PCB projects? Be glad of any help! --- ## [Victor VC97 DMM Fuse Replacement Question](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/victor-vc97-dmm-fuse-replacement-question/287)
**Author:** [@Mitch18742](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mitch18742)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [16 August 2016 02:43 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/victor-vc97-dmm-fuse-replacement-question/287 "2016-08-16T02:43:56Z")
Hi Guys, I have a Victor VC97 DMM which I blew the fuse in. I have since lost the fuse. Can someone please advise what exactly I need to purchase? Googling the manual doesn't provide enough info. Current, Voltage, Dime…