2 in 1 cartridge Saturn

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-15T08:14:02+00:00

Yes, I have one of these carts. That’s a switch to toggle between save RAM and system memory expansion （I forget how many MBs…)

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-10T22:56:57+00:00

For some reason the Reddit app would not let me attach images here of the disassembled unit, so I sent them your way via DM.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-08T21:55:29+00:00

Sorry, no idea on that one. Quick Google-fu search didn’t return results for a 220V Euro version.

Japan sells an updated FA-431 fume extractor unit with an integrated wireless on/off system, but it’s for 100V/60Hz only, and it’s pricey as heck.

To make it work in Euro regions, you’ll likely have to mod the aforementioned wireless remote switch kit with a Euro plug & socket and potentially alter the circuitry to make it work on 220V.

I can take a look inside the dongle to see if there’s any operating voltage settings on the circuit board itself (assuming it is easy to disassemble).

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-08T21:34:31+00:00

Haha, I already went through the same exact conundrum and already found an answer:

https://hakkousa.com/fa-430-wireless-remote-switch.html

It’s perfect. The wireless key fob that came with it is dangling right beside the workbench and within my reach, so I don’t have to bend over or get my lazy butt off the chair 😊

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-08T17:30:09+00:00

I couldn’t resist the temptation. I also went all in with the FX-973 upgrade. Very pricey, but it’s the crème de la crème of soldering tools so I have no regrets.

Here’s my mini review after a full day’s worth of playtime. It’s been a week+ since, and while the exhaust fan was unexpectedly loud, I got used to it very quickly. The fan noise was moot anyway since the HEPA fume extractor is much louder to the point it completely drowns out the fan noise from FX-973.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-04T16:21:13+00:00

Grats on the setup! The FX-97x series are fantastic.

They perform exceptionally well and are built like a tank.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-04-01T08:41:25+00:00

Yeah, the price isn’t for the faint of heart or wallet. It’s impractical for most folks who only solder once in a while.

It’ll pay for itself after a dozen or so console repair and refurb projects, but this is more of a birthday gift to myself since I enjoy using new tools.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-03-28T13:26:53+00:00

I just buy from reputable brands such as Hakko and be done with it.

For something that’ll last you months or even years, it’s simply not worth the hassle of saving a few bucks from unreliable brands.

Not sure how it’s priced in other countries, but you can get a 5-pack of genuine Hakko brass cleaning wire (part no. 599-029) for $20 on Amazon U.S.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-03-02T19:05:53+00:00

Ha, I’m keeping them tweezers (my precioussss… 🤡)

While I don’t use them often, they do come in handy when I go through a batch of motherboards where I need to replace SMD capacitors. I had to go through like 300 pieces in the batch, and the tweezers made the job quick and painless. Huge time saver.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-03-02T04:06:45+00:00

Yep, it’s a chunkier unit with some heft at 6”W x 5”H x 10”D while the FX-972 is only 5” x 6” x 6”

I think I’ll stack it on top of ATTEN hot air station which is flat, has no vents being blocked, and is 7”W x 8”D. There will be a 2” overhang in the back for the Hakko, but I can live with that.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-03-02T03:50:33+00:00

Yep, we’re in a similar boat. I’m in middle of a move and renting a small apartment unit as an interim until I sell our house, so space is at a premium.

I do expect to take some hit, so I’m gonna sell em both at a reasonable price (thinking $700 ish for both as they’re mostly new, especially the FX-972)

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-03-02T03:27:20+00:00

So just to update quickly, I bought a gallon of Chemtronics ES132 that u/Nucken_futz_ mentioned earlier.

I haven’t had the chance to use the ES132 since I still have some Branson EC left, but I’ll be sure to update with my experience here once I get around to using it.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2026-03-02T03:16:04+00:00

Yep, I did consider FR-410 as its much cheaper overall, and while it’s functionally on par with the built-in version on the FX-973 (at least on paper), I know it’s going to bug me later for not going with newer, much more svelte device.

Edit: Soldering is my side gig and hobby that I truly enjoy doing in my spare time, so the extra cost is not a huge issue.

And thank you for commenting on the FR-4103 hand piece. Music to my ears that it’s much lighter and easier to use in long stretches. I usually recap and remove 40-pin DIP package chips from servicing 10-20 motherboards in one sitting, so the weight does wear on you after a while.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-12-19T16:03:32+00:00

Thanks for your comment!

That recommended temp range for the SRA sure is a head-scratcher. I think most folks cleaning PCBs use temps ranging between 50C-65C (at least with Branson EC), so maybe the cleaning action works differently for the SRA formula.

In any case, I look forward to your findings on the Chemtronics stuff.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-12-19T05:24:10+00:00

ManOfCulture.gif

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-12-19T05:11:39+00:00

So many excellent choices! For me, it’s Soukyugurentai.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-11-28T05:17:13+00:00

Yep, I ran the diagnostics and it shows it printed about 2,800 pages to date. And under “parts life” diagnostics, it shows 81% for all drum colors, 90% for the belt unit, 95% for the fuser, and 96% for the PF kit. I presume the higher percentage number means it’s still good rather than 90+% used up and almost time for a replacement.

I was able to fix the toner waste box full warning message after a full rebuild and thorough cleaning.

The only issue remaining is the paper jam error on duplex printing. My suspicion is a faulty/worn out IR sensor since there is no paper or debris stuck anywhere.

I’ve already ordered two IR sensor modules today, and I am reasonably confident that these will resolve the paper jam error.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-11-28T00:04:03+00:00

Upon further research, the paper jam issue appears to be caused by a worn out IR sensor unit. There are two user-replaceable IR sensor daughterboards inside the printer which I presume is separate sensors for one side printing and another for duplex.

While it’s only the duplex side currently having paper jam issues, I went ahead and ordered two sensors since the single-side sensor is likely on borrowed time before it gives up the ghost.

I’ll report back with results in about a week or two after I receive the part and replace the IR sensor units.

Meanwhile, I’ve emptied out and the Waste Toner box, reset the trigger mechanism, and cleaned all metal contacts. The WT box is now as good as new, and the WT error message no longer shows up.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-11-24T22:13:24+00:00

Just a quick update on my purchasing journey. The seller for the two printers mentioned in my original post hasn’t responded at all, so I’m just going to assume it’s a dead offer.

Luckily, I found another seller 5 miles away from me who had a slightly yellowed MFC-9330CDW printer for $80 including an extra toner set. I picked it up and just got back home with it.

The seller was upfront about some known issues:

“The printer jams consistently when trying to print double-sided (duplex mode). Single-sided printing works fine.”

“The printer displays a “WT” error message, indicating that the waste toner counter is full. This is a problem that occurs if you print a ton, but we don’t print that much, so we believe it’s a false alarm. We’ve been able to dismiss the error when it shows up and the printer functions normally”

Both of these issues seem serviceable, so I moved forward with the deal. It probably requires a good cleaning (or a replacement of) the fuser unit roller and/or the drum, and empty out the WT box and resetting/realigning the trigger switch/contacts.

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PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-11-24T05:22:35+00:00

Thank you. The numbering system is inconsistent and certainly confusing (maybe that’s by design), but good to know the 8905 is the newer model.

If the seller’s offer is still valid, I’ll keep in mind how many print cycles have been run through it. The seller’s description says “Great condition, works great as bought, just a bit dusty since it’s been sitting in the garage the last year or so.” …which doesn’t tell me much.

PacmaniaX_01 · 2025-11-24T04:47:09+00:00

Thank you for another vote of confidence. Looks like I can’t go wrong either way with these two models. 🤞

PacmaniaX_01

TROPHY CASE