70W temperature-controlled station with the new rotary encoder interface, T18 tip ecosystem, and rapid thermal recovery for dependable assembly and rework.

I upgraded to Hakko's FX-888DX this spring and it improves on the legendary 888D in all the ways I care about. The new rotary encoder and OLED display let me bounce between leaded 625°F work and 750°F lead-free joints without memorizing button codes, and the heater recovers in seconds even when I’m dragging across big ground planes. I’ve rebuilt keyboard PCBs, swapped USB-C connectors, and reflowed tiny RF shields with the stock T18-B tip, then swapped to chisel and micro-pencil tips in under a minute thanks to Hakko’s keyed collar. The station holds ±1°C once it settles, sleeps automatically after inactivity, and wakes almost instantly, so I waste less solder and stress fewer pads. It still bundles the sturdy iron holder, brass wool, and tip storage slots that made the old unit a staple. The only downsides are the cost of genuine tips and the need for fume extraction, but if you solder weekly this upgrade pays for itself in saved time and saved boards.

Hakko FX-888DX Digital Soldering Station with T18 Tips

Hakko FX-888DX Digital Soldering Station

100 MHz, 2‑channel digital oscilloscope with deep memory for capturing and analyzing electronic signals during debugging.

The DS1102Z-E remains my bench scope of choice for hobby electronics and firmware bring-up. You get 100 MHz bandwidth, 1 GSa/s, and 24 Mpts of memory depth (12 Mpts standard, 24 Mpts via acquisition) for a fraction of what Tek or Keysight units cost. The UltraVision interface is fast enough to navigate segmented captures, zoom into I²C bursts, and decode UART packets without feeling sluggish, and Rigol’s serial decode options now ship unlocked on the -E models. I’ve used it to debug switching regulators, analyze SPI flashes, and capture intermittent glitches on a CAN bus—the deep memory and trigger options make it possible. The fan is audible in a quiet room and the 800x480 screen isn’t cutting-edge, but for a rock-solid 2-channel scope with math functions, protocol decode, and USB logging, it’s a workhorse I recommend to every makerspace.

Rigol DS1102Z-E 100MHz Digital Oscilloscope 2-Channel

Rigol DS1102Z-E Digital Oscilloscope

True-RMS digital multimeter with integrated non-contact voltage detection, low-impedance mode, and compact design for electricians and electronics workbenches.

My Fluke 117 has lived on my bench for five years and it’s still my favorite everyday meter. The compact body and bottom-mounted leads make it easy to wield in breaker panels, while the True-RMS range handles everything from noisy switching supplies to clean mains without drama. LoZ mode has saved me from ghost voltages in industrial cabinets, and the integrated non-contact sensor is a quick sanity check before pulling covers. The backlit display stays readable even in dim closets, and the dial still clicks with that solid Fluke detent. I’ve dropped it more than once and it only shows a scuff. It’s not the cheapest meter, and you still need a clamp meter for high current, but for troubleshooting electronics and household wiring the reliability is worth it.

Fluke 117 True-RMS Digital Multimeter with VoltAlert

Fluke 117 Multimeter

Hand-picked electronics tools tools and resources we actually use in production. Each item tested by developers, for developers.

Electronics Tools Products

Hakko FX-888DX Digital Soldering Station

Rigol DS1102Z-E Digital Oscilloscope

Fluke 117 Multimeter