Miniware TS1C Cordless Soldering Station: A Soldering Enthusiast's Dream

Anyone who deals extensively with electronics will eventually need a soldering iron. Whether you want to work on your own projects or repair equipment, soldering is unavoidable. A significant annoyance of traditional devices is the inevitable cable between the iron and the base station. You either end up knocking other components off the workbench, burning the cord, or the cable is simply too short to reach the desired solder joint. Somehow, the cord always gets in the way.

With the Miniware TS1C, the dream of every soldering enthusiast comes true: this cordless soldering iron frees users from the burden of the power cable. Additionally, the device boasts some interesting technological features that are worth a closer look. In this review, we will examine the TS1C in detail.

 

Specifications

First, let's take a look at the technical specifications of the device:

• Power Supply: USB Type-C
• Max. Power via USB-C: 20 V × 2.25 A
• Cordless Power Source: 750 F Super Capacitor
• Maximum Heating Power: 36 W
• Adjustable Temperature Range: 100–400 °C in 1 °C steps
• Temperature Stability: ±3%
• Soldering Tip: 3.5 mm audio interface soldering tips
• Wireless Connection: Bluetooth version 4.2
• Weight (Handle tip): 75 g
• Size (Control Station): 45 mm × 122 mm × 73 mm
• Display Size: Two Color 128 × 64 pixel OLED
• Size (Iron): 23 mm × 133 mm

Besides being cordless, the compact size of the soldering station is particularly interesting. Unlike many larger stations, the Miniware version fits easily on any workbench. The device comes with the following accessories:

• TS1C soldering pen
• TS1C control station soldering tip (TS-B02)
• Silicone USB-C cable
• Sponge holder including sponge
• Manual

The package includes a standard conical tip. The tips are interchangeable with other Miniware devices and are connected via a 3.5 mm audio interface. Other tips are available from vendors like online.

The Miniware TS1C is Convenient and Versatile

The standout feature of the Miniware TS1C is, of course, its cordless design. This offers absolute freedom in terms of working possibilities. With its built-in power source, the TS1C enables easy maneuvering in all areas. The device is perfectly suited for reaching tight or otherwise inaccessible spots in devices that need repair, which is especially beneficial when precise soldering is required. Furthermore, the absence of a power cord eliminates the risk of cable entanglement, significantly enhancing workplace safety.

There are no controls on the soldering iron itself, except for a Boost button that instantly brings the temperature of the soldering tip to its maximum, providing a quick burst of heat when needed. Additionally, at the top of the handle, there is a green charging status indicator LED, providing visual information about the device's power status.

 
The soldering iron also houses a USB-C port under its removable magnetic end cap. This port is for firmware upgrades as well as for direct charging or powering the device. A standard USB-C charger provides a maximum power consumption of 45 W at 20 V, with overcurrent safety protection included.

 
The ergonomic design makes working with the Miniware TS1C easy and comfortable. Weighing 75 grams, the soldering iron sits well in the hand and enables fatigue-free work even during larger soldering projects.

Wireless Communication

Since the TS1C is cordless, controlling it also needs to be done wirelessly, as all the controls are located in its base station. This is done over Bluetooth, allowing true remote control and adjustment of the device. The range is quite impressive; within about ten meters, it performs very reliably. However, if the connection is lost, the soldering iron will stop working until it is reconnected.

The station is equipped with a two-color OLED display (128 × 64 pixels), two push buttons, and a rotary knob. This allows all necessary settings to be easily made at the base station. The temperature is adjustable, of course. The display shows the status of the soldering pen. Additionally, it provides information such as the battery level and the temperature of the soldering iron. Menu settings, device information, and status are also available.

 
The underside of the station has three mounting points for the sponge holder – left, right, and back. This allows the holder to be optimally placed according to the user's personal needs.

Charge Contact Points

The soldering iron charges through two contact pads as soon as it is placed in the station. Here lies one of the few weaknesses of the device: the front part of the soldering iron holder is made of plastic, which can melt upon contact with the heated soldering tip. To avoid this potential problem, it is recommended to drop the soldering iron vertically into the station and then slide it into its final position in the holder.

New high-efficiency super capacitor (“SuperCap”) energy storage technology allows up to 10,000 charge and discharge cycles. The maximum soldering power of up to 36 W heats the tip to its maximum of 400 °C in less than 20 seconds and allows continuous soldering of more than 150 typical solder joints on a single charge. Coming from the sleep temperature (e.g., 100 °C) to 400 °C takes about 10 seconds, allowing for efficient working.

Preheating

Another interesting feature is the preheating in the control station. Adjustable temperature profiles reduce the power consumption of the device. The tip temperature returns to 250 °C while the device is in standby mode. After several minutes (adjustable), the temperature is further reduced to a user-programmed “sleep temperature,” for example, 100 °C, to improve heating efficiency and minimize power consumption. Additionally, this feature helps to preserve the tip’s lifespan.

The Miniware TS1C is Powered by a SuperCap

The built-in 750 F high-efficiency energy storage super capacitor of the TS1C provides the energy for the pen. It charges when the pen is in its holder (or through the pen's USB port). The TS1C has a typical run time of about ten minutes per charge. The choice of the SuperCap also ensures a longer lifespan, with up to 100,000 charging cycles, and faster charging times than a traditional lithium battery.

When not in use, the iron is placed in its stand, where it is automatically recharged. It takes about five minutes to fully charge the iron from a completely empty state. In normal working situations, it is sufficient to occasionally place the mobile soldering iron into the station. In practice, you can work smoothly with the Miniware device without having to wait for the soldering iron to recharge.

Autonomy

Typically, a low power warning on the screen does not appear until about eight minutes of continuous soldering. The total run time is over ten minutes before the “No Power” warning shows up and the iron stops heating. Only in this case does it take about five minutes to fully recharge the SuperCap. However, it’s unlikely you’ll ever run completely out of charge, as tasks rarely require more than ten minutes of uninterrupted soldering.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that soldering large gauge wire or big copper ground pads will discharge the SuperCap faster. The iron is impressively powerful for its size and handles these tasks flawlessly. Here, the power boost button comes in handy, allowing for quick additional power and heat when required.
 

Pros & Cons of the Miniware TS1C

Pros:

• Great overall soldering experience
• Small station with very responsive controls
• Sufficient power and charge for most projects
• Solidly built station and soldering iron

Cons:

• Plastic on the station can be damaged if touched by the hot soldering iron
• Relatively high price

Conclusion

Even though the Miniware TS1C is not a low-cost device, its standout feature—cordless soldering—makes it well worth the investment. It is truly wonderful not to have to worry about a trailing cable on the workbench.

If you need a small soldering station powered by USB-C, the TS1C is a great solution. The pen fits comfortably in the hand, and the station fits on any lab bench. The device handles most tasks quickly and efficiently. The relatively high price is due to the super capacitor, but the station should pay for itself over its long lifespan.