Hall Effect Sensor

Sleep Mode Menu

In sleep mode, the iron automatically lowers the temperature to 150°C (default). This default setting was chosen as it is just below the melting point of a wide range of solders. A lower standby temperature helps reduce the oxidation rate and prevent damage to the soldering tips. As a general rule, when not in use, unplug the unit or let it go into sleep mode to extend the life of the replaceable tips. The default sleep temperature can be adjusted to your preference.

Simply moving the iron or pressing any button will wake it back up into soldering mode. The sensitivity is adjustable. It is recommended to adjust this to suit your environment so that it reliably stays in sleep mode when not in use, but does not go into sleep mode when in use. (This may vary depending on the amount of movement during soldering.)

Optional Hall Effect Feature (Pinecil (v1/v2) only):

Inside the Sleep Menu is an additional type of sleep setting. Pinecil has an unpopulated footprint (U14) for a hall effect sensor, Silicon Labs Si7210-B-00-IV. After installing the hall effect sensor (HES), it is possible to auto-trigger Pinecil to enter sleep mode when it enters the stand, and Zzzz will appear (or text in detailed mode). This could be a fun enhancement for any Pinecil and adds a feature typically only found in more expensive high-end irons. The HES is available at many electronic stores for ~$2-$6.

After installing the HES on the PCB, place a magnet on the stand close enough to the sensor to activate one of ten user selectable settings.

  • 0=off, 1=1000, 2=750, 3=500, 4=250, 5=150, 6=100, 7=75, 8=50, 9=25 (9 has the highest sensitivity to magnets)
  • Setting of 1 might be used if you solder on PCBs with magnets and do not wish Pinecil to auto-sleep constantly. A very strong/large magnet would be required on the stand to activate the sleep mode if you use setting 1.
  • Setting of 9 would be useful if you only had a small magnet and are not concerned about Pinecil falsely triggering sleep mode near magnetized items/tools.
  • Actively watch the hall number change while you slowly move the magnet around to seek the best locations & whether you have too many or too few magnets. Position the magnet(s) where you have the highest hall number will ensure consistent sleep mode when you place the iron in the stand. This requires some experimenting.
  • See debug menu for how to display the Hall number
  • Note that the sensor is physically located near the copper contacts for the tip at the front of the handle. Reference Schematics U14.
  • Neodymium magnets are recommended. If using small magnets, 2-3 may be required, but too many could also be detrimental.
  • Positioning/type/quantity of magnets is important for best results. Sometimes too many magnets breaks the effect by distorting the magnetic field as seen in this demo video. The video shows magnets at the top of the stand, and the pinecil goes correctly into Zzzz with only those magnets. When more magnets are added at the side, the Pinecil did not go to sleep, which is contrary to the goal. See the PDF below for details on magnetic fields with SI7210-B.
  • Orientation of North and South faces of magnets is important to increase reaction of the hall sensor see data sheet SI7210-B-00-IV.