1. Product Overview
The Pinecil V1 is a smart, mini portable soldering iron designed for precision soldering tasks. It features a 32-bit RISC-V SoC, a sleek design, and rapid heating capabilities. The device supports dual power input and offers adjustable temperature settings with an OLED display.
Figure 1: Pinecil V1 Soldering Iron and its packaging.
Figure 2: Key features of the Pinecil V1, including silicone material, PC V0 fireproof shell, OLED display, grounding screw, Type-C and DC5525 power inputs.
Video 1: Unboxing and quick heat-up demonstration of the Pinecil V1.
2. Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Pinecil-BB2 |
| Brand Name | Pine64 |
| Dimensions (Body) | 170mm with solder tip / 98mm without solder tip x 12.8mm x 16.2mm |
| Weight (Body) | 30g with solder tip / 20g without solder tip |
| Build Material | Plastic with metal clip (Handle), SAE 304 stainless steel core, polycarbonate shell |
| Color | Blue (also available in Red) |
| Operating System | Ralim's IronOS build |
| Chipset | GigaDevice GD32VF103 |
| CPU | 32-bit RV32IMAC RISC-V "Bumblebee Core" @ 108 MHz |
| Display Type | OLED White Colour Monochrome Display |
| Display Size | 0.69 inches |
| Display Resolution | 96x16 pixels |
| Internal Flash Memory | 128KB |
| System Memory | 32KB SRAM |
| Input Voltage | 12V-21V |
| Output Power | 36-60W |
| Output Temperature | 100°C - 400°C (Adjustable) |
| Temperature Stability | 320 (Value, unit not specified) |
| Power Input (USB-C) | PD and QC 3.0 12V-20V 3A |
| Power Input (Barrel Jack) | DC5525, 12V-21V DC 3A |
| Standard Tip Type | B2 (Optional tips available) |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, RoHS |
| Origin | Mainland China |
Figure 3: Dimensions of the Pinecil V1 soldering iron and tip.
3. Setup Instructions
- Unboxing: Carefully remove the Pinecil V1 soldering iron and any included accessories from its packaging.
- Attach Soldering Tip: Insert the desired soldering tip firmly into the heating element receptacle at the front of the iron. Ensure it is seated correctly to ensure proper heat transfer.
- Connect Power: The Pinecil V1 supports two power input methods:
- USB-C: Connect a USB-C cable from a compatible PD (Power Delivery) or QC 3.0 (Quick Charge) power source (12V-20V, 3A) to the USB-C port on the Pinecil.
- DC5525 Barrel Jack: Connect a DC5525 barrel jack power supply (12V-21V DC, 3A) to the DC5525 port on the Pinecil.
Note: Do not exceed 21V input voltage to prevent damage to the device.
- Initial Power-On: Once connected to a power source, the OLED display will illuminate. The device will typically enter a standby mode or display the current temperature.
Figure 4: Pinecil V1 being powered by a portable power bank via USB-C.
Figure 5: Pinecil V1 connected to a car cigarette lighter power supply.
4. Operating Instructions
- Temperature Adjustment: Use the adjustment buttons (usually '+' and '-') to set the desired soldering temperature. The OLED display will show the current and target temperatures. The temperature range is 100°C to 400°C.
- Rapid Heating: The Pinecil V1 heats up quickly, reaching operating temperature in approximately 12 seconds.
- On-Demand Boost: The device supports an on-demand rapid boost feature for quick temperature increases when needed. Refer to the on-screen prompts or specific firmware documentation for activation.
- Auto Standby: For safety and energy conservation, the Pinecil V1 will automatically enter standby mode when not in use for a set period. This prevents dry burning of the tip.
- Digital Display: The OLED display provides real-time information on temperature, power status, and other relevant settings.
Figure 6: Pinecil V1 in use for soldering on a circuit board.
5. Maintenance
- Tip Cleaning: Regularly clean the soldering tip using a damp sponge or brass wool to remove excess solder and flux residue. A clean tip ensures efficient heat transfer and prolongs tip life.
- Tip Tinning: After cleaning and before storage, tin the tip with a small amount of fresh solder to prevent oxidation.
- Tip Replacement: If the soldering tip becomes worn or damaged, replace it with a new compatible tip. Ensure the iron is cool and unplugged before replacing tips.
- General Cleaning: Keep the body of the soldering iron clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
Figure 7: Examples of various soldering tips compatible with Pinecil V1.
6. Troubleshooting
- Temperature Jump/Instability: If you experience unstable temperature readings, ensure the soldering tip is correctly inserted and making good contact with the heating element. Also, verify that your power supply is stable and provides sufficient wattage (36-60W). Using high-quality tips, such as Black Chrome tips, can improve stability.
- "No USB-PD IC detected" Error: This error indicates an issue with the USB Power Delivery communication. Ensure you are using a compatible USB-C power supply that supports PD 2.0-3.0 or QC 3.0 protocols and provides the correct voltage (12V-20V). Try a different cable or power adapter if the issue persists.
- Soldering Iron Not Heating: Check the power connection and ensure the power supply is active. Verify that the tip is properly installed. If the display is on but no heat, the tip or heating element might be faulty.
- Short Tip Life: Ensure proper tip maintenance, including regular cleaning and tinning. Avoid excessive temperatures for prolonged periods. Using Black Chrome high-quality tips can offer increased durability.
7. User Tips
- Power Source Flexibility: The Pinecil V1 can be powered by various sources, including USB-C PD/QC 3.0 chargers, DC5525 barrel jack power supplies, portable power banks, and even car cigarette lighter adapters (with appropriate voltage conversion if needed).
- Voltage Caution: While the device is robust, avoid exceeding the maximum input voltage of 21V to prevent potential damage.
- Tip Compatibility: The Pinecil V1 is compatible with various soldering tips. Consider using Black Chrome high-quality tips for improved performance and durability.
- Firmware: The Pinecil V1 runs on Ralim's IronOS build, an open-source firmware. Users interested in advanced customization or features may explore the official Pine64 community for firmware updates and guides.
8. Warranty and Support
The Pinecil V1 soldering iron is certified with CE, FCC, and RoHS standards, ensuring compliance with relevant safety and environmental regulations.
For technical support, firmware updates, or community discussions, please refer to the official Pine64 website and community forums. Keep your purchase records for any warranty claims.
