Gordak 952 Service Manual !!top!! May 2026

Understanding the Gordak 952 Service Manual: A Technical Guide

The Gordak 952 is a well-known, budget-friendly hot air rework station widely used in electronics repair, particularly for soldering and desoldering surface-mount devices (SMDs). The Gordak 952 Service Manual is an essential document for technicians, hobbyists, and repair professionals who own or maintain this unit.

Step 3: Test the Heater (Continuity Mode)

The service manual schematic shows the path: Live -> Fuse -> Relay -> Heater -> TRIAC -> Neutral.

  • Measure resistance across the heater element. It should read between 40Ω and 120Ω (depending on voltage). Open loop (infinite)? Heater is dead.
  • Measure the thermocouple/Sensor. It should read 1Ω to 3Ω (short). If it reads open, the station will overheat or not heat at all.

Part 1: Gordak 952 Technical Specifications (For Reference)

Before troubleshooting, you must know the baseline specs found in the service manual:

  • Soldering Iron: 24V AC, 50W (Heater resistance: ~12-15 ohms)
  • Hot Air Gun: 220V / 110V AC, 700W (Heating element resistance: 50-70 ohms)
  • Air Pump (Diaphragm): 24V DC, 0.5A (Internal transformer tap)
  • Temperature Range (Air): 100°C – 480°C (212°F – 896°F)
  • Airflow: 120 L/min (Max)
  • Control IC: Typically LM324 (Op-amp) + Dual Triac (BT136/BT138)
  • Display: Dual LED (Set vs. Actual)

What is Inside a Gordak 952? (Circuit Topography)

Before searching for the manual, you must understand the architecture. The Gordak 952 contains two independent systems sharing a single chassis and power supply: Gordak 952 Service Manual

Key Contents Typically Found

A complete Gordak 952 Service Manual includes:

  1. Circuit Schematic Diagram
    The most critical section. It maps the entire electrical system: the zero-crossing control circuit, triac-driven heater, DC fan supply (often using a transformer or capacitive dropper), temperature sensor (thermocouple) amplifier, and the microcontroller or op-amp based controller.

  2. Component Layout & Parts List
    Identifies all resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, triacs (e.g., BT136), optocouplers (e.g., MOC3021), and the heating element specs. This aids in identifying burnt or failed parts. Understanding the Gordak 952 Service Manual: A Technical

  3. Calibration Procedure
    Many Gordak 952 units drift in temperature over time. The service manual details how to adjust internal trimpots (e.g., for zero adjustment or gain) to match the displayed temperature with the actual tip temperature.

  4. Voltage & Signal Test Points
    Lists expected DC voltages (e.g., +5V for logic, +12V or +24V for the fan) and waveforms at key nodes, enabling systematic troubleshooting with a multimeter or oscilloscope.

  5. Disassembly & Safety Instructions
    Guidance on opening the unit, handling the fragile heating element, and important safety warnings (mains voltage inside, hot surfaces, grounding). Measure resistance across the heater element

Temperature Control Loop

  • Sensor: K-type thermocouple (hot air) / A1321 thermistor (iron).
  • Op-amp LM324: Compares setpoint voltage (from front panel pot) to actual sensor voltage.
  • Output: Drives optocoupler (MOC3021) → Triac (BT136) → Heater.

Reverse Engineering: Creating Your Own Service Manual Diagram

If you cannot find the exact PDF, create your own Gordak_952_Schematic.pdf. Here is the generic schematic logic used by 95% of these stations.

The Heater Control Circuit:

  1. Op-Amp Comparator (LM358): Compares set temp (potentiometer voltage) vs actual temp (thermocouple).
  2. Optocoupler (MOC3023): Isolates the low voltage logic from the high voltage mains.
  3. TRIAC (BT136): Inside the base unit, this switches the mains to the handle.
  4. Heating Element: In the handle.

The Power Supply:

  • Mains -> Transformer -> 7812 Regulator -> 12V (For Fan & Op-Amps).
  • 12V -> 7805 Regulator -> 5V (For Microcontroller/Display).

Draw this out, and you have a "service manual" for any Gordak 952.