FumeBuddy

FumeBuddy is an ESP32 replacement for the switch housing on the Hakko FX-950, FX-951 and FX-952. Out of the box, it was designed to toggle a fume extractor via a smart switch flashed with Tasmota.]

Design Goals

• Easily hacked
• Replace stock housing
• Default behavior when un-powered

Video

See FumeBuddy explained and in action

Hardware Installation

• Remove the old housing
• Transfer the spring from the old housing to the new housing
• Install using the old screws
• If you'd like the manual capacitive touch function and did not order it, you can solder a single wire to the appropriate jumper and feed it through the hole on the case.

Software Installation

• FumeBuddy is pre-flashed with software which uses Autoconnect
• After powering up FumeBuddy, wait 30-60 seconds. You should find a new WiFi SSID to which you can connect and configure your WiFi settings as well as FumeBuddy settings

Operation

• If FumeBuddy is NOT powered, the iron will work as it did before with sleep function
• If FumeBuddy is powered via the 5V USB port, it will work based on what is programmed. By default, it will turn the plug ON when the iron is lifted. It will turn the plug OFF 5 seconds after the iron is put back
• Manual on/off can be by touching the capacitive wire on top of the housing for 1 second

Pricing

The BOM cost alone for the product is around 23USD, which is rather expensive. I order genuine parts from 1st party distributors in Canada, which in this case includes Omron switches, solid-state relays and the ESP32. I did not go cheap on this as owners of Hakko's are likely looking for quality components throughout. The rest includes my labor costs to assembly, flash and test the unit. As it is open sourced, you are welcome to build your own! I am always looking for ways to shave off BOM costs and pass savings to customers.

Lead Time

As the BOM costs are quite high, I will be keeping a limited number of parts on hand, and will assemble them as when ordered.