FLUXGATE Part 2! The next big thing from the AMTECH labs.
Buy the new formula STIRRI (AMTECH NC-559) V3-TF here: amzn.to/3uM467t
While the soldering community is left reeling from the realisation that they've been using an AMTECH flux that wasn't what was ordered, AMTECH themselves have been busily innovating and making improvements to their existing flux formulas.
Find out exactly what happened, and see the next big thing in tacky flux!
Many thanks to AMTECH for their patience, and providing so much information:
amtechdirect.com
Recap-a-Mac capacitor replacement guides:
recapamac.com.au/
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Tools/Products used (paid links):
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Bruce, thanks for the very informative and concise follow-up video. Looking forward to trying out V3 for myself!
Nicely done, thanks Bruce!
Excellent update!
Thanks Bruce, Flux Capacitors worldwide applaud your efforts
Found this really interesting to watch and Great video. The amtech v3 did look like it smoked a lot more than the others but I may be wrong. I’ll definitely be trying the new formula when it’s released. Thanks so much for a great watch.
Thank you for this video, Bruce. When sample #88/V3 becomes available, that's what I'll go for in the flux department. So far, I've been using flux pens that dry up rather quickly and a paste that has oxidized after 3 years of occasional usage.
Great video! Looking forward to trying V3
thanks for these videos. Very cool stuff
I just received a shipment from Amtech today. OF NC-559-ASM-TF and it came with a small tube of Sample 88. Thanks for you video or I wouldn't know what that was. I did make my purchase on Amazon. It shows the correct security marking under the uv lite and both flux glow. :)
So interesting! I WAS one of these people too! Amtech contacted me about this, and it sounds like they sent you an identical email. I had been buying flux from Amtech as 559 V2 tf And eventually being sent 559 V2 original, which struck me as a fake flux because of the function and smell. 559 ASM is the way to go, and even 559 v3 seems even better.
Inventec USA has filed a lawsuit following the misappropriation by one of its terminated distributors. The terminated distributor wrongfully took possession of the AMTECH trademarks and trade names of Inventec USA, as well as the entire product naming system of Inventec USA, duplicating over 50 product names.
Hi Bruce. Nice progress, and very interesting, good job with this debacle. Now I'm very curious, you do lots of videos on re-capping, and now these videos on flux...so I wonder if we will see a video on the elusive flux-capacitor next??🤔🤣👍🇦🇺
Thanks
“Here’s a ‘recap’ of the events…”. I saw what you did there 😄 Nice video, Bruce!
Another GOLDEN video. I love it. Thank you thank you thank you.
Interesting. Thanks for reporting the results of your sleuthing. No idea which one Ive been using all these years. No UV so I guess the regular V2 or maybe a Chinese version.
you've been buying the wrong one until 2021. de ese proveedor.
Since September 18th, 2021, the distribution agreement with the platform amtechdirect has ended. You could not find any more Products manufactured by Inventec USA on that plateform.
Great video! Who would ever think that selling flux could be so complicated with versions and knock offs. Thanks for clearing this up. May the flux be with you! ;)
Great video! Why do some of the essential tools to practice electronics have to pose significant risks to both human health and the environment? And why are necessary regulations like REACH only recently being enforced? Moreover, electronics is far from being the only useful industry that produces hazardous and cancer-causing substances! Is it possible to live underestimating these issues? *Collapses from overwhelming existential anxiety* 💀
FYI if you're still smelling the flux fumes while using a fume extractor it's because your fume extractor isn't doing its job. I built my own fume extractor using an activated carbon filter sheet and an air purifier inside of a cardboard box with some air duct tubing routed to it. way cheaper than a pro fume extractor, filters much finer particulate, its quiet, and on the highest setting its effective from over a foot away. would recommend it if you have an air purifier your not using or can get one used cheap. plus it takes like less than 30 minutes to build.
It is always good to get products that are a bit better on your health, especially if it is a product that you use constantly. It is even better if the new version is superior in other ways which make it easier to use or provide better quality soldering.
Welp, I'm sold on the new stuff
Hello Bruce. It's been a year + since you said you would make a FLUX video. To me, it appears that AMTECH has released V3, but is it now under the name STIRRI? Still seems to be a lot of confusion out there on what's what.
Yes, I'm working on a follow-up at the moment.
@@BranchusCreations - Thanks. Can you talk about the confusion between AMTECH and STIRRI? Is it the same? Just a name change? something else?
Make a followup flux video!@@BranchusCreations
What the Flux???? Thank you for breaking down this interesting story about AMTECH Fluxes.
I took a closer look at my flux. My tube of V2 from Inventec is UV sensitive, so likely relabeled ASM as you mentioned. Expired back in 2020 and has darkened slightly over time, but still works fine. Have you ever tried VS-213-A-TF? It's another excellent Amtech tacky flux. Pb/no Pb compatible, no-clean, REACH compliant. I find performance near equal to 559, but it's safer on our lungs.
I think I have tried the 213, but I'm not certain. I received a sample of a different AMTECH flux back in 2020, but I'm having trouble finding out or remembering which formula it was.
Been interesting following along with your videos on this subject, and unfortunate for Amtech when it comes to keeping their products straight with the general populace. Been loving their flux since I've found them through you so glad they're getting everything under control with one last big question to ask. Is the V3 flux lead and lead-free solder compatible? While I am a hobbyist I do tend to work with both kinds of solder pretty regularly.
Yes, the V3 is for leaded and lead free solder (I can't believe I didn't include that in the video!)
Great informative video! I've been using the Amtech VS-213A-TF and would like to know if you've had any experience and thoughts on it. VS-213A-TF is already REACH compliant. It doesn't look like it has a UV tracer though.
I'm pretty sure I have used 213A, but I can't be certain. If it's the one I'm thinking of, it was very good, but I had some issues with it. Either way, I'll be getting some more to do a review.
Amtech is a trademark of Inventec USA. Inventec USA has ceased to distribute flux from its brand to Amtech direct since 2021.
Glad to see they are doing something about it! I was under the impression they just blew you off last time!
Hello. Any help for eu(croatia), amazon doesnt ship here is there any way to get v3 flux?
3:00 you say 559, but write 599. Can't edit the video, but you can correct the one in the description where you also made that mistake. And more good news in addition to the V3 being EU regulation compliant, last month AMTECH got registration in both the EU and the UK, and bought domains, and they are working on setting-up distribution on the continent.
So… is v3 the “under nda” package you got the other day on the livestream?
It is!
Well I always prefer the one that works best with Leaded solder.
Top follow up. I ordered some just now!
Does v3 work with lead-free solders (in particular SN100c)?
V3 is designed for both leaded and lead free solders.
You’ll be happy to know there’s ANOTHER V3 apparently from Amtech STIRRI-V3-IF And the confusion continues This says for repairs but I don’t know enough to know if it’s different or not
This is just same 559 series but renamed STIRRI because amtechdirect can't use old name because inventec has the rights for the 559 series name even if they did not create the formula
This sounds all too fluxing complicated but your fluxing explanation is great!
Where is the flux review video you mentioned was going to happen? Also, the description for their V3 on their website has very confusing and conflicting information. In the description, they state you can leave the flux on the PCB indefinitely without causing corrosion. Yet, further down it says that you should remove all flux residue because it can cause voltage leaks, contamination and corrosion due to absorbing moisture from the air. If that is true, how the hell are they calling this a no-clean flux?? Would this require an ultrasonic cleaner if using jt for BGA if it does cause corrosion??
I like your end face😂😂😂
Hey, you promised us a follow up on the newest STIRRI AMTECH confusion. Will there ever be one? IS the STIRRI-V3-TF the Flux shown here? I just want the best flux w/o the need to order each and every one by myself, which isn't to easy considering I'm in the EU. Please help @Branchus Creations
Yes, I have already recorded the first half of the follow up, but there was a complication. Stirri sent me about 20 different product samples and I've been trying to test them all and provide some sort of meaningful feedback on the different formulas. The link at the top of this video description should take you to an Amazon page for the STIRRI-V3-TF flux. This is the one that has REACH compliance.
Wow that's some fast feedback, thank you. I really liked the "check list" you made for a "good working flux" you could use it on the samples. Happy fixing @@BranchusCreations
Great info...cheers.
Did they give you any idea how long it will be until V3 is available?
My understanding is that it will be quite soon.
@@BranchusCreations Great news! I’ll limp along with my paste until it’s available. Thank you for digging into this.
However, one can clearly see from the video that V3 smokes more that all other versions by quite a bit and is less clear than ASM. As for now, I would stick with ASM.
Just tried ordering but amazon wont ship to Australia?
you have to look
authorized distributors at
inventec
usa
dot
My (real/new) V2 flux that arrived a month ago has "REACH" written on it. What gives?
REACH compliance is continually changing. I think the V2 complied with the old requirements, but doesn't meet the next wave of requirements.
@@BranchusCreations Thanks for the explanation. This is all quite confusing. 🙂
The Chinese are already at V5 🤣
My comments keep disappearing. I don't really know if there is a bug somewhere or if my comments are removed on purpose. Please let me know if what i wrote is not acceptable. It happened the last time there was an Amtech video as well.
I haven't removed your comments, so it might be a glitch in the Matrix.
@@BranchusCreations Thanks for the feedback. I am not sure what happened. It seems every time I mention AmtechDirect in one of my messages, KZhead gets rid of the comment.
It happens to me too
in my case obviously it is not convenient for my comments to appear.
The V3 featured in this video doesn't even have the original color of the V3 produced by Inventec USA.
Fantastic vid Flux Lord!
what happened to the flux review?
It's a long story, but it will happen eventually.
@BranchusCreations I'm definitely looking forward to it. I love your videos and breakdowns of what happened.
I just bought 3 x 30cc of the mislabeled stuff from inventech :( Not impressed, at this point I think I'm just going to see if Kester has anything good to offer. I didn't even get a response when I emailed them, and I've spent way to much on mislabeled junk from them. Good luck AMTECH
It might be mislabelled, but it's still a good flux.
@@BranchusCreations I'm not really saying it's bad, I do miss the pine scent. I'm just tired of being duped into buying something other than what I thought I was buying. I've never had that with Kester, so I'm just moving on. Edit: I suppose "Junk" may not have been the best choice of words.
@@RobBrown386 The one who was deceiving you was the distributor, not the manufacturer. Read my comments.
Seriously. One of the best videos on Amtech USA flux. I would change the title for your next video. The title made me think Amtech in a negative way, as though something was wrong. Excellent video.
Who is the terminated distributor that is still selling a product under a brand name that does not belong to them?
very educated video
Hidden advertising!
But still so informative.
@@BranchusCreations Well, I can't disagree with that 😉
I bought fake amtech so sad
Just received some Sample 88 along with my recent order of NC-559-V2-TF!
My previous orders of NC-559-V2-TF from amtechdirect have a product description that includes the text ".. with UV Tracer". That tells me they knew all along it was ASM they sold, with the incorrect labeling. I don't think it is right of them to put all the blame on Inventec, like they did when I contacted them directly.
Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure that up until recently, Inventec were managing the content of the AMTECH direct website. Since AMTECH Manufacturing took it over, they have fixed those descriptions to reflect the true formulas.
@@BranchusCreations When I talked to them, they told me they took it over about a year ago (if I remember correctly), so they took their sweet time correcting the mistakes of the past, and when they did, they messed it up by not announcing it properly and providing sufficient information to new and existing customers. They did not confirm to me who ran the store prior to them, but they used the excuse of being a new company repeatedly. Not impressed.
@@SeanChYT I agree completely, it could all have been handled much better. They didn't realise the info on the website was incorrect until we told them.
@@BranchusCreations I can not say it for sure, but my theory is that they actually knew for some time, and after careful consideration and consultations with lawyers decided to silently switch back in an attempt to avoid a rush of bad PR, product returns, bad reviews and potential lawsuits. Someone changed the product titles on the web site weeks before your first Amtech video. I didn't notice when I ordered, but when I compared the order confirmation email to the one from last year I saw it. They dropped the "UV-Tracer" text and replaced it with "for Tin-Lead". When I chatted with them online they had a lenghty copy/paste story prepared which is similar to what they communicated to you. Clearly someone had prepared for the inevitable fallout. While I am not happy with how they handled this mess, it looks like they have good products coming out, and they have hopefully learnt from this and will do better in the future. I wish them well and will continue to use their products.
@@BranchusCreations Please review the manufacturer's website, not the one that was a distributor and is also being sued.