The Meisei M-20 Is Discontinued: Meet the New M-30 Replacement Power Supply
We can confirm that Meisei Tools has discontinued the M-20 power supply and moved to the newer M-30.
For anyone who has used Meisei HOTWEEZERS or other Meisei thermal stripping tools for years, the obvious question is whether the M-30 is simply a newer version of the M-20 or whether anything important has actually changed.
Quite a bit has changed for the better.
The M-30 replaces the older M-20 ESD power supply, while also taking over the role previously handled by the M-10 standard power supply. It adds digital power control, saved settings, automatic idle and sleep functions, universal input voltage and support for both Standard and ESD hand tool configurations.
Existing Meisei users also have a path forward without necessarily replacing all of their older hand tools at once.
And even better, Vetco Electronics will beat any advertised price on Meisei units!
Comparison handout
The M-20 Was an Analog ESD Power Supply
The M-20 was built specifically for Meisei's ESD hand tools.
Power was adjusted using an analog control dial along with a HI/LO switch. The system worked well, but returning to a previous setting meant remembering approximately where the knob had been positioned.
There was no digital readout or memory.
Meisei also had a separate M-10 power supply for its Standard, non-ESD hand tools. This meant Standard and ESD tools were effectively split across two power supply platforms.
The M-30 is the change to that arrangement you've been waiting for.
The M-30 Uses Digital 0-99 Power Control
One of the most noticeable differences is the front panel.
Instead of an analog adjustment knob, the M-30 uses a digital power setting from 0 through 99. A two-digit display shows the selected power level.
The advantage is repeatability.
If you determine that a particular wire insulation or job works well at a setting of 42, you can return to 42 later. There is no need to estimate the position of an analog knob.
That becomes especially useful in production work where the same materials and processes are used repeatedly.
Two Programmable Power Presets
The M-30 also adds two programmable presets, P1 and P2.
You can save commonly used power settings and recall them without manually adjusting the power level each time.
For example, a workstation that regularly strips two different types of insulation can keep a setting for each one readily available.
The M-20 required that you remember or write down the general setting you last used.
One Power Supply for Standard and ESD Tools
This is one of the more important changes to the Meisei product line.
The old system used:
M-10: Standard hand tools (4 series tools)
M-20: ESD hand tools (7 series tools)
The M-30 was designed to replace both platforms. (4 series, 7 series, and 7.X series)
It can be used with Meisei Standard and ESD hand tool configurations, so users no longer need separate M-10 and M-20 power supplies simply because they use different types of hand tools.
When an ESD hand tool is connected, the M-30 also illuminates an ESD indicator on the front panel. This gives the operator clear visual confirmation that an ESD hand tool is connected.
Can You Use Old M-20 Tools With the M-30?
Yes! But adapters are required.
If you already own older Meisei M-20 hand tools, moving to an M-30 does not automatically mean those tools have to be discarded.
Adapters are available that allow compatible older Meisei hand tools to connect to the M-30.
This is particularly useful for shops that already have several 7 Series ESD hand tools in service. You can move to the current M-30 power supply platform while continuing to use compatible older tools with the proper adapter.
Meisei's newer hand tools are the 7.X Series, including replacements for the older 7 Series tools.
The current lineup includes models such as the 7.1A, 7.1B and 7.1C.
Improved Idle Control
Both generations have a way to reduce heat when the tool is placed in its holder, but the M-30 handles it differently.
With the M-20, placing the hand tool in the holder reduces its operating temperature.
The M-30 monitors the holder and automatically reduces the power setting to 25 after the tool has been sitting in the holder for 30 seconds, provided the normal setting is above 25.
Pick the tool back up and it returns to the previous operating setting.
For a production bench where a tool may be picked up and put down dozens or hundreds of times per day, this allows the system to reduce unnecessary heat without requiring the operator to keep changing the controls.
Automatic Sleep Mode
The M-30 adds another function that the M-20 did not have: automatic sleep.
After extended inactivity, the M-30 reduces its output to zero.
This is useful if a tool is left powered at a workstation for a long period of time. Instead of continuing to maintain the normal working power indefinitely, the M-30 can put the tool into a sleep state.
It is a straightforward feature, but a useful one in a busy shop.
Universal 100-240V Input
Older M-20 power supplies were voltage-specific, and required the customer to stipulate the required operating voltage when ordering.
Depending on where the unit was going to be used, the correct 100V, 115V or 220/225V version had to be selected.
The M-30 uses a universal 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz input.
For most users in the United States this may not change day-to-day operation, but it greatly simplifies the product itself and makes the same M-30 power supply usable across a much wider range of electrical systems.
M-20 vs M-30: The Important Differences
The change from the M-20 to the M-30 is more than replacing an analog knob with a digital display.
The M-30 gives users:
- Digital 0-99 power adjustment
- A two-digit power level display
- Two programmable presets
- Support for both Standard and ESD Meisei hand tool configurations
- Automatic ESD tool identification
- Automatic idle power reduction
- Automatic sleep after extended inactivity
- Universal 100-240V, 50/60Hz input
- Compatibility with many older Meisei tools when the proper adapter is used
- Support for the newer Meisei 7.X Series hand tools
For an existing M-20 owner, the biggest practical difference is repeatability. Once you find the power level that works for a particular material, you have an actual number that can be recorded, reused or stored as a preset.
For shops with both Standard and ESD Meisei equipment, the move to one M-30 platform also simplifies the equipment needed at the bench.
The Meisei M-30 Replaces the M-20.
The Meisei M-30 is the replacement for the discontinued M-20 power supply.
If you are replacing an M-20 but want to continue using an existing Meisei 7 Series hand tool, make sure you also have the correct adapter for that hand tool.
If you are setting up a new system, the M-30 and newer 7.X Series hand tools are the current Meisei platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meisei M-20 officially discontinued?
Yes. The M-20 is discontinued and has been replaced by the M-30 power supply. If you order the M-20 from us, you will automatically be sent the more capable M-30 at no extra cost. If you plan to use with older tools, let us know and we can make sure you are set up with the correct adapters.
Can I use my old M-20 hand tool with an M-30?
Yes! Older M-20 hand tools can be used with the M-30 using the proper adapter. The adapter is not built into the power supply, so make sure you order the correct one for your hand tool. If you need, we are just the experts to help!
Does the M-30 show the actual temperature?
No. While it doesn't display the actual tip temperature, the M-30 display shows a digital power setting from 0 to 99. So it's not a temperature readout, but does tell you exactly where you need to be for the wire insulation type you are working with.
What happened to the M-10?
The M-10 is still being made and is current, however that may change. The M-30 was designed to consolidate the functions previously split between the Standard M-10 and ESD M-20 power supply platforms. The M-30 can support both Standard and ESD Meisei hand tool configurations. So the switch only makes sense.
What hand tools are designed for the M-30?
Meisei's newer 7.X Series hand tools are designed for the M-30 platform, including the 7.1A, 7.1B and 7.1C HOTWEEZERS models. Older compatible tools can also be used with the appropriate adapter.
Here is a list of the tools offered:
Model 3.1A - HOTNIFE™ Hand Unit
Model 7.1A - HOTWEEZERS® Hand Unit (hole sizes: AWG 36,32,30,28,26,24)
Model 7.1B - HOTWEEZERS® Hand Unit (hole sizes: AWG 28,26,24,22,20,18)
Model 7.1C - HOTWEEZERS® Hand Unit (flat blades, no holes)
Need Help Moving From an M-20 to an M-30?
The good news is that its very easy, and we are Meisei experts. If you already have Meisei hand tools and are not sure which M-30, adapter or replacement hand tool you need, contact Vetco Electronics with the model number of your existing equipment.
We can help identify what you already have and what is required to move it to the current M-30 platform.