EEVblog 1616 - Weller Zero Smog Fume Extractor Review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2024, 11:29:19 pm
content: How much does the Weller HEPA 13 Zero Smog EL Kit fume extractor suck?https://www.weller-tools.com/eu/gb/filtration/products/solder-fumes/zero-smog-el-kit-1

author: aeberbach
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2024, 05:10:20 am
content: If you compress your hose it's not as floppy.Also I needed to put mine under a shelf so there is less overhead clearance and the minimum bend of the hose is too large, 3D printed a 90 degree adapter for the duct.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2024, 08:11:35 am
content: For getting it quieter, the natural thing would be some "filter" / sound absorber at the output side of the fan.This is quite an expensive filter ! Depening on the climate (high humidity) one may have to change the filter after some time, even if not heavily used.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2024, 08:45:53 am
content: And that external RJ11 interface is only an on/off switch.https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Weller/FT91000033?qs=QvRObDHRS1%252BRKK8h4zvMOA%3D%3D

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2024, 08:48:28 am
content: Part 2

author: shapirus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2024, 09:06:25 am
content: I think it may become more effective in its raised position (as opposed to sitting on the bench) if you turn the hood 180 degrees so that the flat side is on the top. That'll prevent sucking air from below and behind, probably.

author: woody
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2024, 09:19:56 am
content: My (almost weekly) experience with a predecessor of this Weller fume extractor (with the round inlet) is exactly the same.Using the extractor inlet on the same height as the object you're soldering is way more effective than placing the inlet above. Might have to do with the fact that in the latter case the fumes get caught in the vertical stream of heated air coming from around the soldering iron where in the former case the fumes are extracted before they get caught in there.

author: ballsystemlord
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2024, 02:49:45 am
content: The jokes on this YT channel get worse with every video.Nice review Dave.Slowing down a fan will decrease the noise. So does the Weller run quieter because of the reduction in fan speed or improvements in acoustic design?PS: I'm watching part 2 now. maybe you talk about it there.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 19, 2024, 12:48:09 am
content: Quote from: ballsystemlord on May 18, 2024, 02:49:45 amThe noise for a given airflow rate is a factor of1) fan type and design2) fan speed3) fan size4) fan mounting5) enclosure design6) filter area and type7) hose and nozzle design.Not necessarily in that order.

author: EEeng
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2024, 10:20:18 am
content: Hi,Purchased 2 of these during the fire sale, but have noticed carbon dust depositing around the unit of surfaces and under the filter. It seems carbon is being sucked out of the activated carbon filter.Looking at the review video it seems Dave's unit is also doing the same and he wiped up alot of dust under the filter. Seems this dust continues to fall from the filter.My experience with other activated carbon fume filters is that either the carbon filter is before the HEPA filter or has another filter after it to prevent this but it does not seem to be the weller design.Is everyone else experiencing the same? Concerned about the health risks of this dust which is ironic considering this is the reason we brought them in the first place.--EEeng.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2024, 09:55:02 pm
content: Quote from: EEeng on August 30, 2024, 10:20:18 amThere seems to be no consensus on HEPA or carbon first. As you say though there should be decent mesh or filter to prevent carbon from coming out. Also, decent carbon granules could be rinsed after productions.If you are worried you can probably vacuum it out and try to get rid of most of that fine dust, or add another thin layer filter on the output.https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/15511/order-of-a-hepa-filter-and-carbon-filter-in-a-filter-stack

author: thikone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 12:07:55 pm
content: Hi Dave,Is it really just a plug and a switch? Or is there some chip inside to do RS232 with the extractor?I've got the extractor and planing on marring it to JBC compact station that I have. In worst case I will make my own control board for the Weller, possibly with Bluetooth, WiFi and what not. But if it has already some protocol that I can use then it will be easier for me.And the program maximum is to recreate complete JBC experience, with extraction from tool stand too. JBC fume extractor is nice but 2000 EUR with all accessories is inspiring to do my own thing. And I like the Weller vertex idea and the price better.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 12:28:25 pm
content: Quote from: thikone on February 02, 2025, 12:07:55 pmOff hand I don't know what the control circuit interface is.

author: thikone
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2025, 07:29:59 pm
content: Quote from: thikone on February 02, 2025, 12:07:55 pmSo I got this remote switch and it is very simple. It is just wires and a switch.For those playing at home, it uses RJ-10 4P4C connector and the switch is connected to pin 1 and 2.You can see this on the picture, only black and red wires are used: