Weller WTHA1 hot air station. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2016, 04:27:34 pm
content: Hello.Need some info rom forum member. Now i have weller wha900 hot air station, and planing buy new weller product WTHA1 hot air station. So somebody alredy have it and can write plus minus about it. It is not cheap, dont want spent more money and buy not so good product.Daes thei profile realy working?

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2016, 05:39:45 pm
content: if you are concerned about the price get Quick 861, it doesnt look as sexy, but works great and you can buy 2 for the price of one weller

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2016, 01:55:57 am
content: Another vote for taking a serious look at the Quick 861.The Quick 861 has features the WHA900 doesn't, which is what I presume you're after as the rated power output is similar (900W for the Weller, 1kW for the Quick). As mentioned it's not as pretty, but they work very well, are well made, and have a very nice set of features (UI is intuitive as well, so easy to use).You don't get the stop/start button on the wand, as the Quick's method involves putting the wand in it's stand instead (has embedded magnets that trigger the setback/sleep feature). Personally, I like the separate stand as it makes placement more flexible.And it's less than half the cost of the WHTA1, so it truly qualifies as a real value.Lots of info on it here in the forum, including internal photos if you search.

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2016, 06:45:09 pm
content: I dont need cheap devise. I need good station. How many Quick 861 do diference of temperature? Wtha1 +-30 c. How about Quick 861?

author: tri-be
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 01:56:18 am
content: Is the WTHA1 usefully available anywhere yet? I know nozzles are available from several places, but none of the suppliers we have dealt with before have stock.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 09:10:36 am
content: Quote from: stylius on October 04, 2016, 06:45:09 pmIt's not a cheap device as you call it (what I would call garbage), as say Yihua, Aoyue, Bakku, ... brands are. In fact, there are members that use them professionally (i.e. 40+hrs. per week).As per the temp regulation, it's +/- 2C at the element, and the output at the nozzle is within +/- 30C (I actually tested mine at various temps & airflow rates).What you sacrifice, is the broad customer service and aesthetics that Weller has (including that of the dealer network).Quote from: tri-be on October 05, 2016, 01:56:18 amNot that I'm aware of.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 10:34:20 am
content: Quote from: stylius on October 04, 2016, 06:45:09 pmthen why are you getting a weller instead of actually a real 'good station' like JBC Tools JT-1D ($2k)Quote from: stylius on October 04, 2016, 06:45:09 pmseriously tho, Quick is as good as weller except for the brand name recognition and aesthetics

author: joun
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2016, 06:46:08 pm
content: One vote for the Quick from me too!I have it for 6 months now, very pleased from it..And Europe distributor is at your neighbour country Poland..

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 07:36:54 pm
content: Today got wtha1. Good item, but compare wtha1 with wha900, wha900 is better quality.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 07:26:51 am
content: Quote from: stylius on January 05, 2017, 07:36:54 pmGood to know.But although my soldering irons are Weller products, there are both better out there, and/or less expensive at this point of similar, if not better performance. Particularly regarding hot air (i.e. Quick 861DW) & desoldering (i.e. Pace if you do a lot of it).

author: janekx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 06:33:04 am
content: I have tried WTHA1 HotAir. Unfortunately against good name of Weller I had 4 stations what i exchange for 5 months.First not work from day1 - exchangesecond freeze and was unable to control station like temp, airflow and not go to sleep. Weller pickup for analysis and repairhttps://youtu.be/gqp_Z8WlIacthird (spare for second) the air flow around button on handle where you can start the flow when presshttps://youtu.be/JussyTdH310forth - comes from repair, SW reflash and other non sense description and again freezehttps://youtu.be/_WyZBGANS5EFor me is this station very unmature product and i refuse to be Weller tester.I have ask Weller for solution:- WXR 3031 - offer price by Weller in consider of WTHA1 issues and WT 1010 will be redundancy- WXA 2010 - for free + some special price for WXP120 set (we must buy the air compressor then) and WT 1010 will be redundancy- cancelling the contractFinally Weller pickup WTHA1 (now I am without hotair and because i repair like service center it is big issue for me), no answer officialy from Weller and local dealer told me I must ask for money back.Considering to sell WT1010 soldering station and switch to other brand.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 12:13:23 pm
content: janekx this is highly unusual. I've never had problems with Weller quality, what country are you from? this sounds like poor reseller dicking you around.ckicked YT and yep, ty jsi pepik, probably local dealer sending you broken units from the scrap pile or something.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 12:31:15 pm
content: I'd say, if you can get refund for weller, get quick 861DW instead. As said earlier, not as much eye candy but proven to be rock solid station with better specifications and is much cheaper. Also it's should be much quieter, at least as much I can judge from your videos where weller sounds very loud.

author: janekx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 01:11:46 pm
content: For "ty jsi pepik" is not very decently...Dealer was OK, he send me second unit once the bad one was picked one from Weller, it was with airflow leak but was newly packed. So still bad one, and my unit comes from Weller, from repir and freeze again so dealer cant be the issue.By the way WTHA1 are from Mexico.Quick 856AX I now look on, but not sure.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 01:32:44 pm
content: Quote from: janekx on October 18, 2017, 01:11:46 pmNote that 200l/min versions have downsides as much higher noise while cooling down, and more time to drop airflow to set value if you pick it again while it's still cooling down. So unless you really need that much airflow, it's better to stick with 120l/min versions like 861DW. Also unless you need pedal switch and timer, I don't think you should spend additional money on 856 as it's basically the same thing otherwise. Also note that 856AD and 861DA use different nozzles than the rest of those series.

author: janekx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 01:56:20 pm
content: That is good note, thanks, i have look on 865 as local dealer have bad description about profiles. I like profiles, but not absolutely needed.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 06:47:20 pm
content: Quote from: stylius on October 03, 2016, 04:27:34 pmI have a WHA900, and it works quite well. it does not have any indication that the outflow air is at the set temperature, though. So, now when I use it, I just hold it in the air for about 30 seconds before applying it to the board. If I wait for it to fully heat up, then it desolders the part in about 15 seconds. If I don't wait, it seems to take a minute for the part to be desoldered.Jon

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 07:04:04 pm
content: Quote from: jmelson on October 18, 2017, 06:47:20 pmThat pretty much sucks. Quick 861DE/DS reaches set temperature in just a few seconds. Even if setting maximum of 500oC with 120l/m airflow (2.4 times more than WHA900 max airflow), it takes less than 8 seconds to reach that if starting from completely cold, if after it was cooled down after previous job, 5 seconds maximum.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 01:37:51 am
content: Quote from: janekx on October 18, 2017, 06:33:04 amWeller does have some QC issues, but usually with stuff made in either Mexico (WES/D51 stations & PT tips for it), and LT series tips made in Bosnia. So yeah, the fact the WTHA has a COO=Mexico, that alone could be the problem. But so could a design issue (too premature for sale, but management overruled the engineering dept.).The only QC issue I'm aware of with Germany that was like this, was with the initial release of the WX stations. They issued a recall, and have solved those issues some time ago (initially shipped prematurely).Quote from: janekx on October 18, 2017, 06:33:04 amI'd say go with option 3 and start over; whether you opt for a Weller iron and/or desolder tool/s or not. In regard to shop air, that's useful for cleaning as well (and less expensive than disposable spray can dusters in the long run).The Weller HAP200 is only 200W, and the base unit only delivers up to 20l/m of airflow (i.e. this thing is meant for cell phones).So I'm withwraper;get the Quick 861DW. Seriously, it's that good.The only issue per se is the fact that LED or fluorescent lighting flickers when it's heating the element (haven't noticed it with halogen incandescent bulbs on the same circuit). Though I've not done myself yet, it's fixable (either replace or amend it's internal chassis mounted EMI filter).I just need to get around to it (will add a new EMI filter on a future order if I can remember to do so).The only other upgrade I can think of would be to swap the hard-wired power cord for an IEC connector. It's not necessary, but would allow for a heavier wire gauge if you're near the distance limit of the AC circuit it's plugged into (or if you need it, a longer power cord without having to cut up a suitable extension cord). BTW, the Quick 856 models get an IEC connector from the factory.Internally, the 861Dx models consists of a blower motor control board, EMI filter, and transformer mounted to the inside of the case, and the main control board is mounted on the face plate IIRC (triac is mounted on this). So I suspect you can add a timer and/or foot pedal should you need it (dump the firmware prior to rewriting it's contents, or desolder the uC first and program another with your own/modified firmware).It may not matter to you, but I also like the fact it uses a separate stand.Much less clutter by only having the stand sitting on the bench when needed (main unit can remain on a shelf). For disclosure, my bench typically looks like a garbage truck was emptied on it, then hit by a tornado.Regarding nozzles, you really don't need the specialty shapes IME.It comes with 3 round nozzles (S,M,L; ~4, 6, and 12mm respectively). I find the medium one that comes with it is used more than the other two combined (by far in fact).If you do need them, the 861DW or 861DS use the NK series (the 856 models too), and it seems they may be including the adapter in current production (I know they're doing so with the 861DS versions sold in the EU), but I can't confirm that with the other stations that use the NK series nozzles. The only shape I wish they offered in the NK series would be bent nozzles. You can get them in the A series, but I suspect a bit of round steel would allow me to bend them (better ergonomics IME). The round NK series nozzles are cheap, so a mistake isn't going to make me.Fortunately, the NK850 adapter allows you to use the types with a screw clamp (A series P/N's) if your station comes with it (not found the adapter by itself in the US).In fact, I find making shields/protectors from sheet metal a better option. For example, soda cans, disposable aluminum baking trays, inexpensive steel cookie/biscuit sheets, brass,... will do for sheet metal. Just add some rivets or high temp solder + acid flux paste to attach the two ends together if it's in a shape that you'll use many times. Which means they're easy to make, and won't cost you all that much either.Dollar/Pound type stores are your friend for the cookie sheet or disposable aluminum pans.Hobby stores are good for small sizes of sheet metal as well. Even the tooling isn't all that expensive; tin snips/shears + either a rivet gun (need to drill a couple of holes of course) or torch. Even the consumables won't cost you a fortune.FWIW, I initially started with trying to fold the ends together, then solder; now I prefer the rivet method as it's easier (no chance of starting a fire either). If it's for a one-off job, Kapton tape will suffice.That said, if you'd rather have some ready-made, JBC offers them (JBC Protectors). Not horribly expensive either.They also offer versions with the vacuum portion of a tripod permanently fixed. Oh, and if you're wondering, they're made of stainless steel (bit better material, but will cost more and is harder to find small quantities IME).Quote from: janekx on October 18, 2017, 06:33:04 amI presume it's past the dealer's typical return period, but they should take it back and refund you regardless given the amount of aggravation this has caused you IMHO.Worth a shot as it could make for a great customer experience despite the crappy stations you've received.Quote from: janekx on October 18, 2017, 06:33:04 amRefund and start from scratch IMHO, as it doesn't seem Weller's current products are meeting your needs (see above). And they're certainly not the least expensive way to go either (and I mean vs. other top-tier brands).Biggest savings will come from the Quick 861DW if you opt for that, which could either put more money back in your pocket, or be used for the tips/nozzles you do need.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 07:51:08 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on October 19, 2017, 01:37:51 amIt's much less of an issue in Europe and in most of the world. We have 2x higher mains voltage, and therefore it consumes 2x less current. Therefore we have 4x less voltage drop proportionally to the mains voltage when same load is applied given that wiring is of about the same quality.QuoteThis has nothing to do with reality. Even if you use 10 EMI filters in series, it won't change anything as EMI as not the cause. The cause is 1000 W heater switched ON and OFF rapidly + crappy wiring and no separate line for lighting. Therefore mains voltage sags and rises.QuoteIt's not an easy task to make own firmware and is not viable for anyone who uses it for earning money. Time spent won't justify price difference. And Atmega most likely is read locked and would require replacing MCU to preserve original firmware.QuoteApparently 861DS in no longer produced, recently I've seen some people reporting this adapter coming with 861DW.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 09:59:58 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on October 19, 2017, 07:51:08 amI was thinking in terms of capacitance (easier to replace the EMI filter with one that contains larger values than adding sufficient capacitance externally).Not dug into it, let alone have done the math, but would think it would be easier than trying to find a spot to mount additional capacitors. That said, IIRC the internal layout correctly, either method would be possible.Quote from: wraper on October 19, 2017, 07:51:08 amWasn't aware of that, as another member from the Netherlands posted a link for where he got his from rather recently, and they even sell the adapter separately.Not sure I'll get one, but if it's shipping with the 851DW units as well, I'd think its only be a matter of time before they show up separately in the US. Good chance I'd never use it, but it's not expensive and I'd rather be safe and have one on-hand.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 01:00:56 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on October 19, 2017, 09:59:58 pmInteresting how are you going to store enough energy with capacitance on AC supply to make any difference for purely resistive 1kW loadAnd it's not like you need to store energy for just a single cycle.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 09:51:59 am
content: Quote from: wraper on October 20, 2017, 01:00:56 amStill considering options; a super cap/s would probably do on it's own, but the AC could also be rectified, stored as DC, then use an inverter to get AC out and fed into the EMI filter. A battery could also be substituted, but it gets more complicated (i.e. likely would have to build it into a separate enclosure with this method; rectifier + charger + battery or caps + inverter).Gets complicated and expensive quickly.Oh, BTW mine's on a 20A circuit (2.4kW circuit). I'd have thought that that would have helped, but it's not so.Still have to figure out what I'm going to do. FWIW, I'm also considering leaving the Quick 861DW alone, and power the LED lighting with linear supplies.At this point, I think I need to get a better idea of specific components and their associated costs for the various possibilities I'm currently thinking about. In regard to cost, I've actually a spare 1500W UPS that needs a new set of batteries. So this may actually be the least expensive way to go after a few modifications (convert it where it always inverts AC from the battery) if I can't find suitable parts on closeout or similar (IIRC, super caps are expensive).Other suggestions would be welcome.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:13:19 am
content: Changing lighting to such which is immune to voltage fluctuations is the most viable IMO.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:19:20 am
content: Quote from: stylius on October 04, 2016, 06:45:09 pmLouis Rossmann thinks the Quick is better than an older Weller or recent JCB. It's a very nice station, regardless of price.

author: janekx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:45:56 am
content: We have cancel contract and now arrive the 861DW, first impresions are good. The unit self is bad screwed so it climb on legs. Unfortunately the relasing the screws not help to have all 4 legs in same level. So i put washer below one leg, now it stay solid.Compressor is quite same as WTHA1 but can produce smaller amount of flow that is better for me and max flow is enought good as well for me.Heat up is very fast, first work was without issues.What i really like is stand, is solid and havy to keep handle well and firmly, WTHAs stand was weak and soetimes the handle fall off the stand or press the start/stop button.ESD connection is standard 3.5mm jack, WTHA was ESD safe too but not had any connector.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:11:19 am
content: Quote from: janekx on October 20, 2017, 10:45:56 amMy unit stands very firmly. I guess the base could be not exactly straight. As it is made from sheet metal, I think you could release 2 screws on one of the corners, push base at this corner higher or lower as much as needed and tighten the screws while still holding the base in required position.

author: janekx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:12:49 am
content: I have opened whole unit 4screws on each side and not help, it is easily little bad drilled in cover. No big deal

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:14:20 am
content: Quote from: janekx on October 20, 2017, 11:12:49 amDid you try to bend (twist back regarding to the front like on the pic) the base a little bit to make it straight? I guess it wasn't standing firmly even without the top cover?

author: janekx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:17:57 am
content: without cover it stayed well. Even small screw disalign can produce the twisting of button plate and then it result in climbing. No big deal in compre to WTHA1 LOL

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:20:43 am
content: Quote from: janekx on October 20, 2017, 11:17:57 amThen I think you could've easily twist the top cover instead.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 11:27:15 am
content: Quote from: janekx on October 20, 2017, 11:17:57 amThat's true. One EEVBLOG member from US exchanged two 861DW stations over some minor cosmetic issues, IIRC scratches, and in the end asked for refund. And that even without ever testing it, LOL. Got FR-810B for 2.5x of the price. After Louis Rossman review Hakko turns out to be completely inferior thing.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 08:04:54 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on October 20, 2017, 10:13:19 amThe more I think about it, I suspect you're right.

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 07:39:59 am
content: Hello. Daes anybody have or try Quick TR1100? I need for iphone repair small air maunt. Also have weller WTHA1 but this is too mutch air.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 12:18:40 pm
content: Quote from: stylius on January 13, 2018, 07:39:59 amIn regard to the WTHA1 (100lpm max), why not just turn the airflow down low so it doesn't blow the parts all over/off the PCB?In regard to the Quick TR1100, I found a few videos on YouTube that might be of some help*.https://youtu.be/fRdY99DONWc?t=461https://youtu.be/ThvQNeGw2YYhttps://youtu.be/kRtYDluqcqsFor disclosure, I have a Quick 861DW. Though it's max airflow is 120lpm, it can be suitably lowered enough it's quite usable for the small packages used in cell phones.* Do note that not all of these are in English, and there are others as well (i.e. Russian, Spanish, Cambodian, and Thai IIRC).

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2018, 12:44:22 pm
content: Wtha1 minimum air flow is 10%, but i dont know how it is L / min. User guide write: Air flow 20°C -5-60, 300°C- 5-110.

author: sstepane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2018, 01:22:00 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 13, 2018, 12:18:40 pmTR1100 (TR1300?) looks very interesting, but there's no reviews or more videos to compare to bigger stations. I would love to see some good review and comparison!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 12:23:00 am
content: Quote from: sstepane on January 14, 2018, 01:22:00 pmFWIW, I've found some additional specs that might help you compare it to full sized stations.Power = 180WAirflow = 1.5 - 7.0 cc/hr (2.5E-5 to 1.17E-4 lpm)Price = 370USD, 311.74EUR, or 277.21GBP on Aliexpress (here)Also note that the unit linked is 220V, though it appears they are making/plan to make a 110V version. Apparently this is so new, Quick hasn't even put it on their US or global sites yet.Hope this helps.

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 07:35:27 am
content: For me 220v is okey, I am from Europe.

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 05:26:46 pm
content: After 5 day i hope get it on hand. Hope it is not money waste

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2018, 01:50:32 am
content: Quote from: stylius on January 15, 2018, 05:26:46 pmI suspect it will perform satisfactorily for your requirements.It also seems that you can swap between handles (small 180W standard on the TR1100, and the large 1kW version that comes standard on the TR1300) on the power unit. My guess, is there's a small ROM in the handles to tell the station which is installed so it correctly sets the airflow.

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2018, 09:13:57 am
content: Where you see info what posible swap between handles?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2018, 11:51:11 am
content: Quote from: stylius on January 16, 2018, 09:13:57 amGo to the 45 second mark in the last video I linked above. You'll see the hose is disconnected from the station, and the connector ends (one in the end of the hose, and the other inside the station).As the heating element is a replaceable cartridge like the 855 & 861DW models, I can't see any real need to also be able to quick-disconnect the hose & electrical connectors if it only works with a single hot air handle (whichever one it came with). So some deductive reasoning on my part.There were other YT videos as well that indicated this IIRC.For unequivocal proof, looks like you'll have to wait longer (or see if you get a response from emailing Quick about this issue).SPECIFICATION:• Display: LCD• Maximum power: 180W• Input voltage: 110V / 230V AC• Temperature range: 100 ° C ~ 450 ° C• Temperature stabilization: ± 2 ° C• Airflow: 1.5 ~ 7 lpm (would make the most sense to me, although I'm seeing different units: cc/h, cubic meter/h, and lpm)• Dimensions (WxDxH): 190 × 190 × 134 Features:• Programming Profiles (Programming temperature, air flow, operating time and other parameters)• Multipoint digital temperature calibration.• Three programmable operating modes.• Over temperature alarm.• Two-stage brushless motor for HOT AIR pumps.• Modern design for quiet operation, noise level not exceeding 55dB.• High-grade ceramic heating element.• Low weight for convenient use.• ESD design.

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2018, 07:55:38 pm
content: Ask suport if posible swap tr1100 and tr1300, say it is diferent conector. Money sent, waiting my item

author: stylius
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2018, 06:26:54 pm
content: Today i got Tr1000. I like it. Good quality. Try desolder some ic, some resistor from nokia pcb, work good. Try with smalest noozle and air flow 2l/h.So i hope it will be good for me, waranty is 24 month, so for this money i think it will be very good.