RF4 1000W hot air rework station "RF-H2" $125 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2022, 01:11:30 am
content: Mid way between an 858D and a Quick/Atten 862 comes this for $122.General:- Power: 850W, might be higher, heats up too fast to tell. For comparison 858D is 500-600W peak, and 2-300W under normal use- Fan speed: claimed 50L/min. Small brushless fan inside, quiet, slightly high pitched whirr. 50% more powerful than 858D? I don't have a way to measure.- Tips: just the standard crappy/cheap screw to tighten tips. There is a collar on the end of the handle, as if they considered using a different style?- Grounding: yes, usual thin gauge wire, but tip and case were earthed.- Desk space: the unit itself is much smaller than the Quick and similar massive devices (which have no need to be that big, its just empty space inside). However, the handpiece tube comes out the right side, which is bad as that takes up more desk space. I think they could easily have it coming out the front or the back instead.UI:The UI is a bit odd, but should work well if you only need the 3 presets.- Press CH1/2/3 once to see what its settings are, press again to load those settings- Long press CH1 to change C/F- Long press CH2 to calibrate the temperature reading- Long press CH3 to turn on and off the beeper (setting won't persist after reboot though..)Sleep:- Set down the handle into cradle, usual magnet switch detects, and runs fan at 100% to cool off.- Buttons do nothing when in sleepPCB info:- BTA20800CW 800V 20A Triac- Unmarked TQFP 32 micro- Transformer with buck PCB (why do they always use a transformer in these things?)Comparison 858D:- For what I'm using it for, not much difference from the 858D, since I don't max the fan speed on that. Although, at the higher air flow settings (80%+) its much faster.- If you already own a 858D, and its good enough for you, probably no need to rush out and upgrade. The handle is lighter than 858D, but, you have that thick tubing making it awkward to move around, so to me there is not much difference.- Temperature accuracy: need to checkThe killer cheap station, in my eyes, would be a high end 858D with silicone wiring, better brushless fan, and easy swap tips. That would be great for ~$100-150. But I think what they've done here is good too.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004320376667.htmlor Daves affiliate link:http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/c2LRpe8gand search RF4 SMDThis same brand sells a normal iron, as well as a stereo microscope. IMO I don't think either of those are as notable.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2022, 03:31:07 am
content: How long is the air hose?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2022, 07:31:45 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on September 21, 2022, 03:31:07 am77cmIts definitely enough if the station is on your desk, but its poorly thought out. The hose comes out the right side of the station, then has to loop in front of the station if you are right handed.If you are left handed and have the station on the left side of your desk then it would be good.The Quick 861DW is 105cm, and the hose on that one comes out the front.

author: Martini
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2024, 02:57:17 pm
content: I found it for slightly over 80€ (with shipping and VAT) on Aliexpress, it seems pretty decent value for a (allegedly) 1000 W station with the fan in the base. I'm hoping to reball a BGA chipset (a Snapdragon 888 to be precise) with it.Is yours still running fine 1.5 year later? Have you pushed it further than you did at first?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2024, 08:58:43 pm
content: Quote from: Martini on May 19, 2024, 02:57:17 pmStill running, use it at least 1-3hr per week.The only thing I noticed is it sometimes overshoots a fair bit when the temperature is changed (40C), other times doesn't overshoot much. But works fine for my purposes.

author: Martini
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2024, 09:47:43 am
content: Thank you!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2024, 09:43:49 pm
content: https://www.diyfixtool.com/products/rf4-rf-h2-h3-h4-h5-lead-free-hot-air-soldering-rework-stationThey've released a bunch more models:- RF4-H3 - new front panel design with 4 presets (nice) and new stand - $180- RF4-H4 - same thing but with foot pedal control - $200- RF4-H5 - More compact traditional design, 800W - $90H5 seems like a decent price, the others don't make too much sense as they compete with established products, and still have the odd side tube deisgn.Unless you need the foot pedal control for some reason.

author: easa
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2024, 09:46:48 am
content: Does anyone know which controller is used in this station (RF-H2)?

author: pdks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 19, 2025, 07:59:42 am
content: thanks:)

author: almar
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 08:28:05 pm
content: Can someone help us with some pictures of the inside of an RF4 H5? I think it has a different fan than the H2.Has anyone tested the H5?I like the H5 configuration better but I don't know if I'll feel the 200W loss.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2025, 09:30:27 pm
content: Quote from: almar on March 12, 2025, 08:28:05 pmIts the same RPM and L/min so I would think its the same fan, or equivalent?What work are you doing, if its small stuff like cell phones, etc. 800W would be ok.

author: almar
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 14, 2025, 11:49:02 am
content: From what I’ve read online H5 is 13000 rpm and H2 is 15000 rpm.H2 Fan: High-speed turbofan operating at 15,000 RPM, ensuring consistent airflow.H5 Fan: High-speed brushless turbine fan operating at 13,000 RPM, known for durability and quieter operation.