New transformer for Weller WD1 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Martin_Norway
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 11:53:45 am
content: I scored a very nice deal on a WD1 solering station. This model is for 115V, but I need to convert it for 230V. Rather than using a 230 to 115V converter, I thought I could swap out the transformer inside the WD1. Does anyone happen to know which type of transformer it is (I believe that it has both 12 and 24V output, but at what Ampere, and what are the dimensions of the transformer?).Would like to order the transformer while I'm waiting for the WD1 to arrive.Thanks for your help!

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 12:28:48 pm
content: Have you opened the unit? The weller soldering station that I have is specified as 230V only, but the transformer in the box has taps for 110V operation.

author: Martin_Norway
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 01:19:17 pm
content: Thanks, Andy. That your transformer has taps for 110V makes me optimistic.The station is en route from the states. I was hoping that someone might have the specs, so I can order the right parts and just swap them out when the unit arrives. But this sounds like I'm better off waiting for it to arrive and then have a look inside.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 03:02:14 pm
content: Unfortunately, the transformers used in the WD1 are single primary only, so only capable of a single input voltage (manual even shows separate P/N's for 230V, 120V, and 100V transformers on one of the back pages).FWIW, the 230V transformer P/N is 58748740.

author: Martin_Norway
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 03:54:48 pm
content: thanks, Nanofrog. That was a good helper. I found a drawing of the WD1 here:http://www.pkelektronik.com/media/downloads/787_Explosionszeichnung%20Weller%20Versorgungseinheit%20WD%201.pdf

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 04:30:12 pm
content: Quote from: Martin_Norway on October 30, 2014, 03:54:48 pmFWIW, Weller's site in Germany will have any publicly available documentation as well (WD1 page, then click the Downloads tab).You could contact them or an authorized distributor on the cost of the transformer, but I suspect an external step down transformer will be more cost effective.

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 05:55:07 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on October 30, 2014, 03:02:14 pmAs does the manual for my Weller, but the transformer that's fitted definitely has the taps for 110V (and 120V)

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2014, 07:52:13 pm
content: You can also buy a cheap auto transformer for 230. -> 115V since it is low power won,t cost much, probably way cheaper then a new transformer with multiple secondaries.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2014, 05:00:41 pm
content: Quote from: Andy Watson on October 30, 2014, 05:55:07 pmI know the WD2 does that by design (single P/N for a 120/100V transformer).Perhaps there was a delay in their normal supply, so they had to substitute something for a short period of time to continue production. Is there a molded Weller emblem and P/N on it?Pics would be nice too.

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2014, 10:18:46 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on October 31, 2014, 05:00:41 pmSome people are just never satisfiedThis is a hot-air station - WAD101, 240V. The mains is connected across the two end terminals on the transformer, there is a black-wire linking the two middle taps.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2014, 03:49:46 am
content: Quote from: Andy Watson on October 31, 2014, 10:18:46 pmYou didn't elaborate, so I was under the impression you were talking about a WD1, not a WAD101.

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2014, 12:05:48 pm
content: Ah, I see

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2014, 12:22:42 pm
content: What happened? It must have arrived by now!

author: Martin_Norway
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 02, 2014, 03:17:00 pm
content: Yes, it arrived, and first thing I did was to open it up to check if it had by any chance multiple voltage options.It didn't.So I dug out an old 230 to 115V converter, which I use for the time being. It works, but doesn't look good, and takes up space I could use better.I'll keep an eye out for damaged units, where I can sever a transformer. The cheapest price for a new one I found athttp://www.hinkel-elektronik.com/shop/3138.htmlfor 63 Euros.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2014, 09:01:02 pm
content: What's so special about that transformer? Does it have multiple different exotic secondary voltages or something? Or is it just the dimensions so you can fit it in the original enclosure?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2014, 10:31:40 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on December 02, 2014, 09:01:02 pmDimensions.Innards have plenty of room to rise up (z axis; how they were able to stuff in the larger transformer for the WD2 that uses the same enclosure), but it's fairly cramped for room in the cast metal bottom (x-y axis).

author: Mr Simpleton
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2014, 11:45:37 pm
content: Not sure how the transformer is looking in your WD1, but you may either be able to rewind, or wind your own transformer.... easy-peasy really! Especially if you can fit a pre-wound primary. Have a look at Svebry in Sweden. I have used these transformer kits several timeshttp://www.svebry.se/transformatorer/transformatorbyggsatser/190?iAm_Id=190&iPageNr=1

author: Martin_Norway
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 05, 2014, 09:03:11 am
content: The latter, it has to fit inside the original enclosure.

author: snapper
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2020, 05:58:35 pm
content: should be this: 12 / 24V 84VA core EI 84/32 fits many Weller 80W stations

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2020, 08:23:02 pm
content: Original Weller transformers are woefully expensive.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2020, 09:01:18 pm
content: Weller used to useTyco4000 series power transformers, now they have their own manufactured in Mexico.You could check the core sizes and find something that fits - add a primary fuse!