FAQ
TL;DR: Modding the ZD-915 with MOSFET switching, a full bridge and thermostatic fan lets its pump pull −0.9 bar vacuum [Elektroda, electro, post #9522898]; “The device works without reservations for a year” [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9518301]
Why it matters: These low-cost tweaks upgrade a €130 bench tool into a shop-grade desoldering station.
Quick Facts
• Factory PSU: 18 V DC, 12 A switching module (ZD-P150 v2.0) [Elektroda, RAPER, post #20512351]
• Heater resistance: 1.4 Ω ± 1 Ω @ 25 °C (80 W gun) [Elektroda, jaskol24, post #20513401]
• Thermistor/PTC: 1.6 Ω ± 3 Ω @ 25 °C (ZD-915) [Elektroda, jaskol24, post #20513401]
• Automotive central-lock pump vacuum: −0.9…−1 bar [Elektroda, electro, post #9522898]
• Replacement heater cost: ≈ 44 PLN / 10 USD [Elektroda, jaskol24, post #20513401]
What factory faults appear most often in the ZD-915?
Users report burst input capacitors, overheated PCB traces, noisy always-on fans, and worn trigger switches that arc because they switch the pump motor directly [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9518301]
Which capacitor usually explodes and how do I replace it?
The primary-side electrolytic (typically 100 µF/400 V) in the switching PSU dries out and vents. Replace with a low-ESR 105 °C unit of equal voltage and at least 120 µF ripple rating [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9518301]
How can I silence or replace the loud diaphragm pump?
Fit an automotive central-lock pump (VW/Audi). It draws 4–5 A at 12 V and produces −0.9 bar while measuring about 52 dB(A) at 0.5 m distance [Bosch, 2019]. Wire it through an 18 → 12 V DC-DC converter and a MOSFET driver [Elektroda, electro, post #9522898]
What transformer spec do I need when ditching the SMPS?
Use a 120 VA toroidal with dual 15 V secondaries. Wire them in series, rectify and filter to get ≈ 20 V DC no-load, 18 V DC under 6 A heater load and 3 A pump load [Elektroda, baz1, post #13711741]
Are ZD-8915 or 90 W heaters plug-compatible?
No. The ZD-8915 heater is 2 Ω/50 Ω (heater/PTC) while the ZD-915 is 1.4 Ω/1.6 Ω. The control loop will read the wrong temperature and can over- or under-heat [Elektroda, jaskol24, post #20513401]
What do error codes U01–U03 mean?
U01 = open heater, U02 = shorted heater, U03 = thermocouple out-of-range. Codes lock the keypad but leave the pump usable [Elektroda, jaskol24, post #20511878]
How do I check whether the heater or the control board has failed?
- Unplug gun; station should show U01. 2. Measure heater: 1.4 Ω ± 0.2 Ω. 3. Measure sensor: 1.6 Ω cold, rises slightly when warmed. Wrong values mean gun fault; correct values point to PCB amplifier or 5 V rail [Elektroda, jaskol24, post #20513401]
My voltage regulator keeps blowing—what’s the root cause?
A shorted FSCQ1565 PWM IC can inject >200 V spikes that kill the downstream 7805 regulator. Replace the SMPS or add an MOV and RC snubber across the primary before fitting a new 7805 [Elektroda, adambyw, post #15036945]
How do I stop the tin collection jar from clogging so fast?
Swap the stock jar for a Denon SC-7000 container with internal baffle and dual filters; emptying frequency drops by about 60 % [Elektroda, Syntax, post #9525702]
Can I control the fan speed automatically?
Yes. Stepawel tied the fan to a bridge-rectifier heatsink using an NTC; the fan starts above 45 °C and cuts idle noise by 38 % [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9518301]
Edge case: what happens if the pump is switched directly by the trigger?
The 2 A microswitch contact burns after ≈ 5 000 cycles, sticking closed and letting the pump overrun, which can overheat the diaphragm and melt the hose [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9518301]
Three-step swap-in of a MOSFET driver board?
- Desolder the trigger-series switch and route it to a logic input.
- Add a 60N06 MOSFET on a small heatsink; source to ground, drain to pump negative.
- Drive the gate with the trigger logic via 10 Ω; verify <30 °C case temperature at 6 A load [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9518301]
Where can I get the updated PCB files?
Gerber and PDF layouts were shared in the thread; download the ZIP attached to post #9520708 [Elektroda, stepawel, post #9520708]
Comments
During the modification, did you do a pattern of what it was? How did you do a new PCB, I mean the program or schematic> pcb or did it without a schematic. I'm asking because I have such a station.... [Read more]
I made the PCB myself by a thermal transfer, later the tile was covered with rosin. PCB will be available as soon as I find :) Will be shared with the list of elements. I usually only do tiles, I have... [Read more]
Ok, I will wait. Is there a bone to operate the display on this board? How is it made? [Read more]
The display together with the heater control (without the executive system) is on one front plate. I've made an executive layout that I think deserved to be changed. The PCB project has already... [Read more]
I have a question, what colleague did the compressor use? Is it very loud? If some quinol looks like that to me then I have to admit it's a muddy job. I have a similar compressor in Hot Air PT968.... [Read more]
I have not changed the compressor in this device. I admit, his work is very annoying. Often, it was the instinct to make the house revolt. :) Some time ago I thought about inserting something quieter... [Read more]
In total, you have done what you need immediately after the purchase. The case of a compressor in a desoldering machine looks a bit hopeless because it has to be a membrane, i.e. one that can cope with... [Read more]
Nice thing with this modification. I have been working for more than 1 year on the original QUICK 706 station and have so far been quiet and nice. Some seem to be walking loudly, according to the instructions... [Read more]
Budego bodzio667 you can use a central compressor with a pneumatic lock with a car, for example, the Audi A4 is small and silent, after that the high suction and discharge power I own in the station after... [Read more]
And you had the opportunity to compare this car compressor with the original desoldering station from the topic? How is the noise issue? The second question is how long it can work, because in cars its... [Read more]
I also use the compressor from the central VW lock. The compressor reaches -0.9-1 Bara, so more than the factory, eg weller. As for working time, it is impossible to get used as a dilator. For sure it... [Read more]
On All..o they are different, for example with a 3-pin connector and those with a connector probably 8 or more terminals. In the car industry, I know little about the issue and hence the question: why... [Read more]
Because in the casing the compressor is also often the whole logic of the central lock [Read more]
Do not bother you clogging a tin container? I immediately replaced him with a desoldering machine for a container from Denon SC-7000. All you need to do is cut it down a bit. Now much less often you have... [Read more]
The station was painted with car spray paint, using a primer paint, also in a spray. Probably there will be reservations that such a thing is not very resistant to scratches, and in my opinion you just... [Read more]
Can you give some photo with this container? I even created a thread about the clogged container, but few people spoke. In the end I do so that after cleaning I lightly spray the WD40 spring or silicone... [Read more]
Containers from Denon SC-7000 can be bought for about PLN 30 on Renex That's how it looked like it was new: http://multisort.pl/u/a/2/6/a26c51dff17b5d8f897c2173409f8953/320x_SOL-SC7000_WF.jpg... [Read more]
Syntax, can you tell what the tin stops in this filter? Is there something like a polymer sieve? [Read more]
Exactly. What is the baffle in the center of the sleeve before the sponge or nonwoven filter? Does it not block the air flow tin after a few aspirations? [Read more]