Weller WE 1010 - A simple modification

I have this Weller WE 1010 since a few weeks, and what disturbs me is that there is no visual indication that the power is on, other than the LCD, which because it has no backlight, is not visible in darkness, so if I go out of my room, turn off the room light then I don't notice that the soldering iron is on, so I may forget to switch it off. While the WE1010 goes into sleep mode, I don't want to have it on during the night. I think it is a poor design decision not to have any other visual indication, so I decided to do something about this. Adding backlight to the LCD was my first idea, but then I went for something else, I added a high intensity green LED inside the box. This way I don't need to drill a hole, the light shines through the gaps at the bottom. Please watch this video to see how I did this simple modification. In the video you will also see how to open and close the soldering iron box.

A few words of warning...

I did not expect so many views and comments, several people saying that they will do this modification, or something similar. Generally speaking, the way I did it is a very simple and non-intrusive modification, with very low risks involved, but of course, technically speaking, the warranty is void as soon as you open the casing, even without modifying anything. Be careful and be aware of that. Also, it is quite easy to brick your soldering station if you make a mistake, so unless you have the knowledge, don't even think about it. My video is not intended to be seen as an instruction video, even if it is quite detailed. I can not be held liable if something goes wrong with your soldering station. Also be aware that there are live and very dangerous wires and connections inside unless you disconnect it from the power. Do NOT open it unless you know what you are doing. The soldering station is a very nice one as it is also, this mod is just added feature, not improving the soldering station functionality.

[WellerSoldering]

quite cool. Congrats. Your Weller team !!!

[danshankle]

Thank you for this clear and easy to understand Video. I just purchased this Model of Soldering Iron and will Make this Modification upon its arrival! Thank you, again, for your video. Well Done!

[John_Smith__]

Great Mod, if I get a Weller 1010 I will certainly make that mod. Thanks for sharing your video!

[michael.a.covington]

I'm delighted that you got fan mail from Weller about this. I have a new WE1010 that is serving me well, replacing a 39-year-old Weller EC2000 that I bought used and extensively modified; I get to keep my collection of ET tips. I'm thinking of adding a power-on LED as you describe, and also a 2-amp fuse right at the power inlet (in North America we don't have fuses in our power plugs).

[ELECTROxigeno.]

I congratulate you Mr. very good video, I just bought the Weller We1010 and the truth is that it does not have a visualization Weller passed them but no way, now I continue to put a led light thanks to your video, then I send you the video of how it turned out, thank you very much Mr. greetings from Mexico Mexicali, 🤝🎩

[geoffreykeane]

Thanks for this, I have done exactly your mod and I love it.
This lack of an active "on" indicator was a terrible design choice, and yes I've left my iron on all night numerous times as a result. Now I have no excuses.

My previous Weller WTCPN Soldering Station TC202 lasted me 40 years! and was a great design. The "on" switch was also the indicator light and I loved the integrated pencil and sponge holder

Sadly my 1010's WEP 70 pencil also has design a flaw, as it has become loose where the metal barrel meets the handle. I've had it two years, this issue started after 6 months. This problem shows up particularly when using desoldering braid (when even a little bit of lateral force needs to be applied). Disappointing from Weller.

[kevmac]

I'm a 65 yr old novice at soldering and purchased this as my first real device.I mainly work on guitars.I was struggling with the cheap model I have and hope this will help me improve.When I'm more experienced perhaps I'll try your mod.👍

[disciple_]

Thank you. Did according to your video and it is a real peace of mind to have a visual indication now.

[cerdemo]

this is superb useful for budget users who want the best out of their we1010! <3

[mikeburch]

This was a great idea. Well done. Greetings from Arizona.

[tacomamactech]

I was looking for how to open my new WE1010. It has dust particles stuck to the inside of the display cover! (I noticed yours does also! ) But now I'm going to wait and do your modification as soon as I find a suitable LED and shrink tube in my "stash" Great instructions by you. Thanks !!!

[warplanner]

I was inclined to agree with the gentleman below who made the "if the display is on, [the unit] is on.." remark. However, after seeing the results and remembering my returning to the bench hours or days later and seeing the unit still on, I think I will try the mod!

[majidsiddiqui]

Great mod. I have just purchased the same station from Weller. I will be making the same mod.

[addif]

Thank you so much for sharing this great simple modification. It looks like really amazing and its help me, that I not forget to switch off.

[ELECTROxigeno.]

Exelent work, the LED looks good, tks Master, ..

[lx]

Awesome video! This has helped me a ton. Thank you. :)

[xjohn]

Had mine over a year use every day. No problems

[thegolfnut]

Weller could have put a lighted on/off switch. The green light is pretty cool.
I agree with you putting heat shrink on the connections, but I don't see where anything inside would be touching.

[Rezonances]

I don't see the need to heat-shrink connectors that aren't going to be moved around or messed with. BTW cool mod here with the LED. I came across this by accident, looking for a troubleshooting vid to see what caused the LCD display to blank out on me right in the middle of a job. I JUST got a new genuine solder pencil a couple weeks ago, so not happy about that. The 1010NA was my workhorse for a few years. The fuse looks fine hmm.

[weeardguy]

Yep, same 'problem' I have with my WD1 station. While my WTCP-S station has a lighted switched, my WD1 does not (something I do not understand as well) and it has happened multiple times that it was turned on for days... only to find the blinking dash on the display at some point, showing me I forgot to turn it off...