Using my pole trimmer trimming trees and also my sawzall with pruning blade, I was always running inside to switch out batteries. So I came up with and idea to charge my tool batteries via solar and getting a second use out of all the batteries I have. Instead of using a 12v lithium battery, why not use these tool batteries?
Here is what I have come up with so far: a powerbox using Dewalt 20v tool batteries. I already use Dewalt tools and have many batteries. Milwaulkee and others can be used the same, although I am not sure how many manufacturers make a 12v car charger. But as long as the batteries are charged in the factory charger periodically to balance the cells internally is kind of what I'm thinking.
Doubling as a battery charging station. Going to add four more Power Dock battery mounts. I found these on etsy.
Will be adding also 12v post connector, a 24v suitcase solar panel setup with solar charger.
I have the 12v step down converter installed for the 12v and USB outlets.
Dewalt and Milwaulkee make a 12v car charger for their batteries so using two of these battery chargers, the batteries can be rotated through the external charger for cell balancing. I number my batteries so i know what batteries have been balanced and if one goes bad it's easier to locate later.
Wiring is the typical battery wiring that Will shows in his battery banks, all in parallel (2 banks of 4 when I'm done, may go 4 banks of 2, but 8 batteries total).
As a battery charging station I decided to also have a couple USB and 12v battery chargers for charging AAA up to D cell batteries and 9v. Found batteries and compatible chargers on https://power.tenergy.com/
I have a 400 watt inverter that don't plan to mount, just have post mounts externally.
Also have a marine type fuse box similar to what Will uses in his 12v projects.
This tool box has a tray on top to store various items.
So this is my first project powerbox and I'm thinking it can be used for camping, power outages, fishing, hunting or other outdoor activities.
It's been a fun project and what I have done up to this point all works very well.
Here is what I have come up with so far: a powerbox using Dewalt 20v tool batteries. I already use Dewalt tools and have many batteries. Milwaulkee and others can be used the same, although I am not sure how many manufacturers make a 12v car charger. But as long as the batteries are charged in the factory charger periodically to balance the cells internally is kind of what I'm thinking.
Doubling as a battery charging station. Going to add four more Power Dock battery mounts. I found these on etsy.
Will be adding also 12v post connector, a 24v suitcase solar panel setup with solar charger.
I have the 12v step down converter installed for the 12v and USB outlets.
Dewalt and Milwaulkee make a 12v car charger for their batteries so using two of these battery chargers, the batteries can be rotated through the external charger for cell balancing. I number my batteries so i know what batteries have been balanced and if one goes bad it's easier to locate later.
Wiring is the typical battery wiring that Will shows in his battery banks, all in parallel (2 banks of 4 when I'm done, may go 4 banks of 2, but 8 batteries total).
As a battery charging station I decided to also have a couple USB and 12v battery chargers for charging AAA up to D cell batteries and 9v. Found batteries and compatible chargers on https://power.tenergy.com/
I have a 400 watt inverter that don't plan to mount, just have post mounts externally.
Also have a marine type fuse box similar to what Will uses in his 12v projects.
This tool box has a tray on top to store various items.
So this is my first project powerbox and I'm thinking it can be used for camping, power outages, fishing, hunting or other outdoor activities.
It's been a fun project and what I have done up to this point all works very well.