Dewalt backwards compatable Flexvolt battery system

[rpd]

Before you trade in 18V for 20V tools watch this video.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYhrBGkt8jk[/youtube]
Warning, some course language.

[reible]

Li-on cells are typically 3.6V so 1 is 3.6v, 2 is 7.2v, 3 is 10.8v etc. Like your typical car battery is lead acid and 2v per cell. So one would expect that it would read 12v......... does it? Nope, 12.6 is more typical. Turn the car on and that will jump to 13.7 to 14.7 typical.

Remember the old NiCd batteries? I've still got stuff using them, you might too. They have a typical voltage of 1.2v. Want 12v then guess how many you need? Too easy right? Well how about 15 to get 18v.

Where we use to have 15 batteries we now have 5...... smaller lighter and we all know how much better they perform. Call it 18v or what ever you like it is really a lot better then it use to be.

(Keep in mind these cells are in series so they add voltage. If they were parallel then they would not but the current capacity would increase. Some things take advantage of this so not all is what it seems.)

Ed

[Beave2012]

Before you trade in 18V for 20V tools watch this video.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYhrBGkt8jk[/youtube]
Warning, some course language.

Lol yes the dewalt 20v max is an 18v system. The 20v is the peak output initially (my guess is via capacitors). This can be checked with a multimeter, and it's purpose? My guess is the initial higher voltage helps the rotation with a bit more kick. Kind of like an air conditioner needs the initial high voltage via capacitor to kick on the fan...

Please correct me if I'm wrong...

[cooch366]

About 3 weeks ago I bought the 18v to 20v adapter kit and so far so good. It is lighter than the 18v batteries.

Haven't used them enough yet to give any kind of performance review or power comparison. But in lieu of having to buy 18v replacements, it's a nice alternative.

[Ed in Tampa]

Li-on cells are typically 3.6V so 1 is 3.6v, 2 is 7.2v, 3 is 10.8v etc. Like your typical car battery is lead acid and 2v per cell. So one would expect that it would read 12v......... does it? Nope, 12.6 is more typical. Turn the car on and that will jump to 13.7 to 14.7 typical.

Remember the old NiCd batteries? I've still got stuff using them, you might too. They have a typical voltage of 1.2v. Want 12v then guess how many you need? Too easy right? Well how about 15 to get 18v.

Where we use to have 15 batteries we now have 5...... smaller lighter and we all know how much better they perform. Call it 18v or what ever you like it is really a lot better then it use to be.

(Keep in mind these cells are in series so they add voltage. If they were parallel then they would not but the current capacity would increase. Some things take advantage of this so not all is what it seems.)

Ed

I don't think anyone disagrees with the statement the Lithium ion are better. What the video showed is either Dewalt over rates their batteries or Milwakee under rates them. If they use the same batteries and the same number, the voltage will be the same. 18 volts if it is Lithium Ion.

The 60 volt pak according to Dewalt has 3 rows of 5 batteries. Depending on which external connector is used they are connected in serial for Dewalts 60 volts or in parallel for Dewalts 20 volts. In parallel their amp hours goes up and in series they come down.

The reason a car battery shows 13.6 - 14.6 volts when the car is started is the alternator is charging it.

[Ed in Tampa]

Before you trade in 18V for 20V tools watch this video.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYhrBGkt8jk[/youtube]
Warning, some course language.

Lol yes the dewalt 20v max is an 18v system. The 20v is the peak output initially (my guess is via capacitors). This can be checked with a multimeter, and it's purpose? My guess is the initial higher voltage helps the rotation with a bit more kick. Kind of like an air conditioner needs the initial high voltage via capacitor to kick on the fan...

Please correct me if I'm wrong...

I don,t think there is a capacitor. I think dewalt is over rating their batteries.
If you read the small print it states the voltage is 18volts. They claim if measured without a load
they are 20 volts????

[dusty]

Before you trade in 18V for 20V tools watch this video.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYhrBGkt8jk[/youtube]
Warning, some course language.

Lol yes the dewalt 20v max is an 18v system. The 20v is the peak output initially (my guess is via capacitors). This can be checked with a multimeter, and it's purpose? My guess is the initial higher voltage helps the rotation with a bit more kick. Kind of like an air conditioner needs the initial high voltage via capacitor to kick on the fan...

Please correct me if I'm wrong...

I don,t think there is a capacitor. I think dewalt is over rating their batteries.
If you read the small print it states the voltage is 18volts. They claim if measured without a load
they are 20 volts????

Small print?? Where?

[Ed in Tampa]

Lol yes the dewalt 20v max is an 18v system. The 20v is the peak output initially (my guess is via capacitors). This can be checked with a multimeter, and it's purpose? My guess is the initial higher voltage helps the rotation with a bit more kick. Kind of like an air conditioner needs the initial high voltage via capacitor to kick on the fan...

Please correct me if I'm wrong...

I don,t think there is a capacitor. I think dewalt is over rating their batteries.
If you read the small print it states the voltage is 18volts. They claim if measured without a load
they are 20 volts????

Small print?? Where?

Dusty
If you look at the Dewalt announcement video in the lower left and lower right corners you will see the fine print. I can not find the actual announcement at the Dewalt site but here is a site that has a copy. http://gizmodo.com/dewalts-new-60-volt- ... 1782282831

[JPG]

FWIW a lead acid(automobole) battery is 2.2v / cell = 13.2v when fully charged. The charging voltage needs to be slightly higher to get it fully charged.

[reible]

FWIW a lead acid(automobole) battery is 2.2v / cell = 13.2v when fully charged. The charging voltage needs to be slightly higher to get it fully charged.

Yes but if you ever measure a car battery for real it will be about 12.6 giving you a 2.1v per cell. If you have a meter go and check your car. Newer cars always provide a load on the battery.

Ed