Has anybody made a home made powerbox with (M18) 20 volt batties? I have a bunch of M18 5ah batteries (8 to be exact) and would like to make a kit to charge my phone, power lights and have for a packup on my livescope. Has anybody built a kit like this and does it allow you to charge your phone and other things?
The M18 Power Source is a popular option because it offers a USB and barrel output at 12v. Lots of guys buy a barrel connector and put spade bits on it to connect to the flasher power cord. I suppose you could split the output into multiple USBs or barrel connections easily enough. Here’s an older link about this:
Easy peasy. Here’s what you need.
Jamin, Wont that make my output voltage around 10 volts? Then as my source voltage drops wont my output continue to drop?
It will drop the 18-20v down to 12v. Most power boxes made for charging general things are 12v because most accessories are 12v or less (e.g. phones and lights as you mentioned). Not all equipment can handle a 18-20v input. That’s why I recommended the 12v step down converter.
Ok thanks
I’m not sure but wouldn’t getting these two units just be the same as getting the Milwaukee Power Source? If that is the case, it would be easier to get the Milwaukee for a couple bucks cheaper and much easier. Plus it is Milwaukee which is always known quality. But I could be wrong…it has been known to happen.
Assuming you’re referring to this one:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/tools/cordless-tools/heated-gear/m18-power-source/49-24-2371#sp-specs
The OEM Milwaukee USB/12v adapter is limited to ~2A output on the barrel connector from what I’ve read. I’ve also read that it’s a pretty “dirty” electrical signal which could be an issue depending on what you plan to run off it.
Plus the USB out is a measly 500mA which will only really trickle charge current cell phones or tablets.
I am trying to build my own power box, So I plan to power lights, a glow hole, and my livescope, with the ability to charge my phone and other 12 volt accessories. But from what I have been finding, most of the my power connections work with 12 or 24 volt, so I wont need a transformer.
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