Showing posts with label nimh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nimh. Show all posts

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Dewalt DE9116 Charger

Details And Information On The Dewalt DE9116 Battery Charger

This is the standard replacement charger unit that is designed to recharge most Dewalt cordless power tool batteries that are either Nicad or NiMh.

The Dewalt DE9116 Battery Charger is the same unit that is supplied as original equipment with the majority of cordless drills, circular saws, and other cordless power tools in the Dewalt model range.

It is capable of recharging their battey packs that are 7.2v to 18v in size. This particular model is of the "intelligent" design and works by measuring each batteries packs internal cells as it charges.

The approximate charge time (depending on the size and voltage of the pack inserted) is around 30 to 50 minutes.

The DE9116 feature a status LED light to indicate when the battery pack fitted has been fully recharged.

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Can Dewalt Batteries Have New Cells Fitted?

Repairs To Dewalt Nicad Rechargeable Battery Packs

A popular question by owners and users of Dewalt cordless power tools is can the Ni Cd battery backs be repaired and fitted with new cells?

The answer to this is Yes, but there are several considerations to be made before this is undertaken.

The first thing to consider is if the battery in question is still under any warranty or guarantee.

Brand new original Dewalt nicad batteries are covered with a 12 month warranty against faulty parts or workmanship. The manufacturers guarantee does not cover damage or faults which are due to accidental damage such as the power tool being dropped, and which results in a fractured battery casing or the internal cells weld in the pack breaking free.

If it is not under any form of warranty the next thing to consider is if it is economical to have the battery pack repaired.
The selling price of new original supplier Dewalt nicad batteries can depend on the voltage, the amp rating, the model number, and sales promotion that is in place at any one time. During particular seasons and months it is not unusual for Dewalt to run sales offers on different cordless power tools as well as their rechargeable batteries.

The cost of a new replacement pack should therefore be obtained, with perhaps quotes from several power tool dealers to compare.

Repairing And Fitting New Internal Cells

If the plastic casing on the faulty battery pack can be opened easily (most professional packs are held together with phillips or torx headed screws) then without a doubt new internal ni cad cells can be fitted. As long as the casings are intact the battery pack can have an indefinate life span.

If the pack is sealed there is no other option than to open it by way of carefully cutting the joints with a tool such as a dremel multi or similar. The casing afterwards would need to be glued or ultrasonically welded.

If you intend to repair the pack yourself establish if you have the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to complete the work. If you can open the dewalt battery packs casing you are half way there.

The next step is to identify and replace the internal cells. The nicad cells (the number of will vary depending on whether the power tool is 7.2v, 12v, 14.4 volt, 18 volt, or 24 volt) are available to buy individually from various suppliers and come in different capacity sizes.

The capacity size can mean the cell is smaller or larger in physical size and dimensions, so it is important to only buy cells that can fit into the battery packs plastic housing. If larger capacity cells can be fitted, this is a good option as it will give the relevant cordless power tool a longer running time when used.

The capacity size is measured in milliamps (mA). There are 1000 milliamps per amp so a standard 2.0 amp hour Dewalt battery may have the option of being upgraded to around 2.2 or 2.4 ah size.

Choosing Replacement Cells

When purchasing your new cells ensure they have the correct terminal types you require. Original equipment Dewalt Battery Packs are comprised of cells that are spot welded with metal connecting plates accross them.

Replacement "pattern" cells can be of this type or alternatively have connector lugs present to be used with either soldered wiring or solder joints. For the home repairer these last two types are best (as you most likely will not have a battery spot welding machine) being the easiest to fit.

The spot welded type however are of a stronger construction, being able to stand up to the rigours and expectations a portable power tool may be put to.

The rechargeable battery pack should be assembled in the same order it was dismantled with the plastic outer casings screwed or glued back together.

Finally the pack should be given a continuity test, and then given a complete charge cycle to condition the reconditioned battery up to full power.


Thursday, 14 January 2010

Dewalt Battery Care

Information On Caring For Dewalt Rechargeable Batteries

1) Are Genuine Dewalt Batteries Manufactured To A Higher Quality Than Alternative Brands Or Copies?

Yes. It is recommended that only genuine Dewalt branded battery units are fitted to any Dewalt Power Tool.

2) Do the battery packs need to be completely discharged before re-charging?

No. It is just the opposite. As soon as you feel or notice a significant drop in power or speed from the particular cordless tool you are using, you should stop using the battery that is fitted. It is at this time when it is best to re-charge it using the recommended charger unit. If a rechargeable battery is totally run down it could damage it.

3) Can any battery charger manufactured by Dewalt be used to charge my battery?

No. Particular Dewalt battery chargers will only recharge certain batteries. Dewalt however do make and sell several charger units which accept the majority of batteries they have produced. These are described as their "intelligent chargers. These units have been developed over the years and can accept battery packs of different voltages, capacity sizes, and chemical make up. Different specifications and fitment apply to each unit.

4) What are the model numbers of their "intelligent" multi voltage chargers?

Several code / spare part numbers apply. The most popular ones being; DE9112, DE9116, DE9117, DE9216.

5) Why does the battery become warm whilst it is being charged?

During the charging process, as the rechargeable battery reaches full power capacity some of the energy converts to heat. A battery in good condition should become warm to the touch at this point, but not become hot. If you have a Dewalt battery that gets hot after a full charge the battery or charger unit has developed a fault or reached the end of its useful service life.

6) Can the temperature affect a Dewalt battery or it's operating performance?

Yes. If the temperature is cold (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) or too hot (105 degrees Fahrenheit or more) it will not accept a full charge. If charging is attempted in these temperature extremes the battery in most cases will suffer a reaction and be damaged, affecting it's runtime and overall performance when fitted to a power tool.

7) Can an automotive charger be used with Dewalt cordless tool batteries?

Yes. However, only the DW9109 model can be used. This will accept batteries from 7.2 volt to 18 volt in size.

8) Does a Dewalt "15 minute" rapid charger give as much power as a 1 or 2 hour charger?

Yes. The 15 minute fast charger is an "intelligent" model that uses a three (3) stage process to top up each battery pack. This high tech unit measures each internal cell, balances them, and fills each cell up to it's maximum possible capacity.

9) Can the "15 minute" intelligent charger damage a battery beacuse of it's very fast charging?

No. Due to a patented termination system this unit will not damage or harm any battery used in it. This particular charger will allow you to care for your power tools battery and get the maximum service life from it.

10) If my Dewalt battery will not hold power or accept a new charge is it faulty?

Possibly. There are however several reasons why you may have this problem. If the pack has a broken connection inside, or a single internal or multiple cell has failed, the battery will be unuseable. Other options are the battery has been charged incorrectly or with a damaged / faulty battery charger. There could be dirt or an object preventing the contacts working. Finally, due to use and age it could of reached the end of it's normal service life.