The nuances of charging various types of batteries
For normal operation of power supplies of any type, it is recommended that:
- do not overheat;
- do not recharge;
- do not overdischarge.
To replenish the battery capacity, pulse or standard unregulated charging units are used. The initial charge is carried out with a previously discharged battery. New NiCd cells are recommended to do a 3-fold discharge-charge mode. Subsequently, only a full charge will be needed. An indicator of the end of the replenishment of the capacity will be a noticeable heating of the battery case.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries, unlike cadmium batteries, should be stored with a small (30-40%) capacity level. These batteries are more sensitive to heat and therefore should not be overloaded during operation. For this, the screwdriver has a torque selection ring. Due to the fact that the Ni-MH-battery is subject to the "memory effect", to restore the capacity, you need to periodically carry out 4-6-fold "training" modes.
After charging the battery, it is necessary to allow time for cooling down. Otherwise, it will affect the magnitude of the current output. If during the discharge the voltage of 0.9 V and below was reached, some chargers will not “see” the inserted element. On any charger with low currents, it will be necessary to achieve the required value, and then continue charging with a standard device.
Lithium-ion batteries can be charged without having to wait until they are completely discharged. The given capacity is highly dependent on the ambient temperature. Optimum parameters are achieved in room conditions. Li-ion batteries are sensitive to the amount of charging current, especially at the end of the process. The allowed tolerance is 0.05 V. The middle cell takes about 3 hours to charge. Time may vary depending on capacity.
Protected lithium batteries do not suffer from over- or under-charging. The built-in protection board cuts off excessive voltage (more than 3.7 V per cell) during charging and disconnects the battery if the charge level has dropped to a minimum, about 2.4 V. The presence of the device significantly extends the life of the cell.
Background
Once upon a time, moving to a new apartment, I will receive as a gift a so-called “household screwdriver” under the brand name PRORAB 1112 B1N. This is a simple Chinese device, hundreds of types of which are sold in our construction and not very supermarkets. He played his role in the move - he was also a mixer, and was used to assemble furniture and tighten screws on thresholds, after which he was undeservedly forgotten. In use, I got the commonly used Hitachi DS12DVF3, and PRORAB, along with its Chinese battery, was forgotten on the loggia.
Three years of storage on a freezing loggia did not spare the banks, and after finding a shura during spring cleaning, it was no longer possible to use it - there was enough strength for a couple of self-tapping screws. At the same time, there was work for the auxiliary screwdriver / drill - during the manufacture of household furniture it is very annoying to change the equipment.
So I came up with the idea of converting an old cordless screwdriver into a network one. This had to be done, of course, with his own hands - a new foreman costs 1,500 rubles, a replaceable battery for him - 1,200 rubles. The choice of an economical owner, as they say, is obvious - we do it ourselves in the network.
How to convert a cordless screwdriver to operate on a 220 volt network
The craftsmen came up with several ways to remake the screwdriver to work on the electrical network. All of them are to provide the motor with the required supply voltage using an intermediate source or converter.
Table: Power supply options for the mains screwdriver
Power supply | Dignity | disadvantages |
Complete charger for screwdriver. |
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The charger takes up space on the table. |
A ready-made power supply placed in an old battery case. |
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Homemade power supplyplaced in the case of an old battery. |
|
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External power supply | Easy rework. |
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Computer power supply |
|
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Other ways to upgrade
Radio amateurs offer many options for upgrading the instrument. Some of them are very simple and boil down to the use of ready-made power supplies, while others require knowledge in the field of electrical engineering and give the device versatility. Classification of ways:
- Laptop power adapter.
- Connecting a computer switching power supply (power supply).
- Application of 12V car battery.
- Assembling a homemade power supply.
Using a laptop charger is the best solution to the problem. In addition, you need to know the parameters of the screwdriver and the charger (available for 12 V and 19 V), and also take into account the dimensions of the latter (for installation in the battery compartment). It is necessary to solder the output of the laptop's power adapter, to the terminals of which the battery is connected.
When using a pulsed power supply unit (power from 350 W and above) for a personal computer (AT form factor), you need to find the 12 V supply voltage at the connectors supplying the hard drive or CD-ROM drive. Remove the wires, and carefully cut and insulate the rest. It is possible to assemble a case for a power supply unit, which will allow obtaining a current of up to 16 A. In addition, it is necessary to remove the start protection. To do this, you need to connect the green wire to the black one from this connector. These two methods are very simple and do not require additional description.
The car battery is the optimal source of electrical energy. When upgrading the model, nothing has changed except connecting another battery. A significant drawback is its weight. In addition, you need to assemble a charger or purchase it from a specialized store.
Assembling your PSU is the optimal solution for those who maintain quality. The previous options are good, but they don't provide flexibility. For example, they are only applicable for screwdrivers with a voltage of 12, not 18 V. There are chargers designed for a voltage of 19 V. Getting 18 V is achieved by connecting batteries in series, for example, 12 and 6 V.It should be noted that the characteristics of the batteries should differ only in terms of voltage. That is why it is often necessary to assemble a power source yourself.
Models
If we compare the network and battery models of Diold screwdrivers, the latter are considered the most popular. Despite their limited functionality, they are compact, easy to use and capable of drilling, twisting and unscrewing fasteners. Such devices have two working speeds, reverse and anti-slip rubber inserts. The technical capabilities of devices with a 12 and 18 volt battery are practically the same. As for network models, they are, as a rule, preferred by professionals, since it is inconvenient to constantly interrupt to recharge the battery to perform voluminous work.
In the assortment of products from the Diold trademark there are 260 W and 560 W power screwdrivers. In addition, electric tools are available in single-speed and double-speed. You can also find a specialized 750 W model on sale, but it is not used as a drill. The external design of an electric screwdriver is practically no different from a cordless one. It is also equipped with a combined handle, reverse, illumination and speed control.
Compared to cordless devices, network devices are more powerful and heavier in weight. Therefore, their engine makes noise during operation. Electric models are equipped with a cable up to 4 meters long, so that when working at home, you can do without an extension cord. Such devices are quite capable of replacing a conventional drill. The only drawback of these models is the high price, so if one-time or simple work is planned, it is better to give preference to cordless screwdrivers.
Preparation, materials and tools
My version of the alteration is quite simple, so a minimum of tools and materials were needed.
Tool:
- Cutter or knife;
- Pliers;
- Soldering iron.
I will make a reservation that the alteration is quite household / handicraft, and real masters will use a soldering station here, a crimp for stripping and other devices, but the manipulations performed in the kitchen are quite worthy of an elementary home tool.
Materials:
- Electrical tape - where without it;
- Wire - 0.5 mm2 is enough for such a current;
- A drop of solder (if you solder at all, you can pinch it).
Before starting work, I insulated my place - I laid it with newspapers so as not to make the living room and used a wooden backing for safe soldering.
Advantages and disadvantages.
Ermak screwdrivers have a number of advantages.
- Wide range of. The device of this brand can be chosen by both a professional builder and an amateur for home use.
- The cost of the equipment is quite low. The Ermak screwdriver can be bought by almost everyone.
- The quality of the goods is quite high, the manufacturing process of the devices is controlled at every stage.
- The screwdrivers are guaranteed for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- All devices are equipped with keyless chucks that fit standard bits.
But the Ermak screwdrivers also have their drawbacks:
- models are not equipped with a battery charging indicator;
- when a battery fails, it is very difficult to find a new one.
How to use?
It is not difficult to use Ermak screwdrivers. Even a beginner can handle their operation. When working with a rechargeable model, you must first charge the battery. To do this, disconnect it from the device, insert the charger plug into a special hole and connect it to a 220 V outlet.
After the battery is charged, install it on the screwdriver. The device, which operates from the mains, is simply plugged into the socket.
Further, the operating instructions for the cordless and cordless screwdrivers are similar. We install the necessary nozzle into the cartridge, set the required revolutions (if your device is equipped with this function), remove the lock from the power button and perform the necessary manipulations.
Do not forget about safety when working with a screwdriver. Since the instrument is energized, do not use it with wet hands. Remember to lock the power button when transporting the instrument and changing bits. Do not overheat the device.
Clean the device from dust at the end of each use. Remove the battery from the screwdriver during long-term storage.