Power tool companies have discovered USB-C(theverge.com)
theverge.com
Power tool companies have discovered USB-C
https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/27/22905482/dewalt-ryobi-milwaukee-usb-c-power-tool-batteries
6 comments
It's not that simple because all the cells have to be managed to always have the same charge level.
The first rule of USB C is if you aren't using it you probably should be.
I hope the M12 tools get a USB-PD adapter eventually.
I hope the M12 tools get a USB-PD adapter eventually.
A charging port right on the pack is a good idea, you can actually get AA li-ion batteries with usb-c charging (and power step down to 1.5V).[1]
Also nice for these large batteries that you can use them to charge stuff as well. I’ve got a bunch of Hitachi li-ion power tools, almost 10 years old and the charger for that doubles as a usb power source when a battery is installed[2], but it’s nicer to have the output on the battery itself.
V-mount camera batteries often have USB ports for power out as well. These batteries are really nice for robotics projects as they come in a variety of sizes and an extra 5V power supply always comes in handy[3]
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Deleepow-Rechargeable-Batteries-Lithi...
[2] https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/UC18YSL3-Hitachi-Charger-Slidi...
[3] https://tomantosfilms.com/13999/maxoak-v-mount-batteries/
Also nice for these large batteries that you can use them to charge stuff as well. I’ve got a bunch of Hitachi li-ion power tools, almost 10 years old and the charger for that doubles as a usb power source when a battery is installed[2], but it’s nicer to have the output on the battery itself.
V-mount camera batteries often have USB ports for power out as well. These batteries are really nice for robotics projects as they come in a variety of sizes and an extra 5V power supply always comes in handy[3]
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Deleepow-Rechargeable-Batteries-Lithi...
[2] https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/UC18YSL3-Hitachi-Charger-Slidi...
[3] https://tomantosfilms.com/13999/maxoak-v-mount-batteries/
getting closer to the scifi universal "power cell" every day
Did Apple figure it out yet?
On another note, if we ever get to the point where DeWalt makes a ruggedized laptop or tablet powered by their 20V battery packs, that'd also be pretty neat.