M18 Over Discharge Protection

[DawgPaw]

I want to run my son’s Power Wheels truck off of my Milwaukee batteries. My plan is to use one of the 3D printed battery adapters and a DC motor speed controller. I’ll upgrade the motors if he burns them up. This has been done many times, and there are plenty of examples of how to do the wiring.

What I cannot find is if Milwaukee M18 batteries have discharge protection. The battery description says it does, but some say it is built into the tool itself. Does anybody know if the battery will over discharge if not in a Milwaukee tool?

Thanks!

 

[driz]

That’s interesting !!! I’d assume it’s in the battery itself but ??? That might warrant a call to Customer Service just don’t be surprised If they have to look it up somewhere and get back to you


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[jayfrank5074]

Yes it can over discharge. The main leads are direct to the cells.

The battery tells the tool to turn off.

Take the battery apart and see if you want.


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[DawgPaw]

So is there a workaround? I have seen the batteries used in other applications. I wonder if anybody has some type of protection other than checking the batteries periodically.

 

[DawgPaw]

Turns out I should have kept Googling...

 

[rlitman]

Yes it can over discharge. The main leads are direct to the cells.

The battery tells the tool to turn off.

Take the battery apart and see if you want...

Exactly. So, if you're using Redlink tools, you are protected, but not otherwise.
Adding a contactor into every battery just doesn't make sense for Milwaukee, since the tool already have on/off control.

 

[DawgPaw]

Fortunately it looks like it is a $12 fix. I need to see if I can find a little box to put these two pieces in. This is one time that I miss RadioShack like places. While there is so much more available now it is sometimes harder not being able to just look at it in person.

 

[Odd-job]

Sounds like your kid(s) are going to have some fun with power wheel burnouts.

It is pretty easy to tell when the battery is getting weak in the power wheels to be honest. It definitely loses its mojo.

I’ve killed two 9.0s from actually leaving them connected where the speed controller would give them a slow death via parasitic drain. You would think I would learn my lesson.

Still need to wire up a variable speed pedal to save those plastic transmissions...

 

[DawgPaw]

Haha I’m glad to hear that you had good results. They make a lot of upgrades so I’ll do that as he breaks things.

https://www.mltoys.com/category-s/116.htm

I really just want a faster recharge time, but more power can’t hurt! He hauled a bunch of straw bales and bags. It was actually helpful...I’m going to work on the traction as well. Might try the bike tire thing.

 

[rlitman]

Haha I’m glad to hear that you had good results. They make a lot of upgrades so I’ll do that as he breaks things.

https://www.mltoys.com/category-s/116.htm

I really just want a faster recharge time, but more power can’t hurt! He hauled a bunch of straw bales and bags. It was actually helpful...I’m going to work on the traction as well. Might try the bike tire thing.

Tune in for the next week of quarantine, where you've built an entire go-cart around the steering wheel, seat and a few battery packs.

 

[DawgPaw]

Tune in for the next week of quarantine, where you've built an entire go-cart around the steering wheel, seat and a few battery packs.

I probably shouldn’t tell you that I’ve been looking at trailers...lol

 

[jgromada]

useful post

 

[rlitman]

I probably shouldn’t tell you that I’ve been looking at trailers...lol

And suddenly there IS a use for recycled bed-framem HF 120V flux core welded trailers. LMAO.

 

[Odd-job]

Haha I’m glad to hear that you had good results. They make a lot of upgrades so I’ll do that as he breaks things.

https://www.mltoys.com/category-s/116.htm

I really just want a faster recharge time, but more power can’t hurt! He hauled a bunch of straw bales and bags. It was actually helpful...I’m going to work on the traction as well. Might try the bike tire thing.

Think I might go for a metal first gear upgrade. Definitely have more money into the upgrades then the power wheels Escalade itself!