Ryobi now offering Lithium batteries

[JThiessen]

Ryobi, one of the "low cost leaders" in tools, is now offering lithium 2.4Ah (18V) battery systems. On Ryobi's web site, a battery and charger have a list price of $99 USD. Looks to be a cheaper competitor to Dewalt batteries for the A123 style packs. I'm looking around for who their supplier is. So far, I've found that they are owned by Techtronic Industries Co..

[BrianG]

I think you should pick up a pack and do some exploratory surgery. Or, better yet, just wait until someone at rcgroups does it...

[glassdoctor]

I'm planning to pick up a pack... I have a Ryobi 18v set, so I have a good excuse. Then of course I will have to take it apart and get to the goodies.

I would like to build a truck that uses the pack just like it comes... just pop it into the truck like you would a drill. Then use the Ryobi charger too. :)

[BrianG]

The only issue with using the packs "as-is" is that the form factor generally isn't optimized for our use. Plus, the connections aren't as robust as we would like since we tend to draw more burst current than most powertools.

[What's_nitro?]

Dont the batteries (as is) have over-current protection as well?

[Serum]

but 18V is halve the power of 36V; that 99 bucks, is that for a charger AND the battery?

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I think you should pick up a pack and do some exploratory surgery. Or, better yet, just wait until someone at rcgroups does it...

I would, but I'm like a bull in a china store when it comes to soldering electronics! I can weld almost anything, but for some reason when it comes to electrical stuff, I fall flat on my face.

Serum
but 18V is halve the power of 36V; that 99 bucks, is that for a charger AND the battery?

Its for (1) battery and (1) charger. So hopefully, just the batteries will be quite a bit cheaper. I doubt if they will have A123 quality, but until they are tried, one never knows.

I do see one potential problem for Ryobi in this venture. They are making the new batteries backwards compatible with the old Nimh/Nicd tools, meaning the new Li packs will plug into your existing tools. Which also means the batteries will also fit their old chargers - which arent intended for Li charging......

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

I would, but I'm like a bull in a china store when it comes to soldering electronics! I can weld almost anything, but for some reason when it comes to electrical stuff, I fall flat on my face.

lol, I guess that would be a problem. Not too many people weld their batteries.

Originally Posted by JThiessen

I do see one potential problem for Ryobi in this venture. They are making the new batteries backwards compatible with the old Nimh/Nicd tools, meaning the new Li packs will plug into your existing tools. Which also means the batteries will also fit their old chargers - which arent intended for Li charging......

They probably incorporate a circuit in the pack that simply cuts the charge at the end of the CC phase eliminating the CV phase. Similar to how the lipodapter works.

[Serum]

Not too many people weld their batteries

most of them are spot welded actually.

[BrianG]

I guess I should have said "end-users"...

[Serum]

i was playin Brain..

You are one of the people i know sure of they know how batteries are connected..

[BrianG]

I know.
I just wanted to clarify for others' benefit.

And the name is Brian.

[Serum]

thanks for clarification Brain, oh mighty king of clarifying clarifications..

[glassdoctor]

What are you talking about... I thought Brian has seen my iron I use for building packs....

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...70_47520_47520

[BrianG]

lol. No, I guess I must have missed that one (you must keep it hidden in your van). The only one I've seen is the oxidized one you've had on your pit table.