makita DC18RA Fast Charger Instruction Manual

makita DC18RA Fast Charger

Product Information

The DC18RA Fast Charger is a battery charger designed for use with MAKITA rechargeable batteries. It is a compact and lightweight charger, weighing only 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs). The charger is equipped with a red charging light and a green light to indicate the charging status of the battery. It also features a preset brief melody sound or buzzer sound to notify the completion of charging.

Specifications

• Model: DC18RA
• Weight: 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs)

Important Safety Instructions

Please read and follow these safety instructions before using the battery charger:

1. Save these instructions and refer to them when needed.
2. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the battery charger, battery, and product using the battery.
3. Charge only MAKITA rechargeable batteries marked on the charger source to reduce the risk of injury.
4. Pull the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
5. Ensure that the cord is located in a way that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or subjected to damage or stress.
6. Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug; replace them immediately.
7. Do not operate or disassemble the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged.

Product Usage Instructions

Charging

1. Plug the battery charger into the proper AC voltage source. The charging light will flash in green color repeatedly.
2. Insert the battery cartridge into the charger until it stops adjusting to the guide of the charger. The terminal cover of the charger can be opened by inserting and closed by pulling out the battery cartridge.
3. When the battery cartridge is inserted, the red charging light will light up, and charging will begin with a preset brief melody sound for assurance.
4. With the completion of the charge, the charging light will change from red to green, and a melody sound or buzzer sound (a long beep) will come out to notify the completion of charge.
5. If you leave the battery cartridge in the charger after the charging cycle is complete, the charger will switch into its conditioning mode to maintain the optimal conditions of the battery cartridge.
6. After charging, remove the battery cartridge from the charger and unplug the charger from the power source.

Changing Melody of Completed Charging

1. Insert the battery cartridge into the charger to bring out the last preset brief melody sound of completed charging.
2. Remove and re-insert the battery cartridge within five seconds after this action to change the melody sound.
3. Repeat the process of removing and re-inserting the battery cartridge within another five seconds to cycle through different melody sounds.
4. When the desired melody sound comes out, leave the battery cartridge inserted, and the charge will begin.
5. If a short beep mode is selected, no completed charging signals will come out (Silent Mode).
6. With the completion of the charge, the green light remains lit, and either the preset melody sound or buzzer sound (a long beep) comes out to notify completion of charge. In the selected silent mode, no sounds come out.
7. The preset melody sound remains stored even when the charger is unplugged.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use the DC18RA Fast Charger with batteries from other brands?
  No, the DC18RA Fast Charger is designed specifically for use with MAKITA rechargeable batteries. Using batteries from other brands may result in compatibility issues or damage to the charger.

• How long does it take to fully charge a battery?
  The charging time may vary depending on the capacity of the battery. It is recommended to refer to the battery’s user manualfor specific charging times.

• Can I charge multiple batteries simultaneously?
  No, the DC18RA Fast Charger is designed to charge one battery at a time. Charging multiple batteries simultaneously may result in improper charging or damage to the batteries.

• What should I do if the charging light does not turn on?
  Ensure that the charger is properly plugged into an AC voltage source. If the charging light still does not turn on, check the battery and charger for any damage or contact MAKITA customer support for assistance.

• Can I leave the battery cartridge in the charger after the charging cycle is complete?
  Yes, you can leave the battery cartridge in the charger after the charging cycle is complete. The charger will switch into its conditioning mode to maintain the optimal conditions of the battery cartridge.

Symbols

The followings show the symbols used for the chager and battery. Be sure that you understand their meaning before use.

• Ready to charge

• Charging

• Charging complete

• Delay charge (Cooling)

• Defective battery

• Conditioning

• Cooling abnormality

• Do not short batteries.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION:

1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS — This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for battery charger.
2. Before using battery charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, (2) bat-tery, and (3) product using battery.
3. CAUTION — To reduce risk of injury, charge only MAKITA rechargeable batteries marked on the charger label. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.
4. Non-rechargeable batteries cannot be charged with this battery charger.
5. Use a power source with the voltage specified on the nameplate of the charger.
6. Do not charge the battery cartridge in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
7. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
8. Never carry charger by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle.
9. After charging or before attempting any maintenance or cleaning, unplug the charger from the power source. Pull by plug rather than cord whenever disconnecting charger.
10. Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
11. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug — replace them immediately.
12. Do not operate or disassemble charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise dam-aged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman. Incorrect use or reassembly may result in a risk of elec-tric shock or fire.
13. The battery charger is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
14. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the battery charger.
15. Do not charge battery cartridge when temperature is BELOW 10°C (50°F) or ABOVE 40°C (104°F).
16. Do not attempt to use a step-up transformer, an engine generator or DC power receptacle.
17. Do not allow anything to cover or clog the charger vents.

Charging

1. Plug the battery charger into the proper AC voltage source. Charging light will flash in green color repeatedly.
2. Insert the battery cartridge into charger until it stops adjusting to the guide of charger. Terminal cover of charger can be opened with inserting and closed with pulling out the battery cartridge.
3. When the battery cartridge is inserted, the red charging light will light up and charging will begin with a preset brief melody sound coming out for assurance as to which sound will come out to notify the completion of charging.
4. With finish of charge, the charging light will change from red one to green one and the melody sound or buzzer sound (a long beep) comes out to notify completion of charge.
5. If you leave the battery cartridge in the charger after the charging cycle is complete, the charger will switch into its “trickle charge (maintenance charge)” mode which will last approximately 24 hours.
6. Charging time varies by temperature (10°C (50°F) – 40°C (104°F)) that battery cartridge is charged at and conditions of the battery cartridge, such as a battery cartridge which is new or has not been used for a long period of time.
7. After charging, remove the battery cartridge from the charger and unplug the charger from the power source.

Changing melody of completed charging

1. Inserting the battery cartridge into charger brings out last preset brief melody sound of completed charging.
2. Removing and re-inserting it within five seconds after this action makes the melody sound change.
3. Every time removing and re-inserting it within another five seconds after this, the melody sound changes in order.
4. When the desired melody sound comes out, leave the battery cartridge being inserted and the charge will begin. When a “short beep” mode is selected, no completed charging signals comes out. (Silent Mode)
5. With finish of charge, the green light remains lit with the red light going out and the melody sound preset at the insertion of battery cartridge or buzzer sound (a long beep) comes out to notify completion of charge. (In selected silent mode, no sounds come out.)
6. Preset melody sound remains stored even when the charger is unplugged.

NOTE:

• The battery charger is for charging Makita-battery cartridge. Never use it for other purposes or for other manufacturer’s batteries.
• When you charge a battery cartridge which is new or has not been used for a long period of time, it may not accept a full charge until after discharging it completely and recharging a couple of times.
• If you charge a battery cartridge from a just-operated tool or battery cartridge which has been left in a location exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, the charging light may flash in red color. If this occurs, wait for a while. Charging will begin after the battery cartridge is cooled by the cooling fan installed in the charger. When the temperature on battery is more than approx. 70°C, two charging lights may flash in red color, and when approx. 50°C – 70°C, one charging light in red color.
• If the charging light flashes alternately in green and red color, charging is not possible. The terminals on the charger or battery cartridge are clogged with dust or the battery cartridge is worn out or damaged.

Cooling system

• This charger is equipped with cooling fan for heated battery in order to enable the battery to prove its own performance. Sound of cooling air comes out during cooling, which means no trouble on the charger.

• Yellow light will flash for warning in the following cases.

• Trouble on cooling fan

  • Incomplete cool down of battery, such as, being clogged with dust
    The battery can be charged in spite of the yellow warning light. But the charging time will be longer than usual in this case.
    Check the sound of cooling fan, vent on the charger and battery, which can be sometime clogged with dust.

• The cooling system is in order although no sound of cooling fan comes out, if the yellow warning light will not flash.

• Always keep clean the vent on charger and battery for cooling.

• The products should be sent to repair or maintenance, if the yellow warning light will frequently flash.

Conditioning charge

• Conditioning charge can extend the life of battery by automatically searching the optimum charging condition for the batteries in every situation.
• The battery employed in the following conditions repeatedly requires “conditioning charge” to prevent fast wear out. In that case, yellow light lights up.
  1. Recharge of battery with its high temperature
  2. Recharge of battery with its low temperature
  3. Recharge of full charged battery
  4. Over-discharge of battery (continue to discharge battery in spite of down of power.) The charging time of such battery is longer than usual.

Trickle charge (Maintenance charge)

• If you leave the battery cartridge in the charger to prevent spontaneous discharging after full charge, the charger will switch into its “trickle charge (maintenance charge)” mode and keep the battery cartridge fresh and fully charged.
• To maintain product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, any other maintenance or adjustment should be performed by a Makita Authorized Service Centers, always using Makita replacement parts.

Note:
It may take twice the above charging time to the maximum because of the optimal charging selected according to the temperature (10°C (50°F) – 40°C (104°F)), conditions of battery cartridge and maintenance charge.

References

• MAKITA Industrial Power Tools - The Leader In Cordless with 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
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