The nice thing about that ammo box is thw compartments in the lid. I am putting all my USB and 13.8vdc outputs inside the compartments. Keeps the box more weather resistant and tidy.
Hi - thanks for getting back to me on this. Decided to start with just one batter to make sure everything is working. Did find that i definitely need 2 solar panels - tried with one but the apt showed I was only outputting about 17v (using a xtar sp100). That one is easy to fix. But I noticed a couple of other things or issues that I am not sure about. 1. Once I add the resisted to the adapter it shows that is charging (blinking light) - guess thats normal? Even if its hooked up to the 75/20 MPPT charge controller. 2. When I have just the battery attached to the controller is showing 0 load output and getting
@CyberMerlin did you ever get the parameters set on the Victron? When I gave it connected as Chris shows, the load output is nil. Connecting the battery via his adapter directly to the DC converter works fine. I’m gettin 13.8 output to all the downstream connections. Can’t get the Victron to work so I’m thinking it’s a setting issue. Any guidance would be appreciated!
Brilliant! Thanks for dreaming this up and posting it. I've been powering field equipment with Ryobi batteries where there were no other options, but hadn't yet figured out how to recharge them at remote sites with solar panels...thanks to you I don't have to. You're my electronics hero of the month!
Yeah, you make good points. Power tool companies could easily expand by making heavy duty portable power stations primarily meant for off grid construction sites instead of just focusing on making people buy relatively small batteries that only work with their tools, which they constantly need need to fire up a gas generator to recharge.
Just remember that the charger normally checks the battery/outside temperature. You shouldn't charge a hot battery or when it is below freezing. Also limit the charge current to 2A.
I've been wanting to do this for years. I have so many Ryobi batteries and I don't want to invest in another company's portable solar system because I don't trust their batteries since they aren't replaceable. I also don't trust proprietary battery form factors even if they were replaceable. If the company goes out of business in 3 years and I need a new battery I'm screwed. I'm confident Ryobi will be around a long time so id rather have a solar system built around their batteries. Especially since there are many useful outdoor tools like a chainsaw i'd love to have in the backcountry. If Ryobi made this as a product I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Radical. Thanks for the tip on the 1.2K resistor. That's exactly what I needed to know. I will measure the leakage current in charge mode with my fluke 87V and report back
Did you ever figure out how much power is drained with the resistor in place ? I’m trying to figure out if I need dedicated charge adapters and dedicated discharge adapters or if I could just use the charge adapter for both with the resistor. Just don’t want too much drain happening with the resistor in place.
@@michaelkramer111 I could perform a test for you. What I personally do is.... * Discharge the batteries through the red and black wires * Charge the batteries with the factory charger * I've got seven of the factory chargers....... Just make sure you respect * LVC * HVC * OverTemp * UnderTemp * Abnormal (wet pack) * Etc -Schindler
I have a similar setup but have a 100AH (soon to be upgraded to 200 AH) 12v LifePo4 battery charged from the solar panels. I then have the options to charge my Makita batteries DC to DC or use a small inverter to use Makita’s AC charger. Although it’s less efficient I prefer to use the AC charger as the AC charger won’t charge the Makita batteries if the chip detects a fault in the tool batteries. I’ve previously tried charging faulty Makita batteries using a DC power supply, not a good idea. They overheat big time, so for safety I prefer to use Makita AC chargers. I could take one apart to see if I can convert an AC charger to a DC charger. I noticed Ryobi have DC car charger (12v cigarette male terminal). Thanks for posting your video, hope it’s inspired others to create their own DIY solar solution. Everyone should have their own solar powered battery bank even if it’s only used to charge their mobile phones and tablets from 5v usb outlets. In this day and age, we should be energy independent when charging small DC devices.
I figure the AC chargers to be about 88% efficient and a good inverter 90%. The AC chargers are not power factor corrected but for some reason this doesnt seem to draw any extra current from the 12v battery so it's not too bad. One other downside is the inverter's standby power draw after the charging is done but if you keep an eye on it not too bad.
Chris, would it be possible to see all of the VictronConnect 100/20 parameters that you set to make this work? I’m getting intermittent output from the DC/DC converter. Before I connect that converter, I measure 20.6 V on the Batt side of the MPPT. Sometimes, I’m seeing the same 20v on the load side. However, sometimes, after connecting the DC/DC converter I’m only showing 5-11 V on the output from the converter. It’s jumping around in that range, sometimes not showing any output at all. If I disconnect the converter and reconnect, sometimes it stays on and shows 20v, but it’s cutting off sometimes too. Just not consistent. Just wondering if it’s a setting on the Victron. Thanks very much for this video and your help.
Love the idea! I had thought about gutting one of the 6 bank superchargers to use as a place to store the MPPT and other electronics plus it would provide access to multiple packs at once. I have 6 of the 9Ah batteries and gobs of the 3ah sitting around and that supercharger fitted with 6x9Ah is pretty impressive looking :) Integrating the AC into the box if space was available would sure replicate the features of a Jackery and be tons cheaper to boot!!! Not sure if you got in on some of the discounts for the 9Ah batteries last year, but I was getting them for about $39/battery which was about as cheaply as I have seen them.
I have also converted the 6 bank supercharger into a battery bank. I got it as a free $79 tool with the purchase of two 4Ah batteries. Unfortunately you end up scraping almost everything. The printed circuit traces are too thin for 10A. So I had to solder wires to each of the terminals. I was able put the DC-DC converters inside the housing. I mounted the 300watt inverter on one end of the box.
@@SerendipitySue Awesome! I would love to see some of your other projects! Thanks for posting these adaptations as they give a lot of food for thought! Do you know if the Ryobi batteries will automatically stop charging with their integrated BMS? I've looked for videos on it but info is a bit light as to how they implement their battery protection circuitry.
@@patrickcallahan2210 The BMS on the Ryobi batteries are pretty good (Can't say the same about knockoffs). I programmed the Victron Solar Charge controller with the bulk/float voltages. I limited the charge to < 3A and set the low temp charge cutoff. Wish I had gotten the 9Am deal you did! Ryobi is out of them now :-(
@@SerendipitySue I'm sure they will have deals again when winter gets here like they always seem to. The current sales at HD are pretty weak compared to the holiday sales, though with COVID who knows what is going to happen this winter. I keep an alert set up on Slickdeals.net for Ryobi stuff and have gotten in on some very good deals previously :) It may be worth a look!
@@SerendipitySue Do you have any videos or web pages on your project of converting to a battery bank? This has always been a day dream of mine, would love to see any details of someone who's actually done it :)
Thanks for the video. This is what I am looking for. I have a few 6ah 18v Ryobi one+ batteries which I would like to power my portable projects like a ham radio and charge from solar. I am planning on having 12ah total so maybe 3 one+ 18v 4-6ah batteries in parallel might do. Of course all batteries should be same capacity and state of charge. Did you ever build yours to have parallel batteries?
Absolutely love this. Think we may be able to update it a little? I have some questions. So 2x12v solar panel in series is 24v. Ok. Good so far. 24v going into MPPT charge controller. Ok. MPPT set to give batteries 21v? And MPPT set to output solar panel voltage/ 24v? Why not use 24vdc inverter instead of going from 24vdc to 12vdc to 120vac? Also most of the usb QC and PD outlets will accept 24vdc so that would be 2 things to take off of the dc-dc converter. I have fed some of my 24vdc outlets 6s lithium (25.2vdc) with no issues. Just curious as I am about to build one of these things myself. Would you change/ do anything different if you had to build one of these today?
I have made a ton of different designs. Look thru my channel video tab. As you state, if you don't need 12V, the USB adapters will take the Ryobi 18V direct
I was thinking of the environmental benefits of Cordless Power Tools and wondered if there was a Solar Powered Charging Station to recharge the batteries and you answered my question...!!!! Cordless Power Tools have so many pros to reducing the worlds carbon footprint....!!!! I hope that all manufactures of Cordless Power Tools use your idea and produce this System...!!!! Sustainable Energies - Through Innovative Creative Thinking...!!!!!! 👏🌏👏🌎👏🌍👏🌏👏🌎👏🌍👏
Chris, this is a great video and very helpful info. When you upgrade to charge 2 Ryobi batteries simultaneously, do you plan to use the same Victron 100/20 Controller or will you need to upgrade that as well? Thanks again!
Charging is tricky. If you have two batteries of the same size and they start out fully charged, you can. You connect them in parallel so they act as one battery. You can then up the maximum charging current in the victron software.
Great project! I'm new to this,and I have a question. Your are charging 18V battery with 24V solar panel system. Does Ryobi battery have MPPT built in or you can set up your Victron MPPT to 21V? Im just wondering how you prevent from charging. Thanks in advance.
Hi mate.....with the victory controller, when configuring the charge voltage, what voltage did you set it at? I am looking at making this myself, but the little bracket for the top if the batteries, even though you printed them, is it possible to be able to buy 2 of the com0lete off you? If not can you purchase them anywhere? Oh yeah, I am on the bottom side of the world.......lol...Australia
Look at 6:24 minute mark in the video to see how to configure. I can't really sell/make/support the Ryobi parts. I've put the designs for free on Prusa/Thingiverse sites (see video comments). There are Internet companies that will print models for you
The parts are listed in the video description if you expand it. I have a Prusa MK3S with MMU2S. I also have a Prusa Mini. I print most things in PETG now. No harmful fumes and it is waterproof/UV resistant.
I've done a bunch of Ryobi projects. Hit the video link on my channel. Haven't solar charged multiple 18V unless they are same battery type (Ah) and charge level
I have an idea of making an inverter from 6 port chager. I haven't started this yet because I am in the middle of remodeling the house. But! As soon as I finish, I will start on it.
I have already converted mine 6 battery charger into a powerstation. I just have to get around to put the movie together. Been busy painting barn while weather is nice
Hi Chris - just got all the parts to assemble this and had one question for you. You mention that you what to be able to use 2 batteries at some point - how would wire it up to use 2 batteries.
If you had two similar batteries and kept them together so their voltages were the same you could just double the allowable charge current. But if you mistakenly put two batteries together with different voltages, it would be dangerous.
Another GREAT video...Just got my Sub !!! I bought a bunch of PORTER-CABLE 4 and 5 Ah batteries as spares for my tool kit, but they're just sitting around waiting for action. This could be the new need filled by the batteries !
Awesome work. Is there a reason that you are not inserting the switch BEFORE the 18-12v adapter? Could this device drain voltage just by being attached to the battery even without being used?
Awesome diy videos. Now I’m wanting a 3D printer meself. I’m thinking of using your pvc idea while I contemplate if I need a printer lol. My question is, is it necessary to have a resistor? I’ve also seen printed adaptors on Etsy and might use this too. Mostly curious if I have to adapt a resistor. TIA.
What about buying a solar panel that outputs 12V @ 6A then use the P131 ryobi 12V car charger to charge the batteries? I'm guessing you still need the charge controller though just to ensure a consistent output.
For kicks I'll try hooking up my 100watt MegaSolar folding panel ( amzn.to/3jWzJ30 ) and set the controller to 12V output. Then I'll hook it to the P131. It's max Amps out is 5A.
@@chrisnafis7000 Nice, I thought it might, maybe with two 100W panels it would work continuously as long as there is sun shining. I might do that as a project next spring.
if you start with several similar sized batteries that are fully charged and you put them in parallel and use them. The voltages will be equal after use. You can then charge them in parallel. You just don't want to mix different size/charge level batteries.
I don’t really have a way set up to sell them. I put the CAD model on thingiverse. You can have company on internet 3D print them or check public library or maker space for a 3D printer.
yeah, that didn't come off right. My point was you can't replace the batteries as they degrade or stop working. I had a eBike battery pack go bad after only two years with only light use. Bluetti has a 2 year warranty.
It's "throwing down the gauntlet." A gauntlet is a glove. In the old days, they would take off a gauntlet, or glove, and throw it on the ground at someone's feet to challenge them to a duel. Sometimes they would slap someone's face with the glove and then throw it on the ground.
I thought this was genius. I've been contemplating building one of these Ryobi powered solar gens for a while. I have a couple of questions for you. I don't have a 3D printer. I saw one of your other vids where you made the adapter to connect to the Ryobi batt from a PVC pipe. Any reason why that wouldn't work for a solar gen? Could I use a cheaper mppt charge controller to get the output for the Ryobi batts?
Yes you could use PVC tubes for battery connectors. The MPPT controller is more difficult. You need one that can be adjusted to the 21V charging voltage of the Ryobi 18V battery. You also want one that can limit the current to 2A.
Hi, just couple of question. How do you calculate the required ohms value for resistor, would it be same values for all the batteries? and will this setup prevent battery from over charging or damage the battery in anyway? Thank you, great video by the way!!
Do you know if you don’t put a name brand on that or you could put your own brand name on that you could sell that, I’d love one but it’s got to be a decent price be safe love the videos.
Having multiple Ryobi batteries a various different size it would be nice to have a power station that works using my battery is much like the EGO power station is.
I wanted to do something similar. I ordered 2 100W solar panels and a 12v charge controller. My plan is to connect the panels in parallel and feed into the controller. the output to the controller will connect to an inverter and I would plug a power bar to the inverter. I would then plug my 5 chargers into the power bar to charge my batteries. Will this work or is there too much load for 5 chargers
I saw in your parts list that you have a power supply charger that wasn't used in the vid. Were you going to use that to wall charge the power station, or for something else?
Hi Chris .. .love you designs and made a few of them and they all work fine. I tried this one and I am having issues. I am using an 18V Ryobi Battrer and the same voltage converter and the Victron controller. I used power pole connectors instead of the cigarette lighter socket and lever nuts. It will power up fine with a 100W foldable panel or a bench supply but after a while the load will get disconnected. the voltage drops off and the converter shuts down. I am using 2 12V led strips to the power poles as a load and USB socket adds a small load .... I disconnect the voltage converter and the the output on the load terminals goes back up ... and I tested the converter with the bench supply and battery and it works fine. configured the battery setting in the Victron through the app. I tried a second Victron and the same things happens. Any ideas what's wrong:? thanks Dave Rothman
not sure, maybe the load is too small and it turns off? I'll have to go back and check to see if there are more options in the App. You can always just hook your converter to the battery terminals instead of the LOAD terminals.
I tested it .. with a bench top supply and a ryobi battery .. and then reached out to the Victron rep . that sold it .... through their support line .... in email ... if you click the gear icon in the upper right ... there is a setting for .. load output ......... "Always off" or "Always on" They suggested I set it to Always On" that seems to have fixed it. I don't think they load was too low . when I connected the voltage convert to the bench top supply it worked fine. And make sure the jumper is out .. I also made your projects with the single battery topper . with the usb socket and the converter .. all work fine. Good Job with your projects .. thanks for your work. Do you know if the Ryobi batteries have short or surge protection? I was experimenting with something else and had 2 batteries in series ... and it seems like there was a short or surge ... I opened the pack and the batteries are fully charged .. but there is no output .. I think the board died .... I saw replacement boards . so I may try one.
Would the same approach work with Porter-Cable 18v Batteries? The adapter connection would be different of course. But I'm guessing that there still needs to be a resistor between two of the terminals. Does this matter whether it is older Ni-Cad batteries or Li-ion batteries?
I don't know how porter-cable batteries work. Not sure what is required to put them in charge mode. I would assume Ni-cad & Li-ion have different charger profiles. I've only played with Li-ion
Sorry, I'm not in the position to make/sell/support them. I put the 3D models on the web (see description). There are Internet vendors that will print 3D models for you
I was trying to show RYOBI that they should develop an 18V solar powerstation. I didn't want to have to use an additional battery. It would add weight and decrease efficiency.
sorry, I'm not in the position to make/sell/support these. I put the designs in the public domain. There are internet companies that will 3D print things for you
Has anyone made this work and be willing to share their Victron settings? I’ve connected everything as described here but when the Victron is part of the setup, the DC output load will not function. Without the Victron, the DC load works great. I’m thinking that it’s some Victron setting that drops the current on the output side. I’ve posted the question here to Chris, but no reply yet. Thanks in advance.
sorry, I thought I responded to you. You could always just hook the DC-DC converter to the battery terminals instead of the load terminals. You would lose the capability to turn off the load via your phone, but it should work.
@@SerendipitySue Thanks Chris. Sorry to be slow, but If I do that, the batteries would be out of the loop and also not chargeable wouldn’t they? I’d really like to solve the no-load issues with it setup per your design. It’s a thing of beauty. Thanks for your help.
@@tdknucklehead9416 connect both the battery and the load wires to the battery connector on the Victron. Many Victron solar chargers only have 4 terminals (solar panel and battery connections.)
It's not true you throw out Jackery or Bluetti, the max capacity just diminishes based on that cycle time. Same thing happens with all Lithium systems. After 10 years you may want to break them open to salvage parts, but by then you're likely able to get much cheaper and powerful components anyway. Especially at their capacity, having users swap components would be dangerous. While using Ryobi or other battery packs is certainly more expensive than buying the Li-Ion batteries directly and making your own packs, I'd guess this method is quite a bit safer with each battery pack having it's own circuitry right?
Yes after a certain number of cycles the battery loses capacity. They will still work. But the battery are not replaceable. The advantage for a ryobi battery system is: 1) you already have the batteries, 2) batteries are most expensive part, 3) you can use batteries for other things, 4) if battery technology improves or cost drops you can take advantage of it. I see this as a good alternative for someone who only occasionally needs backup power.
I'm not in the position to make/sell them. I put the 3D files at: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4582408 If you look in the video description, it lists all the parts I used.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
The nice thing about that ammo box is thw compartments in the lid.
I am putting all my USB and 13.8vdc outputs inside the compartments.
Keeps the box more weather resistant and tidy.
Yes! Ryobi, please listen to this intelligent gentleman!!! We Ryobi people would love to buy what this man is making!!!
Hi - thanks for getting back to me on this. Decided to start with just one batter to make sure everything is working. Did find that i definitely need 2 solar panels - tried with one but the apt showed I was only outputting about 17v (using a xtar sp100). That one is easy to fix. But I noticed a couple of other things or issues that I am not sure about.
1. Once I add the resisted to the adapter it shows that is charging (blinking light) - guess thats normal? Even if its hooked up to the 75/20 MPPT charge controller.
2. When I have just the battery attached to the controller is showing 0 load output and getting
@CyberMerlin did you ever get the parameters set on the Victron? When I gave it connected as Chris shows, the load output is nil. Connecting the battery via his adapter directly to the DC converter works fine. I’m gettin 13.8 output to all the downstream connections. Can’t get the Victron to work so I’m thinking it’s a setting issue. Any guidance would be appreciated!
Brilliant! Thanks for dreaming this up and posting it. I've been powering field equipment with Ryobi batteries where there were no other options, but hadn't yet figured out how to recharge them at remote sites with solar panels...thanks to you I don't have to. You're my electronics hero of the month!
This is awesome. The charging was my only hangup - ty for the resistor value to enable charging!
Thanks for the 3D-print adaptor on the Ryobi battery terminals. Saved me a lot of time from designing one.
Yeah, you make good points. Power tool companies could easily expand by making heavy duty portable power stations primarily meant for off grid construction sites instead of just focusing on making people buy relatively small batteries that only work with their tools, which they constantly need need to fire up a gas generator to recharge.
I've been looking for the way to trigger the charging mode for quite some time. Thank you so very much !
Just remember that the charger normally checks the battery/outside temperature. You shouldn't charge a hot battery or when it is below freezing. Also limit the charge current to 2A.
@@chrisnafis7000 oh of course, i'm used to charging these things diy. Before i had to open them to do so...
I've been wanting to do this for years. I have so many Ryobi batteries and I don't want to invest in another company's portable solar system because I don't trust their batteries since they aren't replaceable. I also don't trust proprietary battery form factors even if they were replaceable. If the company goes out of business in 3 years and I need a new battery I'm screwed. I'm confident Ryobi will be around a long time so id rather have a solar system built around their batteries. Especially since there are many useful outdoor tools like a chainsaw i'd love to have in the backcountry. If Ryobi made this as a product I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
You need to work for Ryobi and show them how's done.
Good job! 👍👍👍
Absolutely AWESOME!!! Thanks for putting this together.
A trick: you can watch movies on flixzone. Been using it for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.
@Jadiel Abdiel yup, I've been watching on flixzone for since december myself =)
@Jadiel Abdiel Yea, I have been using flixzone for months myself =)
Radical. Thanks for the tip on the 1.2K resistor. That's exactly what I needed to know.
I will measure the leakage current in charge mode with my fluke 87V and report back
Did you ever figure out how much power is drained with the resistor in place ? I’m trying to figure out if I need dedicated charge adapters and dedicated discharge adapters or if I could just use the charge adapter for both with the resistor. Just don’t want too much drain happening with the resistor in place.
@@michaelkramer111 I could perform a test for you. What I personally do is....
* Discharge the batteries through the red and black wires
* Charge the batteries with the factory charger
* I've got seven of the factory chargers.......
Just make sure you respect
* LVC
* HVC
* OverTemp
* UnderTemp
* Abnormal (wet pack)
* Etc
-Schindler
Pa we use inverters in our trucks to charge our batteries. Love the presentation and train of thought
I'm glad you did it, thanks
I have a similar setup but have a 100AH (soon to be upgraded to 200 AH) 12v LifePo4 battery charged from the solar panels. I then have the options to charge my Makita batteries DC to DC or use a small inverter to use Makita’s AC charger. Although it’s less efficient I prefer to use the AC charger as the AC charger won’t charge the Makita batteries if the chip detects a fault in the tool batteries. I’ve previously tried charging faulty Makita batteries using a DC power supply, not a good idea. They overheat big time, so for safety I prefer to use Makita AC chargers. I could take one apart to see if I can convert an AC charger to a DC charger. I noticed Ryobi have DC car charger (12v cigarette male terminal).
Thanks for posting your video, hope it’s inspired others to create their own DIY solar solution. Everyone should have their own solar powered battery bank even if it’s only used to charge their mobile phones and tablets from 5v usb outlets. In this day and age, we should be energy independent when charging small DC devices.
I figure the AC chargers to be about 88% efficient and a good inverter 90%. The AC chargers are not power factor corrected but for some reason this doesnt seem to draw any extra current from the 12v battery so it's not too bad. One other downside is the inverter's standby power draw after the charging is done but if you keep an eye on it not too bad.
I agree we should all start getting familiar with using direct DC charging for phones, speakers, flashlights, portable fans etc. Low hanging fruit
Chris, would it be possible to see all of the VictronConnect 100/20 parameters that you set to make this work? I’m getting intermittent output from the DC/DC converter. Before I connect that converter, I measure 20.6 V on the Batt side of the MPPT. Sometimes, I’m seeing the same 20v on the load side. However, sometimes, after connecting the DC/DC converter I’m only showing 5-11 V on the output from the converter. It’s jumping around in that range, sometimes not showing any output at all. If I disconnect the converter and reconnect, sometimes it stays on and shows 20v, but it’s cutting off sometimes too. Just not consistent. Just wondering if it’s a setting on the Victron. Thanks very much for this video and your help.
You are a king among men 👑
Thank you so much for the work you do. I appreciate the knowledge.
Awesome video. Do you sell the parts?
Love the idea! I had thought about gutting one of the 6 bank superchargers to use as a place to store the MPPT and other electronics plus it would provide access to multiple packs at once. I have 6 of the 9Ah batteries and gobs of the 3ah sitting around and that supercharger fitted with 6x9Ah is pretty impressive looking :) Integrating the AC into the box if space was available would sure replicate the features of a Jackery and be tons cheaper to boot!!! Not sure if you got in on some of the discounts for the 9Ah batteries last year, but I was getting them for about $39/battery which was about as cheaply as I have seen them.
I have also converted the 6 bank supercharger into a battery bank. I got it as a free $79 tool with the purchase of two 4Ah batteries. Unfortunately you end up scraping almost everything. The printed circuit traces are too thin for 10A. So I had to solder wires to each of the terminals. I was able put the DC-DC converters inside the housing. I mounted the 300watt inverter on one end of the box.
@@SerendipitySue Awesome! I would love to see some of your other projects! Thanks for posting these adaptations as they give a lot of food for thought!
Do you know if the Ryobi batteries will automatically stop charging with their integrated BMS? I've looked for videos on it but info is a bit light as to how they implement their battery protection circuitry.
@@patrickcallahan2210 The BMS on the Ryobi batteries are pretty good (Can't say the same about knockoffs). I programmed the Victron Solar Charge controller with the bulk/float voltages. I limited the charge to < 3A and set the low temp charge cutoff. Wish I had gotten the 9Am deal you did! Ryobi is out of them now :-(
@@SerendipitySue I'm sure they will have deals again when winter gets here like they always seem to. The current sales at HD are pretty weak compared to the holiday sales, though with COVID who knows what is going to happen this winter. I keep an alert set up on Slickdeals.net for Ryobi stuff and have gotten in on some very good deals previously :) It may be worth a look!
@@SerendipitySue Do you have any videos or web pages on your project of converting to a battery bank? This has always been a day dream of mine, would love to see any details of someone who's actually done it :)
Hi. Thanks very much for your video, very useful and very clear. Also appreciate the 3D part you have designed. Take care
Thanks for the video. This is what I am looking for. I have a few 6ah 18v Ryobi one+ batteries which I would like to power my portable projects like a ham radio and charge from solar. I am planning on having 12ah total so maybe 3 one+ 18v 4-6ah batteries in parallel might do. Of course all batteries should be same capacity and state of charge.
Did you ever build yours to have parallel batteries?
Nice work. 👍
Great job, as always!
You're a genius!!! I wish I could have your brain so I can convert all my 20v dewalt batteries into something without fried them up.
I agree with you 100%
great video, Im thinking about making this, thanks for the upload!
Very well done sir
This is fantastic. Thanks for posting this. I think i’ll try to make something similar.
Absolutely love this. Think we may be able to update it a little? I have some questions. So 2x12v solar panel in series is 24v. Ok. Good so far. 24v going into MPPT charge controller. Ok. MPPT set to give batteries 21v? And MPPT set to output solar panel voltage/ 24v?
Why not use 24vdc inverter instead of going from 24vdc to 12vdc to 120vac? Also most of the usb QC and PD outlets will accept 24vdc so that would be 2 things to take off of the dc-dc converter. I have fed some of my 24vdc outlets 6s lithium (25.2vdc) with no issues. Just curious as I am about to build one of these things myself.
Would you change/ do anything different if you had to build one of these today?
I have made a ton of different designs. Look thru my channel video tab. As you state, if you don't need 12V, the USB adapters will take the Ryobi 18V direct
A good while back I have asked Ryobi by email if they had solar and I just got a no-😠
WISH WISH WISH they listen to you in your prototype!!!!!!!!!!!😀
looks like they did! They announced a small 150W inverter with solar charging: www.ryobitools.com/products/details/18v-one-plus-power-source#
This is rad! Thank you!
I was thinking of the environmental benefits of Cordless Power Tools and wondered if there was a Solar Powered Charging Station to recharge the batteries and you answered my question...!!!!
Cordless Power Tools have so many pros to reducing the worlds carbon footprint....!!!!
I hope that all manufactures of Cordless Power Tools use your idea and produce this System...!!!!
Sustainable Energies - Through Innovative Creative Thinking...!!!!!!
👏🌏👏🌎👏🌍👏🌏👏🌎👏🌍👏
I freaking love your videos!
Chris, this is a great video and very helpful info. When you upgrade to charge 2 Ryobi batteries simultaneously, do you plan to use the same Victron 100/20 Controller or will you need to upgrade that as well? Thanks again!
Charging is tricky. If you have two batteries of the same size and they start out fully charged, you can. You connect them in parallel so they act as one battery. You can then up the maximum charging current in the victron software.
Great project! I'm new to this,and I have a question. Your are charging 18V battery with 24V solar panel system. Does Ryobi battery have MPPT built in or you can set up your Victron MPPT to 21V? Im just wondering how you prevent from charging. Thanks in advance.
AWESOME VIDEO! thanks for sharing.
Create a video step by step course and sell them. Great DIY content.
Hi mate.....with the victory controller, when configuring the charge voltage, what voltage did you set it at?
I am looking at making this myself, but the little bracket for the top if the batteries, even though you printed them, is it possible to be able to buy 2 of the com0lete off you?
If not can you purchase them anywhere?
Oh yeah, I am on the bottom side of the world.......lol...Australia
Look at 6:24 minute mark in the video to see how to configure. I can't really sell/make/support the Ryobi parts. I've put the designs for free on Prusa/Thingiverse sites (see video comments). There are Internet companies that will print models for you
@3:10 how did you determine it needs 1.2k resistor?
experimentation
Thank you very much for all your content. Two questions ..where you get your battery clips from? And what printer do you use?
The parts are listed in the video description if you expand it. I have a Prusa MK3S with MMU2S. I also have a Prusa Mini. I print most things in PETG now. No harmful fumes and it is waterproof/UV resistant.
Great vid!
Total genius
Great video !!! Question ... Will this set up also be able to charge 12v deep cell marine battery?
Wonderful.
Have you implemented any of your future ideas? adding multiple 18v namely?
I've done a bunch of Ryobi projects. Hit the video link on my channel. Haven't solar charged multiple 18V unless they are same battery type (Ah) and charge level
I have an idea of making an inverter from 6 port chager. I haven't started this yet because I am in the middle of remodeling the house. But! As soon as I finish, I will start on it.
I have already converted mine 6 battery charger into a powerstation. I just have to get around to put the movie together. Been busy painting barn while weather is nice
Here's the supercharger project: ruclips.net/video/TCWndCrfHi8/видео.html
Hi Chris - just got all the parts to assemble this and had one question for you. You mention that you what to be able to use 2 batteries at some point - how would wire it up to use 2 batteries.
If you had two similar batteries and kept them together so their voltages were the same you could just double the allowable charge current. But if you mistakenly put two batteries together with different voltages, it would be dangerous.
Another GREAT video...Just got my Sub !!! I bought a bunch of PORTER-CABLE 4 and 5 Ah batteries as spares for my tool kit, but they're just sitting around waiting for action. This could be the new need filled by the batteries !
Are Porter-cable batteries compatible with Ryobi? Or will you 3D print another adapter?
Awesome work. Is there a reason that you are not inserting the switch BEFORE the 18-12v adapter? Could this device drain voltage just by being attached to the battery even without being used?
You are correct. The switch LED was not rated for the higher voltage. I usually don't leave a battery in it.
Awesome diy videos. Now I’m wanting a 3D printer meself. I’m thinking of using your pvc idea while I contemplate if I need a printer lol. My question is, is it necessary to have a resistor? I’ve also seen printed adaptors on Etsy and might use this too. Mostly curious if I have to adapt a resistor. TIA.
Are you asking about the resistor for charging?
@@SerendipitySue Yes. So it is necessary for charging
@@ipugo1037 some batteries you can get away with just connecting the + terminal to T terminal. But I found it was more reliable to put in the resistor
What about buying a solar panel that outputs 12V @ 6A then use the P131 ryobi 12V car charger to charge the batteries?
I'm guessing you still need the charge controller though just to ensure a consistent output.
For kicks I'll try hooking up my 100watt MegaSolar folding panel ( amzn.to/3jWzJ30 ) and set the controller to 12V output. Then I'll hook it to the P131. It's max Amps out is 5A.
@@chrisnafis7000 I think it would work....as long as the solar panel is putting out more than 5A (60W) continuously.
@@BradKwfc I tried it and it did work as long as the solar panel put out 48W. Otherwise the P131 red/green lights started flashing
@@chrisnafis7000 Nice, I thought it might, maybe with two 100W panels it would work continuously as long as there is sun shining. I might do that as a project next spring.
Brilliant.
Great video. Any updates on how to charge multiple batteries, do you just wire them in parallel?
still investigating. I have charged two in serial with a 36V lithium charger. But haven't figured out reading the temp sensor yet
Great video! Is there any way to solar charge more than one battery simultaneously (in parallel)?
if you start with several similar sized batteries that are fully charged and you put them in parallel and use them. The voltages will be equal after use. You can then charge them in parallel. You just don't want to mix different size/charge level batteries.
Would you sell a couple of those green adapters for output only not for recharging? Shown at 2:25 of video.
I don’t really have a way set up to sell them. I put the CAD model on thingiverse. You can have company on internet 3D print them or check public library or maker space for a 3D printer.
Well done
Great idea!!!
Hold the phone Crarlie. You don't throw away after 500/800 or in Bluetti case 2000 cycles the batteries just decrease capacity by 20%.
yeah, that didn't come off right. My point was you can't replace the batteries as they degrade or stop working. I had a eBike battery pack go bad after only two years with only light use. Bluetti has a 2 year warranty.
Have you got a wiring diagram? I'm trying to understand what the DC->DC converter does
It's "throwing down the gauntlet." A gauntlet is a glove. In the old days, they would take off a gauntlet, or glove, and throw it on the ground at someone's feet to challenge them to a duel. Sometimes they would slap someone's face with the glove and then throw it on the ground.
yeah... I frequently get tongue-tied :-)
In the video you said to use a 1.2k resistor. How many watt resistor did you use?
1/4 watt
@@SerendipitySue How much to buy a unit from you all put together?
@@wjajaaa I really don't have the ability to make/sell/support the units. Sorry
You think you can make an adaptor for Ego batteries? I would like to purchase at least two if you have. This is a brilliant idea! Kudos!
I don't have any Ego batteries to test out. I put my 3D designs on the web for free. There are many web businesses that will print them for you.
i been looking for this in stores i thought it was an official Ryobi product how much would you charge for the adapter you made
sorry I'm not in a position to make/sell/support them. I put the free 3D models online. There are vendors that will print them for you.
I thought this was genius. I've been contemplating building one of these Ryobi powered solar gens for a while.
I have a couple of questions for you.
I don't have a 3D printer. I saw one of your other vids where you made the adapter to connect to the Ryobi batt from a PVC pipe. Any reason why that wouldn't work for a solar gen?
Could I use a cheaper mppt charge controller to get the output for the Ryobi batts?
Yes you could use PVC tubes for battery connectors. The MPPT controller is more difficult. You need one that can be adjusted to the 21V charging voltage of the Ryobi 18V battery. You also want one that can limit the current to 2A.
Hi, just couple of question. How do you calculate the required ohms value for resistor, would it be same values for all the batteries? and will this setup prevent battery from over charging or damage the battery in anyway?
Thank you, great video by the way!!
I did it experimentally. It works for the array of different Ryobi batteries I own.
Do you know if you don’t put a name brand on that or you could put your own brand name on that you could sell that, I’d love one but it’s got to be a decent price be safe love the videos.
Brilliant work! Have you thought about speaking to generic charger manufacturers?
Having multiple Ryobi batteries a various different size it would be nice to have a power station that works using my battery is much like the EGO power station is.
I guess ryobi saw this video now they just released a solar charging station for ryobis 18v batteries.
GENIUS!!!
AWESOME job, i have been trying to do something similar for many months. Can you charge multiple batteries at once with the same or similar design?
you can if the batteries are same Ah/charge level.
are you selling the ryobi 3d printed part with the hardware you added/soldered?
Sorry no, I put the free 3D Print files on the web sites listed. There are internet companies that will print them for you
How Many Volts Do Solar Panels Putout Alone?
it depends on the panels. For smaller 100W range panels it is usually 18-21VDC
@@SerendipitySue I Thought About
Getting A 24 VoltvPannel For My Power chair.
All your missing is a low voltage cutoff to no damage the battery
Ryobi battery BMS does this
Will you sell any of your products?
sorry I don't have ability to make/sell/support them. I put all the 3D models for free on the web. There are companies that will print them for you
I wanted to do something similar. I ordered 2 100W solar panels and a 12v charge controller. My plan is to connect the panels in parallel and feed into the controller. the output to the controller will connect to an inverter and I would plug a power bar to the inverter. I would then plug my 5 chargers into the power bar to charge my batteries. Will this work or is there too much load for 5 chargers
Ryobi 40v batteries are soo much more convienent to use.
Ryobi makes a powerstation for them also!
they didn't 4 years ago when I did this ;-)
Wow wow WOW!!!
I saw in your parts list that you have a power supply charger that wasn't used in the vid. Were you going to use that to wall charge the power station, or for something else?
You can use it to charge battery instead of using solar
Hi Chris .. .love you designs and made a few of them and they all work fine. I tried this one and I am having issues. I am using an 18V Ryobi Battrer and the same voltage converter and the Victron controller. I used power pole connectors instead of the cigarette lighter socket and lever nuts. It will power up fine with a 100W foldable panel or a bench supply but after a while the load will get disconnected. the voltage drops off and the converter shuts down. I am using 2 12V led strips to the power poles as a load and USB socket adds a small load .... I disconnect the voltage converter and the the output on the load terminals goes back up ... and I tested the converter with the bench supply and battery and it works fine. configured the battery setting in the Victron through the app. I tried a second Victron and the same things happens. Any ideas what's wrong:? thanks Dave Rothman
not sure, maybe the load is too small and it turns off? I'll have to go back and check to see if there are more options in the App. You can always just hook your converter to the battery terminals instead of the LOAD terminals.
I tested it .. with a bench top supply and a ryobi battery .. and then reached out to the Victron rep . that sold it .... through their support line .... in email ... if you click the gear icon in the upper right ... there is a setting for .. load output ......... "Always off" or "Always on" They suggested I set it to Always On" that seems to have fixed it. I don't think they load was too low . when I connected the voltage convert to the bench top supply it worked fine. And make sure the jumper is out .. I also made your projects with the single battery topper . with the usb socket and the converter .. all work fine. Good Job with your projects .. thanks for your work.
Do you know if the Ryobi batteries have short or surge protection? I was experimenting with something else and had 2 batteries in series ... and it seems like there was a short or surge ... I opened the pack and the batteries are fully charged .. but there is no output .. I think the board died .... I saw replacement boards . so I may try one.
Chris, what did you use the: + 29.4V 2A Power Supply Charger for on your parts list for?
That’s so you can charge with ac instead of solar
Would the same approach work with Porter-Cable 18v Batteries? The adapter connection would be different of course. But I'm guessing that there still needs to be a resistor between two of the terminals. Does this matter whether it is older Ni-Cad batteries or Li-ion batteries?
I don't know how porter-cable batteries work. Not sure what is required to put them in charge mode. I would assume Ni-cad & Li-ion have different charger profiles. I've only played with Li-ion
You got yourself a new sub..
Tell me more..
How can i get one of those adapters for the 18volt? Do you sell them?
Sorry, I'm not in the position to make/sell/support them. I put the 3D models on the web (see description). There are Internet vendors that will print 3D models for you
Do you sell those small adapters to go on top of the battery? Or even just a 3D print file and the parts?
I don't sell, but I put the 3D print files on Thingiverse and Prusa sites. The details are in the video description
Wouldn't it be more practical to build this solar generator with a 12VDC battery and use the Ryobi DC charger? It would seem to be more versatile.
I was trying to show RYOBI that they should develop an 18V solar powerstation. I didn't want to have to use an additional battery. It would add weight and decrease efficiency.
I'd buy solar charging station for Ryobi.
Haha! I love your videos so much. :)
What would it cost me to have you make one of these for me.?
sorry, I'm not in the position to make/sell/support these. I put the designs in the public domain. There are internet companies that will 3D print things for you
Genius
Has anyone made this work and be willing to share their Victron settings? I’ve connected everything as described here but when the Victron is part of the setup, the DC output load will not function. Without the Victron, the DC load works great. I’m thinking that it’s some Victron setting that drops the current on the output side. I’ve posted the question here to Chris, but no reply yet. Thanks in advance.
sorry, I thought I responded to you. You could always just hook the DC-DC converter to the battery terminals instead of the load terminals. You would lose the capability to turn off the load via your phone, but it should work.
@@SerendipitySue Thanks Chris. Sorry to be slow, but If I do that, the batteries would be out of the loop and also not chargeable wouldn’t they? I’d really like to solve the no-load issues with it setup per your design. It’s a thing of beauty. Thanks for your help.
@@tdknucklehead9416 connect both the battery and the load wires to the battery connector on the Victron. Many Victron solar chargers only have 4 terminals (solar panel and battery connections.)
smart man
Good stuff. Just fyi, per their YT channel, they pronounce it REE OH B.
It's not true you throw out Jackery or Bluetti, the max capacity just diminishes based on that cycle time. Same thing happens with all Lithium systems. After 10 years you may want to break them open to salvage parts, but by then you're likely able to get much cheaper and powerful components anyway. Especially at their capacity, having users swap components would be dangerous. While using Ryobi or other battery packs is certainly more expensive than buying the Li-Ion batteries directly and making your own packs, I'd guess this method is quite a bit safer with each battery pack having it's own circuitry right?
Yes after a certain number of cycles the battery loses capacity. They will still work. But the battery are not replaceable. The advantage for a ryobi battery system is: 1) you already have the batteries, 2) batteries are most expensive part, 3) you can use batteries for other things, 4) if battery technology improves or cost drops you can take advantage of it. I see this as a good alternative for someone who only occasionally needs backup power.
Yessssss!!!
I would need help I'll putting it together if you don't mind putting it together for me
All You Have To Do Is get A Couple Of
1000 Watt Solar Panels. Connect An Inverter
To The Solar Panels Then Plug The Ryobi
Charger Into The Inverter.
While this does work, there is a significant efficiency loss in converting dc solar output to 120 vac and then back to 18/40 vdc.
@@spearamintwolf6225 Do
The Solar Panel's Themselves Put Out
AC voltage Or DC Voltage?
@@rogertyler3237 DC. My understanding is that a solar cell itself is a form of diode that just happens to induce current flow when exposed to light.
Would you sell the adapter?
I'm not in the position to make/sell them. I put the 3D files at: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4582408
If you look in the video description, it lists all the parts I used.
Очень здорово! Спасибо!
пожалуйста!
genius.
sweet