Re: Reducing 18 volt DC to 12 volt DC

georgevans@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I have a cargo trailer that the lights work only when the parking lights are onin my truck. This is problematic seeing as we are in and out of the trailer all day. I am a contractor that uses 18 volt Dewalt tools and therefore I own many batteries. We broke open an 18 volt flashlight and wired 4 12 overhead lights to it and find the lights to be very bright and in addition they burn out the battery in less than 20 minutes.? What to do? Can I limit the volts? Will that extend the battery life? Lower the light amps? Phone a friend? 50/50? Ahhh! I thought I was so clever. Not so much. Any help??

Just to add another thought on this subject, you may also run into an issue with the type of battery chemistry versus the loading. Not all batteries are created equal with regards to their discharge patterns and the type of load they are designed to work with. Some batteries are capable of providing a constant discharge, such as alkaline, where as others are better at short bursts, such as lithium (think digital camera. If you are using the wrong type of battery for an application, you will likely find that it doesn't perform as well or as long as you would expect for its amp-hour rating.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: How to ruin 05 Prius 12v battery
    ... > lights off and go away for 3 days. ... > produce shorted cells in the 12 volt battery, but it now reads about 8 volts ... as an owner this sounds like a warranty issue. ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: 12 volt indoor lighting
    ... Ebay, sold as "work lights". ... battery in, and keep it charged. ... Use the 12 volt lights when the power is ... bare wires, but alternate lighting options for the new house. ...
    (misc.survivalism)
  • Re: Winter ladies gloves ..
    ... Bikes are in the garage, ... then switch it back to one of the bikes. ... that switch between each battery in turn and moved on when it saw the ... So are the lights AC then do you know? ...
    (uk.rec.motorcycles)
  • Re: car troubles
    ... The battery is probably dying. ... The alternator does not put out full current at idle, ... but NOT at night with lights, wipers and heater blower also running. ... it open and found the brushes were less than nubs. ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: Battery level tester.
    ... Your big battery is a very good regulator. ... Check that Led 1 lights up at approximately 11.89 volts. ... At 12.65 volt and higher the battery is fully charged, ... you have only 76 millivolts difference between adjacent LEDs. ...
    (sci.electronics.design)