Introduction

The Makita Fast Charger DC18RA is a high-quality and efficient charger designed for use with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries. This charger is perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a fast and reliable way to charge their Makita batteries. The estimated price of the charger is around $70, and it is currently available for purchase.

Symbols

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

• Ready to charge

  

• Charging

  

• Charging complete

  

• Delay charge (Battery cooling or too cold battery)

  

• Defective battery

  

• Conditioning

  

• Cooling abnormality

  

IMPORTANT

• Read Before Using.
• Do not short batteries.

Specifications

• Manufacturer reserves the right to change specifications without notice. 
• Note: Specifications may differ from country to country.
• Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003.

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. 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. If the cord or plug is damaged, ask Makita authorized service center to replace it in order to avoid a hazard. 
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 electric 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 room temperature is BELOW 10°C (50°F) or ABOVE 40°C (104°F). When the battery temperature is under 0°C (32°F), charging may not start. 
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. 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. 
6. After charging, remove the battery cartridge from charger and unplug the charger.

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. (Ni-MH battery only)
• If charging light may flash in red color, battery condition is as below and charging may not start.
  • Battery cartridge from just-operated tool or battery cartridge that has been left in a location exposed to direct sun-light for a long time.
  • Battery cartridge that has been left for a long time in a location exposed to cold air.
• When the battery cartridge is too hot, charging will begin after the cooling fan installed in the charger cools the battery cartridge. Charging will begin after the battery cartridge temperature reaches the degree at which charging is possible. 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, 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. 

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.

Description

The Makita Fast Charger DC18RA is a compact and lightweight charger that can charge a Makita 18V Lithium-Ion battery in just 30 minutes. It features a built-in fan that cools the battery during charging, which helps to extend the battery's life. The charger also has a LED indicator that shows the charging status, so you know exactly when your battery is ready to use. Additionally, the charger has a built-in circuit protector that protects against overloading, overcharging, and overheating, ensuring safe and efficient charging.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast charging time of just 30 minutes
• Built-in fan that cools the battery during charging
• LED indicator that shows the charging status
• Built-in circuit protector that ensures safe and efficient charging
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• Only compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries
• May not be suitable for those who need to charge multiple batteries at once
• Slightly more expensive than some other fast chargers on the market

Customer Reviews

Customers who have purchased the Makita Fast Charger DC18RA have praised its fast charging time and built-in fan, which helps to keep batteries cool. However, some customers have noted that the charger is only compatible with Makita batteries, which may be a drawback for those who use batteries from other brands. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the charger's durability, stating that it may stop working after only a few months of use.