The next phase of this project will be using an inline DC amp meter hooked up to the current M18 HO batteries to understand the realistic draws on each tool I have. Thank you for such a detailed response! You're absolutely correct on the amp draw limitations for 20v DC and the inherent idiot-proofing the batteries provide. Also numbskulls would complain about the tool not working properly with the hypothetical converter when it's actually their fault. Big tools take big power, something which isn't easy to convert from single phase AC and much easier to get from a battery which can provide a lot of amps instantly (HO batteries). TL DR (imo): Brushless FUEL motors run off of 3 phase power. They get more monies, can guarantee performance with the recommended battery, and they avoid complaints.That's my opinion at least. So, it's an all around win for Milwaukee if they don't do this. We've all seen that, as most people don't realize that wimpy extension cords can really effect a tool's performance. The saw will draw so many amps to compensate for the vdroop due to resistance of that chain of extension cords and potentially also wont have the same power. They'll eventually get complaints from some numbskull who is running the hypothetical AC to DC power converter off of three daisy chained 50ft 14 gauge extension cords to their high amp draw circular saw. They can also guarantee the performance of a tool if they force people to use their batteries. There is a business decision too: If people need more run time, they'll buy more batteries, which is more money for them. They would still need a DC converter as well for all of the other little stuff! Milwaukee has shown and said they are sticking with M18, and a design change would go against that pledge. Well then how about have it so the electronics that convert directly from single-phase AC to 3-phase AC be in the device itself, bypassing the need for the big DC converter? That is a good idea.but that drives up the production price of every unit, and would need a whole different connector design with more pins. Those percentage losses between each step isn't a big deal for a 50w power requirement for a fan or something, but when you have a big motor which needs a hit of 75A 18v (~1350w) for max power, that's no joke for an AC to DC power supply (See how big 1000w+ PC power supplies are?) There are efficiency losses in each one of those conversion steps. * 1-phase 120v AC - > 18v DC -> lights/circuitry * 1-phase 120v AC -> 18v DC -> (not sure voltage) 3-phase AC -> motor If there was an AC converter to plug it in, that would require the following conversion paths to get the power the tool needs: They also use the DC for all the lights and smaller things in the device. The current set of FUEL tools have brushless motors, which accept DC and then gets converted to 3-phase for the motor. Yes, some of the tools are made with universal motors, which could be ran off of DC or AC, but that would still require an AC transformer to step it down to 18v. They do allow some devices to be plugged in, but that requires an external power source with its own electronics and that's only for stationary tools such as fans or lower amp requirement devices. Not trying to defend Milwaukee (I do bleed team red, ha), but I believe there is a technical and design reason why they haven't done this. News Article Promo/Deal M12 M18 MX Fuel Packout Purchase Advice Information Rumors Media Helpful Links
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