Batteries: converting a caller to Milwaukee M12/18 battery power

K

KLS

Member
Has anyone converted their caller over to use Milwaukee M12/18 batteries.

I have lots of Milwaukee tools and batteries. Looking to upgrade my caller in the future but hate buying disposable batteries..
 
Saw it done on FB but I didnt pay attention to how it was put together. I think lucky duck has an adapter that you can use on their callers now for that purpose?
 
I just did mine this week so I could use my Dewalt 20v batteries. Didn’t want to have yet another kind of battery and charger around.

You can find the adapters for whatever kind of battery you want to use. Dewalt, makita, Milwaukee, black and decker, etc.

If you want to do 12v tool batteries, all you need is the 12v battery adapter on Amazon.

If you want to use 18/20v batteries you can do that as well, you just need to get the adapter with a step down converter. ($19.99). Adds a little weight, but it was worth it to me to not have to have dedicated batteries.

I cut the plug off of the battery tray from the call and stuck it on the adapter. That way nothing is permanent to the call itself. If you don’t want to do that you can order a 10 pack of the plugs for $10 on Amazon.

Will be Sooo much nicer than chewing thru AAs or having to swap out rechargeables all the time.

I just zip tied it on for now to test. Eventually I will take the call apart and figure out a way to mount the converter inside if there is room. It’s REALLY close to fitting in the battery compartment anyways. I’ll post pics if it works.
 

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That looks great. Love the battery mount you made. I need a 3D printer!!!!

Can’t tell, is that a 20v battery or 12v? If 20v where did you put the converter?
 
When I first saw the title I couldn't imaging why you would want to do it, with rechargeable batteries and battery packs. Now that you have a working model, I like it.
 
Pretty slick. The only problem i see with it, and it's the same problem with the tools... the price of the dang batteries when they need replacing. Dang neat cheaper to buy a new tool provided it come with a battery.
 
I always wait until Dewalt has their spring sales and pick up new tools and free batteries. The batteries last me 4-5 years before needing replacing.

I love that I already have the Dewalt batteries and chargers. Plus they last wayyyyy longer than AAs. I was having to charge 10 AAs after long trips. Now I have one battery to carry, and a pile of them at home anyways that are always charged up.

A replacement lithium pack from Lucky Duck was $120. This cost me $20 to convert it to lithium batteries I already have on hand.
 
Helpful tip too. If you are hunting in the winter, you can get those adhesive hand warmers and stick it to the battery. Helps them last longer in the cold!
 
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