Charger size query

[KimB]

Hi guys, I have a laser level that uses four C type batteries which are 1.5v I believe. If that’s the case and they’re in series that 6v. What sort of size charger would I need so I can plug in to the bottom of the laser level. I assume around 8v, also not sure on what sort of amperage it may need to be?

Thanks

 

[angellonewolf]

is it a charger or a power supply your needing there differant

are you charging the batterys in the unit or just powering the unit when you need it ?

 

[voipio]

What is the make and model of the laser level?

 

[GRW]

A "C" type battery is said to be rated at 10ah.
The rule of thumb is to charge at 10-15% of rating per hour, so that would suggest a small, intelligent charger of between 1 & 2 Amps would do the trick.

 

[voipio]

Sounds like Chinese Ah. Most C-cell NiMH I've seen are in the 4500 to 5000mAh range.

 

[GRW]

Sounds like Chinese Ah. Most C-cell NiMH I've seen are in the 4500 to 5000mAh range.

Tbh that was a quick Google result and probably related to non rechargeables (& might of course be "optimistic").

So based on your numbers you could get by with a 0.75 - 1 Amp charger happily I should think?

 

[Ed.]

KimB, NiMH batteries generally operate about 1.2V and self discharge quicker than the lithium batteries which operate at 3.6V -3.8V

Alkaline and carbon are about 1.5V. So you would need to find out what type the unit uses, I have had devices that wouldn't operate on NiMH because of their lower nominal voltage, also if it uses carbon or alkaline batteries then you don't want the laser level to try and charge them if you plug in a power source while those batteries are in it. If it is a relatively modern laser level, then chances are that it will use rechargable bateries.
Here is a description of the various types.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO C BATTERIES | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT C BATTERY

Do you know what C batteries are? How about its characteristics? What are its unique battery features? What devices or applications use the C-size battery?

batteryspecialists.com.au

Personally I would do a search on the model number of your level and you should find out the specs of what it requires and what type of batteries it uses, then that will determine what type of charger you need if you are going to charge them externally and then put them in the level.

 

[carbon]

Nicad or nimh cells are usually only 1.2v per cell, four in series will be 4.8v. Alkaline cells would be 1.5v. With the older radio control equipment if you needed 6v it had to be a five cell pack rather than four cell. I also remember on some radios the manufacturer would supply a dummy cell if you wanted to use alkaline cells instead of the rechargeable ones to limit the voltage, so either five rechargeable cells or four alkaline cells and a dummy cell to achieve the same 6 volts

 

[dobbslc]

Can you remove them from the level?
If so check what type of cell they are and buy one of those multicell chargers, some you can even select what type of cell you can charge ie NiCd, Nimh, lipo etc.

 

[KimB]

What is the make and model of the laser level?

It’s a Datum Quattro.

is it a charger or a power supply your needing there differant

are you charging the batterys in the unit or just powering the unit when you need it ?

It’s a charging port but I think it’ll be like the one I normally use which has the ability to just plug it in and use it at the same time.

 

[KimB]

For the other replies. You’re all mostly right. It does have 1.2v batteries. So 4.8v total (earlier when I posted I just looked online for a size).

2500mha batteries as well.

 

[voipio]

Finding charger info for the Datum Quattro is like looking for hen's teeth! However, the Datum DTR0R uses a similar battery configuration (4 x C-cell NiMH rechargeables, and the charger for that has a rated output of 5.6V at 900mA. Is there anything printed near the charger socket itself, or does it have a ratings plate?

 

[julianf]

from a micro look online, it seems the the successor is rechargeable, whilst the earlier one is just for alkaline cells (or rechargeable recharged somewhere else)

ie any dc jack will be to power the device, not charge it. in which case match the battery voltage, or there about

 

[Misterg]

This one?

https://www.sitebox.ltd.uk/docs/QUATTRO/Quattro.pdf

 

[skotl]

A few people have touched on this but there's a huge difference in charging requirements for Nicad, Li-ion, LiPo, Nimh batteries etc.

That's all fine if the charging and protection logic is all on board the unit, in which case just throw 6 to 10ish volts at it and it will likely be fine. But if the charging and protection logic is not on board then you need a charger that is suitable for the batteries.

 

[voipio]

This one?

https://www.sitebox.ltd.uk/docs/QUATTRO/Quattro.pdf

All I get is a 4kB unreadable file!!! :-(

 

[Domdom]

Given the unknown quantity regarding charging protection I would be looking for a standard external cell charger for C cells. Either that, or email the manufacturer for the specifications of the charger. There are plenty of compatibles on eBay but you also need the right connector tip etc.

 

[Misterg]

All I get is a 4kB unreadable file!!! :-(

Have tried to attach it - there's some info about batteries, but not the charger.

 

[angellonewolf]

couple ebay searches showing units with a power unit worth throwing them an message ?

400m Laser Level - Datum QUATTRO automatic rota ting auto levelling Professional | eBay

400m Laser Level - Datum QUATTRO automatic rota ting auto levelling Professional.

www.ebay.co.uk

Datum Quattro Lazer Level | eBay

Not the usual Lazer level. This is professional level. I have seen this level used on motorway etc. I've used it for long range drainage projects setting out footings level concrete etc.

www.ebay.co.uk