Re: Got 4Ah, not 5Ah, battery 18V (20V) - done right thing?

"Richard Smith"  wrote in message news:m11q60aggz.fsf@void.com...
Hi Clare, Jim, everyone.
These are DeWalt powertool batteries - 18V (20V?).
This characteristic you identify "1C" etc. becomes knowable?
Rich S
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The problem with measuring C for battery tools is breaking the circuit to measure the current. Voltage is accessible by hacking the charger but there isn't room in the tool or battery for a shunt or Hall Effect sensor to measure current, and the battery connectors are very difficult to copy for a latching extension cord. I've had some luck reforming hobby store brass tubing into rectangular sockets and AC line cord plugs into solid brass male pins. I didn't try to fake the plastic housings, just made the electrical connections tight enough for non-mobile testing. Fine stranded silicone insulated wire is flexible enough to not dislodge the connectors.
Forming DIY electrical contacts is much easier with a lathe and milling machine. Collets are preferable on the lathe, to avoid squishing tubing and keep fingers away from chuck jaws. A small 6-jaw chuck is useful though not essential. Mine is on a 5C mount and last served in an indexer to mill a wrench hex on threaded rod, which a collet didn't grip securely enough.