Makita tough radio mod

[OK2BCK]

Hi there,
I have recently got this great Makita radio (just a broadcast receiver FM + MW) which many other chaps I meet at work every day, have been using for a while now. The only thing I found a little limitting was the need of use (almost any) Makita powertool battery or silly little power pack to make this cute little beast to sing. Soon I have realised that it was actually designed to be modified to it's perfection, going through few simple steps. These are: cutting off the battery holder at the back of the unit and installing 12V/7Ah sealed lead-acid battery, small charger, transformer, power cable outlet and a battery switch.

The radio itself has outstanding sound and surprisingly powerful output!
There are two AUX inputs for external audio sources, sleep timer, alarm clock and slot for two AA batteries, in order to keep the clock when the main battery is not fitted (in this case, when the main battery is switched off)

Radio before modification:


Modifications;
-battery switch on front panel (red led toggle switch)



-mains power connector (the lcd is blue, so blue led as a mains indicator)



-big battery and transformer



-just add wires



Now it is what I call good portable stereo/amp for any occasion!
more photos here

My apology for bad quality photos due to bad light and me being lazy.
I can shoot some more if you ask

[fineshot1]

That looks great. What charger unit (and any other dudads) did you purchase and install?

[OK2BCK]

Thanks,
The charger unit is recycled from old phone system backup power unit.
There is six terminals: 16VAC from transformer, battery pos/neg and continuous 12V output. Two LED lights indicating presence of AC and battery (which I extended and used as well).

These little charger units designed to charge sealed 7Ah lead-acid batteries are used in security industry as most of detectors and locks use 12VDC.
In my opinion, Canadian PARADOX makes the cutest modules ever. And cheap.

If you find any kind of old equipment containing these sealed batteries, there is very big chance to find some kind of power supply / charger module inside as well. And because I am such a junk collector...