Avi's page for Makita charger DC18RA T mod

How did I convert Makita DC18RA T charger from 110VAC to 220VAC /

240VAC mains ?
How did I make a US / American Makita charger to work in European
countries ?
How did I mod (modify) Makita DC18RA T charger from 110VAC to 220-
240VAC ?

I didn't want to buy/use a voltage converter for this charger and since I have
some basic 
electronics knowledge and soldering skills, i moded this charger.

* Please note: there are few PCB models for the same DC18RA charger.
This page relates ONLY to the PCB model shown in the following images
which is of Makita DC18RA T , P/N: 630516A7

Warning:

This mod is NOT recommended by me nor by Makita

1. and will void product warranty !
If you follow this mod, you do it on your own risk !
I have received several comments that described same model #
but with different design and components. 
Please beware that this mod might not work on your charger
2.
or worst, will damage it. 
Only perform this mod if you know your way around with electr
!
I got a genuine 220V DC18RA-T charger P/N:630508-6 to compa
(see image)
3.
This charger has much more changes from my mod.
Due to this, please consider if you are willing to take the chanc
DC18RA T charger is for charging:
- Makita Li-ion batteries type BL1815, BL1430/A, BL1830
- Makita various Ni-MH batteries (see charger manual)

image of Makita DC18RA T charger

In order to mod this charger, you'll need to:

A. Disassemble the PCB from the housing
exploded view of Makita DC18RA T
disassemble only parts that are colored with green 

B. Replace components (2 capacitors, varistor + MOSFET *)

Needed components:
 _Electrolytic capacitor 470µF 400V with Max. diameter of 30mm
Lower µF value will probably be OK too, you'll find it with smaller diameter and cheaper.
1 I got a report from Sweden saying this mod works OK with 150µF 400V.
Note: Take extra care to capacitor polarity when you place it
_Varistor 14D361K , VMax=360 Imax=6000
Note:
2 - original varistor is covered with a black shrink, remove it first.
- after replacement, it is advised to add the shrink to avoid damage in case of blow

_Electrolytic capacitor 22µF 450V (or 400V) with Max. diameter of 13mm

3 Note: Take extra care to capacitor polarity when you place it

_MOSFET 2SK3679 (with 900V Vds)

This component is located near the varistor and is attached to the heat-sink
_This was reported in a Norwegian forum which says the MOSFET also needs to be 
replaced to have 900Vds. Users reported that 220V Makita charger uses MOSFET 2SK3679
while 110V version uses either 2SK3528 or 2SK3683 
It was also reported this part is costly and that in cases of moded chargers that didn't replace
4
* this part, all works OK, (including mine with 2SK3683)
So, my advise for you is to check your charger MOSFET and decide if you want to go safe and
replace it as well, or take the risk ;-).
Note:
- If you can't find 2SK3679, its direct replacement is: STF9NK90Z
- This MOSFET needs a thermal compound when attaching it to the heatsink.
. It is advised to replace old compound with fresh one when you replace it.

_Ceramic Fuse 6.3A 250V

5 _In case you blew the unit :-( you'll probably need to replace this fuse as well.

_Mains Plug
6 _For safer and secure operation, cut the US plug and add a mains plug according to the
standard used in your country.
The US supplied wire comes without earth wire so you don't need to worry of it.

 
image of Makita DC18RA T PCB before the mod
image of Makita DC18RA T PCB after the mod
in case you also replace the MOSFET, here is an image to show its location

C. Assemble the PCB to the housing, make sure the battery contacts module is in
place with its spring

D. Voila - you now have a working 220-240VAC Makita DC18RA T charger.

 
to complete this page, here are the panel indicators modes :

Have fun and make good use of your fine Makita tools.
This is a genuine 220V DC18RA-T P/N:630508-6. Compare it to yours:

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