Ryobi 18vdc Flashlight With Ipod or Cell Phone Charger Output

Here's a quick hack that will multiply the uses of your 18vdc Ryobi flashlight. I've added a 12vdc output for charging my ipod or cell phone in a pinch. It took about a hour and wasn't too difficult. Check it out.

Parts list:
1-Ryobi 18vdc Flashlight model P700 (Home Depot approx. $13)
1-7812 12vdc Regulator (Radio Shack approx. $2.00)
1-Bell 12vdc Power Clip Adapter (Advanced Auto approx. $6.00)
6" of red and black wire (you can use the extra wire from the power clip or some old speaker wire)
3- 1/2" lengths of heat shrink tubing (Radio Shack)
1-Zip Tie
1-18vdc Ryobi Rechargeable Battery (you should already have this)
1-5vdc Power Adapter for Ipod or cell phone (you should already have this)

Tool List:
1- Drill and 1/4" bit
1-Soldering Iron
1-Roll of solder
1-Heat Gun (to shrink the heat shrink tubing, or you can use a match-be careful!!)

Here's the finished hack. The handle is tall enough to add the 12vdc socket and still use the flashlight. It will help in a pinch to charge low powered devices like my ipod and cell phone.

IMPORTANT: The regulator used has a 1 amp limit so pay attention to how many amps you device requires.

IMPORTANT: You need to use a 12vdc to 5 vdc adapter to charge the smaller devices, you probably already have these in you car anyway!

I drilled a 1/4" hole where shown so I wouldn't be bothered with the wire when using the flashlight. The socket is zip tied to the base as shown. Make sure to hot glue the wires in the hole.

Here's the packaging for the 7812 regulator I bought at Radio Shack for about $2.00. Make sure you pay attention to the connection points as shown on the back of the package.

Here's a drawing I made to try and explain the circuit. It's added as a parallel one and uses the regulator to reduce the voltage from 18vdc to 12 vdc. Hopefully you figure out all the parts of the light.

You have to use an existing 5vdc adapter to charge your cell or ipod. I just got it from my car. Make sure that the load is no more than 1 amp or you will burn up the regulator.

My apologies for not taking photos of the inside of the flashlight but you know how it is when you're building, you can't get it done fast enough.

Hopefully this is pretty self explanatory.

Good luck.