Ergonomics and Use: A User-Friendly Radio Charger
The DeWalt DC011 Wireless Charger is not only solid and durable, but it also provides exceptional durability. It features a secure full roll cage with rubber suspension mounts, ensuring it can handle drops, kicks, and even rain without a problem. The speakers are equipped with steel grilles and rubber seals, offering extra protection. This job site radio is truly rugged and weather resistant.
The DeWalt DC011 Radio Charger boasts an AM/FM digital tuner with an LCD display and a built-in clock. With four buttons, you can have up to eight station memory presets, four per band. Even with gloves on, the large volume and tuning knobs on the top of the radio are easy to adjust. While the radio offers seek and manual adjustment knobs, it lacks pitch or bass adjustments. To maintain clock and radio preset memory, two AA batteries (included) are used. These batteries are conveniently located in a separate area within the battery charging compartment. Unlike many small radios, the foldable antenna of the DeWalt DC011 is made of flexible rubber and has a durable swivel base.
Speakers and Sound Quality: Reliably Powerful
The weather-resistant speaker of the DeWalt DC011 radio features a steel grille for added protection. We intentionally put them to the test, and they held up well. In addition to the radio function, there is a 1/8″ mini-jack on the back of the unit, allowing you to connect a secondary CD player, MP3 player, or any other portable audio device. However, there is no dedicated space to store your iPod or MP3 player, so its usefulness on the job site may be limited for most people. Both the AM and FM bands have good reception.
The sound quality of the DeWalt DC011 radio is commendable, especially when the unit is positioned a few feet away from the wall, reducing any potential hum. The volume is also powerful enough to overcome other noises typically encountered on job sites. While the inclusion of a CD player and weather station tuner would have been nice, we hope to see these features in future models.
Charging Batteries: Efficient and Convenient
The DeWalt DC011 radio’s battery charger function supports 7.2 – 18 volt DeWalt standard NiCd battery packs. Standard charging time is approximately one hour. This charger incorporates a 3-level charging system, which not only provides better runtime but also helps extend battery life, particularly for older NiCads. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with Univolt, 24V NiCd batteries, or any lithium nano battery packs.
The battery charging compartment is located on the back of the radio and features a rubber-sealed door and a sturdy latch. On the front of the radio, there is a battery status light that flashes in a specific sequence, indicating the charging process’s status. These lights operate in the same way as DeWalt’s standard battery chargers.
Designed for 120V and batteries, the DeWalt DC011 radio can run for up to 8 hours on a fully charged 18V battery, making it ideal for situations where no other power source is available. However, like all NiCd batteries, they gradually discharge over time, even when not in use. Therefore, leaving a rechargeable battery in the radio without use for a few days will result in a nearly dead battery.
To enhance convenience, the unit features wrap-around power cord storage at the bottom.
In Conclusion: A Valuable Radio for DeWalt Tool Users
The DeWalt DC011 Wireless Charger offers great value, particularly for DeWalt tool users who rely on NiCd batteries. While we are disappointed that it is not compatible with Nano Batteries, we hope that DeWalt is working on a next-generation charger. This rugged and reliable job site radio is a fantastic choice, built to withstand the toughest conditions.