DeWalt is more of a perfectionist then an innovator. Let me clarify, they have some really innovative products like the Gyro screwdriver. However generally they are not the first to plate with new innovative products like competitors such as Milwaukee tool. Milwaukee has had it’s 12v power source out for a while now. The DCB090 does one thing and one thing only. It provides you a reliable and safe USB power supply for all your phones, tablets or anything else that uses a standard 5V USB plug. USB plugs have been around for years and have proven their ability to be a reliable connector for electronic charging needs.
The unit for some reason reminds me of a sea shell. It simply slides on top of any DeWALT 20V or 12V MAX battery. Obviously you will get more run time with an 20V XR 4.0 battery than you would 12V Max battery. I was able to charge my iPad quite a few times on one XR battery. I even charged my phone a few times on the same pack. The unit puts out 1.5 amps of power and will go a little slower when two devices are plugged in. Tablets will take a bit longer than phones to charge in our tests.
Since the DeWALT 12V MAX batteries lack a fuel status gauge the DCB090 has one on-board that will remain lit for a few seconds to give you a reading. To check the status again you will have to slide off the battery pack and reinsert it. If you have a smart phone and are out in the field a lot the DCB090 is a no brainer. It will keep your equipment charged and powered all day. You can throw a 12v MAX on charge for 20 min and head out the door knowing you have a few phone charges on hand or grab a 20V XR for multiple devices all day power.
Great writeup Dan!! Love that this works on both batterys and has 2 usb ports. Also love the new website setup!! Keep up the great work!
Thanks Chase!
Looks seriously useful. Worth just keeping in your car or truck for just in case… Great for emergencies as well as a building site. Will keep an eye out for one on special later in the year.
This looks helpful, but it seems a bit large? Or does it feel reasonable in its size?
Good write-up guys. Lack of a battery meter is really the only thing I dislike about the DeWalt 12V Max tools that I have. This looks like just the ticket, though I’d prefer a little more detail than a 3-bar meter.
The new format of the website is absolutely great!!
Thanks
One additional comment… (my first one hasn’t been approved yet).
Current (amps) is drawn by the device being charged, not “pushed” by the charger. If the device being charged only draws 0.1 amps, a charger capable of supplying 1.5 amps will do no harm.
Voltage is “pushed”, and a voltage mismatch can definitely damage the device being charged.
Regarding the web site – I’m really not liking the “fling” type scrolling (where scrolling continues even after my mouse wheel has stopped). But that’s just a personal preference.
Thanks Michael, we are still working the bugs out of the site.
Finally!
that’s awesome!
disappointed at 1.5 amp charge though
yeah i have got the milwaukee adaptor and its a life saver when you forget to charge your phone the night before just throw it on and boom in 1 hour all charged and ready to go its SWEET. keep up the great work guys your killing it.
from your mate
Hey Dan, I don’t know if you knew this yet but DeWalts 20vmax framing nail gun is out now.
Thanks Brody, We are waiting on one. and should have it soon!
For a portable charger 1.5 amps is very good
I have my iPhone and Ipad on a 4.0XR daily, I get 2 days out of the 4.0XR and it only drops too one (1) light before placing it back on the charger. I actually prefer this DCB090 device over plugging into my cigarette lighter.