Milwaukee Hoodie - Electrician Needed

[DK]

I recently purchased a heated hooded jacket made by Milwaukee from Home Depot for $100.00.

 It uses the M-12 Milwaykee battery which I use with 6 or 7 tools in my shop. It works very well in 40 degree Arkansas weather. It has three settings & the battery lasts 2 1/2 to 4 hours depending on which of the three settings used. The hood is thin enough to fit under a helmet if desired.

I really like this hoodie but don't like carrying and changing batteries & the hassle of keeping them charged.

Question is, can I connect this 12 volt hoodie directly to my Valk battery without harming it?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Hook#3287]

I am in no way considered an Electrician, but I would think you could wire it to your battery. I would suggest some type of heat control so you don't bake you brain.

[Icelander]

What is the voltage range of your batteries? While the Valkyrie has a 12 volt system, it's actually around 14 volts when the alternator is charging. Your Milwaukee battery voltage range would be a good indicator. Even though 14v may be within tolerance range, you might be shortening the life of the garment.

[3W-lonerider]

if you go to home depot website they list a cable that will hook directly to your bike.
this cable is not available in the stores but you can order it online

 
M12 12-Volt DC Heated Jacket Adapter
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-12-Volt-DC-Heated-Jacket-Adapter-49-24-2301/203461341

[DK]

Thanks for the great information.

FYI for those of you who use the Milwaukee M-12 tools, the hundred bucks includes a standard battery and charger. Not a bad deal.

[Gavin_Sons]

I got a heated jacket last year for christmas. Not a Milwaukee but an off brand. Takes a rechargeable funky battery that I cant find anywhere to have a spare. But the thing works great. Use to wear several layers of clothes while hunting and now im down to a long sleve thin shirt the heated jacket and a light camo jacket over that. Stay warm for several hours. Have also used it on the valk under a light jacket and works great.

[BobB]

That's and interesting jacket that I have not seen before this.  Thanks for posting it.  Riding a tourer, with no wind protection for the hands and arms, I would want some heating elements there.  The Milwaukee jacket is designed for workmen.  I have worked at making my own heated jacket with 28 gage wire, but have not worked out the porpotion of wire at the various body locations I consider important, hands, arms, chest and kidneys.

[Gavin_Sons]

I have been thinking about making my own heated gear with some 30 gauge teflon coated wire and using one of those small personal power supplies to power it. Might use insulated underware or a light windbreaker suit. I agree with the previous post about not having the heating elements where really needed. Most have them in the chest and back, I want them in those areas and in the arms and neck. Just an idea.

[gordonv]

I bought one on sale from Cabela's, I think for $70. Charger and battery, 4 settings.

[DK]

Re:  Making your own heated jacket

There is an app / website, "Instructables" that I follow. It has detailed instructions of a number of heated clothing projects along with some pretty good motorcycle related articles.

http://www.instructables.com/

The Milwaukee hoody has a three level heat control.

If you need the battery & charger for power tools you already have, the hoody is a real bargain.

[R J]

I got a heated jacket last year for christmas. Not a Milwaukee but an off brand. Takes a rechargeable funky battery that I cant find anywhere to have a spare. But the thing works great. Use to wear several layers of clothes while hunting and now im down to a long sleve thin shirt the heated jacket and a light camo jacket over that. Stay warm for several hours. Have also used it on the valk under a light jacket and works great.

Have you tried Interstate Battery for a replacement?

Our store hasn't failed to come up with a replacement for any battery I've carried in.

If they don't have a replacement, they can and will rebuild the battery.    They have rebuilt the 2 batteries on my weed eater.   Works better than the original battery.

[Hook#3287]

Re:  Making your own heated jacket

There is an app / website, "Instructables" that I follow. It has detailed instructions of a number of heated clothing projects along with some pretty good motorcycle related articles.

http://www.instructables.com/

The Milwaukee hoody has a three level heat control.

If you need the battery & charger for power tools you already have, the hoody is a real bargain.

Cool site, thanks

[BobB]

One can search on "heated jackets" on this board and find information on making your own jacket liner.  That's what I started with.  A good reference is here: http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Electric_Jacket/electric_jacket.html

I used the resistance/foot figure to estimate wire lengths that will place a reasonable amperage load on the bikes electrical system.  Purchased about 500' of wire off eBay and started playing.  Started this project over a year ago and I'm still playing.  A lot of my projects go that way...

[Gryphon Rider]

Started this project over a year ago and I'm still playing.  A lot of my projects go that way...

That's funny.  In April or so last year I started a project to add electric heat to my wife's Tourmaster jacket liner.  I wanted to get it done in time for Inzane, but let it slide when the forecast indicated weather that didn't require heat.  Even though it's 70% done, I still haven't finished it.

[Rosie]

Where do I find one of these for $99 that includes battery and charger. Thanks

[Gavin_Sons]

I got a heated jacket last year for christmas. Not a Milwaukee but an off brand. Takes a rechargeable funky battery that I cant find anywhere to have a spare. But the thing works great. Use to wear several layers of clothes while hunting and now im down to a long sleve thin shirt the heated jacket and a light camo jacket over that. Stay warm for several hours. Have also used it on the valk under a light jacket and works great.

Have you tried Interstate Battery for a replacement?

Our store hasn't failed to come up with a replacement for any battery I've carried in.

If they don't have a replacement, they can and will rebuild the battery.    They have rebuilt the 2 batteries on my weed eater.   Works better than the original battery.

Thanks RJ, ill check into this. This jacket I have was made in china and appears to have 3 lithium batteries packed together in a hard case. Has a plug for yhe charger and another for the jacket along with a little button and led light to check battery level. Not too worried about having that button and light. Really just want a spare battery to carry along with me to the woods or on the bike. Thanks again