Makita radio/torch

[mickys86]

I normally like makita products. In fact I only have makita power tools ( I know ) but I don't like the idea in this? I can't see either part of it being any good. If you want a torch, buy a torch, if you want a radio, buy a radio. Simples!

 

[drew35]

I myself don't like Makita products, mainly because they don't give a three year warranty. If their products are as good as they say then back it up with a three year warranty! I noticed the other day one manufacturer is giving three years on their lithium batteries now. Makita are still in the dark ages with regard to warranty, go on eBay and look at how many faulty lithium batteries are up for sale.
That aside I was given the job site Makita radio for Christmas and its my favourite thing, I don't have any Makita batteries to run it thought so a small hole in the back, two wires and two crocodile clips, and a 12v burglar alarm battery later and it runs for days. Then I just charge the battery from the vans cigar lighter.
That aside most Makita tools only come with one battery so its listen to the radio and see where your going, or drill a hole, but not at the same time. And if you've flattened your one battery listening to the radio then hopefully you don't need to drill any holes.

 

[PC Electrics]

The Makita site radio should come with a mains adaptor - the plug hole is on the front of the machine.
I have the BMR101, the latest DAB version - it's a rockin machine!
I've also got the seperate torch and light. These are great too, especially the florry.

I agree with the comments about the combo radio/torch though. Can't see the point really.

 

[mickys86]

The Makita site radio should come with a mains adaptor - the plug hole is on the front of the machine.
I have the BMR101, the latest DAB version - it's a rockin machine!
I've also got the seperate torch and light. These are great too, especially the florry.

I agree with the comments about the combo radio/torch though. Can't see the point really.

I have the dab too, best thing I ever bought, it's my fav piece of equipment.

I can't comment on the batteries except that I have had three now for over a year and they have done me fine so far (fingers crossed!)

I have the torch also and my boss has the florry one. I'm secretly jealous!

 

[GaryM]

I saw the radio/torch combo for the first time on site this week and was totally impressed by it.
The sound was very full in that I couldn't believe it came from a unit so small. Also the torch was extremely handy with it's rotating head and very bright.
Don't dismiss it until you've seen and heard it in action.

I'm moving over from my current 18V Dewalt kit to 18V Li-Ion Makita, starting with the LXT202 kit (drill and impact driver) and the radio/torch (BMR050) unit will be purchased at the same time. Pretty good value at £65ish.

 

[MNR]

I was not impressed with this until I thought how many times I've sat terminating a c/u by torch light, wishing I could remember where my little radio was.

Marc.

 

[Kiers1970]

Thinking of getting the DAB makita, sick of hauling the Bosch power box about. I dont have any Makita kit, I take it it doesn't charge the batteries. what batts does it take? could I buy a cheap used drill or something with batts and charger?

 

[GaryM]

Thinking of getting the DAB makita, sick of hauling the Bosch power box about. I dont have any Makita kit, I take it it doesn't charge the batteries. what batts does it take? could I buy a cheap used drill or something with batts and charger?

Taken from HERE and HERE:

"The unit can be powered from the supplied mains AC adaptor or by most Makita batteries including all cluster batteries (9.6v - 18v) and all slide batteries (9.6v - 24v) powering the radio up to 9 hours from a single charge. Please note that this unit does not charge batteries whilst situated in the unit. Please note that the Makita 10.8v Li-Ion batteries will not work on this unit."

 

[GaryM]

I received the BMR050 (torch/radio) today and it really is excellent.
One thing I'd change would be the metal extendible aerial - I have designed it with a rubber aerial but as long as it's cared for it won't be a problem.

 

[Kiers1970]

£120 from SF, dearer (mostly) on fleabay. DAB for five-live!

Just wish Bosch would do a smaller radio, maybe one for the 10.8 range. makita will be the black sheep of my tool family

 

[mickys86]

I paid £130 for Mine but that was when it first came out. There's nothing worse than a crackling radio and the dab sorts that out. One thing I will say about it thou is I listen to talksport alot. And the makita radio tends to be a bit bassy when listening to talk shows. Could do with being toned down a bit but it's not a problem. Depends how fussy you are