Workplace Music - Makita Radio with Makita 18 volt Battery and Makita Charger

If you are the kind of person that enjoys music while you work then the Makita BMR100 Radio is for you.  When partnered with a Makita 18 volt battery and a Makita charger they make an awesome combination. 

Makita Radio

The Makita radio features a digital backlit quartz display with 10 station presets, digital clock, twin 3.25-inch speaker stereo system, and power on/off and off-timer button.

The radio package includes an AC adaptor and will run for 16 hours on one Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery, or eight hours on one Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Battery. (Battery details follow below.)

The BMR100W has a compact design and weighs just a little over nine pounds. The Makita radio has a protective bumper design and is very durable.  It has weather-resistant components and a retractable top handle with rubber grips, making it ideal for outdoor or indoor worksites.

Technical Details

• Delivers rich stereo sound from two powerful 3.25-inch side-facing speaker
• 10 Pre-Set FM/AM buttons and mp3 player compatibility
• Protective bumper design for added durability and toughness
• Makita Compact Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 15-Minute Rapid Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles (Battery and charger bought separately – see below)
• 3-year warranty on radio

Good Points

• The speakers deliver a good bass response and the radio manages not to sound “tinny” even in a fairly large warehouse (1k sqft+).
• Compact, rugged and dustproof design.
• Battery life with an LXT battery is about 16 hours or two working days.
• Holds FM stations well and performs adequately on AM.

Bad Points

• The Makita radio does not charge a battery.
• Sound volume may be low with some Mp3 players.

Please note:  The radio needs a separate battery and charger to be fully mobile.

Makita 18 volt Battery – LXT Li-Ion

The LXT Lithium-Ion batteries are much better than the older Makita batteries.  This battery will power the radio for around 16 hours on a single charge which is more than enough for most uses.  The battery charges quickly when used with the Makita charger and holds a charge well.

Technical Details

• Produces 280 percent more lifetime work with twice as many cycles
• Charging at any level of charge will have no detrimental effect on the battery
• Self-discharge keeps battery cells active and ready for use
• Longer Run Time (280 percent longer runtimes)

Makita Charger

The Makita charger is a technically advanced, compact unit.  It will charge ALL Makita batteries up to 18 volt, including the older version preceding the LXT battery product line.

Technical Details

• Charging Technology: Controls current, voltage and temperature to help maximize battery life
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Analyzes data from the batteries memory chip
• Forced Air Cooling Fan: Cools the battery by blowing cool air through the batteries built-in air vents
• Fast Charging: Quickly charges an 18V LXT 3.0 Amp hour Li-Ion battery in only 30 minutes
• Energy Star Compliant

In Conclusion

Overall these three beauties make for a great on site entertainment package that will make your working day go by quickly.  With the added mp3 functionality (and your existing mp3 player) you can have decent music even if the commercial stations aren’t playing anything you like.  Makita make quality products and this Makita radio/battery/charger combination is no exception.

I have previously worked as an electrician on site and later developed property for a living. Now, having had to leave these activities behind due to ill health, I write about what I know.

My experience of using power tools on a daily basis means that I rate Makita products highly and this Makita radio is no different.  It gives joy during a hard working day.

I regularly review all sorts of tools at my site: http://durablepowertools.com. Come and visit some time.