Cordless Data Module (CDM) charging cycle and data sharing

Note

CDM is not for manual handling

1. The CDM (Cordless Data Module) is built into the charger and works automatically. It should not be removed, attached, or handled by users, especially workers on site.
   1. What It Does:
      During charging, the CDM reads battery and tool information and uploads it to the cloud. No action is needed from the you.
   2. Only in Rare Cases:
      CDM removal should happen only during repairs or technical servicing. Please avoid touching it unless instructed by support.
2. Some workers are concerned that the CDM slows down battery charging, so they remove it. In reality, the CDM only uses extra power for the first 3 minutes during data upload. After that, charging continues at normal speed. There's no need to remove the CDM, it doesn’t affect charging.

Overview

Standard Hilti chargers like the C4, C6, or C8 come with a Cordless Data Module (CDM) already attached, allowing them to function as connected chargers. This upgraded setup helps power Hilti’s Data Driven Services (DDS), giving you smarter insights and better control over your tools and batteries.

Once connected, the charger automatically sends data from your Nuron batteries and tools to the Hilti IoT Cloud. This enables helpful features such as:

• Battery health monitoring
• Last charged location tracking
• Detection of idle or unused assets
• Proactive battery replacement alerts

It’s a simple upgrade that helps you stay on top of your equipment and avoid downtime. 

Charging Process with CDM

If you're using a Hilti Cordless Data Module (CDM) with a Nuron battery and charger, here's a quick and easy explanation of how the charging process works and what happens behind the scenes.

Initial Setup

• When you first connect a CDM to a standard Hilti charger (like C4, C6, or C8) and insert a Nuron battery, the system becomes a Connected Charger.
• During this first full charge, the battery charges until all four LED lights turn off. This step links the CDM to the charger in the background, but no data is uploaded yet.

Charging and Data Upload

From the second full charge onward, the CDM starts uploading data automatically while the battery is charging.
Here’s how it works:

• When you plug in the battery, the CDM reads battery and tool information stored inside the battery.
• The first data upload happens after about five minutes, once the battery reaches around 20% charge. This upload takes up to three minutes and includes:
  • Tool and battery details
  • Location (if available)
  • Lock commands
  • Charger connection info
• The second data upload happens when the battery is fully charged. This step:
  • Syncs the internal clock
  • Checks for firmware updates
  • Sends any remaining data

Network Connection

To upload data, the CDM uses a built-in eSIM to connect to the nearest cellular tower. It automatically picks the best available network, like LTE, NB-IoT, or 2G, based on speed and signal quality. 

If you're using a Cordless Data Module (CDM) with your Hilti tools and batteries, here are a few important things to keep in mind. These points will help you understand how data upload works and what can affect it.

• Network Connection Matters
  • The CDM sends data to the cloud using a built-in cellular connection.
  • In areas with poor signal, like rural locations or inside metal containers, uploads might be slow or delayed.
  • The CDM will try again when a better connection is available.
     
• Built-In Memory Buffer
  • If the CDM can’t upload data right away, it stores the information locally.
  • It can hold data from up to 50 batteries before needing to upload.
  • This means you can keep working even if the network is temporarily unavailable.
     
• Improved Uploads with Firmware Updates
  • Recent firmware updates (FOTA) help the CDM choose better network types like LTE or CAT-M1, instead of older ones like 2G.
  • This makes uploads faster and more reliable, especially in areas with modern network coverage.

Related Data-Driven Services Enabled by CDM

• Proactive Battery Exchange
• Battery Health Monitoring
• Idle & Hoarded Assets
• Last Charged Location Tracking
• Lost & Found Tools