Portable 12v Power Source

[Guest]

I was thinking about purchasing one of those portable 12v power sources that are rechargeable. I can't remember the name of it but i think there are more than one on the market. They are advertised as being good for an emergency jump start for your vehicle but also have the ability to power 12v electical power to operate other things. Anyone have any experience with those and know how long they will power certain items like lights in a portable?

[Guest]

I have a buddy who owns an auto shop so he uses those things all the time. He has tried useing them for ice fishing power and gave up...seems they are great for burst of juice but, not for short term power. You would be better off probably buying the lightest 12v you could find and make a little carry case for it. You know I noticed the other day at Unclaimed freight Aitkin that they had generic 12v Vexilar batteries. Hell, even if they only last a season for $5 apeice or less you can't go wrong. Buy two and parallel them together to keep it at 12v and it should serve your purpose.

[Uncle Grump]

Just a guess, but based on your description and the fact that those power sources are labeled as being able to start your car, I would say they have a non-deep cycle battery
in them. Basicly a car battery - high power, but only for a short duration.

UG

[Guest]

Ok guys, thanks for the insight. I just didn't want to drop sixty bucks on something that didn't last all day. I'll continue using gel cells. Three of them take up less room than the unit I was looking at anyhow. Hey Chiro-12v gel cells for 5 bucks? Are they used or new? And what do you mean generic? I think every one I've ever owned had a different name on it, most of which I had never heard of before............Portalac? That's the latest. Sounds like a good name for a baby formula....T

[Guest]

Not sure on that, I will check into it though next time I am there because I am going to pick up a few, if nothing else for the price they will make good spare for the trips where you can't recharge. I'll email or post what I find out!

[Ishmel]

Those portable power packs work great for running a low voltage light, but only hold about 9 amps, so they don't run very long if you have a lot of stuff plugged in.

Could you post more info on where to get the Gel-cells?

Thanks

[Guest]

I have seen a few at UC frieght milaca but, better selection at UC frieght Aitkin. You can always go to Batteries plus too, the last one I picked up there ran me $29 + tax.

[Guest]

I believe that the rechargable power sources you are describing are not actually batteries at all, but a capacitor, which is great for providing a large amount of juice over a short time duration, but not suitable for extended running of any sort. You would be better off with the batteries, check into LEDs for you lighting needs, the most efficient lightsource out there.

[Guest]

Jig Stick........Thanks. Sounds like there are some different ones out there. The one you describe sounds like what I'm looking for. Since I fish at night alot, I'd like something I can just bring in the house and plug in. No muss, no fuss if you know what I mean. I don't mind fumbling with gel cells but when it gets really cold outside, I like my ice fishing to be alot simpler-at least, the non-fishing/creature comfort part. The vex will always be running on a gel cell..........

Cold One......I began using an LED for interior lighting last winter. Those things are so efficient I think you could run them for an extended period on a dry cell battery pack. It's a strip light of three white led's sealed in a tough plastic deal and I bought it off the internet for about 26 clams. Keeps the fishing area dimly lit but good enough to see whats happening. Also have some brighter aux lights if needed in there too. The LED's are a little directional (more light in the direction they are aimed). .......T

[Jig stick]

Tbone,

i have the START-IT compact pro by VECTOR manufacturing and I use a Fluorescent 12 volt work light.It will opp. a cell phone >1 estimated power consumption (IN WATTS)estimated usagetime (in hours)30-80 hrs talk time. now for the light at 8watts.5 amps 15 hours,a radio,fan,depth finder 9-watts 14 hours,camcorder,VCR, 15watts 8 hours,power tools,bilge pump 24 watts 3 hours,air compressor,car vacuum 80 watts 1.0 hour,and will run a 100 watt spot light for 0.9 hours all time are appoximate and based on a fully charged unit.Its a maintenance-free seald,non-spillable lead acid battery. I hope this is of help to you.

[This message has been edited by Jig stick (edited 10-18-2002).]

[Jig stick]

To all; VECTOR START-IT compact pro is the perfect power supply for your portable shelter.The work light has a 15' cord I run up the middle pole though the velcro across the side and front.I made s hooks out of stiff plastic coated wire and mounts on the rail above the door.Put the light in sS hooks,pinch the S hooks closed You are not gonna get any better light sourse then this it is perfect!Just twist the light in the S hooks and you get the desireed brightness that your looking for.Makes it brite or dim.Its perfect for tieing on lures, and you wont have any trouble finding anything in your tub.Great for night fishing.I customised it with a coleman 200 watt inverter velcrowed to the front makes it AC-DC They come with built in inverters but this is the compac model with out inverter.So for an exta $25 Ive got just what I was looking for.Small but powerful.

[Jig stick]

bump