12v Power Pack usefull or not on a boat

prv said:
Assuming you mean a typical 12v -> 240v inverter, what does that have to do with USB devices? And why would I want to run them off a separate battery that needs to be recharged, rather than off the boat's normal power system like everything else?

Pete
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Some of us are unlucky enough to have a Sony Tablet, which can only be charged from a 240v source. :(
Still, the inverter is useful for charging a battery drill etc.
 
I've used one once when my diode splitter malfunctioned and left me with 2 flat batteries. I hailed an adjacent boat and he very kindly fetched it from his van. It started my yanmar 2 cylinder fine and I was very grateful.
 
prv said:
Assuming you mean a typical 12v -> 240v inverter, what does that have to do with USB devices? And why would I want to run them off a separate battery that needs to be recharged, rather than off the boat's normal power system like everything else?

Pete
Click to expand...

Some times I stay on the boat for days at a time when on the mooring. I take a laptop and all sorts of other gubbins that need power, which is why I bought the halfords jobbie cos it can power the USB and an inverter and it also has a torch (and air pump). So rather than using power from the boat and have to fire up the donkey to recharge, my intention was to use the Halfords jobbie and then take it home to recharge that. The problem with the Halfords jobbie is that it needs to be kept charged, which I am sometimes remiss at doing.
 
I thought about buying one for o/b as well as @ home. the idea was i could then use all the boat batts for domestic use & if i has low batt issues i could use the pack, then i thought of adding a redflash (£180).
i use to be indecisive but now im not so sure :)
 
I have an Anti Gravity Microstart XP-1. Lithium technology so it keeps it charge very well over long period of non use. It's about the size of a couple of cigarette packets, it weighs about 400g, can charge laptops, phones, cameras and anything with a USB lead and it can start a small diesel engine of the sort found in a yacht and petrols up to V6, I think possibly even V8. It also has a useful torch. I have used it on a four cylinder 1.7 litre diesel, and petrol engines up to 2.0 litre. I have been very impressed. No connection other than I know the guy who brings them in, which is how I ended up with one. Not cheap, compared to the cheap jump starters with a small Lead Acid battery, but it is in a different league. They also do a larger model for bigger diesels, and a smaller model for petrols only.

See here: http://www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk/microstart-jump-starter.html

Edit: busted by the swear filter for using a three letter word for cigarettes that means something entirely different in the US :D
 
Had a Maplins' yin that appeared ideal at starting things. Problem was it had to lie on its back to fit into a locker; wet cell with rubber plugs that leak; result was one empty useless weight. Buying new is cheaper than replacing battery.

Now have a £5 scrap yard battery next to main bank - problem solved.
 
neale said:
I have an Anti Gravity Microstart XP-1. Lithium technology so it keeps it charge very well over long period of non use. It's about the size of a couple of cigarette packets, it weighs about 400g, can charge laptops, phones, cameras and anything with a USB lead and it can start a small diesel engine of the sort found in a yacht and petrols up to V6, I think possibly even V8. It also has a useful torch. I have used it on a four cylinder 1.7 litre diesel, and petrol engines up to 2.0 litre. I have been very impressed. No connection other than I know the guy who brings them in, which is how I ended up with one. Not cheap, compared to the cheap jump starters with a small Lead Acid battery, but it is in a different league. They also do a larger model for bigger diesels, and a smaller model for petrols only.

See here: http://www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk/microstart-jump-starter.html

Edit: busted by the swear filter for using a three letter word for cigarettes that means something entirely different in the US :D
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Neale - the blurb claims that it can power a laptop - given that I have a battery or a 240v charge lead, how does that work please?

Edit - just checked the website and it appears to come with a series of attachments inc a range of laptop power adapter tips.

How does this work though - the big boy is 18,000 milliamps or 18 amps. How can that support a 300 - 600 amp starting capability. Or is it 18 amp hours so could support 2 minutes ish of cranking?
 
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I use a G Tech Air Ram. Quite good but you do need ensure it is FULLY charged and the filters are very CLEAN. I do mean the hand held version btw. Yes, it has attachments including one for your crevice. It also comes with an extension and a flexible hose as my crevice can be awkward to access. Cue Frankie Howerd references ..
 
I have a rechargeable Black and Decker DustBuster Pivot 18v. Really powerful, cost £56 a couple of years ago. Always picks up anything I throw at it, use on boat and car, leave plugged in at all times, so always fully charged.
 
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