Refueler
Well-Known Member
Yes I have one of those useless cool-boxes that really are an insulated box with a fan on front !
I've never really liked it after it melted the ciggy socket that seller of boat reckoned it worked via. Obviously he didn't use it much either !
It's a shame really as the box is large, must be a good 20 - 25ltr capacity. Rubbermaid manufacturer who are a recognised reasonable co.
I have measured its power draw and it ranges from 7 - 10A and unlike a thermostat controlled Waeco etc. does not cut out or reduce - it just keeps drawing Amps ... So it's 'power-hungry' to say the least.
Couple of days ago - I thought I would test it. So plugged it into my 240 - 12 transformer, switched on. Cabin temp was anywhere 20 - 25C (yes it's glorious over here at moment ....). I put a dual temp. gauge in .... that is remote probe inside the box and display outside.
Next day amazed !! Display showing temps ..... >
and then later ... dunno why it changed but still not too bad ... >
I have to admit that these were after near 20hrs running which is anywhere from 140 - 200 A/hrs of capacity used ! Or using 8A as average, 12V ... 20 hrs = 1.92KW !!
So anyway - point is I proved it works even though it's ancient machine. The idea now is to find a way to only have it powered when engines running, to stop draining batterys.
A kind gent who sent me his relay controlled charging circuit - intended for alternator to batterys, so wonder if this can be adapted to click in to power the coolbox once engine is started ... click out when engine off. That way I have maximum use but protected from discharging batt's .....
Later I switched it off and next day (note that only empty plastic bottles in there ...) the temp inside it was still significantly lower than outside ... 26C outside, 11C inside it.
I've never really liked it after it melted the ciggy socket that seller of boat reckoned it worked via. Obviously he didn't use it much either !
It's a shame really as the box is large, must be a good 20 - 25ltr capacity. Rubbermaid manufacturer who are a recognised reasonable co.
I have measured its power draw and it ranges from 7 - 10A and unlike a thermostat controlled Waeco etc. does not cut out or reduce - it just keeps drawing Amps ... So it's 'power-hungry' to say the least.
Couple of days ago - I thought I would test it. So plugged it into my 240 - 12 transformer, switched on. Cabin temp was anywhere 20 - 25C (yes it's glorious over here at moment ....). I put a dual temp. gauge in .... that is remote probe inside the box and display outside.
Next day amazed !! Display showing temps ..... >
and then later ... dunno why it changed but still not too bad ... >
I have to admit that these were after near 20hrs running which is anywhere from 140 - 200 A/hrs of capacity used ! Or using 8A as average, 12V ... 20 hrs = 1.92KW !!
So anyway - point is I proved it works even though it's ancient machine. The idea now is to find a way to only have it powered when engines running, to stop draining batterys.
A kind gent who sent me his relay controlled charging circuit - intended for alternator to batterys, so wonder if this can be adapted to click in to power the coolbox once engine is started ... click out when engine off. That way I have maximum use but protected from discharging batt's .....
Later I switched it off and next day (note that only empty plastic bottles in there ...) the temp inside it was still significantly lower than outside ... 26C outside, 11C inside it.
