Jump packs
 

Anybody on here had any experience with any of these new super duper emergency jump packs. I'm talking about the ones that are the size of an old VHS tape, not that much heavier, and will allegedly start a tank.....

Like this:
http://www.autoelectricalpartsuk.co....utomotive.html

Friend of mine just bought one at the NEC show but he obviously hasn't had it long enough to say if it's worth having.

Re: Jump packs
 

dammit, I was hoping for short range jetpacks.

Re: Jump packs
 

Them leads are going to get mighty warm jumping a 3lt diesel.
Unless they are super conductors....

Re: Jump packs
 

They peak at 400a, so just about enough to start a medium sized family car, but i suspect you'd only get one shot. I suspect a bike would be a different matter, if thats what you were thinking.

Thinking of getting one myself for camping etc, recharge the cameras/phones etc, and recharge it on the bike during the trip there or back.

Definitely worth a look, but like you i'd want other people's opinions and experiences first.

Re: Jump packs
 

The thing with lithium is the cold weather is not it's freind.
We have a heater on the leaf for cold climate territories.
So if you thinking of using in the camper van keep it in the living area.
On the bike for emergencies, well it's going to have an easier life regarding draw.

Re: Jump packs
 

I'm actually thinking of getting one as an emergency back up on my boat. I don't actually need it to start the engine, only to run lights and instruments in an emergency. I'm not particularly clever around understanding electrics (I can manage the basics) and I wondered if they would be able to cope with a steady discharge of a few amps of several hours rather than just a the big hit they get when starting an engine. They are supposed to be able to charge a laptop etc so I would have thought it would be OK but was hoping someone might have had some experience with one. Think I might have to try and borrow my mates and test it out...


Edit: Yes it would be handy if it could start the camper as well!

Re: Jump packs
 

Did you see the water jet pack that was on the gadget show last year.
Ran off a jet ski?

Re: Jump packs
 

If the batteries in these are Li Ion then this would be an ideal use for them, they perform very well in low/medium current drain applications. As to how long it would power your equipment, you'll need to check with the supplier the Ah rating, I can only assume the 200A rating is what can be continuously drawn from the pack but as NTEC says if you did those cables would soon fry. I'd want to see a proper spec. sheet before buying.

Re: Jump packs
 

If you can accept the weight penalty a good old fashioned leisure battery would be great for the first role.

Re: Jump packs
 

yeah, really cool but limited.

Definitely the closest anyone's gotten with an added dose of fun instead of terrifyingly burning your legs to cinders.