RAC Portable Power Station, need DC adaptor spec

[Dave Plowman (News)]

In article <idr138$3ia$1@news.eternal-september.org>,
William Sommerwerck <grizzledgeezer@comcast.net> wrote:

But having used mine on a variety of sized batteries it really does
seem to give a good indication as to the condition rather than just
the charge state of a battery. In other words if it says a fully
charged battery has the capacity (in amp.hrs) as stated on the battery
it is good. Works on batteries from 1.8 - 200 Ah. If it gives a
reading of less than 65% of that figure, the battery should be
replaced. The claim is it simulates a 20 hour test in 6 seconds.

Have you checked the results against something like the MAHA C9000, which
actually drains the cell?

No. I'm only really concerned if a battery is fit for further service.
With a quick check. Which this device does pretty well.

--
*A person who smiles in the face of adversity probably has a scapegoat *

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

Michael A. Terrell wrote:

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

From the current 'Brit Engineering kaput!' thread on
news:sci.electronics.design where they are discussing why all
engineering in England has gone to crap. From the public's attitude
towards engineering, stupid HR staff and brain drain where people with
talent leave England to work elsewhere.

You really need to see what UK groups say about the US. ;-)

You should read that thread and see what other Brits are saying bad
about themselves. They are the ones complaining about what has happened
to the electronics industry in England.

Or perhaps you feel it's not in some similar form of 'decline'? If so, get
your head out of your arse and look around you. At all the Chinese etc
made consumer goods. Same as here. GM bankrupt yet again - despite having
one of the largest markets on its doorstep. Etc.

The US electronics industry isn't consumer grade crap. It is
Military, Aerospace, Instrumentation and Medical Equipment.

I'm no 'my country right or wrong' type. I'll leave that to you.

I don't make that claim, but anytime someone outside the US disagrees,
they toss out that straw man.

Sigh. Still can't stick to what you post, can you? First you
claim 55 W tungsten, then it's 35 W HID.

Crikey again. Do you actually think before posting?

Yes, unlike you. You keep comparing apples to crabapples.

Sigh. You're the one doing the comparing - and getting it wrong.

Tell me, what have you designed? Have you ever worked in a metrology
lab repairing and calibrating test equipment? Have you built space
qualified electronics and seen them used from space?

I know how the damn 'standard' works. It works even better if it has
a relevant base measurement. Starting a vehicle is a completely
different function from a standby power application. Other than
starting the vehicle, little current is drawn from a car's battery if
the charging system works properly. Therfore a '20 Ah rating' is not
the proper standard. That is why the US rates a car battery by CCA. A
worst case condition for starting in cold weather when an engine is
tight and the lubricants are stiff.

Who are you trying to educate? I'm well aware of the likely loading on a
car battery. UK batteries also give all that information - the Ah one is
in addition.

It was dropped long ago in the US, because it has no meaning for a
car battery.

Your miracle tester won't find a
failing batery. I've had several show no signs of trouble that
developed an open internal connection when you hit the key. Your DMM
sized miracle box won't find that and give warning, but the old
controlled discharge testers will.

You really need to do some research before being so certain. Because
you're wrong. My tester will show up a faulty cell - either high impedance
or shorted.

It won't detect a failing internal connection.

Your prehistoric 'controlled discharge' (just an ammeter)
won't - unless you also do other measurements. It also needs skill and
care to use.

Skill? They were automated battery testers. Even a fast food drone
could use one.

But perhaps you've never seen a battery blow apart when
having a high discharge test done? I have.

I've had two vehicles that had a battery explode while someone was
driving them.

My tester doesn't apply the load until after it is connected.

Duh! How could it, if it isn't connected? ;-)

You've never experienced decent HID lamps.

Most of what I've seen are on imported cars. They tend to blind
oncoming traffic.

I have no idea of the construction and use regulations in the US. If they
are only fitted to imports, it shows just how far behind the times Detroit
is.

In what universe does MOST mean 'only fitted to imports'?

FWIW badly set filament lights can dazzle too. Or ones with just plain
poor optical design.

They have to meet the current standards in the US before the vehicle
can be offer for sale.

HID lamps are much more efficient. If they are
designed to the same light output as 'halogen' you benefit from less
energy use. If similar savings are made elsewhere in a car, you specify a
smaller alternator and cable sizes. Etc.

The original lumen limit was set when highways were two lane, with no
space in between the lanes of opposing traffic. It was good engineering,
for its time. Now, most highways have more than two lanes, and a 50' or
wider strip between the two sets of roads so other types of lighting can
be used.


A smaller alternator? I prefer the largest I can get. I have been
in situations were a vehicle required frequent starts, and a smaller
alternator just couldn't keep up with the demand. Smaller wire? I make
battery cables from #1 AWG welding cable, instead of the standard #6
AWG. The reduced voltage drop in the starter circuit makes the engine
start faster, reduces wear on the start motor and increases battery
life. A 25% drop across the battery cables during starting wastes a lot
of energy as heat. On a high compression V8 engine that was already at
operating temperature I have seen a 6 volt drop, and the stock cables
get to warm to touch. That was in my 1966 Pontiac GTO. After I put the
custom battery cables on, the loss was about .75 volts. It would start
just as fast when it was hot as when it was cold. That engine had over
220 pounds compression right after the engine was rebuilt, and before
the new rings had seated.

What else are you going to make more efficient? Take out the radio
and get rid of the vehicle's ECU?

Use crap if you want to, but don't tell me what to do.

I've spent time where the daytime high stayed below -20F for months
at a time, with a record low of -69F.

--
For the last time: I am not a mad scientist, I'm just a very ticked off
scientist!!!

 

[Steve Firth]

Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

I've spent time where the daytime high stayed below -20F for months
at a time, with a record low of -69F.

This is the 21st century, use SI units.

 

[Dave Plowman (News)]

In article <euednQmDP4tw6Z_QnZ2dnUVZ_t2dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:
[snip]

Tell me, what have you designed? Have you ever worked in a metrology
lab repairing and calibrating test equipment? Have you built space
qualified electronics and seen them used from space?

If you're claiming to have done all this, how can you get it wrong about
something so simple as a modern battery tester?

Perhaps you're just living in the past.

--
*Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

 

[David Nebenzahl]

On 12/10/2010 4:50 PM Steve Firth spake thus:

Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

I've spent time where the daytime high stayed below -20F for months
at a time, with a record low of -69F.

This is the 21st century, use SI units.

What's the 21st century got to do with anything?

We (US) don't use those units (at least not in ordinary,
non-engineering, non-technical usage), thank you very much. (And yes,
lots of folks, myself included, like it that way.)


--
Comment on quaint Usenet customs, from Usenet:

To me, the *plonk...* reminds me of the old man at the public hearing
who stands to make his point, then removes his hearing aid as a sign
that he is not going to hear any rebuttals.

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

Steve Firth wrote:

Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

I've spent time where the daytime high stayed below -20F for months
at a time, with a record low of -69F.

This is the 21st century, use SI units.

The record was set last millenium, and that was when I was there. I
appologize that you aren't smart enough to do the conversions.


--
For the last time: I am not a mad scientist, I'm just a very ticked off
scientist!!!

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article <euednQmDP4tw6Z_QnZ2dnUVZ_t2dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:
[snip]

Tell me, what have you designed? Have you ever worked in a metrology
lab repairing and calibrating test equipment? Have you built space
qualified electronics and seen them used from space?

If you're claiming to have done all this, how can you get it wrong about
something so simple as a modern battery tester?

Perhaps you're just living in the past.

Perhaps you live on a fantasy world.


--
For the last time: I am not a mad scientist, I'm just a very ticked off
scientist!!!

 

[Dave Plowman (News)]

In article <tJOdnVZd_LO5ZJ_QnZ2dnUVZ_s-dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article <euednQmDP4tw6Z_QnZ2dnUVZ_t2dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:
[snip]

Tell me, what have you designed? Have you ever worked in a
metrology lab repairing and calibrating test equipment? Have you
built space qualified electronics and seen them used from space?

If you're claiming to have done all this, how can you get it wrong
about something so simple as a modern battery tester?

Perhaps you're just living in the past.

Perhaps you live on a fantasy world.

Tell you what, Michael, buy one of these ACT units and give it a proper
work out.

I have one and say it does what it claims to do.

You don't, and appear to be basing your views on 'experience' which is
years out of date.

Or you could just visit a decent battery shop and see what they use these
days.

--
*Marriage changes passion - suddenly you're in bed with a relative*

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

 

[Dave Plowman (News)]

In article <euednQmDP4tw6Z_QnZ2dnUVZ_t2dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

You really need to see what UK groups say about the US. ;-)

You should read that thread and see what other Brits are saying bad
about themselves. They are the ones complaining about what has happened
to the electronics industry in England.

And you think there are no US citizens who say bad things about your
country? But perhaps you'd wish them silenced. You certainly give the
impression of not wanting to allow others to have their own opinion.

--
*Young at heart -- slightly older in other places

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article <tJOdnVZd_LO5ZJ_QnZ2dnUVZ_s-dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article <euednQmDP4tw6Z_QnZ2dnUVZ_t2dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:
[snip]

Tell me, what have you designed? Have you ever worked in a
metrology lab repairing and calibrating test equipment? Have you
built space qualified electronics and seen them used from space?

If you're claiming to have done all this, how can you get it wrong
about something so simple as a modern battery tester?

Perhaps you're just living in the past.

Perhaps you live on a fantasy world.

Tell you what, Michael, buy one of these ACT units and give it a proper
work out.

The one that was mentioned by model number was quoted at 399 British
pounds. I have better things to spend money on that overpriced toys.

I have one and say it does what it claims to do.

You don't, and appear to be basing your views on 'experience' which is
years out of date.

Or you could just visit a decent battery shop and see what they use these
days.

Modern? Or set up for complete idiot employees?


--
For the last time: I am not a mad scientist, I'm just a very ticked off
scientist!!!

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article <euednQmDP4tw6Z_QnZ2dnUVZ_t2dnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:
You really need to see what UK groups say about the US. ;-)

You should read that thread and see what other Brits are saying bad
about themselves. They are the ones complaining about what has happened
to the electronics industry in England.

And you think there are no US citizens who say bad things about your
country? But perhaps you'd wish them silenced. You certainly give the
impression of not wanting to allow others to have their own opinion.

Yawn. You don't know me at all. It doesn't matter, though. I'm
sure you wouldn't beleive what anyone told you about me.


--
For the last time: I am not a mad scientist, I'm just a very ticked off
scientist!!!

 

[Dave Plowman (News)]

In article <rvGdnWqvX4R79Z7QnZ2dnUVZ_vqdnZ2d@earthlink.com>,
Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

Tell you what, Michael, buy one of these ACT units and give it a proper
work out.

The one that was mentioned by model number was quoted at 399 British
pounds. I have better things to spend money on that overpriced toys.

Mine was used for pro purposes and in no way a toy. And was worth its
cost for convenience alone - your dinosaur type wouldn't fit in a pocket.

However, the one I have cost nothing like that much. I've had it for
several years. This appears to be the latest model - and seems to be well
regarded in your country.


<http://www.actmeters.com/Copy of
GOLD-IBT-Intelligent-Battery-Tester-1.php>

--
*Men are from Earth, women are from Earth. Deal with it.

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

 

[Meat Plow]

On Fri, 10 Dec 2010 23:06:29 -0500, Michael A. Terrell wrote:

Steve Firth wrote:

Michael A. Terrell <mike.terrell@earthlink.net> wrote:

I've spent time where the daytime high stayed below -20F for
months
at a time, with a record low of -69F.

This is the 21st century, use SI units.


The record was set last millenium, and that was when I was there. I
appologize that you aren't smart enough to do the conversions.

Looks like you've got yourself into quite the pissing match with a couple
of these do it yourself retards.



--
Live Fast, Die Young and Leave a Pretty Corpse