Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Evan Bottcher on July 31, 2012, 09:26:25 AM

Title: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Evan Bottcher on July 31, 2012, 09:26:25 AM
I'm looking for a good portable jump starter + power supply.  Would be great if it included a decent tyre inflator.  Does anyone have a recommendation?

I was looking at this type of thing:
http://www.909.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=115&flypage=yagendoo_VaMazing_zoom2.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27#gal

I'm not sure of a price on that one...

thanks,
Evan.
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Bruce Fowler on July 31, 2012, 11:02:37 AM
Evan,

New and current model (156 and on) Alfas are on the RACV's list of cars to never use a jump starter on, it can fry your electrics
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: L4OMEO on July 31, 2012, 11:55:00 AM
I think my 156 has a module on the top of the battery with a dedicated prong to facilitate jump-starting. Been used a few times by RACQ too  ;)
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Neil Choi on July 31, 2012, 12:17:19 PM
Evan

Repco has a 1200 amp one (I bought one), until end of July (today) I think RACV members get 20% off but still pricey.

Buy the biggest amp you can afford, don't buy cheap crap one as it is then a boat anchor.

Neil
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Ray Pignataro on July 31, 2012, 08:37:35 PM
Neil totally agree have had a few jump packs over the years , the last one I bought was from Bursons about $250.00 worked right up until it was stolen. having said that, the one Evan put a link to did look good, how much are they?
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Evan Bottcher on July 31, 2012, 10:15:55 PM
I think that 909 range of cheap power tools is exclusively sold by Masters - although I can't find that item on their website...
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Repco Lad on July 31, 2012, 10:27:07 PM
Guys,

I'll have a look at what variants we have on offer at Repco and work out some club member pricing. I'll post info tomorrow.
If there is any interest, we can take it from there

Just released a 2400w unit that will kick-start a 747

RL
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Evan Bottcher on July 31, 2012, 10:38:51 PM
Sounds good RL.

I'm mostly after a jump starter + a 12v power source for running my compressor at the track.  If something came with USB ports for charging my phone, as Mr Chode says, that would be quite welcome.
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Neil Choi on July 31, 2012, 10:44:34 PM
Quote from: Repco Lad on July 31, 2012, 10:27:07 PM
Guys,

I'll have a look at what variants we have on offer at Repco and work out some club member pricing. I'll post info tomorrow.
If there is any interest, we can take it from there

Just released a 2400w unit that will kick-start a 747

RL

Now you pop up after I bought mine.  Should have remembered you are around.  Must be old age!!!
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: alfagtv58 on July 31, 2012, 11:22:04 PM
While we are on pit equipment, cordless torque wrenches.  I'm thinking of investing in one.  Anyone got any opinions on what to get or what to avoid.

I found this which I thought might be value for money....doubt you would want to use it in a full time workshop, might be alright for my needs though?
http://mondis.com.au/node/68

I also noticed they have jump start thingys too
http://mondis.com.au/node/66
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Evan Bottcher on July 31, 2012, 11:33:05 PM
Yeah I had noticed that Mondis power station on ebay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MONDIS-BATTERY-JUMP-STARTER-CHARGER-AIR-COMPRESSOR-PACK-/120869550889?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c2462fb29#ht_2165wt_936).  Looks pretty decent.

I bought a really cheap 24V cordless rattle gun, and it's close to useless.  It wouldn't loosen a wheel nut.  It's still convenient for quickly taking off the nuts and doing them up, but I have to use my wheel brace to do the initial loosening and final tightening.  That was a really cheap one though...

Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Neil Choi on August 01, 2012, 08:23:14 AM
Yep, had the same thoughts for a long while as Phil of getting a rattle gun, and same as Chode of spending good money.  Crap is always crap and don't get better.

Thinking around and seen good ones for $400, given Snap-On is close to $800.  Mmmmm, Snap-On.
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Evan Bottcher on August 01, 2012, 08:49:27 AM
This is turning into one of my favourite threads of recent time.  I like tools.  :P
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: alfagtv58 on August 01, 2012, 09:25:36 AM
While it may not be a tool, one thing I have found great at the track is an aluminium work platform.  I use it as a bench for my tool box and a couple of other bits to go on, and I can throw some other stuff underneath so it isnt underfoot (usually stuff that wont matter if ground gets wet, esky, plastic tub with spares etc).  It packs up flat and is very light so easy to take to and from track, sets up in about 3 1/2 seconds.....

I got mine from Aldi a while back, they get them in from time to time (link below is from an old sale I think?).

http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_5541.htm
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Ray Pignataro on August 01, 2012, 09:51:07 PM
I just replaced my stolen one with exactly the same cordless rattle gun a tradequip 24 volt 505nm for $200.
Title: Re: Portable power station / jump starter
Post by: Repco Lad on August 01, 2012, 10:29:52 PM
Gents,
Without sounding like a broken record, but can I do a deal for you on a cordless Repco rattle gun....
2 versions- 1 is variable speed, the other is variable torque. Both 18V, 539Nm torque

Recent AAAA auto industry trade mag did a comparo on cordless rattle guns, and these came out on top.
Retail somewhere between $500- $600, but will be able to sharpen that up.

Rather than one-offs, if some-one had the inclination to put a wish list together of trackside tools and equipment, I'll price it up and post the info

Getting back to jumpstarters, these are the Repco units, not the Mechpro ones. All have 12v socket. 2400W only one with USB. None have compressors. But you don't want that, as the pumps in the all-in-one type units are really small
900W approx $130
1200W approx $170
2400W approx $390
PM me if interested

Regards RL