Xantrex Technologies 852-2071 Xpower AC/DC Powerpack Solar With 400 Watt Inverter, Two AC Outlets, USB Port, And Digital Display Top Quality

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RLYNYJ4M8X25 This is a great little unit, I have used it a few times to test just how long it lasts and it never failed to impress. The only problem with this unit is that the digital display is highly inaccurate in displaying the batteries charge level when anything is plugged in and the ac output of devices under 50 watts. I have not experienced any error code problems. I've used this unit to power a small table fan, a laptop computer and some other small draw items. Here are my run times:

Small ac table fan = 3-4 hours on low setting, 3 max on low setting

12 volt dc fan = 5-7 hours on only high setting (0.8 amps 10 watts from walmart)

13.3" macbook = 2.5 hours with lots of processing and display on full brightness
4 hours max with low brightness and light web browsing only (full battery)

acer aspire one = 5-6 hours on low brightness and light browsing (battery charged prior)
netbook


Items that will not run long on this powerpack:

1. powerful entertainment or gaming laptops

2. desktop computers

3. big ac fans

4. high draw dc appliances such as a dc coffee maker, hair dryer and spotlight

5. items with heating elements in general EX: coffee maker, heating blanket, electric heater of any sort (expect 3 min or less run time, just don't even try to plug any of the mentioned items in AT ALL!)

6. big lcd tv's or any crt tv (yes even the 13" rated for this product)


Items that will be damaged by this device due to modified sine wave ac output:

1. rechargeable batteries (your laptop will not be damaged because it has a special transformer (I.E. the power brick)

2. nightlights of any sort

3. rechargeable electric shavers

4. any devices that specify they will only work with pure sine wave power (grid power = pure sine wave. keep in mind that 99.9% of all powerpacks use modified sine wave for ac power)

Bottom line: Don't treat it as if it is a generator or as if you still have power coming in off the grid in an emergency, be conservative and it will last the night. If you have never owned a power pack like this, keep in mind it's just a battery and the solar panel won't make it function like a generator. If you don't know solar, keep in mind this unit has the largest possible solar panel that will fit on the unit, that doesn't mean it will charge in a day like your solar accent lights outside. A full day of sunlight will give you 10-20 percent of overall charge (use this to charge your cellphone or run the efficient built in lights at night). You need to charge this unit every 1-3 months. Failure to do so will cause the internal sla agm battery to sulfate and refuse to charge(your warranty is voided with xantrex for neglect). Realistically don't plug devices in that use more than 70-80 watts if you want reasonable run time (this is true with most powerpacks, even the huge ones). Large items should not be used at all in an emergency power situation. If you want more power and longer run times, buy a 400 watt inverter for your car (please don't kill your car's battery, start it up) or buy a $100-$150 2 cycle generator, especially if you need power for medical devices. This unit should last you at least 5 years before the battery needs to be replaced (10 ah agm battery, nut and bolt terminals, tall style battery = $29 online) A lot of powerpacks use this battery. My campbell hausfeld power pack with this battery is 3 years old and counting with the same battery (runs great too, no loss of power) and my past devices using sla batteries lasted an average 7 years before needing replacement. Treat your battery right and it can last just as long. Feel free to ask any questions, I'll try to respond asap or whenever I can check my inbox.



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