Xantrex Technologies 804-0450 High Wattage 40 Amp Battery Charger

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13856 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 804-0450
• Dimensions: 14.00" h x 10.00" w x 8.00" l, 10.00 pounds

Features

• STAX9
• Ideal for recharging SUV, Boat, and car
• 40amp Maximum DC output current
• Built-in short circuit and overcharge protection
• 3 Stage charging technology minimizes recharging time

Customer Reviews

Efficient, powerfull, well made
I have been testing battery chargers and batteries for charging efficiency as a byproduct of marine wind turbine testing I am doing. Of the 5 different chargers I tested, this was by far the most efficient.

It is also very powerful; for just a little more than a standard 15 amp charger, you get 40 amps. The 3 stage charging program significantly speeds charging of large capacity batteries.

I bought 1, used it for several months, and was so impressed, I bought a 2nd one to boost the charging capacity of a very large batter bank.

It is ideal for use as a charger for boat battery banks, either cruising sailboat or for bass boat type trolling motor battery banks.

Very good charger, lots of power, 3 stage
Being a commercial fisherman I've dealt with many charges and this is the best portable one I've ever used. The design quality is excellent but the build quality is only fair since it's made in China, you might get a bad one. I had to take mine apart and reposition the control panel because it was shifted to far up and you couldn't see the indicator lights. Charges a full 40 amps and I've had no problems with it for 6 months. A completely dead battery won't charge until you either zap it for a second with jumper cables or use an old style charger for a few minutes. The 3 charging stages work as described.

Too Smart by half
Works well, but sometimes the smarts are not smart enough. Some times it charges a full or nearly full battery at too high an amperage and you know it shouldn't. You turn if off then back on, and it acts properly. Sometimes it won't charge a battery in bad shape, but a simple & stupid charger will. I'm on my second. The first would go into equilizing mode by itself, though the engineers at Xantrex couldn't see how that was possible! All in all it's a nice device and a worthwhile purchase.

Xantrex Technologies 851-0401 XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9861 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 851-0401
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 4.00" w x 5.00" l, 1.99 pounds

Features

• Provides up to 400-watts of AC power
• Converts 12-volts of DC power from a vehicle battery into 115-volts of AC power
• Two AC outlets to operate two devices at once
• Automatic shutdown protection against overload, over-temperature, and low or high battery conditions
• DC terminals for a vehicle DC socket or direct battery connection

From the Manufacturer
Designed to provide portable power for your mobile electronics--such as a mobile phone, PSP, and laptop--when you’re on the go, the XPower Micro 400 Inverter accesses AC power from your vehicle’s DC socket. The interactive LED display provides the user with instant feedback on input current and output voltage. It also offers valuable troubleshooting guidance. Commercial trucks with sleeping cabs can use the XPower Micro 400 Inverter to operate entertainment devices such as a small TV, radio, DVD player, and more.

Customer Reviews

Works well
So far I have only used it to power my laptop through the cigarette lighter, but it worked well on an 8 hour trip and never once gave me any trouble. I especially like the small size and intelligent fan that only turns on under heavy load. You can keep this under the seat all the time and it's there when you need it.

Just Right
This Xantrex 400-Watt Inverter is very nice and would strongly recommend it.

I have an old car and needed to wire it directly to the battery because of my older smaller wires in the dash. Other than Rewiring I have no problems with this little power house. I am in college and been finding my self sitting in my car surfing the internet and doing some classwork then my Laptop battery would go dead in about 3-5hrs... This little 400-Watt inverter has no problems powering my Laptop and recharging the batteries. I can sit for 2hrs running off my car battery (850cca) and not drain it or have to start engine to recharge because of low battery. The Unit does not pull much for a laptop but it does Pull More when charging the laptop battery and running it. I found the Fan not so noisy, a little radio drowns it out. (no louder than the Ac fan on low or medium) I have notice when my laptop battery is full and no longer charging the Inverter slows and even stops the fan because of a lighter load. The Fan only comes on when a moderate Load is their, otherwise it is dead silent and the little green light is on. Like I said the fan has turned off before with the laptop plugged in.

I have 3 other Xantrex products and never had a problem with them. It is a very good product, built strong, and last long.

I have not done any heavy testing on it, but a 100Watt incandescent work light light bulb and laptop running full speed does not phase this 400-Watt inverter. I have had them both on and for over and hour and still had 12+ volts in the car battery. I have a 25min drive to college and back every day and I just plug my laptop in and let it charge as I go to and from school. I have no problems with it and would definitely recommend it for the traveling Laptopers.

A laptop does pull down some power and I fear any thing less than a 200watt inverter would struggle under the constant load of a laptop. The two electrical outlets are convenient, for other small electrical applications that you may need to plug in, like a printer for example.

My Car is old and when I first plugged it in the Cig lighter it only worked for 10mins then the 11.00 Volt alarm would sound,and it is very loud and does not shut up until the voltage gets about 11.50volts for about 1min... This is why I had to ReWire my car (very old) and now with a new hot wire off the battery I have no low voltage alarm.

Pros: Powerful, quiet when not in moderate use, small, convenient, extremely portable, Fan turns off when no load (so you do not have to unplug or turn off ever time you stop using it)

Cons: low voltage 11.00volt alarm is ear shattering, Internal Fan is evident when on.

Faulty on arrival
After opening the package, I did smell something funny, like when wires or circuit burns. But that did not deter me from trying it. So I went to the car to try it.

I press the red/pink button, it starts (you hear the fan, and status light turns green), but as soon as I lift my finger off the button, it shuts down. After several trys without succcess, I opted to get refund/replacement.

I tried to get a replacement, this site does not provide free returns for defective items. So I decided to return for a refund after I could not get through with any customer service.

I think I was thrilled to see this product, and it seemed to work fine, started my camera battery charger, but not for too long when I lifted my finger of the switch.

Updated Dec 1, 2008: Amazon customer service sent me another unit, and asked me to returned this damaged unit, and send them an email for the cost of returning. After returning via USPS, I emailed them the cost, and they promptly refunded me the cost. When you return an item, Amazon system also gets updated of the cost and they match with what you ask for.

This product worked like a charm. I tested it once in a car plugging my macbook into while I was using the computer, fan only came on once, but the sound was pretty low, only I could tell, no one else heard it, and it shut off the fan after couple of minutes. I like this product, not bad for the price and benefits. I couldn't change the rate later, so now I give 4 stars.

Xantrex Technologies 852-0251 XPower Mobile Mini Power Source

Product Description

The PowerSource Mobile Mini is desgined to ensure that your cell phone, BlackBerry , iPod or PSP has power when you re on the go. For maximum convenience, the PowerSource Mobile Mini offers a mini USB pivot arm that directly connects to any BlackBerry , and new Moto phones like Razr, Rokr and more. The PowerSource Mobile Mini provides power through a 0.5 amp USB charge port to keep the music playing for hours. Sleek, lightweight and powerful, the PowerSource Mobile Mini s internal lithium-ion battery can be recharged at home through a lightweight AC charger, on the go through your vehicle s DC socket, or at your desk from a USB port.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21091 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 852-0251
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 1.00" w x 4.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• USB connector with pivoting arm for direct connection to mobile devices
• 3-amp hour lithium-ion battery pack
• Recharges from a standard wall outlet, a vehicle, or a computer
• Features 1 additional USB charge port
• Includes LED battery status/charge status indicator

Customer Reviews

A must for any traveler!!!!!
I've been a flight attendant for Delta airlines for 18 years, if I get a dollar for each passenger with a dead cell phone, I would have been retired by now. With this little Powersource battery, you can buy yourself an adapter for your cell phone and use it during your call to extend your battery life, or simply charge your dead battery during flight. I have bought two of these, one for myself and one for my girlfriend who makes her weekly commute to JFK airport. Both of us use it regularly to recharge our phone, and for our Zune players!!! It takes a few hours to recharge its built in battery, and with a full charge, it stays full charge for days. It can recharge your cell phone battery, from dead to full without any problem.

Almost perfect, backup power on the go.
Okay, right into the details...

-- The Pros: --
- 3Ah Battery(3000mah) capacity. I believe the average Blackberry has a 1000mAh battery, iPods range from 400mAh up to around 800mAh and cellphones are in the 1100mAh to 1600mAh range. These are all "rough" numbers, you could look up your item to find more specific numbers. What this all means is that the stock battery capacity of this Xantrex will last about 3 charges for Blackberries and Cellphones, and perhaps even more times for smaller iPod/MP3 Players...Before you have to recharge the charger.
- That 3000mah battery is Lithium-Ion (Li-On). Unlike your average rechargeable AA or AAA batteries that self-discharge within a few weeks (some even only days!), Li-on batteries hold their charge for a lonnnnng time...So you don't have to worry if you haven't used the charger for a while, it should still have a good amount of capacity when you do use it.
- It has a built-in, swivel mini-usb connector. Perfect for gear that uses that kind of port for power (such as the Blackberry) and since it's built-in there's no worries about losing it
- Also has a standard USB port. Especially nice as both ports are active...Meaning you can charge 2 items at once. Your iPod and Blackberry running low on juice? No problem, plug them BOTH in and they'll both charge at the same time.
- Comes with AC Power adapter, DC Power adapter (Car lighter connector) and can recharge from standard USB connector as well.
- It's right at the edge of almost being a bit big for easy carrying, but the little bit of extra heft is well worth having that 3000mAh capacity.

-- The Cons: --
- The Power on/off button is hard to press, sometimes I have to use the corner of my thumb or nails to get it. It feels like it might break from the amount of pressure required.
- Though the charge status indicator (the lightning bolt) will change from green->yellow->red depending on the leftover capacity of the battery...I'd have preferred some kind of powerbar with a 'check' button for a clearer idea of status.
- Uses a non-standard plug for the charge cable. Lose that cable and you're out of luck. The biggest attraction for this charger is it's versatility in supplying the common USB type ports for charging things...So why couldn't Xantrax have done the same thing and used a mini-usb charge port to charge the charger? I've got tons of those, all over the place.

I bought this Charger as an accessory to go in my manbag/manpurse/techbag for backup power to my iPod Mini and Blackberry. In my Condo complex Cellular reception is horrible, which means the Blackberry is constantly "hunting" for signal and therefore the batteries drain very fast. Having the battery backup gives me piece of mind that I won't be without email/cellphone if the Blackberry is drained.

Another, unexpected benefit, was that I recently added a portable 320gb hard drive to my bag as well. It's supposed to be able to power itself on just 1 USB port on your computer, but has 2 USB heads in case it can't get enough juice to power the drive...And in my case, 1 port wasn't enough. Instead of having to use a 2nd USB port (and not have it available for something else), I plugged it into the Xantrex and it works beautifully.

No buyer remorse here, this is a solid product that gives you a bit of reassurance and piece of mind.

If you're looking for higher capacity, portability and the ability to plug your Notebook into it for extra runtime, take a look at the Xantrex 852-0281 XPower PowerSource 100 Watt Inverter. Or if you'd rather have something really small (about the size of 2 little tic-tac containers next to each other), check out IOGEAR GearJuice Mobile Pocket Power Pack

Very useful for TMobile G1
Got this as the battery life on the TMobile G1 Android phone is very short. I don't know how many charges this battery provides for the G1, but from my experience it does seem greater than one full charge.
It did a good job keeping the G1 running for music and game playing on a 12 hour international flight. The flip out miniusb plug is very convenient for charging the G1 without needing a cable. Also tried charging a usb device from the USB port and that works well too.

Only complaint is that the power button can end up pushed by accident, like in a bag, without intending to turn it on.

Xantrex Technologies 852-0281 XPower PowerSource 100 Watt Inverter

Product Description

PowerSource Mobile 100 is ideal for people who frequently travel by vehicle and/or airplane. If your laptop battery runs low or you need more play time with your portable game console or portable DVD, simply connect your device into the AC outlet and keep going. Two USB charge ports will keep your Blackberry, iPaq, Palm, or iPod charged when you need it most. You no longer have to carry extra cords, chargers and device-specific batteries. You'll save money and space in your laptop carry bag!

From the Manufacturer
The XPower Pocket Inverter 100 is a mini inverter that utilize advanced electronics to convert the 12 volt DC battery power from a vehicle into 120 volt household AC electricity. When your laptop, portable game console, or any other mobile device runs out of battery power, simply plug it into the Pocket Inverter and keep going.

Customer Reviews

Good device; but be realistic about your actual consumption
I am not upset about my purchase of this device, but I do need to point out a few things about it.

* 100W is a 5-minute rating based on the inverter, not the battery inside.
* 80W is the inverter output from the car adapter when plugged in.
* 60W is the maximum battery draw without the device shutting itself off.

I read that this device would perform about two hours for a laptop, so I was optimistic. I own a Core 2 Duo Macbook Pro, and an older Dell Inspiron 8000 Pentium 3 laptop. I could not run either of them off the battery inside the PowerSource Mobile 100 if I had the laptop battery installed. Once I removed the laptop battery, I could run from the PS100 for about one hour. Now, realize that my AC adapters draw 75-85 watts max. My friend's laptop draws about 25 watts, instead of the 35-45 that mine draw (battery removed). You may wish to get a device such as the Kill-A-Watt that will show you how much power your laptop actually draws before using the battery and thinking it'll get you two hours of power in a bind.

not as advertised
Read this device would add another 2 hours to the run time of my laptop.
My laptop draws 22 watts (per kill-a-watt meter) and the mobile 100 lasts
between 45 and 60 minutes before it shuts down. I was not expecting
2 hours but I did expect at least 90 mins. The Mypower All 3400 or apc's
universal laptop battery are better choices if running a laptop is your
main use.

Works as designed. Audible alarm is too loud and can't be disabled.
I used this device on an airplane for my laptop. It was working fine while I was watching a movie. I had headphones on so I didn't hear the audible alarm when the battery went low. A flight attendant came by looking for the source of the alarm. I was embarrassed to find out it was me causing the alarm from my device. I quickly unplugged everything. I would prefer a way to turn the audible alarm off.

Xantrex 852-0200 XPower Powerpack 200 Plus Portable Backup Power Source

Product Description

The XPower Powerpack 200 Plus is a great addition to your vehicle's emergency-preparedness kit. It will jump-start your vehicle, its air compressor will inflate tires, and its built-in emergency light lets others see you if you’re stranded. This portable power source will charge cordless and mobile phones so you can stay connected to family and friends during a blackout. It also can power a TV, radio, or computer, so you can stay safe and follow news and weather updates during hurricanes or other storms. Or if you need power on the go, the XPower Powerpack 200 Plus can operate a variety of electronic products such as a camcorder, video game console, hand-held blender, fan, and more so you can stay productive, comfortable, and entertained.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3640 in Automotive
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 852-0200
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 12.00" w x 9.00" l, 19.00 pounds

Features

• Provides up to 200 watts of AC power
• Operates 115-volt AC or 12-volt DC products anywhere
• 250 PSI air compressor for inflating tires and sports equipment
• Comes with vehicle jumper cables
• Built-in emergency light for illumination at home or on the road

Amazon.com Product Description
There are many times when extra power is needed, but not available. If an outlet is not within reach or plugging into the dashboard cigarette lighter is simply not an option, you'll be pleased that you have the Xantrex Powerpack 200. This device is an all-in-one unit that is not only powerful enough to start your car, but robust enough to provides portable power for small appliances -- it even comes with a built-in air compressor for all your inflating needs.

The Xantrex Powerpack 200 has enough power to jump-start your vehicle and run small appliances. View larger.

It comes with a built-in air compressor for tires and other inflation needs.

The clamps secure to the side of the Powerpack to ensure they don't get lost.

Enough Power to Jump-Start Your Car
Powered by a rechargeable battery, the Powerpack 200 provides up to 200 watts of AC power. It can jump start most 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines, and will operate a wide range of DC-powered products. This unit is ideal for power emergencies and comes with a built-in emergency light for extra illumination and jumper cables.

Inflate Tires and Sports Equipment
The Powerpack 200 also comes with a 250 psi air compressor for inflating vehicle tires, small sports equipment, camping equipment, pool toys, and more.

Power Additional Appliances
The unit also has the ability to power small appliances such as cell phones, laptops, lights, radios, nearly anything you might need in an emergency situation.

Great for Outings
The Powerpack 200 isn't just for times of need. It is perfect for taking on camping trips or outings where some extra power is needed to run camcorders, video games, televisions, even your espresso machine.

Safety Mechanisms
The feature-rich Powerpack 200 has a built-in 200-watt inverter, a sealed, non-spillable 12 amp-hour AGM battery, and a reverse polarity detector to prevent accidentally clamping the cables onto the wrong terminals. A barragraph LED indicator monitors the Powerpack's battery charge level, so it won't overcharge, and an audible alarm signals unit overheat and battery under-voltage conditions. An overload and over-temperature protection is built in to ensure longer inverter life.

Accessories
It comes equipped with an AC charger to recharge it from a standard wall outlet, and a DC charging cable to recharge from your vehicle so that it can be recharged anywhere, anytime, so it will always be ready when you need it. The jumper clips are designed for easy storage on the unit, so there's no need to worry about them getting separated and lost. No matter who you are, the XPower Powerpack 200 Plus is a great addition to your vehicle's emergency-preparedness kit.

Customer Reviews

Wonder how I ever did without it.
I have sleep apnea and can run my cpap for eight plus hours when the power goes out. It inflates things with ease. Our car battery was completely dead and it started it on the first try. We have had ours for over a year and now I want to buy them for gifts.

Excellent portable power solution
This is an all around great performer when it comes to portable power. With an AC and DC plug you can power many small devices for a long time. As well I have jumped a couple cars with no trouble. Having everything available in a compact profile is very handy. The designers of this did a great job of thinking about it from the customer standpoint when putting it all together. My only issue with it is the charging of the pack via DC. I have 2 of them, a 150 and a 200 and neither will charge via the DC adapter. (in the manual it says you can use the double sided dc adapter and charge it back up via your car's cigarette adapter.

Can't be beat for the price.
Seems I got mine for under 50 dollars and it was Free Shipping, which is the main reason why I try to always do Amazon first.
For 39.95 delivered to your door, it's AWESOME.

Keep in mind it is a 12 Amp/Hour battery. This must be considered when you are thinking about your application/use. For most people this means look at the AC Inverter Output ratings: 160W contintuous/200W for 5 minutes, 320W max brief surge, at 115V AC 60Hz appliances. Use a 200W incandescent lamp and probably how long would you think until it starts to go dim?

I bought it because it's better than jumper cables, has a functional flashlight, and I can inflate my tires, although I'd say don't expect much from the itty bitty compressor motor, it took about a minute to inflate a small pillow for my sleeping bag!

However, primarily, it purchased this for a powersupply to my QRP ham radio, which draws only 55 mA on RX and 1 Amp max on TX, so this battery will run my radio for days. I used it for 4 hours mostly transmitting (5 Watts). After the contest, 4 hours later, it was still able to give me 5W output with the Voltage reading 11.9V on Transmit, 12V on Receive. It's small, the integrated handle is wonderful, and everything is self-contained.

Unbeatable if you can ever get so lucky and find it for under 50 bux.

It is possible to improve the longevity and Power handling performance of the battery, but not without significant addition of weight, and not without significant increase in cost.

There are other makes that cost more, are bigger, heavier, and have no inverter. Not to mention pressure guage and built in air hose+nozzles.

This product does everything I want it to do, but I was not expecting it to power even a 60W bulb or anything like that. It does what it was designed to do.

If someone buys the smallest Toyota pickup truck expecting it to accomplish the hauling capacity of a Full Sized Tundra, only disappointment can follow.

I am very pleased with my unit and I would purchase Xantrex again.

NT4XT

Xantrex Technologies 852-0400 XPower PowerSource 400-Watt Back-up Power Solution

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5242 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 852-0400
• Dimensions: 11.00" h x 4.00" w x 19.00" l, 38.00 pounds

Features

• Provides up to 400 watts of AC power
• Provides up to eight hours of backup power for a combination of devices
• Five AC outlets with surge protection
• Automatic transfer switch means attached devices stay powered automatically during a power outage
• Operates both office devices and home appliances when the power goes out

From the Manufacturer
Power outages are a reality that can threaten your productivity and sense of comfort. The XPower PowerSource 400 is the perfect backup power solution for the small-office and home-office market. During a power outage, it will supply up to eight hours of uninterrupted backup power to devices such as a small TV, a radio, a laptop computer, a desktop and LCD monitor, an inkjet printer, a copier/printer/fax/scanner, an Internet modem, a VoIP phone, a cell phone, or a cordless phone. Until now, backup power products on the market have only been able to provide limited backup power during outages and not extended runtime like the XPower PowerSource 400. With the XPower PowerSource 400, you will be able to keep working and stay productive--and meet those important deadlines. The XPower PowerSource 400 switches to backup power automatically when a power outage occurs. This happens seamlessly so that the electronic devices that are connected to it won’t sense the power outage. They’ll operate off the XPower PowerSource 400’s charged battery for hours. When grid power returns, the XPower PowerSource 400 switches the devices back to utility power, recharges its internal battery, and enters a standby mode until the next outage occurs.

Customer Reviews

Works as it says.
This is an early review in that I have not had to witness a lengthy power outage to determine its run-time, but from initial experience it seems to run as expected. Some things I do want to pass on to other people, is that this UPS is like most others, even though its from an inverter specialist, and will not operate on an existing modified sine-wave inverter. This won't bother most people however. Others should just note that it is very large as is needed for the run-time it is able to offer, and weighs a good amount too. It does not have a continous audible alarm when operating in backup mode. The documentation states it is a modified sine wave inverter, however I have not checked to see what the exact output looks like. I don't have any delicate equipment connected, so I cannot know if it would cause buzzing from audio equipment or picture distortion in video equipment.
If you require a long run-time from a quiet back-up system this is an ideal solution. I use it to back-up power to my weather monitoring computer because I am gone too much during the day to activate my manual backup system.

UPS on Steroids for everything except the computer..
This is basically a standard UPS with three exceptions.

First, it is not intended for use on computers and thus does not have a USB connector to tell your computer to shut down when the power goes out.

Second, and most importantly, its battery capacity is about 6 times that of a standard UPS. For instance, the Tripplite 700 UPS has a 7aH battery, which will provide 400 watts of power for about 7 minutes. This unit has 2 20aH batteries, for a total of 40aH, and should provide 400 watts for about 35 minutes. My big screen, Onkyo surround system, and satellite dish draw about 200 watts, so in an outage, I can probably watch TV for an hour. If my PVR alone is left on, it can run for 5 hours or longer.

Third, this unit has a power meter on it, so you can tell exactly how many watts you are drawing.

Ideal for RV, greatly reduces generator usage
I live off-grid, in an RV. I run the generator to recharge a 300aH bank of batteries for the 12v systems in the RV. But even the smallest, most efficient generator still supplies more power than I need. With the excess power I charge several of these Xantrex PowerSources. They then give me back the AC power I need when the generator is off. I use them to power my internet connection, laptop, cell phone recharges, watching TV/DVD, etc. As for usage... I have a 26" standard TV w/DVD, and I can watch a DVD for 3 hours or so. My wireless internet dish only draws about 5 watts, and I can keep it powered for days. If you are looking to power just a laptop and cell phone, for 8 hours a day, you could probably last two days with one unit. These batteries should not be discharged down to more than 50%, and the unit will beep loudly and eventually shut off power, so you don't get the full use of 400 watts overall, it's more like 240. You also don't really get 400 watts at once, count on only plugging in 300 watts worth of stuff at a time. Even so, given the price per amp-hour of AGM batteries, this UPS is still an incredible deal, just in battery value alone--and a much better deal considering portability (luggable, but not too bad), and the included inverter and drawdown info. Very easy to use, the readouts on both my units have always worked fine and any beeping that does happen is appropriate and helpful. Family friendly, and relatively idiot-proof. Once I explained how they worked, others who have stayed in my trailer have found them easy to operate and difficult to damage. Anyway, buy a couple of these and you'll run your generator WAY less often and for a much shorter time.

Xantrex XPower Powerpack 400 Plus Portable Backup Power Source

Product Description

The XPower Powerpack 400 Plus provides up to 400 watts of backup power during a power outage and emergency power when you’re in your vehicle or away from home. It is an ideal part of your roadside emergency kit. It will jump-start your vehicle, its air compressor will inflate tires, and its built-in emergency light helps others see you if you’re stranded. This portable power source will charge cordless and mobile phones so you can stay connected to family and friends during a blackout. The XPower Powerpack 400 Plus operates a number of other AC and DC powered devices such as televisions, radios, fans, computers, printers, and more. It features two AC outlets and one 12-volt DC outlet; a display for monitoring AC power draw and battery charge; and automatic shutdown when there’s an overheat problem, low-battery voltage, or overload condition.

Customer Reviews

This rocks! Emergency power on the go!
This powerpack pretty much works as advertised. The coolest thing is the builtin 400 Watt inverter which allows you plug in almost any AC powered device. Great for emergency power or just portable camping power! Unit charges quickly using the supplied DC adapter or in about a day using the supplied AC adapter.
The only drawback is that the builtin air compressor isn't fan cooled so it can only operate about 10-15 minutes at a time before it over heats and air flow could be higher. Another option would be to plug in a high flow, heavy duty air compressor into the builtin 12V outlet or inverter.

Nifty safety backup.
This is a solid product. I didn't think I needed the built-in air compressor, but it suddenly saved the day for a few bike tires. And after you deflate your vehicle tires for beach travel, you can get back to street pressures without a lot of hassle. The Powerpack 400 is a bit pricier for a reason - it packs more ampere-hours into a small unit. I take it camping into remote locations where I'm guaranteed that I won't have to walk out due to a dead battery. So then I'm comfortable running some low wattage lights in my tent. I can even watch a DVD movie on my iMac G5 computer without running out of power. It recharges using the car's cigarettte lighter and, while you're at home you can leave it on the AC-DC charger indefinitely. A super product, compact product.

W orks like a charm
Bought this through Amazon because they sale it at a lower price then what others sale it for and free shipping to.But the Powerpack works like a charm,best if you charge it for more than 35 hours before useing.But it has everything you need if you go camping or just useing it around the house.If it gets to hot(Esp. when useing the air pump) it will automatically shut down untill it has cooled down,it shocked me at first when it happend thinking I just fried the thing,so don't let it run for to long.It has 2 AC outlets for small appliances.Has indicater to show how much percent of power is left and how much juice you are useing when useing the AC outlets.It has everything you need in case of an emeregency either away on the road or at home.A great size and easy to carry and handel.It has a cigerate liter port for charging the Pack or useing a device that has that type of plug. 5 stars ........

Xantrex Technologies 851-0700 XPower Plus 700-Watt Inverter

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1800 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 851-0700
• Dimensions: 10.00" h x 4.00" w x 10.00" l, 3.30 pounds

Features

• 700-watt inverter for converting DC to AC power
• Power electronic gear and appliances while on the road
• Measures 7.2-by-4.1-by-2.2 inches; weighs 3 pounds
• Automatically detects low-vehicle battery to avoid depletion
• 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The Xantrex Technologies XPower Plus 700-Watt Inverter provides portable power for trucks, RVs, boats, and minivans. By plugging the inverter directly into your vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter, you can turn your vehicle into a mobile office and operate devices such as a 27-inch TV or 20-inch TV/DVD combo, a camcorder, a laptop computer, or small power tools and small kitchen appliances. This compact, lightweight unit automatically senses low-battery voltage so you never have to worry about a depleted battery. It is a quiet alternative to noisy, gas-powered generators; it will provide hours of emergency power during snowstorms or blackouts. The high-efficiency design transfers 90-percent of the battery's power to your equipment. An automatic shutdown mechanism protects against overload, over-temperature and low battery conditions. The inverter is equipped with two 3-prong grounded AC outlets, a DC outlet and hardwire applications. The durable plastic unit is 7.2-by-4.1-by-2.2 inches in size and weighs just 3 pounds. It is covered by a 1-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Great Inverter, Quiet, Requires Wiring For Practical Use In Vehicle
I have 2 of these inverters. On in a Jeep Wrangler that I take offroad and camping. Works great for powering lights, etc. Handles the abuse of bouncing around on rocky terrain fine. I have the unit installed under the dash and leave it on 24/7. Has yet to drain the battery due to its small standby draw (I drive it atleast every other day). The fan only turns on when the output exceeds 100 watts making this unit very quiet.

The other inverter is installed under the passegner seat in a Toyota Sequoia. Never had any issues with this one either. Works great for powering the PlayStation2, portable DVD players, and other electronics.

Since the 700 model is cabable of powering electronics of 560 watts 4.8 amps continously, which is 46 amps on 12v power it is not able to be used through your cigarette lighter. The cigarette wiring is too thin to handle this kind of current not to mention the cigarette lighter fuse is not rated for it either. Xantrex provides battery clamps, which I find don't work well if you want the inverter inside the vehicle.

The solution is to pickup some 6 gauge wire from your local Home Depot or Lowes and some heavy duty terminals and heat shrink. Mount the inverter and run 6 guage red wire to the battery. Crimp on the terminals and heat shrink it. For the ground I used a bolt on the firewall of the Jeep and the bolt on the seat in the Toyota. Use 6 guage black wire for this.

If the above is not something you want to do your local audio installation store should be able to install it. Otherwise go with the XPower 400 watt model which can be used with the cigarette lighter for small loads, it does require the battery clamps or hard wiring for loads over 150 watts.

Before you buy
This item is not compatible with a cigarette lighter. I bought one and it came with two connectors to attach directly to the terminals on a car battery. The instruction manual specifically states that the 700 unit cannot be powered by a cigarette lighter, but the smaller 400 and 175 models can.

For emergency use
I have one of these power inverters for those instances (about 3 times/year)of power losses from rain- or snow-storms. Between my car, the car battery and the power inverter, I have the equivalent of a generator. Be sure to determine the wattage of the electrical devices that will be powered. A 32"-TV will require about 190 watts; floor- or desk lamps require about 75 watts each; a laptop computer needs about 47 watts. A 25-cuft side-by-side refrigerator uses about 750 kilowatt-hours per year (about 85 watts average; 170 watts "surge" when the compressor kicks in )

Xantrex Technologies 802-1500 XPower Powerpack 1,500-Watt Portable Backup Power System

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5862 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 802-1500
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 14.80" h x 11.90" w x 15.80" l, 60.00 pounds

Features

• 1,500-watt portable backup power system provides clean and quiet alternative to generators
• Recharges at home (up to 15 hours) or in vehicle (6 to 8 hours)
• Rugged cart housing with removable waist handle for easy transport
• Produces no noise or fumes; no moving parts
• Measures 14-4/5-by-15-3/5-by-12-3/10 inches (HxWxD); weighs 60 pounds; 1-year limited warranty

Amazon.com Product Review
The XPower Powerpack 1500 is a portable power system that produces household electricity for products rated at 1500 watts or less. A clean and quiet alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack integrates a 60 Amp/hour AGM battery with a 1500-watt inverter and produces a 3000-watt surge. This system is built to run a range of appliances such as a standard size refrigerator and microwave oven, and office equipment such as a computer, monitor, and fax machine.

The XPower Powerpack 1500 is designed for ultimate portability. See the product specifications. View the generator in greater detail.

A convenient design feature allows for easy set-up of the cart. View larger.

The XPower Powerpack 1500 consists of a battery pack that stores electrical energy, state-of-the-art electronics that convert 12 volts from the battery pack to household power, an AC power panel that contains two standard outlets, and a DC power panel that is used to run 12 volt products. These components are packaged into a rugged "cart" with a removable waist handle that allows XPower Powerpack 1500 to be wheeled from room-to-room or outdoors over rough terrain.

An excellent alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack produces no noise or fumes and has no moving parts. With the accessories provided, you can easily recharge the XPower Powerpack using standard utility power from your wall outlet, your vehicle, or from a solar panel.

The XPower Powerpack can be used to produce power for numerous applications. For power emergencies it can run essential appliances like refrigerators, cordless/mobile phones, radios, fireplace fans, table lamps, or microwaves. For work sites, you can power your drills, belt sanders, circular saws, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, vacuums, computers, large monitors, fax machines, and inkjet printers. For plain old fun, you can use the power source to run blenders, video games, TV and VCRs, satellite equipment, coffee makers, portable coolers and more.

The XPower Powerpack features a built-in 1500 watt inverter and sealed, non-spillable 60 Amp-hour AGM battery. Dual AC outlets allow operation of multiple products, and a built-in battery level indicator confirms the charge level. A high surge protection and automatic over-temperature and overload shutdown keeps the Powerpack running safely and efficiently, while a low voltage alarm and shutdown prevents deep battery discharge. You can recharge the Powerpack from home (up to 15 hours), or your vehicle (6 to 8 hours). A padded grip towing handle removes easily for storage in tight places, and built-in handles on sides allow for easy lifting.

The XPower Powerpack measures 14.8 x 15.6 x 12.3 inches (HxWxD), weighs 60 pounds, and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews

Powers a large Karaoke machine for five+ hours
I needed a powerful but sealed power-pack (sealed battery + converter) for poolside use, to power a large 110-volt karaoke machine for five hours a day. The Xatrex 1500 is the only power-pack I've found that meets this requirement.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that the wheels have rubber rather than (noisy) plastic treads.

The first 1500 stopped working with a bang after two hours. When I phoned the Xantrex company, the technician I soon was talking to quickly concluded that my 1500 had malfunctioned and recommended that I return it. I was pleased with this candor. The second 1500 has worked for about a month now.

Not obvious is that the 1500 has a small storage cabinet, in which I store an extension cord.

Both 1500s arrived undamaged. A disclaimer is that I bought my 1500s from costo-dot-comm, which is relevant because perhaps Costco uses different packaging for shipping.

The "large karaoke machine" is a MegaStar CM-K1100, and its average draw has been 30-something watts.

9/18/06 Update: Around July the charge time dropped to under four hours. When I called Xantrex, the technician told me that battery life is about 200 charges.

Good all-in-one package
The Xpower 1500 is a good backup system as it has eveything you need in a convenient handtruck (the batteries are heavy).
Unfortunately the 61 Amphr batteries don't last that long. Adding a 100Ahr battery which you can easily be connected to the xPower make for a nice system which will get you thru a few days of blackout.

Badly damaged once again.
I previously ordered two of these units and wrote a review. Both were badly damaged, but one was salvagable. The other I had to return, after it overheated and emitted a noxious odor. I decided to take a chance and order another unit this month (goal was to have total of two working units), hoping that whatever warehouse or shipping issues that resulted in previous damage had been resolved. They weren't. This unit also came with crushed top and wheels. Until the manufacturer comes up with a better way to ship these heavy beasts, not worth it.

Xantrex Technologies 851-0400 XPower Plus 400-Watt Inverter

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 851-0400
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 8.00" w x 10.00" l, 2.20 pounds

Features

• 400-watt inverter for converting DC to AC power
• Power electronic gear and appliances while on the road
• Conveniently plugs into car cigarette lighter
• Automatically detects low-vehicle battery to avoid depletion
• Measures 5.9-by-4.1-by-2.2 inches; weighs 2.4 pounds; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The Xantrex Technologies XPower Plus 400-watt inverter provides portable power for trucks, RVs, boats, and minivans. By plugging the inverter directly into your vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter, you can turn your vehicle into a mobile office and operate devices such as a 27-inch TV or 20-inch TV/DVD combo, a camcorder, and a laptop computer. This compact, lightweight unit automatically senses low battery voltage so you never have to worry about a depleted battery. It's a quiet alternative to noisy, gas-powered generators; it will provide hours of emergency power during snowstorms or blackouts. The high-efficiency design transfers 90-percent of the battery's power to your equipment, providing 400 watts for 5 minutes, 600 watts surge for easy startups, and 300 watts continuous power for operating appliances. An automatic shutdown mechanism protects against overload, over-temperature and low battery conditions. The inverter is equipped with two 3-prong grounded AC outlets, a DC outlet and hardwire applications. The durable plastic unit is 5.9-by-4.1-by-2.2 inches in size and just 2.4 pounds in weight. It is covered by a 1-year warranty.

From the Manufacturer
Plug this inverter directly into the 12-volt cigarette lighter socket in your car to power up a mobile office, entertainment electronics, handheld games, TVs, and more. Xantrex inverters automatically sense low battery voltage so you never have to worry about running the car battery down so far it won't start. A quiet alternative to noisy gas powered generators, the X-Power inverter runs off the battery in your truck, RV, or boat. Each compact unit stores easily and provides hours of emergency power during snowstorms or blackouts. The high-efficiency design transfers 90-percent of the battery's power to your equipment, providing 400 watts for 5 minutes, 600 watts surge for easy startups, and 300 watts continuous power for operating appliances. An automatic shutdown mechanism protects against overload, over-temperature and low battery conditions. The inverter is equipped with two 3-prong grounded AC outlets.

Customer Reviews

Don't buy this if you are planning to use for cordless tool charging
This item works as advertised, but it is a modified sine wave inverter. If you are planning on using it to charge cordless tool batteries---don't. The owners manual contains a caution about using with cordless tool chargers (such as Dewalt). Do a quick Internet search on "cordless tools" and "modified sine wave inverter" to confirm whether your tool is effected. Some other items that may not work well are appliances with clocks, microwaves, etc. Be sure you understand the limitations of a modified sine wave inverter.
For those smaller appliances that will run on modified sine wave, this item works well.

Get the 700 watter
Real nice unit, but I wish I had bought the Xantrex 700 watt unit instead. For instance, I have a small auto vacuum that need 6 amps. This unit won't handle it. This unit can attach to the cigarette lighter or directly to the battery. The 700 watt unit skips the lighter input -- fine with me but maybe not with you. If you need lighter input then get the 400 watt unit. I will say that the inverter is well built and designed. I like the fact that the power input leads are attached via screw posts. This lets you modify it as needed, for instance if you needed longer leads, you could make your own and not have to kludge it.

Very useful
We bought this power inverter to power our daughters nebulizer and a t.v. and playstation for the kids on road trips. The only problem we had with it is when your using over 150 watts power you are supposed to hardwire it. That requires additional wiring. Other than that it is an excellent product at an excellent price!!!

Xantrex Technologies 851-0178 XPower 175-Watt Micro Inverter

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Xantrex
• Model: 851-0178
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 3.00" w x 5.00" l, .60 pounds

Features

• 175-watt inverter for converting DC to AC power
• Power electronic gear and appliances while on the road
• Conveniently plugs into car cigarette lighter
• Auto-shutdown protects against overcharge, overheating
• 1-year limited warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The Xantrex Technologies XPower Micro 175-watt inverter transforms your vehicle's electricity so you can power your electronic devices while on the road. Compact and lightweight, it simply plugs into the 12-volt DC outlet in your vehicle to power cell phones, camcorders, small portable stereos, laptop computers, 13-inch TVs, portable work lights, and more. It includes an automatic shutdown feature to protect against overload, over-heating, and high/low battery condition. This durable plastic unit is just 1.9-by-2.9-by-4.8 inches in size and weighs 0.38 pounds. It is covered by a 1-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Well made, plenty of power, a little noisy
I have not tried it with a draw near its max of 175W but at lower draws it is fine and always runs cool, thanks to the built in fan. That is also the only negative I have after a month with the unit -- fan noise. It is loud enough to be noticeable over normal road noise, although the car radio drowns it out at normal volume. I think I can put up with the fan because otherwise it seems a very good unit. Maybe they could hook the fan to a sensor and only have it run when the unit gets hot. The shape is good for my pickup's dash arrangement and being all-in-one it doesn't slide around or need securing. Overall, a good unit that has done the job.

What's that strange noise honey?
The inverter works as adverstised and powers my laptop adequately while driving. The only drawback is that the build-in fan is very noisy, so be forewarned.

Great little inverter
This little inverter is perfect because there are no bulky boxes or wires running all over the floor of the car. Perfect for my laptop and for my cell phone charger. It has it's own little fan built in that keeps it from overheating. So far so good!