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Just seen this on tv (yes I`m bored and not tired). I wonder how well it works. Good idea if it "does what it says on the tin" 
Don`t even need to pop the bonnet.
http://www.bestdirect.tv/product-STA...STARTGENIE.htm
Don`t even need to pop the bonnet.
http://www.bestdirect.tv/product-STA...STARTGENIE.htm
I saw something like this on QVC (yes I know) a little while ago and was pretty impressive. Was thinking about giving one a go when they have it again as my battery is playing up at the moment.
I have a proper booster pack, which was fine to jump the Scooby but didn't have enough power to jump my Mother's Disco when it was totally flat. I'd have serious reservations that anything that size (using that gauge of cable) would be suitable to start a car. Looks more like something you would use to keep your radio stations saved when changing a battery.
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From: North Wales.
Yeah, made me laugh too 
Well that`s what I thought but just cos it`s small, doesn`t mean it doesn`t work.....like everything in life
I have a proper booster pack, which was fine to jump the Scooby but didn't have enough power to jump my Mother's Disco when it was totally flat. I'd have serious reservations that anything that size (using that gauge of cable) would be suitable to start a car. Looks more like something you would use to keep your radio stations saved when changing a battery.
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: The hell where youth and laughter go
Here's the science:
These are basically a battery and a DC to DC converter*. Which just charges the main battery.
BUT!! It can't charge by very much or very fast as its limited by a)The current rating of the cigar lighter/fuse and b) its own capacity (what are the specs?) Judging by its size, I'd say 5 amp hour, maximum (the average high capacity Li-ion drill battery is a maximum of 3 amp hours).
And considering the average car battery is 50amp hours (or up to 100amp hours for a big diesel, like a Disco). You can quickly see its like peeing into a empty lake.
It'll start a marginally flat battery, but not instantly....as it can't give all its current in one go without blowing the cigar light fuse (20-25amps), so 5 amp hour battery @ a conservative 10amp current gives you 30mins of charging time, and 5 extra amps to crank teh engine with.....that won't even light the glow plugs on a Discovery TD5
To give perspective:
Glow plugs draw about 12 amps EACH (one per cylinder)
Interior fan heater motor: 10-50amps (depending on size and setting - so switch it off!)
Headlamps 9 amps (6 amps for HID)
Starter motor 60-150amps, depeding on how big the engine and how cold it is....but they have a peak surge up to 300amps on some cars
So 5amps isn't alot compared to the above current draws! So really only any use on a boarderline/marginal battery
And if the cigar lighter only works with the ignition, the the current draw from the body control systems will easily defeat the point of it.
Other worry is the label say "max output 30volts"
Unless the regulator is in the actual plug/lead.
These are basically a battery and a DC to DC converter*. Which just charges the main battery.
BUT!! It can't charge by very much or very fast as its limited by a)The current rating of the cigar lighter/fuse and b) its own capacity (what are the specs?) Judging by its size, I'd say 5 amp hour, maximum (the average high capacity Li-ion drill battery is a maximum of 3 amp hours).
And considering the average car battery is 50amp hours (or up to 100amp hours for a big diesel, like a Disco). You can quickly see its like peeing into a empty lake.
It'll start a marginally flat battery, but not instantly....as it can't give all its current in one go without blowing the cigar light fuse (20-25amps), so 5 amp hour battery @ a conservative 10amp current gives you 30mins of charging time, and 5 extra amps to crank teh engine with.....that won't even light the glow plugs on a Discovery TD5
To give perspective:
Glow plugs draw about 12 amps EACH (one per cylinder)
Interior fan heater motor: 10-50amps (depending on size and setting - so switch it off!)
Headlamps 9 amps (6 amps for HID)
Starter motor 60-150amps, depeding on how big the engine and how cold it is....but they have a peak surge up to 300amps on some cars
So 5amps isn't alot compared to the above current draws! So really only any use on a boarderline/marginal battery
And if the cigar lighter only works with the ignition, the the current draw from the body control systems will easily defeat the point of it.
Other worry is the label say "max output 30volts"
Unless the regulator is in the actual plug/lead.
Last edited by ALi-B; Jan 16, 2012 at 12:09 PM.
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Scooby Regular
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From: North Wales.
Here's the science:
These are basically a battery and a DC to DC converter*. Which just charges the main battery.
BUT!! It can't charge by very much or very fast as its limited by a)The current rating of the cigar lighter/fuse and b) its own capacity (what are the specs?) Judging by its size, I'd say 5 amp hour, maximum (the average high capacity Li-ion drill battery is a maximum of 3 amp hours).
And considering the average car battery is 50amp hours (or up to 100amp hours for a big diesel, like a Disco). You can quickly see its like peeing into a empty lake.
It'll start a marginally flat battery, but not instantly....as it can't give all its current in one go without blowing the cigar light fuse (20-25amps), so 5 amp hour battery @ a conservative 10amp current gives you 30mins of charging time, and 5 extra amps to crank teh engine with.....that won't even light the glow plugs on a Discovery TD5
To give perspective:
Glow plugs draw about 12 amps EACH (one per cylinder)
Interior fan heater motor: 10-50amps (depending on size and setting - so switch it off!)
Headlamps 9 amps (6 amps for HID)
Starter motor 60-150amps, depeding on how big the engine and how cold it is....but they have a peak surge up to 300amps on some cars
So 5amps isn't alot compared to the above current draws! So really only any use on a boarderline/marginal battery
And if the cigar lighter only works with the ignition, the the current draw from the body control systems will easily defeat the point of it.
Other worry is the label say "max output 30volts" Unless the regulator is in the actual plug/lead.
These are basically a battery and a DC to DC converter*. Which just charges the main battery.
BUT!! It can't charge by very much or very fast as its limited by a)The current rating of the cigar lighter/fuse and b) its own capacity (what are the specs?) Judging by its size, I'd say 5 amp hour, maximum (the average high capacity Li-ion drill battery is a maximum of 3 amp hours).
And considering the average car battery is 50amp hours (or up to 100amp hours for a big diesel, like a Disco). You can quickly see its like peeing into a empty lake.
It'll start a marginally flat battery, but not instantly....as it can't give all its current in one go without blowing the cigar light fuse (20-25amps), so 5 amp hour battery @ a conservative 10amp current gives you 30mins of charging time, and 5 extra amps to crank teh engine with.....that won't even light the glow plugs on a Discovery TD5
To give perspective:
Glow plugs draw about 12 amps EACH (one per cylinder)
Interior fan heater motor: 10-50amps (depending on size and setting - so switch it off!)
Headlamps 9 amps (6 amps for HID)
Starter motor 60-150amps, depeding on how big the engine and how cold it is....but they have a peak surge up to 300amps on some cars
So 5amps isn't alot compared to the above current draws! So really only any use on a boarderline/marginal battery
And if the cigar lighter only works with the ignition, the the current draw from the body control systems will easily defeat the point of it.
Other worry is the label say "max output 30volts"
Unless the regulator is in the actual plug/lead.
Right ok then. Can`t say fairer
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