Power station replacement options?

[michaelmorris]

My lovely Maplin 5 in 1 power station is now no more as the battery has failed.

I'm looking to replace the whole unit, but with what?  The original unit is discontinued so a like for like replacement is not an option.  I could get a similar lead-acid battery unit or plumb for a much more compact lithium ion battery unit.  If I go for the latter, I would have two main options, a Tracer or alternatively a cheaper lithium ion battery designed for jump starting cars.  A simple 8Ah Tracer is whopping £125, whilst I can pick up a lithium ion 14Ah jump start battery for just £49.99

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RAVPower-14000mAh-Starter-Portable-Flashlight-Black/dp/B01DM1UGAC/ref=sr_1_48?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1507558526&sr=1-48&keywords=jump+starter+power+pack

Are these latter units any good?

 

[andyboy1970]

Q. For home or away use?

 

[m.tweedy]

I swear by these. Same technology 24ah (36 hole) but £130 cheaper.

http://www.libertybatteries.com/36-hole-lithium-golf-battery-package-including-fast-charger-carry-bag--t-bar-97-p.asp

[AngryDonkey]

I was ready to jump into the nuclear vs renewables argument but when you mentioned Maplin it dawned on me that I might have the wrong end of the stick....  

[michaelmorris]

1 hour ago, andyboy1970 said:

Q. For home or away use?

 

Hi Andy

Don't fully understand your question.

[andyboy1970]

Sorry, at home I use a mains regulated power supply - https://www.modelsport.co.uk/fusion-100w-13-8v-power-supply/rc-car-products/395803

For away from home I built a box for my 90Ah leisure battery.

[michaelmorris]

Back to my original question, has anyone tried using one the lithium-based jump start batteries for powering a scope?

[RayD]

1 minute ago, michaelmorris said:

Back to my original question, has anyone tried using one the lithium-based jump start batteries for powering a scope?

Yes I use one occasionally, and for the price it is actually surprisingly good.  the nice thing about it is how low the self discharge is, so you can leave it for weeks and even months and it is still fully charged.