Xantrex Technologies 852-2071 Xpower AC/DC Powerpack Solar With 400 Watt Inverter, Two AC Outlets, U

If the Xantrex Xpower Powerpack Solar lived up to its specifications, I would rate it 5 stars and consider it well worth the money. That's why I bought it in the first place. Unfortunately, its performance falls short of the manufacturer's claims.

The overall design of the product is very nice. I had considered building something similar based on a how-to article in Popular Science, but the Powerpack is so nicely packaged for only a couple dollars more, I chose to buy it.

The Powerpack disappoints in the amount of energy stored in its battery that is available to power other electronic devices. The battery is specified as 12 volts and 10 amp-hours. As such, I was expecting to get as much as 120 watt-hours from it, but I barely get half that.

As a test, I fully charged the battery using the included AC adapter. By "fully", I mean the unit claimed to be charged. I then ran the built-in LED lights. The manual claims they should run for 48 hours. They ran 27.5 hours for me.

I assumed this performance reflected a bad unit and exchanged it. The new unit performs similarly. Either the battery in the unit performs poorly, or the electronics to monitor and control the battery state-of-charge are weak.

As another example of the poor performance, I charged the unit completely (again based on its built-in indicator that charging is done). It indicated 100 percent charge when I turned on the AC or DC output, but as soon as I plugged in any load, it almost immediately dropped to 70 or even 60 percent. Soon after the unit's indicator dropped to 40 percent, the unit shut itself down.

So, on the one hand, this is a nice unit to carry around, and it does slowly-but-surely charge the internal battery using the included 5 watt solar panel. It does a fine job charging cell phones and iPods, and a barely acceptable job charging a notebook computer. Compared to its specifications, and for that matter my previous experience with the Xantrex Powerpack Mobile Mini, however, the product is a disappointment.

The product information should include these crucial tidbids, which you only find out AFTER buying (by reading the detailed owner's manual): 1) you cannot use it while you are charging it, and 2)if you want to charge it using the sun, it takes 45 HOURS (YES -that's HOURS). I used it at an outdoor festival to power a laptop, and -even thought the manual estimated it would last for up to 4 hours, it pooped out after 1.5 hours. After that, I unplugged and charged it in the sun for a while. It got a lot of interest from people at the festival, who thought it was cool. I think it's cool too. I just wish it worked better.

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Many Cons

Battery not "user replaceable" (User manual recommends throwing the whole powerpack out when the battery can no longer take a charge)

If you do take the unit apart to replace the battery, it is an uncommon type not available at battery specialists.

Solar panel is too small to adequately charge the unit. Useful only as a top-up charger.

My unit has locked up twice, where the buttons and display do not work and you need to take it apart to disconnect then reconnect the battery to reboot the internal microcontroller.

Very difficult to take apart (to reboot the unit or change the battery).

AC power adapter puts out too much voltage, causing the unit to complain about an overvoltage situation when it is left plugged in when fully charged.

Loses its charge quickly when not plugged in.

LED lights on both sides of the unit are wired to come on at the same time. No switch to disconnect one bank to double the runtime as a light source.

As a warning, if you do have one, do not leave it off its charger for longer than about 1 month or you can damage the battery.

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Length:: --:-Mins

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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You can use it to charge your laptop, PDA and your cell phone. But it's not strong enough to even just power a 12" fan.

AIRCAT 4338 3/8-Inch Red Composite Reversible Power Drill With Jacobs Chuck

• Rugged-sleek red composite reversible drill with feather trigger
• Jacobs chuck
• Superior internal mechanics
• Patented quiet technology (85 decibels)
• Ergonomically designed red handle (reduces operator fatigue)

I tried this out because they said it was quite compared to other air drills, well....they were right, this thing is very quiet compared to others I have either used or heard in the past. This air drill as with all air drills I have used have no torque so you can't drill screws with this thing but holes in metal seem to be OK and some soft woods. The smaller the drill bit the better in wood. I have drilled several larger holes in metal and have just loved this drill; it's light and easy to use. Usually I am making pilot holes for screws in wood and with smaller drill bits it seems to work OK. The larger drill bits seem to bog it down in wood and it stops sometimes. Another reason I purchased this is because of the keyless chuck that seems to work pretty well. The chuck seems to grab onto the smaller drill bits like the 1/16'' pretty darn good. All in all I am really glad that I purchased this and will look into other air tools made by Air Cat for the future.

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- Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor Start-Up Kit - Model# 97338099

Kit was recomended for my model.Got this kit and the air filters werent for my model.Also I found the oil locally for $6.00 a Quart.You do the math.

The added warranty extension is worth the money....that's what you're mostly paying for, and you've got extra oil and filters to boot.

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Not what I expected. Start up kit I recieved was for a different model compressor. This was not useful tom. I returned it.

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This start up kit was supposed to be for the compressor I bought at the same time(SS5), but it is for another Model. At the time, Northern Tool was the seller. Currently, Amazon is the seller but, the products are still shown mismatched. Just double check that you get the right kit for your model of compressor.

For 2 quarts of oil and 2 filters this is way over priced, however, you would only buy this kit with a new compressor, and that adds 2years to the warranty. So you are really buying oil, filters, and an extended warranty for this price.

If you just need oil and filters, don't buy this kit.

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This start-up kit was supposedly shipped with the compressor ordered at the same time. The start-up kit was never received. I used the Amazon site "Contact Seller" messaging 5 times over a two week period trying to get someone at Northern Tool to simply acknowledge my problem, but to no avail! Amazon wouldn't help with the problem until the delivery window quoted by Northern Tool had passed (although it was clear the item had been lost, as all records showed it to have been shipped concurrent with the compressor).

Finally, a month after delivery of the compressor (sans start-up kit) my claim with Amazon resulted in a credit for the kit. Not my typical experience with Amazon or their sellers. So if Northern Tool is fulfilling your order, I hope it goes smoothly. If it doesn't you're likely hanging out to dry for a month until Amazon steps in.

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Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tire Gauge

• Heavy duty construction and rugged design for long lasting use
• Angled head and rubber coated handle for easy gripping
• Large, easy-to-read LCD display
• Equipped with an automatic shut off to prevent deflation
• Accurate to within 0.05 PSI, reading air pressure from 5-150 PSI in 0.5 pound increments

Please ignore the other two users that gave this gauge only one star because it only read 28.5 psi. I find it amusing, but sad, that they didn't realize that there was a protective sticker on the screen that read 28.5. If you peel off that protective sticker, then you get a nice, bright red backlit number displaying your true tire pressure. This gauge works great! The display is amazingly easy to read, and it is also simple to get a good reading.

Prior to owning this Accutire model, I had a 7 year old Accutire digital gauge that finally broke. WIth that old model, it was much harder to get a reading without air leaking out. With this new model, if you just push the gauge straight into the valve stem, you easily get a solid reading without leaking air. The old model's display wasn't backlit either, and I was truly impressed with the large, bright numbers on this new model. I'd highly recommend getting this gauge, as it has all the functionality you need, at a very reasonable price. I like having accuracy to 0.5 psi, and I never use non-digital gauges unless I have no other choice. I also tested this gauge with back-to-back measurements, and it was accurate every time. You won't regret this purchase...

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This is by far the best tire gauge I've ever had. It lights brightly, easy to see even in sun and always visible at night. Accuracy is high, construction quality is excellent. Highly recommended!

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While this product works fine, and is accurate, it uses (3) A76 watch batteries. That's a lot of batteries. and the batteries generally only last about 6 months. I have to pay $2 ea for the batteries. Total $6 each time. That's $12 a year. and the unit only cost $8.

Maybe a unit that uses lithium or other long-lasting batteries would be better.

Next time, i think i will try one of the better, more-expensive units.

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I found the tire gauge readings to be accurate, and initially this meter was easy to use and quick to take a measurement.

However, within 5 months, the plastic part of the gauge that you put onto your tire had deformed to the point that it would no longer take a reading from a tire. I do not work at a mechanical shop, and I have one car and I had taken a reading about once a week for 4-5 months.

I would not recommend this product.

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I've owned two versions of this gauge: An LCD version that I bought 7 or 8 years ago, and the more recent LED type. Aside from the display technology, they looked identical.

They were both accurate and reliable, but they both also had very poor sealing against the tire valve. The rubber ring that seals against the valve is too hard and uneven. You have to line the gauge up very precisely, and press very hard to avoid a burst of air escaping from the tire. If you don't get a good seal, the reading can be off, and a couple of bursts of air is enough to drop a tire by 1 psi. Every time I checked my tires, this happened on at least one or two of them. It's bad enough that I got into the habit of overfilling the tires by a couple of psi so that when this happened I would not end up below the desired pressure.

I finally got tired of it and bought a $26.00 gauge at Sears that seems to be just as accurate and does not have this problem.

Poly IND Fit Air Hose

Yes, its light and flexible as others have suggested. These are great things to have in an air hose. The fact that its hard to kink is somewhat irrelevant because under pressure, I've never experienced a kink in my regular rubber air hose.

This hose just continues to annoy me though. The big problem is that it wont lay flat on the floor. It will lay twisted and semi-coiled no matter how many times you unwind or untangle it during use. The coils on the floor create 6 to 8 inch "bridges" of hose that you will inevitably trip over, become tangled in, and then curse like a sailor. I cant count how many times the hose has literally wrapped around my foot by accident. I'd bet that 25% of those instances caused me to mis-step or flat out trip and stumble. My good old rubber hose lays flat on the floor and has never caused me an ounce of disgust. And the rubber hose is much easier to re-coil for storage.

This is not an issue limited only to these Hitachi hoses. I've yet to find a polyurethane air hose that lays flat. You see, the trade off to the "lightness" of the hose is that it causes it to lay at its own will (seeming to disregard gravity). I'm not even sure you'll understand the point of my review. If not, go ahead and buy one. I think my comments will be clear within a matter of minutes.

Regretably, I bought three of these hoses before I realized what a pain in the rear they are.

We just ordered two more of these from Amazon (they are significantly cheaper at the moment than the local stores). These are the favorites among our construction company due to the light weight, durability, and the fact that they really don't kink.

For those of you who are just working around the house, any old hose will do. But for those of you in the professional arena, the lighter weight will be a blessing in the 8th hour when you're trying to get those walls up before dark so that you can get paid in the next draw. We stick with the 100 lenght because we are building hotels and such, besides going from the 50 to the 100 is only a few dollars difference and is worth it if it keeps you moving.

Highly recommended

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This is a great hose and an excellent price. I am a carpenter and framer and use my nail gun all day long, every day. I bought this hose about 6 months ago, it is very lite-wieght and flexible and does not have a single shortcoming. Stretch the hose out in the sun when you first get it and wrap it up loosely each nite to keep it from kinking up. Also, you might want to go ahead and order some universal attachments, as the hose comes with 3/8ths only.

EDIT: Been using this hose every day for more than a year. In that time it has not had a single leak and has performed flawlessly, excellent value.

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Let's you get the compressor away from the house and are tough as nails. Very little wear on these with three months of hard use. A little side note: these are clear and lets you know if your building up condensation in your tank and might be getting a little rust.

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Im a residential building contractor and these airlines are the best ive used. I really like them doing framing and trim cause the cold weather doesnt affect these airlines. I have noticed their very durable as well cause my guys dont bother climbing and hand off the nail gun they will lower it down to the person below using the airline and the fittings hold up great. I wont use a different airline thank you hitachi for designing such a great item for guys that use them every day and they keep going. I hope my review could help in choosing a airline you wont be disappointed.

Porter-Cable BN200B 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

• Long life maintenance-free motor to keep from staining the work surface
• Internal piston catch for consistent max power on every shot
• Rear exhaust to keep contaminants away from work
• Drives 18 ga. nails from 5/8-inch to 2-inch length;Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads
• Measures 9-3/4by10.4 inches; weighs 2.6 pounds

I purchased this particular item because of its better range of brad sizes it can handle, and the Porter Cable name, good reviews, etc.

I have been using this nailer quite often, and am now left with several boxes of finish nails I will likely never use again. No more getting the nailsets out to bury a finish nail down on a piece of trim, etc.

The options for using this are endless. Just last night, I needed to make a couple wood boxes to hold scrap in my workshop area, and had some scrap 3/8" plywood, perfect for the boxes. Using this nailer, I could quickly apply a little glue, between corners of the box, and shoot a couple brads in and done. Can't do that with finish nails on plywood without splitting out alot.

Great tool, highly recommended, easy to handle.

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I've used this gun for the last 20yrs. Stick to what you know

And what works. A little new style than before but the same

Basic gun. No oil needed in this one but I never oiled the last

Design.

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I own many Porter-Cable tools. They have never failed or disappointed me.

I have an older version of this Porter-Cable nailer and it's a great nailer even after shooting well over 5,000 nails. Of all the tools in my shop, it's one of my favorites. Indispensible for woodworking and trim.

My first brad nailer was a no-name cheapo that shot maybe 100 nails before it was trash.

I purchased this one as a gift.

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I read several articles with the majority rating the Hitachi and the PC as best values. I went with the PC since several people mentioned the noise of the Hitachi. May not be an issue if you're outside but inside I could see the problem. Since purchasing, I have installed several door frames and trim and probably 600 feet of baseboard without a misfire or bad contact point. Granted, I've only shot 600 or so nails but reading reviews and articles from more experienced users, it's what you can expect. The nailer is lightweight, easy to use, and quiet for a pneumatic. One accessory I've come to enjoy is the provided cap to put over the air nipple. Most of my projects so far have involved high-levels of drywall and wood dust in the area. Being able to cap the nipples when the nailer is not in use is great. So is the provided belt hook for when exchanging out the nailer for my PC stapler. When using, keep your air pressure above 75psi. Anything below that and you'll notice the nails will not be flush with your surface. I can't speak for the durability of this nailer but for the time I have owned and used it and my history with other PC products, I consider it a very good product for the price and have no reason to believe it will falter.

The Good: This gun is great. It goes along great with my PC 16ga nailer which is well over 13 years old and still going strong. It has great features in a compact lightweight frame. I use it primarily for trim and and wood furniture. Free shipping and Price are also nice.

The Not So Good: make sure when using 2" nails that you are using the right size. Some 2" nails are 50mm and some are 51mm. This gun only accepts up to 50mm. The PC Brand 2" nails are 51mm!!! Kind of silly that the products are incompatible even though both made/labeled PC. I spoke with PC and they avoided the aspect of incompatibility and simply said 51mm may cause unwanted operation.

The Bad: Amazon is extremely slow at shipping. Waited over a week for it to finally ship then 4 days shipping time. Yeah I know it's free shipping, but even the slowest shipping method doesn't take that long.