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.

Tool Force A-C3 High Pressure Spray Gun

• High-pressure spray gun ideal for painting new work for covering up damaged repairs
• Pistol grip and a trigger for comfortable operation
• 1.8 millimeter nozzle
• 1 liter cup and 1/4-inch nozzle
• Requires a 2 to 3 HP compressor (not included)

I was pleasantly surprised upon opening the box and finding a very nicely made paint gun. Don't know how the Chinese can manufacture such a nice piece of equipment for that price, expecially considering that someone has to make a profit on it.

One drawback: The instruction manual was nearly useless. A couple of springs and some gaskets were included in the box but there was no indication whatsoever where they were to be used. No instruction on use of air and paint knobs...in fact, save the box to find labels for the various parts of the gun. No breakdown of parts for assembly or disassembly or ordering replacements, either. That lost a rating star.

Aside from that, I had 12 each 4'x8' wooden latices to paint, and chose an oil based paint. Don't know yet how it will work with latex, but I assume you don't need an additive for lubrication as you do with the airless guns when using latex. Didn't have any info on what viscosity was acceptable to the gun, or how to measure it, so just poured the paint in out of the can. Hooked up to my compressor and started to spray. Worked like a charm. I fiddled a bit with the air and paint knobs but couldn't tell any difference and didn't want to get away from what was working. Used about 7/8 gallon of paint to finish all 12 pieces in about two or three hours of spraying. I'm sure I'd have run out of paint and patience using a brush or roller for the job.

Used mineral spirits and a rag to clean the sprayer. One thing to be sure to check is the two holes in the side of the front piece that eject only air to control the shape of the spray. Used a small brad to clean them and then worked with mineral spirits a bit more.

I'm now sold on this kind of painting. Beats heck out of buying spray cans for such projects. I've already got another project in mind: painting several rocking chairs on the front porch.

One caution: Be sure to use breathing protection and a face mask for eye protection.

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I have been using paint spraying equipment for over 40 years.

This is a good cheap high pressure 50-70 gun. It shoots well at 40psi, and I would personally never go over 50 which is guns minimum. If you have to go to 70, your paint/reducer mix is probably to thick. A good rule of thumb is that the paint after reducing should be just between a drip and a run, but closer to a drip when viewing it off of the funnel screen (You are using a funnel screen, aren't you?) or test stick.

The so-called no drip function sometimes drips.

The body is painted and it is effected by thinners.

The locking mechanism is iffy and you need to take care when you have a full pot in order not

to think it is locked down and you spill the whole frigging thing all over yourself and the floor and whatever else gets in the way. (Been there, done that)

To the gent that could not figure out the controls, the top one is fan/air adjust, the bottom one is fluid adjust, and if you want to control the air intake of most guns you need to add a small gauge/control valve or a simple screw valve (PH5516 is what I use) before the separator, or just rely on the compressor valve.

A word to the wise, at 70psi, you will be using 9cfm consumption which will put a small compressor through its paces and because it is constantly going will add a lot of water to the system. You should always spray at the minimum pressure required for the job.

This is a good gun, but not a $300.00 Devilbiss.

Take the time to clean it out with the same reducer you used for the paint (Two gallons of reducer for one gallon of paint; one to thin, one to clean up) and to the point that

it comes out clear, and use a small brush to flush down the nozzle and cup areas (sometime soaking all the nozzle parts) and the gun should last for many years.

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I bought this gun a couple of weeks ago to paint an old jon boat. It did a GREAT job, considering what I paid for it. I used very thick marine paint, and it shot it on with no problems. I have an old crappy compressor and it still did a good job. Paint was even and did not clog up or cause sags.

If you are thinking about it, and are scared by the price, don't be. It is worth every penny you pay for it. You can find pictures of the paint job on my boat @ in the forum section under duck boats.

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Oh my gosh, this is a fantastic add to anyone's tool box. I have toyed with the idea of getting one of these type sprayers for months, possibly years. Just never really knew quite how to use it or what I would use it on even though I have used many paints and painting equipment on many projects....Finally I decided I would get this sprayer..it was cheap and got decent if not great reviews...Well I would like to continue the great reviews. This product is light weight but solid feeling. Well built. Comes ready to uee. Easy to clean. Simple in application, just fill the container, set it, seal it (which will make sense to you after you actually see it) and hook it up to your compressor and go. As some of the other reviews say, it takes a bit to get used to the paint volume and air adjustment, but just fool with it and test it out on something and go to town. It never oversprayed and caused the project to run, had great coverage and very paint efficient. I had used a cordless Graco model that not only wnet thru paint fast, but was 20 times the cost and eventually broke after about 5 hours. Lesson learned. This unit does come with a few extra parts and as other reviews say the manual is not very cleear on usage or where these parts will go if needed eventually, but for the price I am not too worried about that....and I do not feel this unit will need any fixing as it feels very well put together. i only have one complaint...i wish I had purchased this a long time ago!!!!!

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Bought to paint a fence, but found it exceeds my original expectaion.

Prop: Solid built, drop to garage floor many times, still works fine. Paint spray is fine and good.

Cons: only thing I found is manual not detail for the first time users.

Best value.

Legacy A73457D Color Connex Type D 7 Piece 1/4 in. Red Coupler and Plug Kit

• Industrial type D connectors in all red colors
• Allows matching of couplers for dedicated hose applications.
• Push connect easy connect system
• Female and Male couplers are the same color

Solid brass is the only way to go for high use, but these are nice for air tools that aren't used too often. It is really nice that they are anodized aluminum in different colors. This set does not leak at all so far and I am happy with my purchase.

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Excellent color coded connectors for use with a new Makita MAC700 big bore air compressor. A few things to know however:

1. You must also buy pipe tape (a.k.a. teflon tape, blue or yellow kind doesn't matter) 1/2" x 260" Teflon Pipe Thread Seal Tape or pipe dope to apply to the threads before sealing this to the rubber hose you're using. Otherwise you will bleed air. This is for ALL connectors not just Legacy Connex. Funny how few connector reviews mention this.

2. The Legacy Connex couplers use a much larger wrench size than the plugs. I actually didn't have a big enough wrench to use on the couplers so I ended up having to use a vise grip with terry cloth towels to minimize scuffing of the metal. Not a deal breaker just didn't have it in my standard metric wrench set.

Convenience of the quick connects make this a must have for swapping out air tools quickly. the red paint is so pretty that you'll end up being super gentle with the hose to minimize scratches (i.e. no careless dropping of an unattached hose on the garage floor with these on).

Would definitely buy these again.

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Having just bought an air compressor (Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor), and some air tools, I needed some fittings.

This worked in hooking up my tubing to the compressor, and setting up a few air tools as well.

I don't need to separate air lines yet, but this seems like a good way to make it easier.

A bit more expensive than standard kits, but seems worth it.

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Nice be able to pick color for seperate tools. Helps save time to work faster. I have several sets, and they are holding well in home use.

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Arrived as promised. Good packaging, no damages.Perfect fit on my hose and attachments, no leaks. Will buy again if I need more!

Bosch BNS200-18 18-Gauge Brad Nailer

• Tool-less adjustable air exhaust
• Tool-less selectable trigger - easily switch between bump and sequential fire
• Tool-less adjustable depth of drive - adjust depth of drive on tool
• Narrow nose for excellent line of sight and slim body for better line of sight and better control
• In-line self cleaning air filter - keeps debris from the valve and o-ring improving life of tool

Bosch's first foray into the world of nail guns seems pretty successful to me. This gun is light, comfortable, affordable (no fancy "angled" nails required), quiet, and has oodles of power. Even starving it at 80 psi, it has no trouble sinking (and setting) 2" brads into any of the MDF or Poplar stock I've got laying around. The adjustable exhaust port is a nice touch, and it refuses to fire at all once the magazine goes empty. The case is also roomy, leaving ample space for nails and other accessories.

Unfortunately, I can't say it's perfect. The pin that holds the trigger in doesn't seem like it's held on very firmly by that tiny little washer, and I shudder to think what will happen in the event that it should go out. Mine also came with a pretty severe cosmetic flaw in the form of what appears to be a gash in one of the metal surfaces. This gash was painted over, so it's more than likely just a flaw in the casting which should not cause any problems in usage, but still, QA should have caught it. And lastly, they don't give you any kind of fitting to actually stick it on the end of your hose. A minor nitpick to be sure, but come on, how much do these things cost? Don't make me drive back to the store to buy another coupler.

Nevertheless, it gets the job done and gets it done well. Even with the minor cosmetic defect, the fit-and-finish is notably superior to that of the equivalent Hitachi gun which I had been considering before these came out. I think anyone who routinely builds picture frames, cabinetry or puts up moulding would be extremely satisfied with this gun's performance. You'll definitely want to wear goggles, though; the exhaust is unbelievably powerful, so if you forget to rotate the port away from your face, you're going to be crying.

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I am doing a full reno of my first floor and put up doorway trim and base molding; this nailer worked flawlessly.

I was using an 18 ga bostitch nailer before, and it was not very consistent. The bosch nailer sunk 2" and 1 1/4" nails at exactly the same depth every time.

I haven't used the bump feature yet, but I'm not sure if I ever will.

I was skeptical at some of the mixed reviews, however, I am not a contractor. There is no doubt that I will be looking at Bosch's finish nailer in the near future.

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I have had this nailer for a few weeks now and put it right to work on a project that was awaiting its arrival. First thing I had to do was dial the pressure back to about 80+ using a 1 1/2" nail. Then adjusted the nail set adjuster to get it just right. It cruised through the job (in oak and pine materials) perfectly. It has a well built feel and fit and finish is excellent. Its also very light but I do have it on a urethane hose which helps a lot versus a pvc or rubber one. Thumbs up so far!

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This is the second Bosch 18-guage brad nailer I've purchased, so both of us can do similar jobs at the same time. I have no idea how someone could not be able to drive nails with these; we've been working with ironwood and ipe for about six months and have no problems driving up to and including 2-inch fastners.

The first gun is a bit over a year old and while I am meticulous about tools, it hasn't been babied. Compared to the new gun, it's lost nothing after probably 5000 6000 nails driven at maximum depth settings and maximum operating pressures into the hardest woods. We've had one operator technique jam, and I think the Bosch naileers have the easiest and best jam-clearing of any nailer I've used or tried you don't open the nose, you open the magazine. Wham, you're done.

Yeah, you can buy better 18-guage nailers the Cadex comes to mind for three times this price, and you can buy worse nailers for 50% more than these cost, but for daily use, in the shop, the Bosch nailers have proven to be rock-solid and totally dependable.

And they feel good in your hand.

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I bought this gun without any knowledge of its performance. I only went with the idea that all the Bosch tools I own have been great. This gun is not what is advertised. It's size nor its weight is not smaller than other 18 ga. guns that I own (Bostich, Porter-Cable, Senco). I was hoping to find an 18 gauge gun that would sink 2" nails consistently. I just finished a job trimming a house with 3/4" pre-finished fir for casing and base. The 18 ga. is used to diminish the size of holes that need to be puttied but if you have to set nails manually with a nail set your nail hole becomes noticeably larger. Not good when doing high-end stain-grade work. The time it takes to constantly set nails manually is not cost effective. I used this gun to trim out one door and put it away after I had to manually set 6 nails. The compressor was set to 115 psi and the depth adjustment on the gun was set to sink nails all the way. The Senco is still the gun I am going to use. It will shoot 2 1/8" nails and rarely leaves them proud. The Bosch looks good but needs some work before I will consider using it.