Wal-Mart has put on sale (at least at my nearest W-M in Payson AZ.) a very nice portable power unit. Normally #89.95 it on sale for $30.00

This unit features a 22ah AGM battery, a 400watt modified sine wave inverter and voltage status indicator. Charging is by an included wall charger 110v to 15vdc.

Background: We are full time rv'ers, living usually in very remote areas. Our main power source is solar. We have been off the grid for over 11 years. Having a good portable power unit is a necessity, Over the years we have used may similar units, but this seems to be one of the best for a very reasonable price.

Specifications (from the manual):
Internal Battery Type: Maintenance-free AGM Lead-Acid
Nominal voltage: 12VDC
Capacity: 22ah
DC Power Outlet (max continuous Load); 15a.
Dimensions(HXWXD)l 11.5x9.5x6.5
Product Weight: 18 Lbs.
Maximum Continuous Power: 400watts
Surge Capacity (Output Wattage): 800watts
No load current draw: <0.4 amps
Wave Form: Modified Sine Wave
Input Voltage Range: 10.5 – 15.5 vdc
AC Outlets: 2, 110vac 3-Prong grounded.

General Description: The unit is compact and well designed. Operator controls and jacks are clearly identified. The unit provides one common cigarette lighter socket and two AC jacks, and a “pin cylinder” type charging jack. LED's provide “state of charge” & charging indication. Its weight (18 lbs) provides a good trade off between capacity and transportability.

The wall charger is a typical wall type. The manual says that it will not overcharge the battery, switching to a float level when the battery is fully charged. This means that the unit can be left plugged into the mains, providing a fully charged unit at all times. If continuous charging is not a option, the AGM battery type has a very low discharge rate. If stored without charging, I would assume that a booster charge once a month would be sufficient to keep the battery at 90% plus charge level.

Once charged, the unit will provide both AC and DC power. Typical use rates (from the manual).
AC: 110 watts = 1.5 hrs. 150 watts = 1.25 hrs. 220 watts = 55 minutes.
DC: 4 watts = 50 hours, 9 watts 25 hours, 15 watts = 13 hours.
Consult the label on the devices you intend to power to see the estimate operation time.
A typical cell phone or small DC light would be about 4 watts. A radio receiver about 9 watts

A AC sump pump consumes about 110 watts.

My Intended Use: Besides the general utility applications like work lights, air compressors etc, These units (I bought two), will also be used for ham radio emergency power. In this application, it will provide a reasonable operating time for a small transceiver, a DC LED light as well as adequate AC power for a small computer (About 4 amps). All deep discharge batteries should be limited to 50% discharge, or in this case about 11amp hours. At 4 amps it will provide slightly less than 4 hours of operation. Full charge voltage for a typical AGM battery is 12.8v, 50% = 12.2v.

Why AGM? Absorbed Glass Mat batteries were developed for military use. Typically used in high vibration and high charge/discharge applications where the highest quality battery in indicated. Stealth aircraft, rockets, communications equipment are typical applications.

AGM batteries are liquid lead acid batteries with operating characteristics similar to your car battery. The differences are that the electrolyte (battery acid) is contained in a fiber glass mat. This mat provides a stable environment for the acid. The acid is not a free liquid but saturated in the mat. This means that the plates can be much thinner with a much greater surface area, which provides for very high charge/discharge rates. Also the support provided by the mats create a very stable support method for the plates which provides very high physical shock and vibration capability.

AGM batteries are sealed (except for a pressure valve that only releases during extremely high overcharge rates) batteries with a catalytic element that eliminates liquid loss and allows mounting in any position. The gas that is normally generated during charge, contacts the catalytic element and is reconverted to electrolyte.

The very low internal discharge rate means that batteries can be stored for very long periods with little self discharge. I left two AGM 40ah batteries in an outdoor shed in Maine through two winters. They both had enough power remaining to power work lights for several hours when we returned.

I have not had time to play with these yet, however I intend to explore some modifications at my earliest opportunity. Being a long time Ham (amateur radio operator) I have an overwhelming urge to take any electronic device apart and probe the internals. I will report on my findings.

All in all, I consider this unit to be a very good value for the cost. A useful addition for anyone looking for a small, useful portable power unit.

Nomad.

Is there a part or model #? Brand?

Sounds like a good deal. Where in Walmart did you find it? Automotive, outdoors, electronics...?

-Blast

At my local Wal-mart, they were in Sporting Goods near the fishing rods and coolers -- but they were still $89.

The unit is called "Portable Power PP-2200"
I wonder why it on sale here and not other places?

nomad

Did I just miss that in the thread title? *doh*

Need to find one.

Lee

I just checked WallyWorlds website, no match for that item...

OBG I checked w/Wallyworld on-line and they said "Items vary by location blah,blah,blah" you get the jist, anywho just check at different stores to see if they carry it.

Mike

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=231422

Geez, two posts today with these guys, am I breaking a rule?

I bought this 3 years ago, it is okay, the 5 led work light now only is a 2 led work light (the others stopped working, no replacement or repair without a big hassle and expense)and of course after 3 years, making sure I re-charge routinely or when drained, it isn't keeping as good a charge, but it does incorporate a compressor and jumpers. Lead acid battery, no leakage so far from the sealed unit.

It was $59 3 years ago, $90 now