Hi Patrick, how about this for an idea, no need for an alternator then.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12000mAh-Car-Jump-Starter-Booster-LED-Charger-Pack-Battery-Power-Bank-3-USB-/191839616474?hash=item2caa883dda:g:HvMAAOSwZ8ZW4n5C
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Hi Norm,
Have a similar one of those already. Yes it will jump start a car repeatedly (tried on 4-cyl 1.8l, ~3-5 starts and only 20-40% capacity used, they claim will do V8s/smaller diesels but untried).
Bought from Costco, brand Powerall.
Here is an example. You also get an in-built torchlight (which should easily run 24+ hrs) PLUS USB outputs (and phone connectors) so you can charge phones repeatedly too. And in a carry case. It now sits in my car.
Youtube the Americans who do jumpstart V8s with them.
They have Li-ion batteries and hold a substantial amount of power and can deliver it *quickly*. How many other things that small do you know can supply 200+Amps to jump start a car (would a lead-acid battery that small jump start a car...and what happens if you short its terminals)?! I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of one misbehaving because it's been misused!
As a result get a good, name brand, reputable one or youll end up with *cheap* *#$%ese batteries with a ridiculous 250,000,000MAh rating and a device not rated to Oz standards and could end up homeless like those cheap "hoverboards" which will (I guess) be using similar batteries. (Rant off now)
So, a few caveats about mine:
- They are designed for jumpstarting
- They are not designed for continuous drain through the 12V output
- They are not designed for charging through their 12V output.
- I have heard tell of extended cranking causing the connections/solder to melt...look at the wire+connector thickness and imagine 200+Amps... Use gloves! Mine did get slightly warm even with a quick start.
But having said that: they are very, very useful and can make the NRMA redundant for probably half their calls (I guess)!
Mine maintains charge for months. I 'top it up' occasionally, every 2-3 months or so.
Mine will recharge from either 240V or 12V (both plugs supplied).
If you want a photo of my kit I can send you one when I get home this evening. Otherwise, ebay my model is (I think )
PowerAll Deluxe Portable Jump Starter/Power Bank/Flashlight PowerAll PBJS12000R but make sure you get a 240V Oz-plug charging adaptor. They also were available from motorcyccle shops, a few in Repco once, etc. Found Costco the cheapest bricks&mortar retailer.
Although it claims an output of 12V/10A I haven't seen it in the manual although it's in the specs so it's a bit unclear. I would assume it'd be OK for a couple of Amps or so. Continuous drain may cause heat problems.
I think your 12V w/ a solar charger is actually a very good suggestion and when I was a member of a gliding club 10-15 years ago that's how owners all maintained their long-term-stored batteries. Just get a good regulator so you don't overcharge the battery or reverse discharge overnight.
Cheers,
