my DIY 12v powerpack

Tel1965 · 10 March 2021, 02:26

thought this may interest someone, i made it yesterday morning while i had nothing to do. the box was one i've had lying around a few years. overall cost was about £100. there should be more than enough power in the battery to last me over a long weekend, inflating and deflating and powering the fish finder as i had a mattress air pump running for over 10 hours and also charged up whatever i could find around the house. i know its not waterproof, but it will be kept in a waterproof bag on the boat. also i was warned that batteries need air or could possibly explode if kept in an airtight waterproof container.

kalin · 10 March 2021, 15:33

I like the idea

Can you share link for usb panel. I like it.
Check how much A use inflating pump. I use one which is 20A and regular lighter is not ok.

Fenlander · 10 March 2021, 15:45

That's a very gadget boy setup. Given our mission is to remove weight and de-clutter in every area no such projects for me. Just have to buy more fuel cans.

I can't see but if there is nothing retaining the battery beyond the lid foam's friction put in a strap or something... the action of a SIB at sea will throw it all over the place inside the case.

Tel1965 · 10 March 2021, 16:10

Hi Kalin, I’ve tried to get the link for you but it won’t register properly as it’s something I’ve already bought. I can give you the item number on eBay
202881509620
It is rated to 20amp I’ll be using it with an outdoor master shark pump which is rated at 120w hope this helps you
There are others on eBay that are similar so you’ll be wise to check the rating of them.
David, the battery is held in place by another piece of foam between the cover and the battery. Also the actual 12v socket wiring keeps it in place too. I was swinging it around a bit at work and generally giving the box a rough time as if it’s out at sea and it didn’t move at all.
The only improvement I think I might make at a later date is to put a battery charging port into it to save opening it up. But, it’s no bother to charge it anyway. Also I’ll be putting spare usb leads in the box so we always have leads with us wherever we go and haven’t forgotten them.

Steve509926 · 10 March 2021, 16:22

Nice one Tel. A battery power pack was going to be my 3rd project of the witer/lockdown period. Got side tracked by what my better half says are more important jobs

Tel1965 · 10 March 2021, 16:30

Kalin, I found a similar one on eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313342441896

Steve, my missus is always nagging me about doing jobs at home, I always say I’m busy with my own jobs. I made that yesterday morning at work as I’m a bit quiet at the moment. When I finished it a couple of the lads have now decided to make one for their camping trips. The bits and pieces they will use are the same as mine, but they are now more expensive than paid. It may be because shipping costs from China have gone up.

Iankristy · 10 March 2021, 16:36

Nicely done, possible alternative though?

https://www.tbmaritime.com/product-p...rt-battery-box

Tel1965 · 10 March 2021, 16:41

Definitely a good alternative. If I hadn’t got the box I used hanging around I was going to make a box, but having seen that one I’d happily go with it. I kind of wished I’d seen that when I was looking for one a couple of weeks ago.

Steve509926 · 10 March 2021, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iankristy

Nicely done, possible alternative though?

https://www.tbmaritime.com/product-p...rt-battery-box

Project 3 may get done before lockdown ends after all, not much work involved in that!

Tel1965 · 10 March 2021, 17:45

Not much at all. It is a little on the bulky side though. It’s almost 3 times the thickness of my one and also longer and wider. It certainly stops the need to measure and drill holes though. I think it took me about 2 hours to put together in total. But, I do have access to all the necessary tools to do it.

Steve509926 · 10 March 2021, 17:49

Didn't look at the external measurements, you're right, it is a bit on the bulky side.

Tel1965 · 10 March 2021, 17:53

I didn’t look at first either. I just thought it looked good. But then I read the dimensions and thought that’s quite big.

Oldman2 · 10 March 2021, 17:55

Its probably meant for those using Leisure batteries to power small electric outboards?

kalin · 10 March 2021, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

Kalin, I found a similar one on eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313342441896

Thank you so much!

120W 12V are 10 A !!!

Tel1965 · 11 March 2021, 03:00

Kalin, if your pump is not working because it’s 10amp it might be an idea to slightly upgrade the fuse in the fuse holder. In the description on eBay it says it’ll power a 120w pump at 12v or 250w at 24v.
When my pump and boat arrive I’ll put it to the test properly.