Mike,

Thanks for the tip on this one, picked one up today.  Never would have given
it a thought at $40, but for 20 bucksit's pretty neat to have around.   I
have a group 27 AGM deep cycle for back up  power, but it's not very
portable at 65 lbs.   Since almost all of my stuff is on power poles, I'll
think about cutting the battery clamps off the Jump Start and  putting on a
set of power poles.

73, Steve KW3A


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Duke, K5XU" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 9:55 PM
Subject: Good Portable Power Source from RS


> FYI for anyone who wants a good emergency battery.
>
>
> The Radio Shack 12 AmpHour boost battery (part number 270-4130) is a
> durable, very handy, and highly portable
> 12vdc power source.
>
> It is intended for use as a jump start battery for vehickles, so it
includes
> a pair of jumper cable type clamps which are always hot. It also contains
a
> cigarette lighter socket for charging cell phones, or powering other 12
volt
> devices.
>
> All you have to add is a two conductor ac line cord for use with the
> built-in ac charger. Unfortunately, you cannot charge this model from an
> automobile battery as is the case with some others.
>
> By using one of those dc regulator cords which you can find at both Radio
> Shack and various auto and electronics stores, you can drop the voltage to
> run almost anything that includes an external power connector. Just
remember
> to watch the polarity of the device you wish to power.
>
> It will power a hand held or qrp rig, receiver, etc, for days during an
> emergency such as some of us experienced last August when Katrina came
> calling.
>
> This battery is being discontinued by Radio Shack, and is now going for
half
> price at $19.95.
>
>
>
>
>
> Mike Duke, K5XU
> American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs
>
>
>