Anyone use this with just a battery? I'm looking to use in a tent but don't know what size battery to get to make it a couple nights. Thanks.
829406
It plugs into the auxiliary port in the car. Not sure this would be good for the car battery. But, in the car -its great. Hope that helps.
829407
This thing will eat a battery up. The instructions tell you not to use it without the car running .
829408
I have a Group 34 Yellow Top Optima battery in my Jeep. I ran TWO of these blankets from about 10pm until about 8am the next morning in a tent with a 12v extension cord to my Jeep. The next morning they were still nice and warm. My Jeep just barely didn't start. I had run the calculation and I knew I'd be a bit short so I brought a starter box to start the Jeep, so I was good. With that being said, with the same battery, you'd be able to go 2 days if you just had one blanket....particularly if you aren't using a starter battery of your vehicle. If you are, you'll want a starter box because your battery will be almost completely depleted, but you'll stay warm. I have a Group 34 Yellow Top Optima battery in my Jeep. I ran TWO of these blankets from about 10pm until about 8am the next morning in a tent with a 12v extension cord to my Jeep. The next morning they were still nice and warm. My Jeep just barely didn't start. I had run the calculation and I knew I'd be a bit short so I brought a starter box to start the Jeep, so I was good. With that being said, with the same battery, you'd be able to go 2 days if you just had one blanket....particularly if you aren't using a starter battery of your vehicle. If you are, you'll want a starter box because... » Read More I have a Group 34 Yellow Top Optima battery in my Jeep. I ran TWO of these blankets from about 10pm until about 8am the next morning in a tent with a 12v extension cord to my Jeep. The next morning they were still nice and warm. My Jeep just barely didn't start. I had run the calculation and I knew I'd be a bit short so I brought a starter box to start the Jeep, so I was good. With that being said, with the same battery, you'd be able to go 2 days if you just had one blanket....particularly if you aren't using a starter battery of your vehicle. If you are, you'll want a starter box because your battery will be almost completely depleted, but you'll stay warm. « Show Less
475806
no, I have not run it off an external battery. It's an interesting question--especially for people who go camping.
1694644
that would depend on the number of batteries storing the power and how much power you use. For my 37 foot camper, I use 8 batteries and it lasts till bed time unless I use power tools. Runs lights, fridge and tv without issue.
1754886
I agree with Ken's answer. It's really just a specially sized battery. The battery housing unit isn't all that attractive (and mine was installed in the garage to link to the location of the outside box) but I can't see why having this battery would present any more concerns than having a battery-powered lantern or large flashlight in the bedroom, which is a fairly common emergency supply for people to keep nearby.
181993
My friend had one on our AT long distance hiking trip and we rocked all day and he was able to charge his phone every evening. Worked really well even with the shade from the forest canopy, as we only had "on grid" power maybe once every 5-7 days. I'm buying my own now.
281232
hey Icepuck, did this work? Could you do same with a battery charger I am wondering? Im trying to run 12v lights off a generator and trying to find a solution... FF here too and rigging out a response trailer..
226439
If the hook is small and attached to the tent I think you could make it work. When you have two D batteries it does get a little heavy. Another way is to keep it folded up and attach an adhesive hook on the bottom.
815605
The battery last for a long time. A couple of days on standby while hunting. But I was disappointed that you can't use regular "AA", only works with power pack.
438504
The XMC has higher cold cranking amps, and essentially is a stronger/heavier battery. I have two in my tent trailer that are 4 years old and function perfectly. They are beasts, definitely a ideal source of long lasting reliable power.
764257
It sounds defective. I ran mine over 2 nights camping, using a small rechargeable 12 volt battery. I only heard the alarm once towards the end of the second night when I dropped below 12v. I thought it was a great lite unit for the price. I used 12 strings of LED lights around my campsite and people were amazed at the effect.
1910371
Hi Daniel.. I did not buy an extra battery for this unit. I did purchase 2 units and normally when I shoot outside I use only one light as a fill light and use reflectors. If one battery does not last long enough, I just simply use the battery in the second unit. So far I haven't needed more than just the one battery. I'm sure replacement or additional batteries are available. Thanks for your question....
1501066
I bought this after a camping trip where some of my friends had simpler led headlamps and I realized how convenient they were for camping. I have not had thr chance to really put it through its paces as ive yet to camp again. Using it around the house for odds and ends, the light output is excellent, but it does have a bit of weight to it, nothing too cumbersome, but it wasn't something i forgot was on my head. It doesnt come with batteries and i purchased rechargable lithium ones for it. The battery life would latgely depend on usage (high, low, strobe) vs mAh rates of the batteries you go with. Sorry i couldnt better answer your question.
191728
I used a car battery on it's own with out using the one in my vehicle when I was camping but the fan seems to draw very little from the battery, after my trip I hooked my smart charger to the battery and it didn't seem to really need much charging and I was running the fan every night for 3 nights.
1894336
This would be way overkill for a 13 watt solar panel. One 13 watt panel would not even need a regulator while camping as your use would always exceed your input. If you were to store the camping unit without using any of the generated power it may eventually overcharge the battery slightly, though no damage would occur to the battery only slight loss of water in the cells which should be checked regularly anyway. There are usually enough parasitic loads (smoke detectors, clocks, radio memories, etc.) to compensate for the slight overcharging though.
1012222
You have to use a Torch light with it.And they can vary. I use a Torch that can be used with all of the battery types.Works well with mid to large Cree Torch size.
1131582
A 12 volt 7 amp battery works best ! If you try to use a larger size, it probably will not fit inside the control panel and not charge as fast or all the way.
2230010
Just like any battery, it depends on how often you are transmitting or receiving.We take these camping for 3 or more days and use them to caravan.With the FM radio on and scanning two way communication they last 2 to 3 days before needing recharged.In the manual it tells you to cycle the battery,Fully charge it when you get it then totally discharge it. Charge it a second time and its ready to go.