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Each car is equipped with a battery - this is the necessary unit to start the engine. The battery may be discharged, which will lead to the fact that the trip will not take place.

Portable Start-Charger

Чаще всего с проблемой разряженного аккумулятора водители сталкиваются с наступлением холодов. Иногда, также, причиной разряженного аккумулятора с утра оказываются включённые всю ночь фары. Автолюбители, которые попали врасплох, вынуждены ждать друзей или соседей по гаражу, стоянке или дому, либо нести АКБ к источнику электричества, теряя драгоценное время. При этом тех, кто готов помочь не так много, ведь современные автомобили, оснащённые множеством электроники, не очень хорошо относятся ко внешним подключениям и большим перепадам энергии. Кроме того, «с толкача» тоже можно завести не каждый автомобиль — современные всё чаще имеют АКПП, которая этому препятствует.Читать далее про портативные пуско-зарядные устройства-->

Start-Charger - What is it?

Оптимальный выбор для тех, кто хочет подстраховаться на случай разрядки аккумулятора — портативное устройство, которое выполняет роль «прикуривателя». Примечательно оно тем, что может реанимировать даже автомобиль с полностью разряженным аккумулятором, обеспечивая старт двигателя напрямую. Portable Start-Charger, несомненно, делает эксплуатацию машины более стабильной.

More recently, such devices were large and were not very convenient to use: the starting-charging devices were not only large and heavy, but also needed recharging and proper storage conditions no less than a regular battery. In this regard, the scope of their operation was not very large - the device itself did not pay off tritely and did not receive distribution.

Engineers realized that this would not work and invented a new type of starting-charging devices - portable and made according to modern technologies, which reduced the requirements for storage conditions. The most popular are based on a lithium polymer battery, which is also used in many electronic gadgets, with its compact size, they provide high energy efficiency - they have a very large capacity. Energy from such batteries can come in small portions, which are necessary, for example, a telephone, and large ones, which will allow you to start the car. A few years ago they simply wouldn't have believed it, but now a car with a discharged battery starts from a pocket box, and the driver uses it alone.

Types of starting and charging devices

Adaptations differ in size and power (from pocket household to professional), as well as the device. Each production technology has its pros and cons.

Impulse devices

The principle of operation of these starting-charging devices is based on the pulse voltage conversion. High-frequency inverter affects the voltage, first raising it, and then lowering it, which ensures discharge. Such devices have a small size, and, accordingly, small potential - they are only suitable for working with a car battery and other household appliances, but not for professional use. The disadvantages of a pulsed portable start-charging device include the weakening of the potential in the cold season - the power weakens and unexpected voltage surges appear. In addition, it is difficult to repair. The advantage is portability and relatively low cost.

Transformer devices

Such devices function by lowering the voltage - they work like ordinary transformers. They are characterized by high power, as well as strong starting currents. Transformer start-charger can even reanimate a car with a fully discharged battery, acting directly on the starter. The disadvantages include a rather large weight and size, as well as high cost.

Battery devices

To enter the working condition of such devices require recharging. Further use is reminiscent of connecting to another battery, but the start-up charger is different, first of all, in portability. Home appliances can only cope with the needs of the motorist, while professional devices are suitable as an energy source for any action, including welding. Large accumulator devices have wheels for moving and several capacious batteries.

Capacitor devices

These devices are the least practical among all starting-charging devices, but still cope with the goal of ensuring charging and starting the car. In everyday life, the distribution of capacitor units is small, since they are expensive, have a bad effect on a car battery and are difficult to operate. Devices must be charged - only after that use is possible. It differs from the battery charger in a relatively large size, which is a design feature.

How to choose a pre-charger

Portable Start-Charger Carku E-Power 5

For the choice of devices there are several criteria. For starters, this is a parking place. In the case when he spends all the unused time in the garage, a portable starting-charger can not buy at all - it is replaced by a simple installation. Its acquisition will save on a relatively expensive portable device. The latter, in turn, is appropriate when the car is on the street or in the parking lot.

In addition, it is necessary to determine the type of fixture. This criterion is largely related to the class of the car. For a compact perfect pulse device, which is the best view, but has a small potential for starting and charging the battery. For a large car, it is recommended to purchase a transformer or battery device, but you should be prepared for their portability to be relative - they are quite heavy in weight and size.

In addition to restrictions on the type, for instruments for cars of different sizes there is another selection criterion - power. For compact cars, a 12-volt device is suitable, while large jeeps or trucks require a more serious device. Note that over time the voltage will fall. The solution to this problem is to immediately purchase a device with adjustable voltage, which has a supply of volts.

Comparison of Portable Starting Chargers

Four modern devices took part in the testing. They all have a small size and weight, cope with starting and charging the car (as well as gadgets). Subjects:

• Berkut Smart Power SP-4500 (China);
• Carku E-Power 5 (China);
• D-Lex Powerbank (China);
• Neoline Jump Starter 140 (China).

How did the comparison

Of course, testing start-charging devices on machines in the field would be most revealing, but it had more drawbacks than advantages. Taking into account the fact that each car has a different oil level, the degree of cooling by the radiator and the temperature of the engine, such a comparison would not be objective. In addition, the effect is also influenced by the ambient temperature, which may change while all devices are tested on one vehicle.

In this case, only testing of a car with the battery removed was initially considered. It is not known how much charge remains in this or that battery, as well as how the electronics of the machine will affect the course of the study.

Due to the possibility of significant discrepancies, a different method of testing instruments was chosen. It took place with the help of a 200 amp load plug, which made it possible to simulate the flow from the battery to the starter - the scrolling of the latter.

Power 200 amps enough to start the car with an engine up to 2 liters. The ambient temperature should not be below –20 degrees Celsius.

Imitation of the start of the engine was as follows: the starting device was attached to the plug for 4 seconds, after which there was a break of 12 seconds and then another start. This happened until the initial voltage on the device battery dropped below 9 volts. At this level, the starter, depending on how the system of the car is arranged, is either not enough revs, or does not spin at all.

The voltage was measured before the start and in the process. Calculated average current. The number of starts was counted. Before testing, all starting-charging devices were maximally energized - each has its own indicator.

The main criterion of the potential of a starting-charging device is the number of starts it has sustained, keeping the voltage above 9 volts. Only after that the cost, equipment, simplicity, safety and other properties were taken into account.

Berkut Smart Power SP-4500

Specifications:

• Capacity - 4500 mAh;
• Adjustable voltage - 5 and 12 volts;
• Power - from 200 to 405 amps.

On the case of the starting-charging device there are 4 buttons for selecting the operating mode, a flashlight, a battery charging indicator, 2 operating mode indicators, an input and 2 outputs for crocodiles and USB. The latter is needed to charge the electronics, including laptops.

Dimensions are 192 mm in length, 122 in width and 47 in height. The device is completed with a charger, power wires and a bag for storage.

Clamps "crocodiles" are made of metal and high-quality plastic - for "teeth" and handles, respectively. Wires are attached to both lips, which provides a better connection. The device has excellent short circuit protection - even if you connect all the parts together and supply current, the protection will work. This is the only device in the dough that provides complete circuit protection.

In practice, the start-up charger proved to be good: the initial voltage was only 12.35 volts, which is the smallest indicator in the test, but when creating a load, the results increase. The device in operation has an average voltage, but a good value of the operating current is 155 amperes. This is the best result in comparison. Due to the highest current, the Berkut Smart Power SP-4500 has the best potential for solving the main task - starting the engine.

The device made 17 full-fledged starts, after which it turned off by itself. This happened not because of the end of energy, but due to the activation of the security system, which protects the device from energy exhaustion, since its low margin negatively affects the performance.

It is noteworthy that the device automatically turns off the power 4 seconds after applying a high load - this is very useful for motorists. The manufacturer claims 10 starts, whereas in fact the number has reached 17.

The device does not lose power reserve during multiple uses and does not wear out. The disadvantages include the lack of adapters for gadgets, but for the driver this is not the main thing. Moreover, the company is positioning the device as a car.

Carku E-Power 5

The line of devices was updated in 2014. The device received modified characteristics:

• Capacity - 12000 mAh;
• Voltage - 5, 12 and 19 volts;
• Power - from 200 to 400 amps.

In the case of the starter and charger there is a power button, a charge level indicator, a LED flashlight, an input for external make-up and three outputs — USB, for laptops and for crocodiles.

The dimensions of the device are 149 mm in length, 79 in width and 34 in height. Included are wires for "crocodiles", a cable for 8 adapters for a laptop, plugs for USB, as well as adapters for Apple equipment. Everything is packed in a bag.

Crocodiles are made of metal and plastic - the “teeth” and handles. Electricity is supplied only to one handle of each “crocodile”. There is a small chance of a short circuit, but in general, the system is quite reliable and safe.

The device has the highest voltage at the beginning of operation (13.12 volts), while when connected, the indicators are relatively modest. The operating current indicator is 150 amperes - the average number in the test. The same applies to the operating voltage - only after 14 start-up it grows above the average.

After 19 (at the stated 20) start-up, the device’s energy began to dry out quickly, and the voltage dropped below normal. It showed good results and stability.

D-Lex Powerbank

Portable Start-Charger D-Lex Powerbank

Specifications:

• Capacity - 12000 mAh;
• Voltage - two outputs for 5 volts and one for 12;
• Power - from 200 to 400 amps.

On the body there is a power button, charge status indicator, flashlight, power input, and output. Dimensions are 165 mm in length, 74 in width and 31 in height. Included are 9 nozzles for USB, crocodiles with power cord - all this in a small suitcase.

The clamps are made of steel and the handles are plastic. Electricity is suitable only for one of the handles.

The initial voltage is 12.64 volts - the second indicator in the test. The working power is 152.5 amps, which slightly falls short of the best.

The device charge allowed to make 18 starts. After that, the voltage fell below the required. This is the best ratio of declared and actual starts in the rating.

Neoline Jump Starter 140

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Specifications:

• Capacity - 14000 mAh;
• Voltage - 5, 12 and 19 volts;
• Voltage - from 200 to 400 amps.

On the case of the device, as well as on the others, there are a charge level indicator, a power button, a flashlight, connectors for gadgets and laptops, as well as a power connector for crocodiles.

Dimensions are 165 mm in length, 75 in width and 26 in height. Included you can find chargers, power cable, USB and adapter for Apple, as well as a bag.

Clips are made of metal, and the handle of plastic. Current is supplied to only one of the handles. The device has reliable, but not absolute protection against short circuit.

The test results show that the starting voltage is 12.48 volts, while the working voltage drops noticeably (as the start-up was completed, it critically approached 9 volts). Power in practice was 132 amps - the minimum figure in comparison. Charge of the device was enough for 16 starts.

Total

All tested devices are able with some confidence to start the car engine through the starter. Devices differ in cost, configuration, and reliability, but there are no clearly losing options either.

Two comparison participants - the Berkut Smart Power SP-4500 and D-Lex Powerbank - turned out to be the most powerful. The Neoline Jump Starter 140 is the weakest. At the same time, the Berkut is almost one and a half times more expensive than the D-Lex, but its protection against closures, service life and overall reliability do not create the risk of a starter breaking - it is a recommended starting-charging device.