Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio Reviews

• Serves a purpose in a pinch

  
  By A18YMFFJW974QS on 2008-03-08
  The Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack does serve several uses - some of which it performs above all expectations. However, it is important to remember that it is essentially a giant battery and NOT a generator.
  
  One of my complaints is that the unit has a built in monitoring device that provides feedback on the amount of remaining power in the battery. Unfortunately, that feature did not work on mine. I am not sure if my unit is defective... but the display console is essentially useless.
  
  PROS-
  
  - Will power a cordless phone, modem and router for about 8 hours. We have our phone service through the internet - so when our power is out we lose everything.
  - It can charge your car battery... in a pinch. I haven't tried it yet, but I am sure that if your car battery wasn't all the way dead the Duracell Powerpack could get you going!
  - Nice built in flash light and radio. Not of huge use - but in the dark they are nice to have.
  - Surge protector on the unit - things that pull too much juice will not even come on (like my wife's hair dryer)
  
  Cons-
  
  - VERY HEAVY - I haven't weighed it but the Duracell Powerpack probably tips the scale at about 25-30lbs. Any many cases it would be too heavy for a women or the elderly.
  - It is severely limited in the number of amps that you can pull. Again, my wife's hair dryer pulled to many amos - and therefore - would not come on. This severely restricts its use during a power outage. As a rule of thumb only low powered appliances can be plugged in.
  
  
  At the end of the day - for the cost - you could throw in a little more money and buy a generator. While the Duracell Powerpack is silent and does not produces any dangerous fumes it is limited in what you can operate. My recommendation - nice to have in an emergency - but it is not a cure-all if you happen to be out of power. 4 stars.
  
  

• Good for my intended purpose

  
  By A1H8AODDHY506Y on 2008-03-29
  Bought this for extended camping trips. We frequently find ourselves at events that require camping out, and with limited or no electrical. I wanted something that could supply power to our wide variety of gadgets that we typically need as a modern family.
  
  Put the Powerpack to the test on a full week trip recently. Through the whole week, it was used for a number of purposes. Including, recharging cell phones, camera batteries, various media devices. It also was used to power a compressor to air up 3 different air mattress (including a queen), and refill them as needed. It also ran a hair straightener and blow dryer a few times. And it was used to run a breathing treatment machine for a friends asthma at least once a day. Might have been used for other things.
  
  The results. The Powerpack lasted through day 5 of a 7 day trip, but we had brought along a lawn battery to attach as a backup. It was simple to setup, and the provided the power we needed for the last 2 days. The main battery lasted about as long as I thought it would, so I was satisified throughout.
  
  The reasons why it didn't get 5 stars. Two reasons, and both kinda minor. One, no way to turn off the clock. I know its not much of a drain on a battery this size, but I would prefer to maximize my usuage. And two, the power meter is no super accurate. It showed 90% power on Day 4, 70% power on day 5, only to be out of power come the morning of day 6.
  
  To be fair though, a few things where plugged into it overnight from day 5 to 6. Those items where low power or turned off. So its hard to say if they caused the drain. Maybe if they hadn't been plugged in, the main battery would have lasted all week.
  
  Overall, very happy with the purchase.
  
  

• Can Not Replace Battery

  
  By A1WO5XDNFM80Y8 on 2008-04-23
  Thhe unit is simply a sealed lead acid battery, a lamp, an inverter, a simple AM/FM radio, an external plug in power source, and a control display that sort of works.
  For the purpose it is intended - a low power source of 120 V AC it appears to work fine. Don't expect to carry it very far, as it is HEAVY.
  My major concern is that there is no way to replace the built in battery, a sealed lead acid gel type. You have to "recycle" - read junk - the entire unit when the battery dies, as it will in approximately 2 years. This is a serioous defect in the long term.
  Unless you need the immediate power availability of a battery - inverter or the "fumeless" short time operation, you would be better served to purchase a 600 watt generator and a gasoline can!
  
  

• Duracell Powerpack - Great Idea

  
  By A1XPU72V5RGILF on 2007-12-11
  Great Product- Built well and very handy.
  I use it for camping and have it handy for power outage, it keps the phones and TV's running
  It is like a little generator, except lighter and quiet, I recommend this product- lots of uses!
  
  

• DURACELL 600 HD POWER PACK

  
  By AVPT5L10V1GAV on 2007-12-21
  ALL I ASK FROM THE DURACELL 600 POWERPACK WAS TO RUN MY 17'' LCD TV AND DVD/ RECIEVER AT THE SAME TIME FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS, LONG ENOUGH TO WATCH ONE MOVIE IN MY RV....IT DID WITH NO PROBLEMS, IAM VERY HAPPY WITH IT........LARRY
  
  
• It is NOT SAFE to leave this unit in your car trunk
  By A2SGLX11BVJ9XH on 2008-08-05
  An important item that the marketing materials leave out is that this unit must not be used or stored above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a warning in the owners' manual about this. I contacted the manufacturer by email and asked if it was OK to store the unit in the trunk of a vehicle, which could get up to 150 degrees or so in the summer sun, as long as you let it cool down below 104 degrees before using it. The representative checked with their engineering department and responded to me that it is not safe to do so. Seems you can't allow the unit to get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit either, according to the manual. So much for leaving the unit in your car as an emergency backup.
  
  Another thing that is not mentioned is that the AC outlets provide power that is a "simulated sine wave;" simply stated, this means it is not as "clean" as power from a regular AC outlet. Therefore, I would not recommend that expensive computers and other electronic equipment be plugged into the AC outlet. Use the 12V DC "cigarette lighter" outlet for this type of equipment, using the appropriate adapter for your cell phone or computer, and it is perfectly fine.
  
  Otherwise, generally speaking, a good unit to have around, in your climate controlled garage, in case the power fails.
  
  
• Value for Money
  By A1EWKRMJS7KQ5E on 2007-12-05
  I would rate this product value for money. I did expect it to be more powerful but it certainly serves the purpose that I require it for. I think that this would be a tremendous asset in the event of a powercut.Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600
  
  
• It works fine. And you can add external capacity easily.
  By A1JXLM6TYINCBA on 2008-05-06
  Tried it a few times in the few weeks I've had it and found it to be terrific. I have a few of the smaller Black and Decker (10 and 20 VA) powered inverter modules that were clearanced for $10 at our neighborhood Home store that got me curious about this thing. Heck no, it's not a generator, and yeah, it's basically a flashlight about the size and weight of a cinder block, but the combination of radio, flashlight, clock and THREE 120 outlets would certainly be handy in a blackout. The Mfr recommends leaving it plugged in (charged by a little wall-wart transformer) all the time to keep the battery topped off.
  
  Did somebody really say they wished the LCD clock could be turned off to save power? Nah, even an AGM battery will discharge with no draw at all WAY more than that little clock would - the difference has to be insignificant. And far outweighed by the convenience of having the clock stay set.
  
  Now how about some superbright LED's in the handle? Now those could be normally-on so you could find it in the dark, but switched so the light wouldn't bother you if you were sleeping near it or something like that. They say the built-in 5-watt flashlight will run FIFTY hours straight on a full charge, so I'd guess that a few 20,000 mcd LED's would draw 5 ma each, and the unit would last for months (maybe years) between recharges. Of course, an AGM battery shouldn't be stored discharged (thus the directions say to leave it plugged in with the little charger going all the time) but if one stayed lit while it was charging, you could find it, and if the power went out, the bank could go on full by default and actually light up the area around the unit.
  
  
• super power supply
  By A2SPVQNKOW9YNN on 2008-07-08
  I got stuck last week with my car's alternator and battery being dead. This unit started my car 4 times that night and I actually used the supply to power the car so I could drive it an extra block to avoid paying a tow charge. It powers my hungry laptop for up to 4 hours between charges. I can't reccomend this power supply more....all aces
  
  
• Versatile Power Source
  By AS5OHJVNVTQOR on 2008-05-10
  I spent a long time searching for a portable power supply and this was the most versatile one that I could find. It has excellent jump-start power and also provides both AC and DC outlets. Other nice features are the radio and light, although it would have been better if the light were LED. The available power closely matches the times listed in the specs. In camp, it worked great for recharging cell phones, Gameboys, camera batteries. At home, it works great for powering a cable modem during a power outage to keep the house phone working.
  
  
• Solar Power Generator
  By A2COTETNC4VLHG on 2008-08-04
  I'm using a 15 watt solar panel to keep the Powerpack 600 charged. I use it to charge pdas, cell phones, video games. I have also used it for portable power on fans,lights, TVs, and laptops. Will not power frigs and large power hunger items. I purchased the Powerpack 600 to see if it would charge from a solar panel and it charges from sun-up to sun-down. HEY,I'm a little greener than I once was!
  
  
• Dangerous
  By A38TA0VIOZB59R on 2008-04-22
  I bought this from Amazon for $99.99 (Gold Box Price). I charged it for 2 days as recommended. The battery power meter showed zero after charging. I then plugged in a circular saw to test it and the saw worked for 1-2 seconds and then stopped. The battery pack started making crackling sounds and the battery meter flashed all sorts of numbers. Within the next 15 seconds I heard a bang and smoke started coming out of the unit. I immediately disconnected it and will return it (cheers for Amazon for taking it back including return shipping). No matter how well this may work, what good is it if it is potentially dangerous?? I never want this in my house - I would rather use flashlights or sit in the dark during a power outage rather than risk burning down my house.
  
  
• This is the best
  By A1G6C9B4VQ1I6A on 2008-03-03
  I let the run with my ps2 and portable screen when I left for school this morning. I came back and both were still running. I'm using this on a road trip from TN to NY and I feel very confident of it's ability to power it more than 80% of the way.
  
  
• great !
  By A2HT0XKUCWXNYJ on 2008-04-23
  got it at 99.00 and free ship. the unit does what it says it will. great to take to campsite or for a short power outage to run a pc, tv, lamp and fan for 3+hours. it takes a long time to charge from the ac adaptor unit at only 1 amp output( 35 hours if dead) but car cord is much faster. nice unit that worked well and at a fair price.
  
  
• disappointed
  By A13QP6IB80BKWO on 2008-06-06
  I made the mistake of letting the internal battery power run too low and so now I'm unable to charge it using the AC Adapter. I did read the manual before using it and did not see any warnings about "over using" the product. Only after having problems and then going to the mfr website was I able to find information on this problem. Right now I'm trying to revive the battery by charging it in my car, but so far (after 2 days of driving) I'm still not able to use the AC adapter. All in all, this is way too much trouble for something that I was going to use in emergency situations. Finally, as mentioned in other reviews, this is a very heavy item and it takes some strength to carry it around.
  
  
• Very handy to have
  By A3RCAARBXYRXQ3 on 2008-06-27
  I bought this for my business to run my cash register when I do trade shows. So far it has worked like a gem. I used it for a weekend to run my register and didn't have to charge it at all. It also doubled as an anchor for my dog's leash so the weight of it came in handy!
  Last weekend we lost power for about 6 hours and it powered a light and a fan for us, I was very thankful that I had purchased this.
  I think if you remember that this is a power pack and not a actual generator than you will be very pleased with what it can do.
  
  
• Gem is a big time dud
  By AG1YKR3NIHFUO on 2008-06-30
  After reading reviews, I had hoped this product could be an answer to a portable power problem. All it had to do was power a portable dvd player.
  
  When I got it I charged it with the supplied DC power supply for well over 48 hours. Not a single light turned on. Maybe my wall isn't putting enough out... the manual said it needs 120v. So, I had someone who drive extensively charge it for over 6 hours over a few days, a sure way to charge, yet still nothing, except the normal screech of death when I turned on its AC switch.
  
  Well, Duracell, this is the second time one of your batteries failed me. I thought Duracell meant something.. it does, unreliability. I had hoped it wouldn't be so,really, but I'm so disappointed. Had there been a zero rating, I would give it such since this product gave me a huge headache in trying to get it to work, and the time wasted. My recommendation - Don't buy Duracell (a Xantrex Co.) They don't have a very good quality assurance program, in my experience. Unless you plan to buy 100 bucks of paper weight, this item is a no go.
  
  I'm glad and thankful Amazon is taking it back and refunding my money.
  
  
• this thing DELIVERS
  By A1RW5WY9DNIH1U on 2008-07-21
  I had originally purchased Sears' version -- which was quickly returned. It had an air compressor that would overheat the unit, and to run DC source, the inverter needed to be turned on and was so loud i could not hear my radio.
  
  I've used this Duracell600 a few times now and it is awesome. Ran my Bose Wave radio on the beach all day, 4 days in a row (would recharge at night) - and the day I left the beachhouse, my truck's battery was completely dead. Pulled this thing out and jumped it on the first try. This thing really is sweet.
  
  
• Good Portable Battery for Musicians
  By A1KT33QMWLPC09 on 2008-04-20
  I use this thing to play in parks and on the subway - anywhere where I want but don't have access to electric power. My amp and effects, as well as a small, portable mixer and amps and effects used by my bandmate all together total 30W so this battery lasts forever for us. We haven't even come close to using up the 600W of power it can store, and we will play for several hours when we go out. It's pretty awesome. I like too that the display tells you how many watts you are using so if you are using it to power a larger rig, you can figure out how long it will last for you. I haven't used this for anything else, but I'm sure it works fine. It does a good job of supplying power.
  
  
• worked very well for a unique need
  By A3BRO7W5HT6B6I on 2008-05-06
  I purchased this unit with the hopes of running my laptop and a small photo printer at outdoor art and craft festivals ( of which I am a vendor)Often electricity is not available and many vendors use large generators. My needs were smaller then those vendors and I noticed a friend who kept something like this in their car and thought maybe this could work for me..well..it did! it was so easy to carry to my both and very tiny and quite and sat under a folding table powering the laptop and photoprinter for 6 hours. I was very pleased that this met my needs so inexpensively and unobtrusively! Im extremely happy with my purchase and while I too noticed that one of the displays didnt work , other than that it was all it advertised to be.
  
  
• A good backup
  By A2UQL06PO580MQ on 2008-05-29
  This battery pack is no substitute for a generator, but is certainly a great backup. Rather than start up a generator to power a drill or a television, you can simply utilize this relatively light powerpack to run low power devices. We're definitely going to purchase a second one!
  
  The internal light is powerful, and the internal radio is convenient. It's only an extra benefit that it can be used to jumpstart a vehicle. We're going to pick up some solar trickle chargers and use this as a small solar system in the house.
  
  
• "OK"
  By A2PURJ7EMPXBCM on 2008-10-11
  Overall, this seems like a durable and decently sized portable power source with a few nice bells and whistles, but for the price I think it could be better. Here's what I found lacking:
  
  1) The included jumper cable set would not plug in to the socket on the unit. I had to jam a screwdriver into the socket and actually snap a bit of plastic to make enough space. This indicates a lack of quality control and/or testing at the factory.
  
  2) The radio tuning control is extremely finicky. Barely tap it and the radio tunes too far up or down. It takes a while to get it tuned where you want it.
  
  3) The included light source is a dim, inefficient incandescent flashlight bulb.
  
  
• Duracell-DPP-600 HD Power Pack
  By A1R2CKF8SMCU63 on 2008-05-06
  Excellent product. I had the opportunity to take the Power Pack-600 on a camping trip and it was used to inflate every bed at the camp site using the 12v DC supply. Furthermore, the 120 vac side was used to provide lighting at the camp site as well, long after the generator failed.
  
  What lesson have I learned from this? Never leave home without this versatile piece of equipment.
  
  Lindsey H Burrows
  
  
• Took camping
  By AB39EHCVAQKQL on 2008-05-14
  Great product. I took it on our first family camping trip. It blew up our air beds, ground fresh coffee, recharged my laptop - You know, roughin' it. All that and the charge never fell below 100%. I wouldn't take it backpacking, it weighs about 25lbs. But great for drive up camping, power outages, powering photo lights, etc.
  
  
  Highly recommended. We were the envy of the campground.
  
  
• dont buy it
  By AGG7H8KYAB3BA on 2008-05-17
  the readout of home much juce is left is blank which makes the product esentialy ussless
  
  
• power
  By A202VKGQ3YEEJZ on 2008-07-02
  The Duracell power pack was a great buy. the power pack was great on our camping trip. Several people at our campsite love it and stop and asked where i had bought it. The price was great and it was worth it. while camping i was able to power regular size CD home sterio and a electrical air pump to inflate an air matress at the same time without any power loss.the radio worked the emergency light was brite. make sure you re charge after each use for longer power source if you are camping.
  
  
• Only 1 out of 3 units worked
  By AK3WOEO1G2H9Y on 2008-07-18
  Had to try 3 units to get 1 that would hold a charge.
  good luck...
  
  
• Great item at a great price
  By A29MBLG17BKTUZ on 2008-07-21
  This item is better then I thought. I think the best feature is the display that tells you how many watts a plugged in device is using so that you can estimte how much time it will last. Yes it is heavy, it is giant battery after all but for those of us that live in an apartment and cannout use a gas powered generator this is a great alternative. The price is great and you will kick your self the next time your power goes out and you say to yourself "Why didn't I get one of these when I had the chance and before the power had gone out ?". Get it before you are in a situation that you need it and you will not regret it, I am actually considering buying 2 more.
  
  http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/265/p/1/pt/30/product.asp
  
  
  
  
• Tailgater's Best Friend!
  By A1G2Q3UJ2UQNT9 on 2008-08-03
  This power pack is awesome! It's great to have this kind of power to run a stereo, a blender, laptop, and still have enough power to spare to provide someone else without one of these a jump at any NASCAR Race or Jimmy Buffett Concert!
  
  Best $100 I Spent for my tailgating passion!
  
  
• JUST AWESOME
  By A1BSGUSYD84Q1N on 2008-10-28
  Buying this makes up for buying the 400 watt xandrex solar which was dissapointing. YOU can add a 30 watt solar panel to charge AND an extra external battery via battery cables to multiply the power output time considerably!! BUY this if want a stand alone work shop power supply for small to medium appliances or RV for a "green" power setup. Jumpstart a car is bonus too. Glad to see Green technology finally here. My mechanic suggested getting a $1700 honda generator which is way too much for a camping or emergency power supply. I'm going to invest in the bigger xandrex 1500 watt power supply since very happy with this product.
  
  
  This is xandrex, well worth the money, will replace a small 1000 watt generator I was planning on getting used since pricey.
  
  

• Actron CP9145 AutoScanner Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability for OBDII (Post-1996) Vehicles
• PLX Kiwi OBDII Scanner and Fuel Saving Device
• Schumacher SAC-503 Halogen Spotlight
• Battery Bug Starting BB-SBM12 Battery Monitor
• LifeHammer Original Emergency Hammer (Orange)

• Schumacher SAC-503 Halogen Spotlight
• Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller
• Sunforce 50044 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit
• Super-Bright 9 LED Heavy-Duty Compact Aluminum Flashlight - Gunmetal Silver
• Black & Decker SZ360 3.6-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Power Scissors