NOCO gb30 jump box. this is basically a 400a LI battery pack with a set of attachable jumper cable ends. running with the FD here my jumper cables get used a LOT. a few times a week normally.

i got this to test as NOCO was making some pretty bold claims about capability. i have found the claims to be pretty spot on.

the device has some very useful features.

polarity detection... cable can't be wired or connected backwards.
manual override in the event of a mechanically dead battery<not just low>
a usable bright flashlight with emergency strobe options <not  a toy actually useful>
thermal protection for the battery
USB output for charging devices
low discharge retains 80%+ after 12 months

true to their claims i was easily able to start a 4 and 6 cyl engine without a battery in the car.

i decided to push the limits and try it on my 7l v8 suburban. with a dead battery it started in just a few min after letting the truck battery build for about 60 sec.

with no battery on truck... it actually turned the motor over but obviously no where near enough to start the engine. that actually impressed me as it was about 3x the load the box is made to handle. in talking with noco before ordering they stated it would work fine on the truck IF the battery was dead but capable of taking a charge. for the record i haven't found a battery box yet that would start my truck this way.

the only negative i have found is recharge times take awhile but that is to be expected with a large battery and USB.

youtube is full of reviews and video for anyone interested.

just passing on something useful i found and new egg has them on sale right now cheaper than i paid for mine. i like it enough i ordered a second for my parents to keep in their car.

i also have a NOCO genius AC onboared charger oin my truck to keep the battery hot. they make top end stuff imho.

yep. i am really shocked at the output power these have to be so small.

yea something that big needs more than 400ca.

i emailed with them as i was hoping to use it with my truck. they told me it will pretty much jump anything IF the host battery is capable of taking a charge. if the battery is mechanically dead your screwed. but that would apply to most traditional jump boxes as well in my experience.

i am more worried about something like leaving my scene lights on and my cut off failing or jumping one of our VFD guys that turns his engine off on a scene and leaves his lights on <happens a lot>. this is MUCH more handy than dragging out my 25' cables.

it really will start most 4 and 6cyl modern cars without a battery though and that is pretty impressive when you think about it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA33T1ZM3178&nm_mc=EMC-MP101914&cm_mmc=EMC-MP101914-_-EMC-101914-Index-_-index-_-9SIA33T1ZM3178

amazon has them but they are 30.00 more

it's not published other than 24wt hours.

i have seen this number tossed around the forums.... 6280 mAH at 3.8 V although for the size and weight <and rated # of jumps> i suspect it will be a good bit bigger>
i may try to open mine and see.

thats ok my wife is banned  going to shows with me. this year she bought a hot tub at the home show and then the freeze dryer at the prepper show. after 8k i can't afford to take her to any more.

i bought jerky

That sounds outstanding for a jump box.

Biggest issue I've had with mine over the years is remembering to keep them charged.

Tj

i ran a usb cable from the dash to under the passenger seat and put some velcro on the bottom. now it charges as long as the ignition is on and the veclro keeps it from sliding around. according to noco these will retain 70% after 12 months with no charge. the other neat thing is if the battery is weak you could in theory get enough charge through USB over an hour or so for a jump or 2 if the pack was dead or low..

wouldn't think very well unless it's usb powered. on 12v this is a booster/jump starter not a power supply. you would have to put it in over ride mode and i could see issues with that.

no. the device looks for a battery before allowing power to the cables. over ride mode disables that safety feature. this is more of a jump start tool than a power supply. the usb port is more of a bonus.

if the batteries are weak but capable of a charge yes it "should" allow them to start. if it's full on dead or a mechanically dead battery... no way.

in things like this i have found multipurpose "tools" to not really do anything very well. this is designed as a jump pack 1st, the light and usb port are secondary.

there are better options for a 12v power source.

if you try to jump a car without a battery make SURE the lights ac and everything is off. when i tested my kia i forgot about my auto headlights. once i cut them off it fired right up. for boosting a dead battery it works great with little load.