Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!wshb!damian
From: damian@wshb.csms.com ( WSHB employee)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Car Battery Rechargers
Summary: WHAT?
Message-ID: <870@wshb.csms.com>
Date: 5 Oct 90 10:14:01 GMT
References: <1990Oct4.222556.20668@athena.mit.edu>
Organization: WSHB, Christian Science Mon. Synd., Cypress Creek, SC
Lines: 37

In article <1990Oct4.222556.20668@athena.mit.edu>, erspert@athena.mit.edu (Ellen R. Spertus) writes:
> I saw a car battery recharger for $60 in the Rand McNally map catalog.
> If your battery is dead, you plug this into your cigarette lighter, and
> it recharges the battery (enough to start) from a D battery.  It seems
> like a neat idea.  I have a few questions:
> 
> 1. Has anyone used one of these?  Any comments?

	I've heard of using a 9 volt battery plugged in the cigarette lighter
	to hold the data in the computer.  But I've never heard of a "D" cell
	to start your car. 
	First a D cell is only 1.5 volts all modern cars are 12 Volts DC.  Even
	if you did hook up 8 d cells it would not carry enough current to start
	your car under perfect conditions.
	Second even if it did would the fuses and wire running to the cigarette
	lighter are far too light to carry the currents required to start a car.

	It just goes to show you the old addage "Buyer beware"

> 
> 2. Can I build one of these myself?  I've built computers, etc.,
> before, and I have access to lab equipment.  Anyone know where I could
> get plans?  
> 
	With a properly maintained car there is no need for such a device
	provided you aren't prone to leaving you lights on.
> Thanks.  Please direct follow-ups to the appropriate group or email
> me.
> 
> 					Ellen


-- 
       Damian L. Centgraf II        | "Take the key unlock the door" 
      WSHB-Broadcast Engineer       | "See what your fate might have in store" 
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