[moresleep]

If you use one of these jump start batteries that has an AC outlet, can you just plug the regular AC cord into that or is it still preferable to get the DC inverter and plug into that?

(using Resmed S9)

The big concern is if the AC power is "Modified Sine Wave" or MSW. Most AC jumper systems like this are MSW.

In theory, you're OK on an S9 machine. Resmed says S9 machines and humidifiers are OK with MSW. They say MSW will damage an S8 humidifier, but the S8 CPAP machine itself will be OK if you remove the humidifier.

If you can run off of DC, it will probably last longer than if you use AC.

I second that. If you can run your S9 Cpap and/or humidifier directly on 12 volt, or even using a Resmed DC-DC converter, that's what I would do. Not only do you achieve greater efficiency without an inverter, but you don't have to worry about the inverter blowing out.

[moresleep]

Would you think the one I have been using in this fashion since June meets or exceeds that requirement?

I tend to think that "most" have under powered chargers which allow it to stay plugged in "until needed". After all, how can you tell when the power will go out? I can't which is why I keep my plugged in AND connected to my BiPap.

What attraced me to the Sears 1150 was the fact that it mentioned it had a "User Replaceable" battery, the battery size, and the many features it has. I simply waited for the sale price.

I don't remember seeing the Duracell ("seems" to be a good choice too) during my quest. The B&D didn't have as many features but "seems" to meet the requirements.

No, I'm afraid I wouldn't have selected the Diehard Portable Power 1150 based on research (I might have selected it based on specs alone). I took a look, and on 52 reviews, it scored 2.33 of 5. Many of the reviewers were saying that it worked at first, but then let them down. The Jump N Carry JCN660, out of 104 reviews, scores a 5 out of 5 stars. It doesn't have an inverter or compressor, but seems to me the more solid product. Having said that, we'll see how it lasts for me. You are obviously doing well with your Diehard, and as I said the proof of the pudding is in the eating with these devices. The best jump starter I have had is a small virtually no-name unit I bought at Radio Shack years ago for something like $39. I used it as a "UPS" for my P-B 420e for a year or so, then "retired" it to auto use, where it is still going strong--holds a charge for months, etc.

[GumbyCT]

Many of the reviewers were saying that it worked at first, but then let them down.

My perception was those people were following the billbolton method and not keeping the battery on charge as you were saying in your post.

One thing to consider when choosing a jump start battery is whether it seems to have charging circuitry such that it will go into a float/maintenance mode after the battery is charged. This has a lot to do with how much life you are going to get out of the battery, if you leave it plugged in to the mains all the time.

I would shy away from any product that comes with a discount coupon for repair as that likely means you will need it. Would you buy a car with the same offer? To me a warranty is more attractive.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

Here is a gismo similar to the Radio Shack 22-1635a I mentioned in a previous post.

This one seems to be a bit more sophiscated.
http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3721-Battery-Charging-Monitor/dp/B000EVWDU0/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_b

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[moresleep]

Many of the reviewers were saying that it worked at first, but then let them down.

My perception was those people were following the billbolton method and not keeping the battery on charge as you were saying in your post.

One thing to consider when choosing a jump start battery is whether it seems to have charging circuitry such that it will go into a float/maintenance mode after the battery is charged. This has a lot to do with how much life you are going to get out of the battery, if you leave it plugged in to the mains all the time.

I would shy away from any product that comes with a discount coupon for repair as that likely means you will need it. Would you buy a car with the same offer? To me a warranty is more attractive.

It has a one-year warranty. The coupon is for repair at anytime, i.e. years, beyond that point. It's quite attractive from my point of view, as it shows a certain faith in the product on the part of its maker. But, I'm not pushing any products, here. Even though I have in the past used them that way, I consider all jump start battery packs a bit "iffy" when used as a UPS. Their AGM sealed lead acid batteries run from poor to good, but none are true deep cycle batteries. And, not enough is known about their charging circuits to have much assurance there, either.

[GumbyCT]

Honestly, when I am looking for a device to use during a power outage, a survival tool, I would want something with more features and can be used for more than one purpose. I have a jump starter that only jumps cars. Paid $25. In fact, that is what got me started using a jump starter for my cpap, using what I had on hand instead of buying a cpap battery.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28154&p=242683&hilit=+jump+starter+25+reality#p242683

I thought it would be handy to have an inverter, an air compressor, a USB receptacle, and a charge indicator, so I bought one. Going on 2 years ago now.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47625&p=434501&hilit=+jump+starter+25+1150#p434501

IF it died tomorrow, I'd prob buy another. IF it was just the battery, I'd fix it. Which is what attracted me to this Sears unit. Everyone knows Sears has good batteries and the manual said this battery is "User Replaceable".

Unfortunately, Sears no longer sells the exact placement battery because you can buy the battery elsewhere. So that's what I will do when the day comes that the steady charge kills the battery.

IF my buddy had given me the B&D BEFORE I bought the Sears 1150 I likely would have only replaced the battery in it and as a result only had the one battery during TS Irene in late Aug 2011.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64943&p=615544&hilit=+jump+starter+25+black+decker#p615544

When reading a review that says it (a battery jump starter) worked fine but then 6 (8 or 10) months later it didn't work I just thought they didn't charge it at all during that time. Maybe not even before or AFTER the first use.

You can't just go out and buy a battery that has been sitting on the shelf (for who knows how long) and go camping this weekend or for a power outage that just happened and expect to get good results.

You have to plan these things and
1. charge the battery up to FULL capacity FIRST, maybe up to a week BEFORE use.
2. Buy or make a cable to fit whatever you will use it with.
3. AND try things out to make sure they do what you expect them to BEFORE you need them. Ever heard of "Fire Drills".

Also you should be aware that many, many websites have bogus reviews posted by bogus reviewers who also taint the competitions reviews. I know I don't rely solely on reviews for movies or restaurants either. What does not appeal to me may in fact appeal to you. As in this case.

IF I could find that $25 Roadmaster again, I would even pay $35 or $45 just for the battery. Then use the 17ah battery either in a UPS or the B&D jumper. You can't find the battery for that price even, so how do they do that?

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

Another gismo that helped me during the power outage. A DC-DC converter unfortunately it will NOT work on re$med$
BUT did work for my Eton wind-up radio and LED flashlight. So for small things esp. if they have rechargeable batteries.
obtw - I have several rechargeable LED flashlites that will work directly off 12V.
Plus several of those solar LED landscape lites I linked to earlier in this thread.
Those things are great so you don't need to use candles or kerosene lanterns. NO Fire in the house, period.



http://www.amazon.com/12V-2A-DC-Converter/dp/B000KGKFA4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320462054&sr=1-1

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

Just read another thread where he is having trouble charging the battery when not using it. Thought I'd update this to say mine is working just fine by keeping it plugged into the charger even when using the Jump Starter at nite to power my BiPap. Just keep it going.

It has a 1 Amp 15V wall wart doing the yeoman's work.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

For those following along at home this setup is still working like a champ for me. Using it continuously since Jun 09, 2011 kinda like a UPS for cpap or bipap. You just need to get the right power adapter wire to fit your machine or make one yourself.

IF you need to you can pick up the jump starter and go camping if you want. I have two diff jump starters. The spare one also stays plugged in and charging so it is ready to go when ever needed.

I also use the spare around the house or to inflate the car tires or exercise ball, etc. Each jump starter has an AC inverter if needed also.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

For those wanting to use Re$med$ with a DC battery keep an eye on this link -
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t76448/Do-I-need-to-use-the-DC12-for-my-S8.html

Someone needs to figure out how to make a cord for the $9 Re$med too.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

With our first significant rain since the Oct 2011 snowstorm CT and other areas of NE could be in for power outages tonite. IF you have a jump starter, this would be a good nite to give it a go.

I am certainly glad I no longer have to worry about that. IF the power does go out, I can still go get some

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/weather/m ... 4.html#top

Some areas are w/o power already. Flooding is expected w/high tide at midnite. What's your cpap plugged into?

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[Guest]

this is the post use for a battery backup or ups at home or take it camping when using cpap or bipap how many peeps already have one sitting around

[GumbyCT]

EDIT: I keep my jump starter in my bedroom right next to my cpap/bipap cuz that IS what powers my bipap. NO fumbling in the dark - NO wires to connect - I just sleep.

I only use the AC Adapter when I travel.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[GumbyCT]

For those considering "Solar Power" as an option Harbor Freight often has decent sales on item that may be of interest. Of course there is always Amazon too. But you may have a Harbor Freight store near you.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsea ... olar+panel

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier with hose, 2 chambers and stand

Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET!

[123.Shawn T.W.]

For those considering "Solar Power" as an option Harbor Freight often has decent sales on item that may be of interest. Of course there is always Amazon too. But you may have a Harbor Freight store near you.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsea ... olar+panel

They tend to be kinda chinsey though ... For top quality, look at http://www.windsun.com/

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex

Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: PR System One Heated Humidifier