Duracell Power DR600PWR Power Pack Jump Starter

We use these to power cameras in the field for scientific work. They are an improvement over the previous Duracell Powerpack model, but there are still some issues. For one thing, the power on switch is on the side, where it's easy to bump it on when you haul it around in the car! Kind of a strange position. They also take a long time to charge. Pay attention the need to fully discharge these rather than cycling them without discharging--the batteries will get damaged and become unusable unless you do this. There are other reviews that detail this. Also, of the four we got, one became short-lived even with this careful treatment. They also have a shorter than desirable shelf-life when charged. We charged four fullly on Saturday, unplugged midday, used two of them successfully all day Sunday but on Monday AM the remaining two said four bars on the power display, but when you plugged them in, they would not power equipment. Disappointing for the steep price, but we haven't found a better replacement yet.

I used to like these units. I use them for portable power at a Farmers Market that we attend once a week. When they work, they work great - easy to use, enough power, etc. The problem is that they often don't work. We bought one 7 months ago and it has died already. It shows that it is fully charged and it runs out of power in less than an hour. Over the past 5 years, we have purchased 5 of these. Only one works. Come on Duracell, how about some quality control. You should be ashamed of yourself for creating such an unreliable product.

Initial Review - Mar 2013 - This is for the internal components of the Powerpack and not its performance or durbility. I have added few pictures to the product pictures showing the inside components of the Powerpack. I have also scanned the user manual for the runtime on AC and DC source of the powerpack and have added to the product pictures.My review is only to provide my feedback from technical aspect to help the buyers like me either to be at a comfort level to repair if they have a broken powerpack or for people who needs to understand the serviceability aspect of it. I purchased it recently and tested it only once. I ran a pedestal fan around 100 Watts continuously for 6 to 7 Hrs. I am guessing this should give a very decent 8 Hrs. for a laptop or small 12Volt or 5Volt gadgets.I was looking for a power source mainly for picnic and camping purposes. I narrowed down on this Powerpack after doing lot of research, read reviews on several powerpacks. This one is far the best by looks wise and by capacity, it has 26AH battery, all others pretty much had far lesser capacity battery (as per specs) and most of them have compressor and jump cables attached to them, which tells me the battery is very small by size and capacity. I don't need jumper cables and compressor attached to this so I purchased this one. If you need just the power source with additional capability to jump start this is the one undoubtedly from the larger battery capacity.1. This device has a 12v 26 AH Maintenance free Lead acid battery, roughly the size of a golf cart battery or maybe a wheel chair battery. I am sure you can replace it if it goes bad, it is not a odd sized, non-user serviceable battery like Apples iphone/ipad or battery :). It is like a mini car battery so don't expect it jump start a eight cylinder vehicle or run your refrigerator.2. It has power inverter in a enclosure probably around 800 to 1000 watts like the one we find in pep boys or Auto zone. It has other components and connectors separately modularised so it is easy to service and replace.3. On the overall it is pretty easy to repair or replace parts and don't have to depend on Duracell. It is definitely a good device since battery can be replaced if required replacement of inverter.4. Opening it is little tricky with two level cover screws to be removed. The orange body shell is like a clam shell with screws around the body and four screws at the bottom of the rubber feet. Once you remove orange color body shell the actual black color casing is held with normal star headed screws. Once you unscrew the case, it opens to the back cover from the USB port side of the device. Please note since this is sealed lead acid battery you can put it on its side and will not damage the battery.I will write performance review after using it for few months.

When you read reviews you see some that say a product is spectacular. The next one says its terrible. So, really you are taking a chance when buying items. You never really know the intentions or legitimacy of the reviewers.I'll give you my personal experience. (your experience may vary). I bought this unit to power a small PA system consisting of an Ipod or computer, a mixer, a mic receiver, and a speaker. I was hoping for at least one-hour of use, with some juice left at a moderate volume. This way, I can setup the PA system pretty much anywhere and not worry about running AC cables.The battery arrived partially charged and in new condition. The directions say to charge it in full before use. I plugged it in overnight. The next day I hooked up the PA system and started playing the music playlist at moderate volume just to see how long it would last.1 hour went by. Still running. 2 hours went by. Still running. 3 hours went by. Still running. At 3+ hours I shut it off because I needed to leave. I waiting a few minutes, and pressed the power level button on the battery. To my surprise, there was still 3/4ths power left.This product has performed far beyond my exceptions. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am with this. I can think of a dozen other uses for it. But, for what I need it primarily for, it fits the bill. I will say, that batteries are "finicky". Who knows. A week from now, I can do the same test, and it might last for 10 minutes. I guess that can happen with any type of power supply. I'm very happy that I have a completely silent, gas and oil free solution to portable power.So far so good. Great deal. Decent shipping. And, from what I've read, it is "technically" possible to replace the internal battery if needed. Contrary to reading that you need to dispose of it if it eventually doesn't hold a charge. I am not affiliated with Duracell. I'm not a dealer of power supplies. I'm just an average consumer that needs portable power for business and personal use.