dbbarron

A few years of autocross and frustration with 'cheap' compressors led me to a ViAir 85P automatic compressor which unfortunately required a battery clamp connection due to 20+ amp load. No cig lighter connection.

To make life easier, I built a battery box for the compressor. Slowly I've added to it as my needs increase. At DEs, I get a lot of questions about it - funny. Not all tracks have 120v, so it comes in really useful for charging phones, running a hotspot, compressor, etc.

Attached is a pic. At this point it has a 12v accessory outlet with a removable USB adapter; a SAE outlet for running the compressor and charging, and a switch for powering the accessory outlet. There is a 12v 12AH SLA battery inside - it weighs maybe 10-12lbs.

I have run the battery down, so I'd like more capacity.
I'd like to charge my laptop, so I can add an inverter to the accessory outlet, but again, need more capacity. Would like a 'splash proof' inverter if possible.

I'd consider running a winch of it, so I need a higher power connector.

So - Here is my plan on V2.0 - all thoughts appreciated.

1 - replace battery with 35AH model - largest that will fit the existing U1 box. Tripple the capacity.

2 - get a small inverter (looking for recommendations) for USB and 120vac laptop charging.

3 - Add an Anderson 120amp connector for higher current applications like a small winch.

4- other fun thoughts?

db

ir_fuel

Just buy one of these?

dbbarron

I have one of the Honda EU2000 inverter based gas generators. Overkill for my AC needs and no high current 12v output for the compressor and/or winch.

RobT 394

Deep cycle lifeline battery to start. Used in boats and RVs. They make a few massive AH units. http://lifelinebatteries.com/

pontifex4

That's really nice packaging, particularly for the 12V port!

As mentioned, some kind of small deep cycle .battery. One note about inverters: they draw some power all the time, even if not in use, so having a switch to kill it makes sense. There are a number of light duty pure sine wave inverters that include USB ports, but I would actually recommend not handling USB charging from them for this reason -- 12V USB chargers work just fine and don't really draw any power when not in use.

dbbarron

It turns out there is a standard size 35ah U1 battery that first perfectly inside the box (no coincidence, it is a "u1" box). It is a standard wheelchair battery, about $50. I'm going to try that to start and build from there.

dbbarron

Well, 'The box' v2.0 is done.
Changed connectors to Anderson Powerpole
Rewired internals
Added power meter
Added Inverter to box (velcro'd on; removable in bad weather or when not needed)

I also changed connectors on my charging cable and small compressor to matching Anderson Powerpoles.

Still need to upgrade the battery to a 35AH SLA AGM U1 size.

Thundermoose

I have a quick connect for my cool shirt. I made a matching connect for my air compressor. When I need air I just plug the AC into the cool shirt plug. I use the same type of quick connect for tender. That's a lot easier than an extra box. I'll try to post some pics.