Duracell DPP-600HD No issues whatsoever - works great!

I received my Duracell PowerPack 600HD just about a month ago (in mid-March) and have thoroughly tested it. Everything works fine. I spoke with a representative at Xantrex (the manufacturer) before ordering this unit to get the latest advice on charging and running the PowerPack. Apparently, if these units sit for over a year without being charged (for instance, before being sold) the battery can degrade and die. The unit I received had a manufacture date of 20Nov2009, so it was only 4 months old when I received it. I charged it for several days, as recommended by the instructions, and it took and held the charge. The Xantrex representative suggested that these units don't reach their full capacity until they are cycled 5 or 6 times. This is easily done by plugging in a standard 40 watt incandescent lamp into the unit and letting it drain the battery. The PowerPack monitors the battery voltage and when it hits the working limit, sounds an alarm. If the battery continues to be drained, the PowerPack will shut off automatically when a second limit is reached. This 2-tiered shut-down worked as it should with my unit. I charged it back up and the following weekend ran a second drain test. For this test, I clocked 5 hours before the alarm sounded. (Your results may differ, depending on the condition of the battery and the actual watts drawn by your light bulb...). Xantrex recommended leaving the battery plugged into the trickle charger at all times, and additionally cycling the battery every 2 or 3 months to maintain it in top condition.

I plan to use this unit to recharge phones and taping equipment at music festivals this summer, and it looks like this unit will do the job nicely.

As far a jump starting a car, this PowerPack should be able to do it if you've simply drained your car battery by accidentally leaving on the headlights or dome light. If your battery is old and dies for no apparent reason, you're better off calling a tow service and have them bring you a new battery...