I have been using this unit for extra on air time with my FT 817. Not only does it work for the radio, but it has a USB port for cell phones and a laptop port as well. It seems to last a good long time, and is very light. It charges in 4 hours which is not bad and claims 8000 mAh.
I am thinking of buying a few more.
Just thought I would share my experience.
http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/il/products/xp8000/
Kent, K9EZ
In reply to K9EZ:
Hi Kent,
I see in the user manual that these are the specs:
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Capacity: 8000 mAh
Battery Cell: Lithium Polymer
Rated Input: 19V, 3500mA
Rated Output: 5V, 500mA
Rated Output: 12V, 2000mA
Rated Output: 19V, 2000mA
Dimensions: 4.3L x 2.9W x 0.9H in
Weight: 7.9 oz
That’s pretty impressive stuff! My back’s feeling better already!
In reply to G7LAS:
That’s pretty impressive stuff!
73,
Walt (G3NYY)
I would be VERY skeptical about that power capacity spec and how much this battery will REALLY deliver at 12V.
73, Barry N1EU
In reply to N1EU:
I’m also skeptical. Bear in mind also that the mAh of the battery is only half of the story. In this case it is likely that the unit contains a switching regulator and thus I would suspect that the battery is a 2 cell unit.
I have a bike light that claims an incredible light output (4,000 lumens) and it also has an “8000mAh” battery pack. In reality both the light output and the battery capacity are exaggerated. It’s still an amazing light though.
With most things, if it meets the purchaser’s needs at a price point that he’s happy with, that’s really all that matters.
Re Walt’s post; most people have a Lipo battery in their trouser pocket.
73 Richard G3CWI
In reply to G3CWI:
Re Walt’s post; most people have a Lipo battery in their trouser
pocket.
But perhaps not an 8 Ah one!
As I have mentioned previously, having had the unpleasant experience of a LiPo battery bursting into flames in my car whilst I was driving along, I treat them with the utmost caution!
I am very skeptical about the safety of the charging and voltage regulation arrangements specified for the battery mentioned by the OP. I wonder if this device would be able to obtain “CE” certification.
73,
Walt (G3NYY)
In reply to G3CWI:
Re Walt’s post; most people have a Lipo battery in their trouser
pocket.
Mae West: “Is that a Lipo fire, or are ya just pleased ter see me”?
:o)
Basically any energy storage solution has a level of risk associated with it.
In reply to G3CWI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_TnsHu2u4c
Basically any energy storage solution has a level of risk associated
with it.
Especially when you are doing a sales pitch for an “acid shed”!
Hi hi!
73,
Walt (G3NYY)
In reply to G3NYY:
I used this unit with the built in battery on the FT 817 for about 2 hours and it never even came off of the top bar of the level meter. Do I really think it offers 8000mAH? nope. Did it work for what I needed and was very light YUP. and I can use it for other charging needs too. That said, I will carry a SLAB for when I am running my FT 857.
It never hurts to have tools available for any situation. YMMV.
In reply to K9EZ:
Hi, Kent!
Tnx for QSO today.
Maybe the Energizer XP18000 would be ok for my FT857.
18000mAh at 5 volts -> 7,5 Ah with 12V…
No so heavy like the sla…
But I think a better first purchase is a battery booster like the MFJ-4416B.
Grettings from DM/RP de Joerg
In reply to K9EZ:
I have been using this battery for over a year now for SOTA activations with my FT-817. So far without incidents, but I never attempted to charge it in a car 
One of the numerous plugs supplied with it fits the FT-817 perfectly. Overall highly recommended, but - as always - YMMV.
Since it accepts input voltage up to 19V, it can be charged by a solar panel. Learned about it from K0MOS at My Radio Equipment | SOTA outings by KØMOS and contributors
I tested this setup a few times and seems to work all right. However, despite carrying a foldable solar panel on many activations, I never charged the XP8000 in the field from it. Usually I run out of chasers before the battery voltage drops low enough. One of these days I am going to attempt a multi-summit hike, and then this solution might come handy.
In reply to K9EZ:
Kent,
I saw this last year from Matt, K0MOS, and it looks really slick for use with a solar panel. Can you provide source/vendor - where did you purchase?
Thanks.
73, Todd KH2TJ
In reply to KH2TJ:
You can actually buy them on EBay. For the one I have, it was… GIVEN… to me! I am amazed at how long it lasts, especally for the weight.
In reply to SQ9OZM:
I too saw the K0MOS site and it interested me.
I just use a 12v to (for me 120V) inverter to power the power charger that came with the unit. I should be good to go.
And agreed, I usually run out of chasers. I am, however, looking at doing extended hikes next year on the Appalachian Trail, where there would be ZERO power available. So the solar panels might come in handy. Or I have a handful of these little units.
I am still gaining knowledge on how to pack… and better yet, what NOT to pack.
I would very much like to see how others are packing. I go to many of the SOTA blogs, but no one shows how they pack their stuff.
Lets continue to exchange informaton as it appears we are on similar paths…if you will … heh
Kent, K9EZ