Question 1

Can you use just a regular extension cord(from lowes) to charge this jump box or dose it come with its own charger

Accepted Answer

Hello, You can use a regular extension cord from Lowe's or Home depot to charge this - It will plug into the side and the actual "charger" is inside the box itself. The device is very good and the price is very reasonable.

Question 2

Can I use solar panel to charged it

Accepted Answer

I am sure you can because even internal 120v charge device convert 120v AC into 13-14.2v DC which actually charges battery (because 12 v lead-acid battery has actual voltage from 12.5..14.5v at full charged state to 9v=very dangerous discharge...10.5v=very deep discharge...12v=slight discharge state). So, if you connect any external source (including solar panel) with its output voltage 13.5...15 v DC and with correct polarity (+ to +, - to -) charge will start if your source can produce enough current (at least 0.1A, but it will take long time to fully charge, though less current - more complete charge because molecules of electrolyte move in more order than with higher current and finally more charged molecules will be involved). Usually AC charger produce 3...5 A of current and it can take hours for complete charge=12.5...14.8v. Again, complete charge with less charging current is more complete (more power) than complete charge with higher current (with the same final voltage), though again, it takes much more time.    So, you can use lighter socket for charging or just external jump wires, but don't forget to turn switch on when using external jump wires. Also it is important periodically check battery voltage during charge. If you reach 15v or may be even 14.8v it is probably better to stop charging. To be sure about final voltage it is better to check it right after you finish charging with its original charger (and also with manufacturer), so you will know your final "destination" voltage, but generally 12.6...14.7 is limit depending on battery power=capacity, more capacity - little bit more final voltage.  Danger advise (be aware, this is only for persons very experienced in electronics): You can use even higher voltage sources like 16...17v if they are not very powerful because in that case at the beginning they will not be able produce that much voltage because battery will force them to work in overload mode (which actually can damage charger itself too and cause also fire/blow/damage) and only at later stage you will need to monitor battery voltage more closely because then that source can overcharge battery - so as soon battery voltage will reach 13...14 v immediately stop charge because it can go higher and battery can blow or at least will be damaged. So, this is dangerous variant and you can follow it only if you aware of danger and capable of taking all precautions to avoid severe sequences!! I personally don't recommend it and I would not do it myself even though I can do it, because any delaying/forgetting/incapability to stop charging at moment when battery's voltage reaches it max allowed voltage can cause fire/battery blow/short circuit/etc. with heavy/severe sequences to humans and property!! It is just not worth it!!  So, as you can see you can charge lead-acid battery with DC devices other than its original charger but there are many precautions you should take, major of which is to compare external charger's output DC voltage and battery's max voltage at full charge. Again, I recommend to use internal charger, or just in emergency situations to use external charger with output DC voltage not higher than battery's max voltage at full charge (check with manufacturer), AND CONSTANTLY Monitor battery's voltage during charge, and immediately stop charge when battery's voltage is closing to (even though did not reach that yet) battery's max voltage at full charge. REMEMBER: LEAD-ACID BATTERY CAN BLOW, DAMAGE HUMAN (eyes/face/skin/head/bones)/Property and CAUSE THE FIRE!! THIS IS VERY POSSIBLE !! This is THE Very Dangerous toy !! It is much more danger than charging laptops - much more power!! Better follow manufacturer instructions!-- In light of all that there is also some danger even if you use its original charger: charger can malfunction too and produce more output voltage and you even can not notice that. Only way to notice that is suddenly even little bit shorten charging time or/and little bit higher final voltage that usually. You should test battery voltage and charging time right after purchase and write down that measure to remember, or even better to repeat that after first 10 charges - that will be more accurate measures because new battery is little bit changing during first charges and you should use these measurements for later comparing. Then periodically (1 in 10 charges) do that again and compare with 1st measure. They should not be different more than 0.1...0.2v and 2%-8% in charging time (time can differs depending on discharge state) Try to remember that voltage and time and always compare latest measurements with them. As soon as you will see noticeable difference in voltage (0.3...0.5 v or higher) and time (little bit shorter) it can indicate dangerous charger's anomaly, not battery's itself. Unfortunately because charger is internal you can't measure its output voltage at idle at first charge (without battery connected) to see if it has raised, unless you can disassemble that itself and check it. So, there is potential danger even with original charger and you should be aware of that too.

Question 3

can you leave it plugged in and charging without over charging it

Accepted Answer

IT IS SELF MONITORING - YOU CAN NOT OVER CHARGE IT.

Question 4

is there a way to charge this from my truck's cigarette lighter without a DC-to-AC transformer?

Accepted Answer

You may use a male to male charging cord for this application

Manufacturer	Schumacher
Brand	Schumacher Electric
Product Dimensions	35.56 x 25.4 x 45.72 cm; 18.7 kg
Item model number	DSR166
Manufacturer part number	DSR166
OEM Part Number	DSR115
Amperage	4400 Amps
Item Weight	18.7 kg

Schumacher DSR ProSeries DSR115 4400 Amp 12V Rechargeable AGM Pro Jump Starter Starts Gas Diesel Engines Class 8+/CE vehicles 12V DC/USB Power for Charging Phones/Tablets

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