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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2014
NOTE: This review is for the PowerAll 12,000 mAh model (PBJS12000R) purchased December 2013. While these tips should apply to the 12k, 16k and 32k mAh models, please be aware that some details may be different. The primary difference I am aware of in the new model is the addition of a "smart" jumper cable that has LED and sound warnings.
[Updated: March 2016] I have been enjoying the utility of this well made battery-light-charger since Dec. 2013. Just about ANY device that is powered by standard USB can be used for hours. And you can use 2 at the same time. I have accidentally dropped it a few times from low heights to hard surfaces, have handled it roughly, but never enough to crack the outer casing. My PowerAll continues to function so far... and thank you for the kind words people have sent me for writing this!
TIPS for using the PowerAll:
1. Jump Starting -- When Jump Starting a car with a dead battery, you often need to leave the PowerAll connected for 10 seconds (or longer) to build up enough of a charge in your car's battery. Wait 10 seconds between start attempts as well. Just remember:
a) The PowerAll needs over 50% charge to Jump Start.
b) Connect the PowerAll directly to the battery terminals. Do not try to extend the cable length with a regular set of jumper cables.
c) DISCONNECT within 10 seconds of the car starting if at all possible. But don't worry: the PowerAll has a built-in safety feature to shut it off if left connected too long after the car starts (see #2 below).
2. After Jump Starting a car battery, the PowerAll's safety features occasionally kick in, rendering it unusable until reset. I highly recommend that AFTER any Jump Start you disconnect the PowerAll and then press its button to see if any of the blue battery-level indicators light up (or if the flashlight will turn on). If not, simply plug it into a household AC outlet, or use the car adapter (cigarette lighter). The PowerAll should reset itself and become usable as soon as the blue charge lights begin animating. If there is enough charge you can then unplug and use it again immediately. If you have your DC adapter for the PowerAll (fits the cigarette lighter), you may be able to perform this reset with the vehicle you just Jump Started! Just make sure the car is running. :)
>>> PLEASE NOTE: Newer models come with a "smart" jumper cable that may help with this issue.
3. The protective cover (rubber flap) for the Jump Start cable connection may be very difficult to open when fully closed. You need a thin, pointed object to pry it open from the rounded end. Just be careful not to damage the connector inside. I suggest cutting a little off the end of this rubber flap so you can more easily open the cover with a finger nail or car key. Be sure not to cut the rubber protrusions inside, because they are designed to protect the 12v connector.
4. LED light -- You must HOLD the power button for 1-2 seconds to cycle through each of the LED flashlight modes (on, strobe, SOS, off). The manual states that you need to hold the button to turn the light on, then just press it to change modes. My PowerAll requires holding the button for ALL light modes.
5. USB charging -- When connecting devices to the USB charging port(s), be sure to briefly press the PowerAll's button or your device may not be charged. The PowerAll's charge lights will come on indicating its battery level, but one of them will show RED. This means you are in USB charging mode. When all USB devices are fully charged, the PowerAll will cut power to the USB ports and go into standby mode. To resume charging, simply press the PowerAll's button again.
6. Recharging the PowerAll -- Recharging your PowerAll is similar to any smartphone or tablet: plug it into an AC outlet, or your car's DC outlet (cigarette lighter) and wait for all blue bars to stop flashing. Sometimes the PowerAll appears to get "stuck" at the final charging stage (last 1 or 2 bars still flashing). If you unplug the PowerAll charging cable, then reconnect it and wait a minute, you may find the battery is fully charged.
7. READ the owner's manual. It is very short (and tiny), but explains how to correctly use the Jump Start feature. It also has recommended TEMPERATURES for use and storage. Do not store in direct sunlight inside a hot car!
As I write this, the manufacturer (Griffon) does not appear to have a PDF version on their site, but Amazon does. Scroll down to "Product Information" and then look below the "Technical Specification" section for the "User Manual" link. [http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/918Cm40iS9S.pdf]
Keep in mind that the PowerAll is NOT designed to operate 12-volt devices and cannot replace your car battery. This unit is intended to provide charging power TO the BATTERY in your car or device. This is why a dead car battery may not crank the instant you connect the PowerAll. It needs a little time to push energy to the battery. Don't worry. It doesn't take long!
SUGGESTIONS to Manufacturer:
If I had only ONE suggestion for the PowerAll designers, it would be to change how the button turns the LED light *OFF*. Holding the button should still turn the LED light on and cycle through light modes. But turning the light OFF should only be a quick button press. It is terribly disruptive to require cycling through both the FLASHING LED modes just to turn off the light. Other people in a dark room or tent do not appreciate the flashing light in their eyes. I have had many complaints when I forget to cover the light before turning it off.
OK, two suggestions: Stop using the fake rubber coating on the flat sides. While cleaning mine recently the wide, black panels became a little tacky (sticky). Unfortunately, this fake rubber coating is a popular feature with many manufacturers, but it self-destructs over time. After a few years (or less depending on the formula) these coatings turn to sticky goo even if left in a closet. Additionally, cleaning these surfaces can hasten its destruction because many cleaning agents degrade the material (such as rubbing alcohol or "Clorox" wipes). Once started, you will be gripping a sticky device that can leave black goo on your hands and clothes. Once this happens, your only solution is to get a lot of wipes and rubbing alcohol and tediously clean as much of the goop off as possible. If the degradation has not gone too far, you can sometimes rub it on old fabric to get loose fibers to stick and create a barrier. This is a temporary solution, however.
It is unfortunate the PowerAll uses this cheaper coating when the narrow sides and button use actual rubber. To be fair, my PowerAll's surfaces have not gone fully goopy quite yet and I have had it since late 2013. The coating also does not impact operation of the device.
[August 2014 update: Added tip about USB charging]
[November 2014 update: Added link to PDF manual]
[March 2016 update: Added tip about PowerAll recharging]
[June 2016 update: Added 2nd suggestion about rubberized coating]
[Updated: March 2016] I have been enjoying the utility of this well made battery-light-charger since Dec. 2013. Just about ANY device that is powered by standard USB can be used for hours. And you can use 2 at the same time. I have accidentally dropped it a few times from low heights to hard surfaces, have handled it roughly, but never enough to crack the outer casing. My PowerAll continues to function so far... and thank you for the kind words people have sent me for writing this!
TIPS for using the PowerAll:
1. Jump Starting -- When Jump Starting a car with a dead battery, you often need to leave the PowerAll connected for 10 seconds (or longer) to build up enough of a charge in your car's battery. Wait 10 seconds between start attempts as well. Just remember:
a) The PowerAll needs over 50% charge to Jump Start.
b) Connect the PowerAll directly to the battery terminals. Do not try to extend the cable length with a regular set of jumper cables.
c) DISCONNECT within 10 seconds of the car starting if at all possible. But don't worry: the PowerAll has a built-in safety feature to shut it off if left connected too long after the car starts (see #2 below).
2. After Jump Starting a car battery, the PowerAll's safety features occasionally kick in, rendering it unusable until reset. I highly recommend that AFTER any Jump Start you disconnect the PowerAll and then press its button to see if any of the blue battery-level indicators light up (or if the flashlight will turn on). If not, simply plug it into a household AC outlet, or use the car adapter (cigarette lighter). The PowerAll should reset itself and become usable as soon as the blue charge lights begin animating. If there is enough charge you can then unplug and use it again immediately. If you have your DC adapter for the PowerAll (fits the cigarette lighter), you may be able to perform this reset with the vehicle you just Jump Started! Just make sure the car is running. :)
>>> PLEASE NOTE: Newer models come with a "smart" jumper cable that may help with this issue.
3. The protective cover (rubber flap) for the Jump Start cable connection may be very difficult to open when fully closed. You need a thin, pointed object to pry it open from the rounded end. Just be careful not to damage the connector inside. I suggest cutting a little off the end of this rubber flap so you can more easily open the cover with a finger nail or car key. Be sure not to cut the rubber protrusions inside, because they are designed to protect the 12v connector.
4. LED light -- You must HOLD the power button for 1-2 seconds to cycle through each of the LED flashlight modes (on, strobe, SOS, off). The manual states that you need to hold the button to turn the light on, then just press it to change modes. My PowerAll requires holding the button for ALL light modes.
5. USB charging -- When connecting devices to the USB charging port(s), be sure to briefly press the PowerAll's button or your device may not be charged. The PowerAll's charge lights will come on indicating its battery level, but one of them will show RED. This means you are in USB charging mode. When all USB devices are fully charged, the PowerAll will cut power to the USB ports and go into standby mode. To resume charging, simply press the PowerAll's button again.
6. Recharging the PowerAll -- Recharging your PowerAll is similar to any smartphone or tablet: plug it into an AC outlet, or your car's DC outlet (cigarette lighter) and wait for all blue bars to stop flashing. Sometimes the PowerAll appears to get "stuck" at the final charging stage (last 1 or 2 bars still flashing). If you unplug the PowerAll charging cable, then reconnect it and wait a minute, you may find the battery is fully charged.
7. READ the owner's manual. It is very short (and tiny), but explains how to correctly use the Jump Start feature. It also has recommended TEMPERATURES for use and storage. Do not store in direct sunlight inside a hot car!
As I write this, the manufacturer (Griffon) does not appear to have a PDF version on their site, but Amazon does. Scroll down to "Product Information" and then look below the "Technical Specification" section for the "User Manual" link. [http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/918Cm40iS9S.pdf]
Keep in mind that the PowerAll is NOT designed to operate 12-volt devices and cannot replace your car battery. This unit is intended to provide charging power TO the BATTERY in your car or device. This is why a dead car battery may not crank the instant you connect the PowerAll. It needs a little time to push energy to the battery. Don't worry. It doesn't take long!
SUGGESTIONS to Manufacturer:
If I had only ONE suggestion for the PowerAll designers, it would be to change how the button turns the LED light *OFF*. Holding the button should still turn the LED light on and cycle through light modes. But turning the light OFF should only be a quick button press. It is terribly disruptive to require cycling through both the FLASHING LED modes just to turn off the light. Other people in a dark room or tent do not appreciate the flashing light in their eyes. I have had many complaints when I forget to cover the light before turning it off.
OK, two suggestions: Stop using the fake rubber coating on the flat sides. While cleaning mine recently the wide, black panels became a little tacky (sticky). Unfortunately, this fake rubber coating is a popular feature with many manufacturers, but it self-destructs over time. After a few years (or less depending on the formula) these coatings turn to sticky goo even if left in a closet. Additionally, cleaning these surfaces can hasten its destruction because many cleaning agents degrade the material (such as rubbing alcohol or "Clorox" wipes). Once started, you will be gripping a sticky device that can leave black goo on your hands and clothes. Once this happens, your only solution is to get a lot of wipes and rubbing alcohol and tediously clean as much of the goop off as possible. If the degradation has not gone too far, you can sometimes rub it on old fabric to get loose fibers to stick and create a barrier. This is a temporary solution, however.
It is unfortunate the PowerAll uses this cheaper coating when the narrow sides and button use actual rubber. To be fair, my PowerAll's surfaces have not gone fully goopy quite yet and I have had it since late 2013. The coating also does not impact operation of the device.
[August 2014 update: Added tip about USB charging]
[November 2014 update: Added link to PDF manual]
[March 2016 update: Added tip about PowerAll recharging]
[June 2016 update: Added 2nd suggestion about rubberized coating]
