Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Even though I've already purchased them, I'm just checking to be certain that the Powerwerx CigBuddy and a powerpole extension cable is OK to use with the mini lithium to charge it in a car.

To charge or run the inverter from?

To charge.

No, if the device is a cigarette lighter plug with powerpole connections, then it will only provide about 13-14VDC. The VML battery is 14.8VDC and requires over 16V to charge.

What you *may* be able to do is run the inverter from the adapter, then use its AC supply to run the VML charger directly to the battery. Check your figures before you attempt this, we cannot confirm this will or will not work.

Now I'm confused by the bits and pieces that make up the vagabond mini lithium. Let me re-state the question. With the Powerwerx Cig buddy cigarette lighter plug that has the powerpole connector on it, can I run a wire with powerpole plug on both ends from the Cig Buddy to the vagabond mini lithium that has a battery pack installed to charge the installed battery pack?

Now I understand the components involved and your reply. Thanks!

No, for the voltage reasons stated above. You need more voltage than the nominal voltage of the battery in order to charge it. Automotive batteries are 12VDC, though the alternator can supply 13-14VDC. Either way, not enough to charge the 14.8VDC VML battery.

But, you *may* be able to uninstall the battery, and run the VML inverter off the car battery to provide AC power. Then plug the charger into the VML inverter as though it was a normal wall outlet, and charge the battery on the other end, as you would a spare battery.

Thanks. Once I re-read your original reply, it understood. I apppreciate your patience.

What you really need is a $19.95 100W AC car inverter from Walmart or even Walgreens and your VML charger plugged into it. VML Charger doesn't need pure sine wave. VML charger outputs 16.8V and must sense the charge voltage and current, so you never want to plug a battery direct to try to charge another battery.

So that leads me to wonder why the charger for the VB mini (with battery attached) can't be plugged into the cigarette lighter power adaptor, with the car running, that was designed for the VBII for charging a battery enroute to a shoot. It's rated at 115v 60 watt.