Introduced by Powertraveller, the Startmonkey200 was the world’s smallest “jump start” system for car batteries, offering a convenient and reliable solution for drivers faced with the all-too-common problem of a dead battery. Although no longer in production, the Startmonkey200 left a lasting impression on the automotive accessory market, setting a new standard for portable jump starters.
Addressing a Common Problem
In 2009, the RAC, a British automotive services company, reported being called out a staggering 177,916 times to jumpstart cars, with a flat battery being the number one reason for breakdown assistance that year. The Startmonkey200 was designed to address this common issue, providing drivers with a compact, easy-to-use device that could restart a standard 12-volt car battery between 15 and 20 times on a single charge.
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Impressive Performance and Versatility
The Startmonkey200 was suitable for use on batteries with up to 650 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps), which could be checked by referring to the sticker on the top of the car’s battery. For batteries exceeding 650 CCA, Powertraveller had plans to introduce the Startmonkey400 in 2011.
Packed with high-tech features, the Startmonkey200 offered two output channels:
- A 12-volt, 200-amp car jump start
- A 12-volt, 100-watt max, 8-amp DC output for charging portable gadgets
This versatility made the Startmonkey200 not only a valuable tool for jump-starting cars but also a convenient power source for charging various electronic devices on the go.
User-Friendly Operation
Using the Startmonkey200 was a straightforward process. After ensuring that the engine battery was 12 volts (the device was not suitable for 5 or 24-volt batteries) and had a CCA rating of less than 650, users would check the battery capacity level on the Startmonkey200 and attach the jump leads (red to red, black to black) to the car battery. The Startmonkey200 would then automatically start delivering 200 amps of continuous power.
After leaving the Startmonkey200 connected for 5-8 seconds, users could turn the ignition, and the car would start. If the car failed to start, leaving the Startmonkey200 connected for 10-15 minutes before trying again was recommended. Once the car started, the Startmonkey200 would automatically switch off, and users could disconnect and store the device in the provided case.
Informative LED Display and Multiple Charging Options
The Startmonkey200 featured a 4-segment LED array on the front of the device, which would light up green to confirm that the device was charging the flat battery. The LED array also indicated the remaining charge level of the Startmonkey200, with four green segments representing a full charge, three green segments indicating a 3/4 charge, two green segments for a 1/2 charge, and a single red segment warning users that only a 1/4 charge remained. It was recommended to recharge the Startmonkey200 when it reached 50% capacity.
Recharging the Startmonkey200 was possible through various methods, including:
- In-car charger (included): 4 hours to charge from 50%, 8 hours from empty
- Solargorilla solar charger (not included)
- AC mains charger from the Powergorilla (not included)
- Silverback-gorilla (forthcoming, not included)
The Startmonkey200’s input socket could accept voltages between 15-24 volts, adding to its charging flexibility.
Charging Portable Gadgets and Low Static Wastage
Along With jump-starting car batteries, the Startmonkey200’s DC output socket allowed users to charge their portable gadgets. By connecting the included in-car charger socket to the DC output port and using a Motormonkey (not included) with an approved USB cable and tips, users could recharge phones, iPods, PDAs, handheld game consoles, and more. The in-car charger socket could also be used with 12-volt in-car chargers to power laptops, GPS systems, and other devices.
One of the standout features of the Startmonkey200 was its low static wastage. Users could leave the device unused for up to a year, and it would still retain up to 75% of its power. Plus, the Startmonkey200 could be recharged 500 times, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Safety Precautions and Features
To ensure safe operation, users were advised to place the Startmonkey200 on a stable, secure location, such as the outside edge wing of the car, to prevent it from falling into the engine bay. It was also important not to leave the device in the engine bay once the car had started and to avoid connecting it to 5-volt or 24-volt batteries, as this could damage the Startmonkey200.
The device incorporated a range of safety features, including:
- Two output level protection features
- Self-protection against 100% drainage
- Balance charging and discharging
- Short-circuit protection
- Wrong polarity protection
- Overcharge protection
- Integrated software to control the charging procedure
- Low battery warning display
The Startmonkey200 was designed to be used only with 12-volt vehicle engine batteries, such as those found in cars, bikes, boats, and lawnmowers. If connected to a 6-volt or 24-volt battery, the device would not activate, as it would interrogate the connected battery and confirm that the range was between 8-14 volts before automatically switching on.
A Legacy of Innovation and Reliability
Although no longer in production, the Startmonkey200 remains a testament to Powertraveller’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design in the automotive accessory market. By addressing a common problem faced by drivers and offering a compact, versatile, and user-friendly solution, the Startmonkey200 set a new standard for portable jump starters.
The device’s success highlighted the growing demand for reliable, portable power solutions that could cater to the needs of drivers and gadget enthusiasts alike. As technology continues to evolve and our reliance on electronic devices grows, the legacy of the Startmonkey200 serves as a reminder of the importance of developing products that meet the practical needs of consumers while prioritizing safety and ease of use.
Sum Up
The Startmonkey200 was a groundbreaking portable jump starter that provided drivers with a compact, reliable, and versatile solution to the common problem of a dead car battery. While no longer available, the device’s impact on the automotive accessory market cannot be overstated, as it set a new benchmark for portable power solutions.
As we look to the future of automotive accessories and portable power devices, the legacy of the Startmonkey200 serves as an inspiration for the development of even more innovative, user-friendly, and safety-conscious products. By learning from the successes of the past and embracing new technologies, manufacturers can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that drivers and gadget enthusiasts have access to the reliable, portable power solutions they need to stay connected and on the move.