I have the Coleman Black Cat with the igniter, but can seldom get it to light from it
, so I use an aim'n flame type of lighter, which has save a lot of singed hands from
doing it with a match.
The biggest drawback I have seen is that it puts out a lot of moisture and fogs up the
windows, even with a window opened a little and the roof vent up a little. Even though
they are considered to be safe, I don't use it while sleeping.
I have used it several times in the last year (winter), and I made a holder for it
utilizing the arm which normally holds the front table. I reported it on the list last
year, but there wasn't much interest. It works great. If anyone is interested this
year, p-mail me and I should have some photos shortly.
Jerry
'90 Westy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Stann" <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 5:10 PM
Subject: Cold-weather camping/propane heater report

> Hi List,
>
> I'd like to pass my observations based on my recent purchase and use of the
> Coleman PowerCat portable catalytic heater.
>
> Past weekend I traveled from the Saint Paul, MN, area to the 'Norwegian
> Riviera', or the North Shore of Lake Superior.  I camped at the Gooseberry
> Falls State Park.  A beautiful area with a nice 'rough' camping site, as in
> no shower, no electricity, and a first, a non-smelly outhouse.  The area is
> covered in gorgeous Aspen-birch trees and has lots of hiking to offer.   Do
> not forget the falls and the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior.
>
> This is the first time I got to test the Coleman PowerCat heater.  It's a
> platinum catalytic heater with a built-in battery-powered fan and built-in
> ignition.  As the temperatures dropped to mid 20s, I lowered my pop-top,
> opened my screen-windows about 1/2 inch on each side and opened my skylight
> slightly to ventilate the interior.  The heater ignited with no problem and
> soon the interior temperature reached comfortable levels.  The smell of the
> burning gas was barely noticeable, and eventually disappeared all together.
> I slid into my sleeping bag and fell into a comfortable sleep.  Later that
> night, I awoke, as I was too hot.  I attempted to regulate the heat output,
> but to no avail.  The knob in the back of the heater seemed to have little
> effect on the heat output.  The only solution was to open the windows more
> to allow cold air in, or to raise the pop-top.  I decided to stay hot, but
> at about 4 am the gas ran out.  I closed the windows to conserve the heat,
> and went back to sleep.  At about 5 am it was too cold, so I changed the gas
> bottle and fired up the heater.  Soon, I was sweating again.  Is there no
> end?
>
> To sum it up:
>
> -- nice heater, minimum smell
> -- seems to have little heat control
> -- more than adequate heat output at minimum setting at 27-degree exterior
> temps.
> -- seems adequate at minimum setting for sleeping with the pop-top opened
> -- two 'D' fan batteries last a few nights
> -- one bottle of gas lasts about 6 hours based on my experience.  Claimed
> "up-to 8 hours" by manufacturer.  Personal note:  Put in a new bottle before
> going to sleep.
>
> SIGHTINGS:  At Emily's Restaurant near Knife River I parked next to a
> Eurovan Camper.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris.
> '85 Westy
> 'Da Luv Box'