In a message dated 98-06-11 06:38:26 EDT, f.woodcock@UNISON.CO.UK writes:

<< While parked up, I plugged the cool box into the accessory socket of a
 powerpack that is used for the mobile phone and other low drain
 equipment. The power pack comes from Argos Superstore (UK)

 I was surprised to find that the power pack was flat after only hours
 and checked the capacity to find that it was only 15 AmpHour.

 I later checked the cool box with an meter and found that it drew 4.2
 Amps which explained why the power pack lasted such a short time.

 I will be trying it with an electric hook-up and a battery charger to
 see if the power pack + cool box will work.

 Meanwhile is there anyone with knowledge of a small thermostat on a lead
 that can be placed inside the cool box to switch on and off the 12 volt
 supply and therefore reduce the power drain?

 I am considering getting a large leisure battery with a capacity of 125
 AmpHours. This would last about 30 hours, so a recharge would still be
 required quite often without a thermostat device.

  >>
Hi there, I don't think the cool box is the problem.  A 4.2 amp draw from the
cool box is the same amp draw as if you left you park lights on.  With a good
battery, you can leave you car with the parks lights on for most of the day
and be able to crank the starter, and car should fire right up.  I think you
better concentrate on that battery first. Have it checked out. ( Load test it
).

Bye, Michael Modl. 87 syncro.