Firstly, this is a far better way of powering a telescope than using a mains power extension and 12v adapter. I was never happy with a dew covered mains extension, and I was glad to put away the mains adapter for good, and use this unit instead. Using it to power a telescope, even all night, and then putting it on to ‘recharge’ straight away, will give a normal battery life of about 5 years - no problems. However, the main problem with this unit is the lead-acid battery inside which is really designed for short term emergency back up use. If it discharges too much in one go, it will reduce the amount of charge the battery will hold in the future. For instance, dew strips etc if left on full power for several hours will be enough to cause problems. Even accidentally leaving the built-in torch on, will also affect the battery’s ability to recharge again. I whole heartedly recommend this unit for powering a telescope, but employing it for anything else carries the warning that it requires careful monitoring of how far the battery is being discharged.

I bought this power tank to use with my astrotrac. Since that's all I use it for I don't think I'm stressing it very much, but it works well and has never let me down. Sometimes I use the red light to make sure I've got everything indoors after a session.

When I recharge the battery using the mains adapter the charging light never seems to go out any more (it used to). I tend to ignore the charging light and use a volt meter to decide when it needs charging. I have read that it is important to keep these types of batteries topped up and never to let them go completely flat.

The unit has plenty of connections and two lights as well as a carrying handle. I think if you look after it then it will serve you well.