Lidl Powerpack

I'm going to see if a small modification can adjust the voltages (simply short two of the diodes between the 6 and 9v outputs - as I mentioned earlier it doesn't make any sense to me why they are there in the first place).
Also there are a total of 9 diodes in the divider chain, this means that there should be a total of 13.5V drop across this chain. However we only require a 10.5 volt drop across the chain, as our lowest voltage o/p should be 3V. (I know what your thinking - why then are the voltages higher than expected - with more diodes they should be lower)???
Anyway - I'll let you know what effect this has tomorrow (I'll work on it tonight).

OK don't bypass (short) the two diodes, it simply blows the 2A fuse. Just goes to show that this circuit is very poorly designed. Just leaving this thing switched on with nothing connected is pulling considerable current from the battery. I'm going to leave the fuse blown to reduce the current draw and just use the cigarette lighter 12V.

Anybody wanting to use it for any of the other voltages should consider buying something else.

I've sent a quick letter to Lidl about this - most people don't have a voltmeter, and so have no way of discovering the problem for themselves.

I've had no reply from the manufacturer, when I asked for the tolerance of the output voltages about a week or more ago.

I think I'll wait to get one that is fully reliable. ATM, it would be a waste of money, as I'm happy using rechargables in it. They work just fine for the (limited ) use it currently gets.

I think it should still be possible to safely use the Lidl powerpack on the Meade - the "6V" output is close enough to 9 volts. If you are still interested, I could look up the Maplin catalogue and get part numbers for you (I suspect the total cost would be something like 3 euro). I'll see if I get the chance to test it this weekend.

Many thanks for the offer, but I think I'll hold back on this one. I'm not needing it just now.
BTW Offers are repeated, and mybe the next batch might be better.
Aldi run offers of a similar type too.

I wouldn't hold me breath if I was you on getting a response from them, what are they going to say that can explain this, that maybe it's a quoted value for a 1 amp load?
For those in the know it would be pretty simple to build a regulator circuit that gives you a stabilised output voltage, maybe there is an electronic kit in maplin that can do this ? does anyone have a catalogue?