"There was a real need for an inexpensive portable battery charger that would let you get equipment started without having to fool around with electrical cords and also be useful in remote areas where electricity is not available," says Howard Johnson, manufacturer of a new gas-powered portable battery charger that's powered by a small 2-cycle Tecumseh 1 1/2 hp engine.

He notes that the only other type of gas-powered chargers available are commercial car starting quick chargers often found on tow trucks. Johnson's 50-amp unit weighs just 35 lbs. and will fully charge a big battery in 10 to 15 min. It's fitted with cut-out switches that prevent overcharging.