I have a 7ah 12v gel cell in my box with a Hobbico Deluxe Power Panel II.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXACW7&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXL370&P=0

I got the little charger for the gel cell as well:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJC38&P=M

Let's not forget the Locking Glow Plug Clip:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXUC32&P=M

I really never use the power panel, other than to supply 12v to my starter - I did however manage to spend like $55. Truthfully, it is nice to have a back-up. I have never needed to use the power panel as a glow ligher - but I can if my cordless glow lighter has a problem.

I think that aeropal has the right idea, go cordless. This is not the cheapest route - but it is really convenient.

If possible, I would get a good starter and power it off of NiCd's as aeropal sugested (take the $55 you would have spent on a power panel, gel cell and gell cell charger and buy a cordless set-up for your starter). You would be surprised how much more powerfull your starter becomes when it's hooked up to NiCd's (much better than a 7ah gel cell).

I have the Hobbico TorqMaster 180, it work fine (and it fits those nice starter battery holders from Ricks).

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXL398&P=0

Then just get some sort of cordless glow lighter. I use a Radio South box - it's great (but expensive). See:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDZ42&P=7

You can just get one of those stick lighters - they use a single NiCd battery (i.e., one cel). They work fine as well.

Then you just need a charger than can charge them all (your Starter NiCd, your glow stick lighter, and your field packs). Perhaps a Triton would do (since it can do pretty much everything):

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCJG7&P=0

You will have to power it from your car battery. Don' forget to order the proper charge leads. Perhaps use an old PC power supply for home use (lots of posts on that topic).

Moses

Edit:

By my calculations it would cost about $250 for a Hobbico TorqMaster 180 starter, Rick's battery holders, two cheap 6 cell NiCd stick packs, a decent glow stick, a Triton and some charge leads. You would be in great shape with this set-up (wish I went this route). You could cycle your packs and everything (very important).

Don't forget some sort of loaded volt meter (to check your batteries at the field). The Hobbico Digital Voltmeter MK III is pretty good and it uses the same leads as the Triton.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXWW16&P=0