12v Portable Power for QRP Amateur Radio + USB Port for Other Devices - Review of Talentcell PB120B1

[@David-km8in]

Hi, I used a Talent cell battery on my Xiegu X6100. It was a smaller battery than the one on your test. I think it was rated at 12 volts, 6 amps. On FT8 I got about 2 hours runtime, transmitting 5 watt. I was very pleased with this product and it didn't cost the earth. Nice presented video. All the best David M0DUU

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the feedback; I am always interested in the experiences of others.

[@jplewis01]

Been using this Battery for QRP over the past 3 years to run my Radio, MAT Tuner and Tablet. I can get a solid 8-10 hours Phone POTA and about 4 hours on FT8.

[@HOAHamRadio]

8 - 10 hours phone would wipe me out, sounds like the right size battery!

[@nickcountycomm]

I have been using these for more than 3 years with no issues N6VOA

[@HOAHamRadio]

Good to know...I always wonder what others experiences have been.

[@amnchode]

I looked at one of these, but ended up going with 2 separate battery packs: a Renogy 72000mAh/266Wh 12v Power Bank & the UGreen 145W Power Bank (25000mAh/90Wh) I Initially picked up the Renogy because it was just an overall awesome little power bank for for 266Wh and about the size of a typical hardback book. It has a Single USB-A port, dual USB-C PD ports (60W & 27W), a DC In/Out (12/16.5/20/24V), Wireless 10W charging, and a 12V Outlet good for 15A (and with a powerpole adapter can power quite a bit). It can also easily be charged via USB-C PD, Direct DC, and directly via a 100W solar panel. Operated 6hrs FT8 last field day with it, including running my Mini-PC....however, not airline friendly So, I also picked up the UGreen 145W power bank. It is fairly compact (at a 1/3 of the size & weight), has dual USB-C PD ports (100W & 45W), and a single USB-A (18W). While not as flexible as the Renogy pack, it is a lot easier to pack and travel with. In both cases I can run the radio using a 12V USB-C PD trigger cable, but I can also run my USB-PD powered Mini-PC for digital operations, charge my phone/tablet/laptop, and I don't need any special chargers...I can use the same mobile and/or home charger that I use for my phone/tablet (ie, on-the-drive recharging). While I can't run a full 100W QRO rig with either, I can run a QRP rig, PC, and a 50W Amp between them....and have, while maintaining my phone charge, while using it as a router, via the wireless charging....

[@HOAHamRadio]

I've had my eye on that Renogy unit for a long time now; great to hear from someone who has it and fully utilizes its capability -- appreciate the detail.

[@amnchode]

@@HOAHamRadio I'm surprised more people haven't keyed in on it. It's a beefy little bank for it's size. Like I said earlier, the big drawback is that is not airline/travel friendly. However, TBH, I like the UGreen even more. It's about the perfect size for a QRP POTA run, but the 100/45W USB-C ports make it very viable but typical electronics use, as well. At home, I typically use it to charge my AT-100m ATU that I use to pull in 60M on my DX Commander... Both are definitely worth a look, if your looking for affordable power banks. 73 de KC5VAZ

[@davef5595]

I really like the Talentcell batteries. But I've got the LF4106 version. It has 1/2 the capacity of the PB120B1. But it is about 1/2 the cost. In addition, it is a Lifepo4 battery, not lithium ion, which is more stable against puncture or being dropped in addition to having the capability of a lot more charge cycles. Also, the LF4106 has a digital display, as well as 6v and 9v outputs in addition to the 12v and 5v.

[@HOAHamRadio]

Hmmmm...now you have me looking at the LF4106 : )

[@davef5595]

@@HOAHamRadio I think you'll enjoy it. It spent a bit of time researching which Talentcell battery to get and decided on the LF4106 after weighing all the pros and cons of each model.

[@timw8ngt]

Thanks for sharing!

[@HOAHamRadio]

My pleasure, love sharing good gear with the ham community.

[@forgetyourlife]

Do you know if the power outs are 2.1 or 2.5 center pins?

[@HOAHamRadio]

It's 2.1...you would've thought the guy doing the review would have mentioned that 🙂

[@KS0JD]

I have the Talent Cell I use for my G90. Works great for short stints. 73

[@HOAHamRadio]

Thanks for the feedback...seems to be a consensus, Talentcell is good gear.