Can this REALLY last all night, powering ALL of your equipment?? Apertura 518Wh battery

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

My Patreon: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek Apertura Battery: bit.ly/4cUjsrz Jackery 518Wh battery: amzn.to/3xGVJLu BLUETTI EB55 (used by some of my Patreons): amzn.to/4d5X6U0 Renogy Battery: amzn.to/4d04oIS (to note: while it has served me well, because of its size, I've always wondered it it truly has 266Wh capacity) Amazon affiliate: amzn.to/49XTx01 Agena affiliate: bit.ly/3Om0hNG High Point Scientific affiliate: bit.ly/3lReu8R All-Star Telescope affiliate: bit.ly/3SCgVbV Astroshop.eu Affiliate: tinyurl.com/2vafkax8 Dwarf 2 Smart Telescope: bit.ly/3SyChXua Seestar S50: tinyurl.com/3n62hpzx

[@MisterBrown2012]

l live in Canada and often image at or around -20C in winter. I'd be curious to see how long it would survive in such conditions.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Apparently many people wrap the batteries in cold weather, that's something I can't test in Tokyo!

[@mathieucarbou]

Apertura: Lithium-Ion 😞 Bluetti or most other ones: LFP for the same price 🙂 AmpereTime 12V 50Ah LFP battery for more than half the price, with added buck-boost or regulators, bms and such (custom-made) 👍

[@user-pj8ko9ol5d]

The Bluetti EB55 also has 5.5x2.1 plugs that match our Astro equipment. This and the LiFePO4 chemistry is what sold me on Bluetti. I have a lighter load so I got the EB3A. Bluetti also has frequent sales so you can get a better price.

[@Tyler.Brinkley]

I have the EB3A and it works great

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I love how DIY can truly lower prices, and it looks like hte Bluetti batteries are very popular!

[@mikehardy8247]

When I bought my Jackery, it was the only one I knew of. LiFePh was unheard of for me. Now I'd definitely buy BLuetti, especially knowing it has a 5. 0:02 5x2.1mm port. They're called "5521" plug that in an Amazon search. The 500W Jackery uses some weird, useless size, and a cig port. I had a ridiculous year long search finding adapters to 5521's. And Jackery didn't respond to enquiries. JERKS😢

[@andyfarr96]

Another option is to make your own. Lithium batteries have gotten quite cheap and you can find pre wired battery boxes for ~$200. I went that route with a 100Ah battery and it came out to the same cost as this but easily lasts multiple nights.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's awesome, I have no idea how to do that DIY, but now I have to look into it!

[@tsk1979]

I use a 100Ah (1280Wh) battery I purchased for 300$. Simple LifePo4. Put it in a toolbox, attached some 12V connections, and voila!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

DIY is awesome :D

[@lee-van-cleef]

The challenge for me is using DC power in the cold. The lithium ion batteries I’ve tried have died quick in cold temps.

[@ekalbkr]

The best trick I have is to wrap your battery, loosely, with an insulation mat: I use a piece of reflective Mylar bubble wrap. This helps reflect / reduce the heat loss. I have used this on 25⁰F nights with success. If it is colder, you might try an 8 watt terrarium heater to help keep it warm - I know this is somewhat standard practice for winter outback campers, though I have not tried it myself, so use due diligence in setting it up.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yeah that's something where Japan is good - not so cold here...

[@mikehardy8247]

The insulation 14:19 wrap in combination with hand warmers. There are three different types of lithium cells. -Lithium Ion -Lithium polymer -Lithium iron phosphate The LiFePh is used in newer applications. And in solar and electric cars. They have higher charge/discharge rates. They live a lot longer, but have strict temperature requirements for charging. Heaters are sometimes built in. DIY SOLAR is a great channel to learn from. The Apertura uses Lithium Ion cells.

[@RynBat]

I'm actually in the middle of building my own battery power system, so it's nice to compare. When I saw the prices of the options from places like Jackery, then found that I could get a 1280Wh LiFePO4 battery for only £220, I decided to save my money for things that I could not build myself (like filters). Another deciding factor was that I wanted something more suitable for astrophotography, with ports I'll actually need/use. I've now finished the design, and initial tests work well. I've got two cig ports (one unregulated for if I want to plug in an inverter that draws a lot of current), 4 USB ports that could handle 20A total, and 4 5.5mm jacks that can handle 10A each (3 at 12V, 1 at 8V for my DSLR dummy battery), as well as a charging port. Another feature I've added, that I'm sure everyone here would understand, is a switch that will disable all LEDs and screens so it goes completely dark, while still being powered. That way I can have useful lights and displays during setup to make sure it's all working, then when I'm about to start imaging I can flip the switch and not worry about any lights interfering with my images. The only way I'll know it's on is by the sound of the internal fan. My only regret is not having a 3D printer; having to make all the parts by hand is taking me weeks. I'm hoping it'll be worth it when I have it all neatly assembled in a box, and have a high capacity power source with all the correct ports for my rig.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Well done on that DIY!! Plus that is massive capacity!

[@johnsmith-rd9rr]

I did the same last year when I found my Jackery couldnt handle the cold weather and the upgrade to a mono camera. I used a rolling Craftsmen toolbox and put all the output jacks I wanted in the top. I use Anderson powerpole connectors for pretty much everything, USB ports, Cig port. A string of lights around the box for amber colored lighting at the flip of a switch when I need it. Every circuit is fuse-protected with at least 5 more free circuits for expansion. I also have a digital power display so at any time, I can look and see how much power is being used, how much HAS been used and how much remains in the lithuim cell. Future expansion is easy. I didnt have to "make" anything, let me know where your stuck at and I can help. 1200Wh for 400 b ucks total and 5-6 hours of work. Most of the work was doing all the wiring with connections that are 100% reliable.

[@mikehardy8247]

Love, DIY, well done. Before I bought my first Jackery, 3 years ago, I built one with 2, 12V, 12 AH AGM batteries, in a small cooler. Considered building with "18650" lions. With everything in a Jackery, it just made sense to buy one on sale at $400 for 500W. The LiTime 12V, 100aH LiFePh is held in high regard for a $250 battery. It'll be my next purchase of this type.

[@RynBat]

@@johnsmith-rd9rr Thanks for the offer, but I'm not really stuck, just going through the tedious process of handmaking parts. Looking up what you built yours into, I'm trying to get it into a much smaller space (the battery alone takes up half the volume), which has required some more creative solutions to get all the DC/DC converters, fuse blocks, fans, and stripboard mounted into the limited space without the risk of shorting anything as I move it around. I think I have the same (or a very similar) main display for mine, as well as some smaller/cheaper multimeter displays for the individual outputs. I've also made a circuit that will light a "fuse fail" LED that turns on if any fuse breaks, so I know when something has gone wrong. I like the idea of external lighting for use during setup, so I might have to add that to mine. Also after seeing this video, I think I might try and add some USB C ports as well, since they're small enough to fit and I haven't made the mounting plate for the USB section yet.

[@johnsmith-rd9rr]

What exactly are you having to make? I found everything easily on Amazon.

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

5:55 How often do you lose electrical power due to Godzilla related activities?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Surprisingly, almost never - the whole grid is built to be Godzilla resistant!

[@Fossbear]

sounds like an good investment actually. If my "no name" 580WH power station calls it a day i will take a look at this again. So far it had a hard winter :) with around 8h imaging at sometimes -12C or as long as i could stand the temperatures.

[@whatmattersmost6725]

FIRST...There are many good battery portable battery packs. Don't expect a full night or 2 nights, but you get for what you pay for.. Also never trust the power output, what's most important is the current output, 10 amps is the most drawing at 1 session, but all portable battery packs don't tell the true current as it comes from China and they don't tell the truth. The used Lithium cells are the most important part of these unit. I would like a total current provided. Since many are low quality and cost $500 about, I choose to get a 12v 100AH Lithium battery and I will need to add ports to it as a DIY!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I love to see all the DIY going on in the comments, love this community!

[@mikehardy8247]

If building from scratch. Only way to be assured of true mah capacity, is to weigh (with a scale) the cell. If they use, Sanyo, Samsung, Panasonic are some of the best. Lot's of info out there.

[@florentpoiget6345]

The Apertura seems expensive against other brands using LiFePo4 Battery. We can find 1000 or 1200 watts power stations with one 200 watts solar panel included for the same price (i've got one). The Apertura is a bit overpriced. The unit has not native cigar port too, only cigar plug adapters for DC 5.5/2.1 .

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I need to look into how to use the LiFePo4 batteries, since I'd have no idea how to DIY my connections from one :)

[@mikehardy8247]

You can buy spliters. Highpoint has them.

[@vastrop345]

Have been using a comparable system for a 18 months or so (Bluetti). As far as cold weather is concerned, I was surprised once (at around -10C) when the battery shut itself down automatically for self protection, athough it still had juice. I have now solved that issue by putting the battery and the mini-pc or the laptop I access remotely under a cheapish plastic box that limits airflow. More recent batteries advertise a wider range of operating temperatures though.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Bluetti seems to be particularly popular!! Good tip for cold whether too!

[@mikehardy8247]

​A few handwarmers under that cover will keep it toasty.

[@Wombatzone31]

Currrently a unit like that is nearly $900Au, have noticed 4wd camping shops sell large 200Ah 12v lithium batteries for $600Au, put that in a battery box with USB and you're set for under $800Au

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Very interesting, I had no idea battery boxes with USB and other ports even existed! It's super cool :)

[@KingLoopie1]

Looks like a nice unit! I hate paying for batteries so I don't like the price but.... (it could be $10 and I'd still want it for $5...) 👍👍

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Lots of people in the comments are going for a DIY approach!

[@ekalbkr]

Thanks Cuiv. I just noticed this unit at Highpoint an thought it was a good design and capacity. It is very similar to my Rockpals 560 Wh unit which is sadly no longer available. The 5.5x 2.1 receptacles are a must have, in my opinion, as they are the standard 12Vdc power connection for many mounts and controllers, including my AM5 and an ancient ASIairPro. Using the Jackery 12Vdc automobile style outlet is dangerous for astro work - I know from experience on my, now retired, Jackery 299Wh unit. Wiggle it wrong and you have just power bumped your controller and, in the case of the AirPro, likley corrupted your micro program card! My similar sized Rockpals gives me all night in 25⁰F weather, so your figures sound very reasonable . The Apertura unit looks like a winner!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks for the feedback, this is great to know!

[@SeanAlexanderJournalist]

THat 150 imaging Newtonian should be red and also say "Carbon Star" on the side!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Soon!

[@zalllon]

This is pricey to get this item. For me in Canada it is about $925 Cdn. For $25 more I can get the EcoFlow Delta 2 (1 kWh) with an app control (so set it up to prevent turning off with low DC / USB power draw), charges super fast and has built in MPPT to charge with solar panels. Or for much, much cheaper, buy a 100A LiFePO4 battery, buy a cheap, perfect sized cooler with a big handle (to insulate the battery for cold night usage) and make holes the cooler to add in necessary USB / DC outlets. If you really need an inverter, probably only need something 400W pure sine wave which is cheap. But it seems all the electronics here will run fine without an inverter (USB C to laptop). With the cables and 20A charger for the battery, you’ll be at half the price of this Power Station or even less. For my shed, I bought a 2nd 100A 12.8V LiFePO4 battery at $237 Cdn as pricing was cheap this past Jan.

[@mark2220]

Well that's the Astronomy tax for you. If you can ever buy something that isn't advertised as astronomy related that accomplished the same task, it will be cheaper. About like the "gamer" tax in the PC hardware and peripheral space.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I agree - and I didn't realize all the cool stuff that can be done in DIY! I have no idea how to do any of that DIY but I'll look it up! I love this community :)

[@mikehardy8247]

Make sure the charger is capable of doing LiFePh!

[@KJRitch]

I notice the Apertura does not use LiFePO4 cells which have more recharge cycles than Lithium Ion. I notice more and more companies are getting away from the 5.5x2.1 and cigarette jacks on these portable power stations. I would have preferred a cigarette Jack instead of a 2nd inverted 120v. If you didn’t have that Stellarmate box in your line up would you’ve been able to connect all your equipment to this power station? Thanks.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Without the SM Pro I used to us a simple DC splitter so that wouldn't have been an issue :) There are 12V DC to cigar plug adapters in the box though

[@mikehardy8247]

Exactly! LiFePh is better, lasts longer, excpt the temperature concerns.

[@brod5352]

Nice looking battery. Happy to see Apertura getting into more items. I went out and built my own using a 100 Amp Hour Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. It will last for 2-3 nights for my set up. About 1200 Watt hour batter.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Many have built their DIY batteries and I LOVE it! :D

[@lukomatico]

Nice review mate!! - There's a lot of nice options out there now of course, but this does look well made and designed! :-) Cheers for sharing!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks Luke! I love how a LOT of comments are about DIYing from a LiFePo4 battery, this community is so cool :)

[@absorbingphotons]

I've been very happy with my EcoFlow River Pro battery. 720wh and as of right now it's $479 on Amazon.

[@stephenwainwright]

Will it power and keep the Seestar properly charged?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yes! It did for me at least

[@mikehardy8247]

The "Stream charge", is a PD 3.1 protocol (look it up). It has the ability to comunicate with the device it's charging, and charge as fast as is safe. It IS annoying. I have a 140W BASEUS power bank (among others). It shut down while powering my Seestar. When the Seestar is dead, it is DEAD! Takes forever to bring back full. Yes frustrating 😢 These USB ports aren't just 5V anymore. They provide up to 48 volts.

[@OzzMazz]

I have the same problem with the power unit turning off if a certain minimum current is not draw. Very annoying if you're unaware of the fact. The Star Adventurer GTi pulls about 50 mA at rest. The power unit requires at least 100 mA to stay alive. What I ended up doing was to build a dummy load that consumes 50 mA. That works. What a trap!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yes exactly!! I remember plugging in random stuff in my battery like a USB fan or an LED light to help get more power consumption so the batter would keep working... sigh...

[@mikehardy8247]

​That's how I got my Baseus to not shut down. Put a 100 ohm power resistor on it. Thinking this through, you could use some nichrom wire to provide a little heat on cold winter nights to keep the unit from shutting down 😊 To give Baseus credit, they refunded the $140, and let me keep it. Plus they were super responsive!

[@tvanpeer]

It would be nice if a battery could pull a trigger in NINA once it gets below a certain percentage, so you could start to close your session, make flats (if you have a flat panel), park the mount and shutdown NINA and/or the PC.

[@beatsntoons]

I started out doing the DIY thing... but it was always a bit finicky. I had multiple LiPO4 batteries but in the end just got a turn-key solution. So now I have a Jackery (240), Bluetti (EB70) and EcoFlow (River Pro 720) that do the job for multiple rigs. Perfect for the LAZY astronomer :D

[@mikehardy8247]

It's getting easier to do DIY now. I do LOVE the convenience of a turn-key solution.

[@Hilmi12]

Ditch the laptop, should really make a big difference. I go out with 1100 wh when I go out. I also run everything on dc power

[@matthewbrown8679]

Powerqueen 100ah LFP battery (1230 wh) can be had for under $220. You can get a good charger for another $90.

[@abmscopes]

I use the Powerpacs Atom Pro 32Ah £399 uk price, which by the look of things is around a quarter of the size and weight of this one. As you'd expect it's capacity varies according to load but it's never run out of juice on any of my all night sessions. The big difference is that I wasn't powering a laptop, but load is similar otherwise. So an eq5 , 2 dew heaters, 533mc cooled to minus 10 at around 5 degrees ambient temp. Oh and I do a lot of slewing as I'm quite indecisive on targets and I have a limited sky view so usually image 2 or 3 targets per night. With the fairly short nights we've recently had it routinely has had 58% power remaining after use from 10pm till 4am approx. So I'm confident that when longer nights arrive it'll still last all night. Again though it isn't powering a laptop.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's a great result, excellent it's working so well for you!

[@mikehardy8247]

Do you mean 320ah, not 32?

[@abmscopes]

@@mikehardy8247 um. On the back it says capacity 29Ah 10.95v 317.55wh..

[@anata5127]

750wH capacity is just enough. 24V for mount, 19V for computer, dew heater on SCT take a lot of energy.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

What mount is that, 24V? Takahashi?

[@anata5127]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek 10 microns. This also spends a lot of energy. Maybe encoders are engaged all the time.

[@mikehardy8247]

​@@CuivTheLazyGeekHe means watts.

[@mgastronomy]

I have used my Ecoflow battery for an entire night here in Canada and it has worked very well and even left with a few hours left.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's really good! Good to know there are many reliable batteries out there :)

[@mikehardy8247]

​my 200w Jackery lasts an entire night in Wisconsin's sub freezing Temps with Dew heaters, cooled camera etc. 500W, several nights.

[@MikeTettenborn]

I made my own too. Easy but you do need some veery basic electrical assembly skills. For < $300us you can buy a good quality LiPo battery (640wh) and charger and monitor(not necessary). Very important to add an inline fuse because these batteries can create a big pop if shorted. Very small and light weight. But,,,, The price of this Apertura supply is excellent given all the ports and nicely packaged in a complete solution.

[@GiveMeSpaceTravel-bg8td]

Agree re the fuses. I bought a fuse block from the local electronics store so each of my outputs is fused separately.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I have no idea how to make my own battery, but I LOVE to see all this DIY in the comments, I LOVE this community!!

[@mikehardy8247]

​use fast blow fuses.

[@mikehardy8247]

​You can do it!

[@gr0uch02a]

I have a couple of EcoFlow River Pro, one of which has an addon battery to effectively double the capacity. Wonderful gear. Love the crossover b/w camping gear and astro gear.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I keep hearing good things about EcoFlow, I've actually been looking at their portable AC unit for sleeping in car for instance!

[@mikehardy8247]

​car AC. WAY too expensive, $700+

[@projectnightshift6488]

I'll watch this later, but yes, it will get me through 2 full nights of imaging with all of my equipment

[@GhostSenshi]

As a user of a 300Wh battery, yes it most certainly could go all night

[@jonrbryan]

I run solely from a 519wH power station that I put in the tripod sling for extra stability. I had to upgrade from 300wH to get through the winter nights at 7000 feet in New Mexico. It powers an AsiAir+, an AM5 mount, a Vonets VBG1200 wifi bridge, an ASI533MC Pro and ASI120MM Mini, and a couple of dew straps through the night. I had to put the second dew strap around my focuser tube on the coldest nights to keep the filter from frosting up. I'm happy to say that the AM5 mount never gave me any trouble even at near zero F. Fortunately it wasn't a particularly cold winter. I can pick up the entire rig (with an Askar 103 APO) and move it around, but I usually move the scope and power station separately. I can set up 100 yards from the house when I want to point lower to the south, and I took the rig to Texas for the eclipse and had a blast. The ZWO 160mm pier extension makes a great handle, by the say. I like the setup much better than when I was running an extension cord.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Sounds like a perfect setup!

[@photonqopt]

Have you driven there? A problem with a big battery is that airlines do not allow a battery larger than 150Wh or so.

[@astromatt75]

Great video Cuiv, I went for a BLUETTI EB70 for £499.00 in a sale - works like a charm for my portable setup using the same Mele PC as yours (bought that on your recommendation).

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Bluetti seems to be getting lots of good reviews!

[@gary5051]

Quiv, throughout your great presentation of the Battery product, I've been looking at your gear in the background and wondering which filter wheel we're seeing. I'm looking for one that uses removable carousels. I know that Starlight Express does this and wondered whether you have, or know of, another brand with that same capability. I'll be looking forward to seeing more videos - perhaps some on technical subjects as well as product reviews. Thanks for your contributions to our community! Gary

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

This is the Astroasis filter wheel I wanted to test. Very well built, but I had an issue with it and sent it back for now

[@peterberbee]

I like the power connections. However, this unit would not work for me as it is rated to 37F (3C). It would be interesting to know if this was just a recharging temperature limit. Would you be able to find out if the operating temperature is lower?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I think I'll be able to use this next winter!

[@mikehardy8247]

LiFePh can't be changed at lower temperatures. Sorry, you'll have to look that up. Some have heaters to maintain that. Catch 22? Again put it in a container with hand warmers.

[@peterberbee]

@@mikehardy8247 I understand about the charging temperature. I am not concerned about the charging temperature. I can charge the batteries in a warm place. The issue is the discharge operating temperature. It gets cold at night. That is when I use my telescope. A 37F discharge limit would be too warm for me.

[@mikehardy8247]

Here as well. Wisconsin easily dips well below 20 F. I dared to image on a colder night (SW SA GTI is not recommended below 20 F)my camera fan, now makes noises after that night. Anyway the 200W Jackery still had 30% charge remaining after a 10+ hor run. So "maybe" lions are better?

[@RobertKarlBerta]

Another alternative is going to an EGO power inverter if you already have EGO powered tools like their lawn mower or snow blower. I have their snow blower here in Michigan. It uses two batteries. I use it with the ZWO 120 volt to 12 vDC 5 amp hour power supply which uses one battery. They have three versions.... the one I have is the middle version PAD5000 which you an find for around $145 in the US without batteries. It is designed and certified to run electronic equipment. That model has 1-120 volt 3a outlet, plus some USB 5 volt outputs. I can run my AM5, 071 camera, EAF, two dew heaters, guide camera, all night even in the very cold conditions in the Winters here (put it in a box or something to capture the heat to extend the cold battery life. ) Since many people already have EGO equipment, this is a way to extend the usefulness of the batteries. Since I already have two batteries from the snow blower I can swap out to the second battery when the first is getting close to depleted although thus far one battery gets me through the night. The most expensive part of battery operated equipment is the batteries and their eventual replacement cost. There are competing battery powered equipment from other manufacturers so those may be alternatives if they have inverters in their lineup.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I love all this resourcefulness in the comments, thanks so much for sharing this tip!

[@WestwoodAstro]

I use a Bluetti EB70S for my CEM70G. It powers the mount, headless 19v PC, camera, filter wheel, etc. and I have about 15-20% power capacity left after a long winter night (I put it in a plastic bin to protect it from the frost). It's an LFP battery and its power is consistent through the night. It's been handy for power outages too!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Sounds amazing!

[@IntotheBeyond-xxxx]

Hi Cuiv, I have a Jackery 500, more battery than I need for a night of remote Astro-imaging, but it has three DC outputs that I put to good use. I try to limit AC use, as there are losses associated with the conversion to DC, but if I need it, the Jackery has excellent AC power. Clear skies my friend.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks for the info, cheers!

[@actudoran]

looks like we're heading for the 1 KW mark real soon! 😅 great functionality! if not t could only jumpstart my car/bike it would make an awesome keeper ! keep it charged and never worry 😂

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Seems a lot of comments are DIYing batteries with 1kW+ :D

[@pitts8rh]

If you don't need the internal inverter and multi-output features of the ready-made power stations, buying only a 12v battery will give you much more capacity for your dollar. I have an SOK brand 100Ah LiFePO4 battery that powers two rigs and a computer all night, at least in the summer months (two AZ/EQ mounts, two ASI2600 cameras, guide cams and focusers, six dew heaters, an i7 laptop, and two wireless security cams). I bring along a marine battery backup to jumper to if I run low, but have never had to use it. The battery has wifi status monitoring so I can keep close tabs on the remaining capacity. This was a fairly premium brand battery for $600 (much cheaper are available), but I shudder to think what a Jackery or similar type in that capacity would cost.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I need to check the DIY needed for those deep cycle batteries but this is super cool :)

[@mikehardy8247]

0:02 ​DON'T buy a lead acid ie. AGM deep cycle! You want to use a lithium solution (lithium Ion, or LiFePh). Like the LiTime. Every DIY'er here seems to be using some brand of12V, 100aH LiFePh. Yah, this has opened up a bunch of kool information. Love it.

[@skygazr33]

I needed a portable power supply for the eclipse and after much research, I chose the Anker SOLIX C1000. The Highpoint Aperture was a close second.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That does look like a very solid battery!

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

It looks like a decent option for powering the more power hungry set ups, but I don't think I'll be needing one that size just yet. Where I live its rare to get more that four or five hours of clear skies and for the next three months the actual hours of true darkness wont exceed that anyway so my 158Wh power tank is sufficient for my needs. That may change of course, and I would definitely consider something like the offering from High Point Scientific if I needed the extra capacity.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's the right approach - only get something if you need it, and also check the other comments, there's apparently some good DIY that can be done!

[@Planetreefastro]

Great review Cuiv. I was looking at this battery to supplement my EcoFlow which is a great unit. I went to NEAF (my interviews are on my channel) and found it to be a little smaller than pre ious years. But fun nonetheless. ZWO had the camera with the ASI air on display but I wasn’t impressed with its limitations. Sky-Watcher told me about the new scope but it is not going to be available in the US. Also it is tiny and can’t be automated with regards to focusers and can only use small guid/ planetary cameras. The optics are interesting as they use a Mangin type mirror like in a Honders type telescope. Best regards Mon Ami Luis from NY

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Thanks for the report Luis mon ami ;) I'll have a look at your videos!

[@EugeneRu777]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@sianikolaou5440]

They should give you all the gadgets to torture test! And hope your battery was fine after being completely drained! I managed to get the equivalent Jackery Battery last Black Friday, so was really happy with that and I don't have any issues with the number of plugs as I can make it work well to power one Astrophotography Rig. The Apertura does look nice but I don't see any options for AC plugs for other countries (only AC US plugs), so for the time being it is not an option for me. Hopefully that will be something they have available in the future.

[@mikehardy8247]

Adapters?

[@EricTheCat]

I got one of these as a power solution for the eclipse that is more portable than the deep cycle marine battery+inverter I usually use when setting up away from home. It worked great for the eclipse powering my laptop and my atlas EQ-G telescope mount.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@fabriziocanale9768]

Maybe my question is silly but I’d like to know whether or not these batteries may be dangerous. I’d like to buy one but the above problem has slowed me down so far. Thanks, Fabrizio

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Always a worry - that's something that I stopped worrying about since even a small USB battery pack could burst into flames....

[@darkrangersinc]

500 is typically the minimum I’ve found to be totally safe for a single night if you have to run a dew strap or 2, but usually bring 2 just in case.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I'd assume especially in cold weather!

[@darkrangersinc]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek I usually only do my dark sky stuff in warmer weather. Curious to hear your long-term review on this as I’ve had great luck with Anker and Ecoflow products but always willing to support and astro-specific company!

[@airborne10x]

I luck out and purchased a VTOMAN 828Wh Portable Lithium Battery on Amazon for $498.00 US dollars that looks just like yours but a few more outlets. Initially I saw it on Amazon for over $700.00 dollars so I started looking elsewhere but it popped up again on Amazon again but on sale for $498.00. I immediately purchased it while I could before the sale ended. So far it has been working very well. I live in south Texas so no worries about cold weather.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Oh wow, that's quite a find, well done, and glad it's working well for you!

[@mikehardy8247]

Be aware of the numbers. Jackery posts alot of confusing stuff. The 200w, is also mentioned as 280w

[@dereksmith4517]

Planing on using a Fox Halo Power Pack 96K, Capacity: 307.2Wh / 26Ah @12V/96000mAh @3.2V

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's a lot of capacity in a small size!

[@dereksmith4517]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Tell my girlfrind this.

[@artyombeilis9075]

Wow just reminds me how AP can be way more complicated and pricey in comparison to short EAA sessions. Power supplies are rarely "interesting" topics to discuss but usually very critical - especially if you forget to charge ones before the session. I'm so glad I can just use 8xAA rechargeable batteries for AZ GTi for EAA and hope that I didn't forget to charge them

[@GiveMeSpaceTravel-bg8td]

I found the commercial packs very expensive, especially if the storage was lithium. I ended up making my own and including a variety of different ports (usb, 12v cigarette, Anderson etc) 8 ports in all. I use a 50ah deep cycle battery which is heavy but powers everything including my computer for 2 full nights. When in a remote area I recharge with a solar panel.

[@marioptera]

Hey, may i ask if you have any suggestions for a compatible MPPT charger controller? Have a LiPO4 50ah myself but i would really like to be able to charge it from the sun too, especially when i travel to remote locations several days...

[@GiveMeSpaceTravel-bg8td]

I have a Victron mppt controller. Can't remember what model. It can do both lead acid and lithium batteries. Mine can be controlled with a phone app.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I love this community! I'd have no idea how to go about doing that, but I will need to have a look :)

[@mikehardy8247]

​Check out "DIY SOLAR"

[@mikehardy8247]

Buy a soldering iron, and "the world's your oyster" Many of us here would love to steer a fellow GEEK in the right direction!

[@jeanclementstgelais3226]

I have a Jackery 300. Work very well

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Good to know!

[@timpearce2281]

It's a nice power supply, but it takes 8 hours to charge. I'd have to run my generator all day. Instead, I may as well use my whisper quiet Honda EU all night.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

You got the Honda E?

[@timpearce2281]

Yes. I have a Honda eu2200i and someone just gave me an old Honda EX650. They both start on the first pull and are very quiet. My remote astrophotography takes place in the remote Nevada desert where there isn't another person or a tree to spoil the view.

[@mikehardy8247]

The whole point in these is solar charging. Forget about the terrible toll lithium mining has on the environment 😢

[@kittersky12]

Cool battery! Small thing though, do they exist with a EU AC plug or is it only US format? Looking at the other ones you listed in your pinned comment, it seems like they only have the US format (except Jackery I know does EU versions).

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I think it's only US format... so you'd need an adapter (and of course the equipment on the other end shouldn't be 220V only!)

[@atholbayne9605]

could be wise buy

[@jimmazurek5589]

Nice, but too expensive.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yeah I agree it could be cheaper for sure...

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice.

[@Psychlist1972]

You got it for free, so don't forget to mark the video as containing a paid promotion. Free/discounted goods count as compensation.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

This checkbox is weird to me - I don't consider a review a promotion since I'm honest about the product, and I disclose that I get the product for free within the video, as per FTC rules (and common honesty). I've never seen Linus Tech Tips for instance using this box despite doing entire sponsored videos (i.e. not even reviews, but actual promotions) by the manufacturer, and major channels seem to be just be very clear in the video...

[@Psychlist1972]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Not everyone on KZbin plays by the rules. Ethics come into play for sure. Here's one of the things YT says about when you should consider a video a paid product placement "-Videos about a product or service because there's a connection between the creator and the maker of the product or service - Videos created for a company or business in exchange for compensation or free of charge products/services - Videos where that company or business’s brand, message, or product is included directly in the content and the company has given the creator money or free of charge products to make the video." The third bullet is what applies to videos like this. Keep in mind that simply stating it in the video doesn't make the relationship show up in the thumbnail, or in the description. I get that many KZbinrs don't want to check that box because then people like me who largely avoid watching product placement videos tend to skip the content. And as much as a;; KZbinrs like to think they are being completely honest, that's not really how the human brain works. We tend to look at things very differently based on how much of our hard-earned money we spent on it. Also, free stuff is very tempting. Continuing to get more free stuff in the future is an incentive. That's why companies do this -- they know it works. If it didn't work, they wouldn't do it.

[@bymartinek]

Nice tool, but as long as it doesn’t have a possibility to be charged by USB-C it is a no go for me.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yeah I think most large batteries don't charge over USB-C...

[@ssrattus]

Thanks Cuiv.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Always a pleasure :)

[@spammeforever9586]

Stay away from Lithium Ion batteries and go with Li-Po batteries. They have a higher recharge cycle and will last alot longer than Lithium Ion batteries. I myself use a Bluetti EB-55 (537watt hours) from Amazon @ $499.00. I also use this for my Ham Radio portable operation setup.