I Blew Up a Power Station...and Fixed It

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I broke my friend's battery unit that I was borrowing! I'm very happy that repairing it was a great and inexpensive option.
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[@FrugalRepair]

What's something you broke while borrowing it? Did you buy them a new one? Fix it? Or didn't say anything?

[@baneverything5580]

They should make the batteries replaceable in these things.

[@gotech7991]

i can give you some equipment to repair or fix or research pls let me know my

[@threeMetreJim]

I've never borrowed and broken something, but if I did, I would tell the owner, get them a replacement, and keep the old device to maybe repair then sell secondhand to recoup some of the cost; or keep for personal use.

[@reallife2849]

I just did the same thing with the folding solar panel protection board, it began smoking. I tried changing a 12 v battery. The led never brite again. Hoping I can get a new board

[@Amberdogproductions]

On mine anything I plug into the 110 ports, I get the triangle warning light and is shuts off. Even if it's a cell phone, watch, drone battery, anything. Tried the display reset trick. No luck. Ideas?

[@user-qj9ov3rr3n]

As Yoda would say "There is no fix only replace" . You repaired it. Kudos! Buy them a new one.

[@zs1dfr]

Gosh, your teaching skills are good. Everything logically laid out, the explanation of the fault clear, and the demonstration wonderful. So glad I joined your Frugal Repair newsletter service too! Thanks very much, and please keep up the good work!

[@FrugalRepair]

Thank you!

[@Zendukai]

Good job mate, my bro is a tv repairman, but they are useless now days, unless of course, he has a brother who needs help .. we had a tv repair shop in town, who could repair all sorts of equipment. He had to shutdown as he could not compete with cost of repair versus buying a new one. For him to replace a 50cent part plus his labour, the customers would just weigh it up and buy new, hence, we now have no tv repairman. Sad, just sad, we are a throwaway society now.

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! Yes, I understand you have to charge for your time if that's your business. Sorry to hear he had to shut down.

[@DishNetworkDealerNEO]

One thing as a highly experienced electronics Technician, I would have done is add a 5 Amp capable, diode with a Peak Inverse Voltage 20% higher than the max input voltage across this input. This would be wired in to be reverse biased in normal operation. If connected backwards again, the the diode would be Forward biased, saving that capacitor and any other reverse voltage susceptible expensive and possibly hard or impossible to find parts such as application specific ICs. .

[@richmadrid9563]

I agree! A Schottky diode to be exact.

[@DishNetworkDealerNEO]

@@richmadrid9563 for super fast reaction and low forward voltage drop!

[@321tryagain]

You should put the model number and name in the video title so that people who need to repair their own one can find this helpful video

[@cureforboredom9719]

It was super cool to see a capacitor go bad in real time, what an awesome experiment! Super high quality video as always!

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! Yes, it's amazing how quickly it expands and pumps out so much smoke.

[@eegg6954]

Feed them high voltage AC and they blow up like firecrackers.

[@chukwuemekabenedict210]

@@FrugalRepair sir please i need your help, my solar generator 800w wire was connected to my Generator when I started the generator it affected my solar generator. What is the way out. Thanks

[@scottcates]

Awesome and helpful video. I picked one of these out of the battery recycling station today and did an initial charge test with a low-watt phone charger and the display lit up dimly so I have hope that it's serviceable. I will test charge it tomorrow with a USB-C PD 45 watt charger that I have and see if it will take a charge that way. Thank you for the cautions about reversing polarity with the main input charging port -- I will use caution when testing different charging adapters with this unit. Conversely, I now know how to identify a faulty capacitor on its charge circuit. Thank you.

[@RK-kn1ud]

The manufacturer should probably put one of those diagrams depicting the input voltage/polarity right next to the input port. Also, I am surprise there wasn't some sort of protection on the input before that capacitor. I'm even more surprised that nothing else broke.

[@robwebnoid5763]

Yes true, there is no diagram on the front. It should look like the standard " ---(+ --- " next to that port. I don't know "jack" about Jackery, so I would not have known the polarity either, because anyone would make that mistake especially if they don't have the manual handy & that companies still use both polarities using the same kind of jacks/plugs. On wallwart adapters, I always look for that polarity diagram on a sticky label or case embossing before trying it out.

[@threeMetreJim]

It is strange where the capacitor is as the device looks to have reverse polarity protection - those two chips look like MOSFETs from the way the pins are connected, and the SW1 (switch) designator on the board.

[@robwebnoid5763]

@Westcoastrocksduh ... I'm not quite sure what you are asking. Do you have a link?

[@slick8086]

Great video!!! I have this same power station. I am going to modify it by replacing the 12v accessory socket with a Powerwerx PanelPole2, Panel Mount Housing for Two Powerpole Connectors. That stock 12v socket is pretty useless these days IMO.

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks for watching and good luck with the project!

[@TimothyReeve-py3be]

Great video - very clear. I had the same sinking feeling you describe when I accidentally connected three 200 watt Bluetti solar panels (in series) to my explorer 500, giving it well over 400 watts at about 60 volts. No smoke, but I did catch a bit of a burning odor. The input charging port is now dead, of course. I disassembled the unit and checked the PCB with the charging jack on it, and really could not see anything obvious - all of the nearby capacitors look fine. I have a good multimeter, but unfortunately the unit no longer has any charge left, which precludes more sleuthing. I wish I had your skills and equipment. Any ideas about how to proceed would be welcome.

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry to hear! Really, you’ll need to track down the part that got fried and replace it. It can be tricky but there are tricks, like giving the board power ( not connected to the battery) and seeing if something gets hot (a short), etc. Use diode and continuity modes to find shorts and open circuits. You could replace the board if you can find one for sale.

[@logothaironsides2942]

Yay. You did it. I saw a tool made for removing two leg components, it was a piece of copper wire bent to shape and just touching the legs then heated with a soldering iron. I think it was on instructables.

[@Mhakeman]

Can you explain how you plugged the wrong thing into the input? Wrong charging cord? I don’t understand that and it would be helpful to prevent others from making the same mistake! Thank you and nice video

[@bhgemini]

Same. I was like "grabbed the wrong barrel type adapter maybe?"

[@FrugalRepair]

I'm sorry that wasn't clear. I connected an SAE adapter that I don't normally use from the solar panel and I didn't think to check the polarity. The barrel plug adapter was the right size though.

[@mjremy2605]

Instead of plugging into AC socket on the wall to charge up your power station battery, he used a solar panel to charge up the battery. A portable solar panel can be plugged in directly into the power station to recharge the battery. The solar panel cable attaches to an SAE Adapter and this adapter plug fits into the INPUT (round socket hole) of the power station. SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, by the way. The wrong solar cable polarity end went into the SAE Adapter, so it shorted out the capacitor on the battery side. I'm not electrically inclined but deducing this is what happened. I have little knowledge of electrical wiring.

[@Smart-Skippy]

Respect! You owned up and repaired it. Kudos sir!

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks!

[@frederickmacapagal6842]

I opened up my jackery with the same problems as you did but the capacitor at the input is intact, its the flat black parts after thecapacitor that are burned. Can those be replaced or am I screwed? Can you suggest any electronic stores or firms that can repair this board?thanks.

[@FrugalRepair]

I don’t remember the components your mentioning. But you should be able to take it to an independent repair shop. You can call them and ask if they do board level repairs. Shops that work on water damaged stuff also do board level repairs. You could also go to a local makerspace and ask the people there. They probably know someone who can solder in new parts for you.

[@kalieka]

TY so much for the video! 😃I am troubleshooting my Jackery 500. I can't get it to hold a charge anymore it seems, and it's only a yr old. When the Jackery itself is plugged in, it will pass power no problem. You unplug the Jackery from the wall, and the whole thing goes dead. The display will come on and read 100%, but that's false. I've tried resetting it by holding down the display button for 10 seconds, and watching it run through everything. It will reset to show something like 14% and charging, but never charges the battery. (I have left it charging for more than a day plugged into the wall, only to open it up and find the battery shows almost no voltage). Still dead in the water and working on it. Would you have any idea what the issue is? The fuses all look good. Caps look good, and nothing burnt on the boards. Many thanks if you can offer any advice. 🙃 I'm hoping I am not stuck with a really expensive paper weight lol

[@FrugalRepair]

So when you measure the internal battery leads you are getting near 0 volts? That seems strange. If true then my guess is that the bms likely won’t attempt to charge the battery cells. Maybe you can try to charge the battery pack with an external charger to get the voltage up? I have a different brand where I’m facing similar issues but I haven’t worked on it yet.

[@richardhobbs7107]

At my last job as an HVAC tech I was paid $25.00 an hour (23 years ago) . . . . am curious your time involved in this repair including looking up & ordering the replacement capacitor (s) ? The time spent shooting the video of course does NOT count since you are providing us ignorant observers a public service . . . . . . which in my case I sincerely appreciate ! ! ! Enjoyed your well executed video . . . Thank You ! take care, rh

[@richardhobbs7107]

PS : my middle name is 'cheap' . . . . similar to 'Frugal' . . . . ?

[@FrugalRepair]

Other than making the video, I don't know exactly but I can get a new capacitor and solder it in pretty quickly. Taking the power station apart (since it's the first time) and going slower probably takes the most time so you can make sure to get everything back together again. It was definitely worth the time investment than buying a new one.

[@richardhobbs7107]

@@FrugalRepair - time 'invested' can save a LOT of coin later ! ! ! ( AND take a photo where you pause due to concern . . . . )

[@mixerD1-]

New sub...I have developed a bit of an interest in electronics the last few months, and I reckon you sir are a genius, and nothing can convince me otherwise. Thank you.👍👍

[@FrugalRepair]

Cool, what kind of electronics are you interested in or wanting to learn about?

[@mixerD1-]

@@FrugalRepair Well...(bare with me) I was asked if I wanted to commence a manufacturing technicians training course (industrial machine maintenance and repair of pneumatic and electric systems) three months back based on previous training and work experience (in Ireland) and...it being something new to me and challenging I jumped on it. It started off with electrical principle stuff and pneumatics but when the electronic stuff started it blew me away how tricky and complex and precise it can be. So, I watch the occasional KZbin video to try to get more of a handle on it but I was suggested a video of yours from 2020 a few minutes ago...and you diagnosed horizontal lines in a screen problem with sticky tape. This is just mind blowing and absolutely fascinating to me and something I hope I can get into some day. Thank you kindly for the interest buddy.😁

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks for sharing!

[@richardmccombs617]

Nice job, thanks for explanation to us who are electronically challenged.

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! I hope it was helpful.

[@TDubsKid]

Got a power station where the inverter has an internal short. Power on you see the wattage spike with nothing plugged in then shuts off in protection mode. Gonna take it apart and look it over. I love soldering pcb

[@FrugalRepair]

Hope you can fix it! Let us know the result if you get the chance.

[@janetbishop6031]

QUESTION….. I had my 800 watt koorui power station p500as charging with my 100 watt solar panel. It was at 61% when the display went to 0% . I tried to reset it by pressing the display button and usb button at the same time . I held it several times leading up to 2 minutes. It won’t reset. Any suggestions? I’m heartbroken. I only got to use it a few times , and it’s too late to send it back

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry about that! I don’t know that brand unfortunately. You could try taking it apart, disconnecting the battery, let it sit for a few hours then connect it again.

[@janetbishop6031]

@@FrugalRepair I’ll try that, but I’m 70 years old and not very electronically savvy. When I tried googling it it came up as a jackrey. Thank you for replying

[@mjremy2605]

@@janetbishop6031 Throw that crap out and buy a Yeti Goal Zero 400 or higher. Its the only one that is reliable with a Lithium battery and a True Sine inverter. Most of these others use Lead Acid Batteries, which can only be discharged at 50% or are damaged. Most contain Modified Sine Inverters which will damage your cell phone, laptop or delicate electronics. You don't want any of that junk. You want Lithium battery and True Sine Inverter only.

[@daveschmidt132]

Nice job, you remind me of me :) (fixing things). New viewer here, so maybe you already own one, but I love my Hakko 808 desoldering gun for desoldering thru hole parts. Appreciate the non-fluff and theatrics that other reviewers use.

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! I have Hakko stuff but I don’t have the 808. What do you like to fix?

[@daveschmidt132]

@@FrugalRepair Pretty much anything. I'm 'that guy' for friends and family. Cars, computers, electronics, electromechnical things. Recently got into old tube equipment (AA5, Hammarlund receivers, old HP test equipment (HP 606A)). Also got into ham radio in 2017 and of course there's plenty of ham equipment to fix. Bought a Kenwood TS520 and got that going, TS430S that needed fixing, and an SB201 waiting for repair in the garage. Recently realized older but very good HP test equipment is in my price range now. Picked up an 8920A, 3336C, 8657B in the last year. It'll come in handy working on transceivers.

[@frederickmacapagal6842]

Where do you buy the capacitors? I have 2 of these that I plugged the solar panel with more than 40 volt. Stupid, I know now. It smoked and popped.

[@FrugalRepair]

Electric parts stores online like mouser or digikey or even eBay or AliExpress

[@frederickmacapagal6842]

Thank you!

[@SA12String]

You would think that they would put some polarity protection on a $300 piece of electronics. I've fixed several computer monitors with just a few new capacitors. Certainly more cost effective that throwing out a $300 monitor.

[@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884]

They don’t expect people to use anything other than the Jackery power supply to recharge it.

[@glockman9c]

You should have bought your friend a new one and kept the one you smoked.

[@dukesim6088]

Same Problem with the Jackery 500, 12V wrong polarity, immediately some smoke. In this case it was not a capacitor but one of the nce40p40k blew up and some small parts around were damaged . The capacitors look fine. I am not an expert and will try to get it repaired by a professional, because the small parts are not that easy to replace as a capacitor. Unfortunate that there is no protection for this, as this type of equipment is also intended to work in crucial situations and potentially be loaded with improvised setups.

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry to hear! Keep me posted on how it goes.

[@dukesim6088]

@@FrugalRepair Unfortunately not only the SMD part itself blew up, but it burned a hole into the PCB. I will try to get a spare PCB or a whole spare power generator by Jackery itself. I will report then.

[@dukesim6088]

Jackery refused to send a PCB as replacement, which I would have paid for. As I opened the device they didn't want to help me out, just got a 50€ coupon for the next Jackery purchase. 😐

[@eightyoneduce1976]

Man your good at doing that work I've got the jackery 300 with a similar problem. I know how to fix it an don't have the tools

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! Maybe you can borrow the tools or take it to a local makerspace and ask them if someone would be willing to solder for you.

[@superduperboyx]

I'm a Noob here. Do the capacitors that you remove store power? Should I be aware of any shocks/sparks when I de-solder it?

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, electrolytic capacitors in general retain charge. They discharge with time though. You can discharge them if you are concerned. If it's a small one (like in the video), I don't worry about it personally.

[@seewaage]

I think I did that exact same thing to my Jackery 240 -- meaning I think I hooked a solar panel with the polarities reversed. I'll try this repair. Thanks!

[@jorgelbencosmerodriguez6494]

Have a bluetti ac50s portable power station accidentally damaged when connected the AC output to an energized mains circuit due to incorrect wiring. Interested in repair it.

[@FrugalRepair]

Hope you can repair it!

[@tippett58]

I have a Jackery 500 and it got wet on my boat. Jackery is not covering warranty, The lights come on. Put the wall charger on but dose not charge not sure what to do. No shop here will even look at it. Got any suggestions?

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry to hear. With liquid damage it could be anything. You’d have to open it up and track down the part(s) that were affected. Was it salt water?

[@tippett58]

Yes salt water

[@tippett58]

Took it apart found some corrections on the small board at the end of the battery. Cleaned with q tip and vinegar and dryed have now put it on the house charger. Now wait and see. If the battery were too low are they done? Or is there some way to bring them back?

[@FrugalRepair]

Great job on getting in there. You’ll want to use isopropyl alcohol (ipa) rather than vinegar (I’m not sure what that would do to that pcb). IPA and a toothbrush cleans well and it dries up fast. I would expect the battery cells to charge up if the other issues were taken care of. Is it behaving differently after you cleaned it?

[@tippett58]

Got it on house charger got 4% after 45 min. Plug a 12 watt light to get it started seemed to help get charge started.

[@DirtyPlumbus]

Am I understanding correctly in thinking that there is a difference between an input jacks wiring and an output jacks wiring, or is your solar panel actually connected backwards for some reason? I don't understand how this happened.

[@FrugalRepair]

There is a mixup in polarity. The typical DC jack has the inner pin as positive and the outer casing as negative. Many power stations can handle a reverse polarity on input, but apparently not this one. The solar panel has a positive and negative (since it’s a DC device) and with connectors it’s possible to get the polarity wrong (what I did).

[@DirtyPlumbus]

@@FrugalRepair OK, I think I understand. You basically got a couple wires crossed, which you typically don't have to be concerned about, but it was an issue with particular device. That's definitely something to be aware of which I wouldn't have even considered as a total noob. Thanks

[@isaiahhesslup8463]

BLESSING!!!!

[@jimmiecasanova6766]

Awesome I Thank You for that INFO , Thank You , Thank You , Thank You !

[@LoLErMan13]

Is there a way to do this for someone who has no experience in doing electrical surgery,

[@FrugalRepair]

Maybe ask around and find a friend who can solder. Other than giving it a try yourself, that’s the best I can think of.

[@LoLErMan13]

@@FrugalRepair will a local electronics shop repair it? Or do they only fix whole parts you think

[@FrugalRepair]

They should be able to. They might not want to work on the whole unit but if you gave them the PCB and the component, they should be able to solder it in.

[@mjremy2605]

Yes. I don't know anything about electricity either. You are here to learn not to palm it off to someone else. If too lazy or insecure to learn, then why come here at all? Think it through. Get the tools. Get the parts. Get some advice face to face with an electrical shop guy. Then watch this video again. Then do it. One new thing learned. Be aware of safety issues. Cover your eyes, wear rubber shoes, rubber gloves, and work on a non metal table.

[@caffeineismydrug]

Jackery is terrible; they don't fix things, only replace them, with no post warranty service. Additionally having a reverse polarity charge port should be criminal, especially without marking it. I acquired a Jackery 1000 that someone blew up the input charge circuitry. Like yours, there were 2 input paths, but the MPPT beyond that was shot, so neither charging w/ barrel connector or anderson plug worked. Ever after replacing a few FET transistors, it was still shot. Fortunately, the BMS still works well, so I just use a $15 DC to DC converter set to 25.2V (The 1000 has a 6S combination, and the BMS does have a overvoltage and undervoltage protection it seems)

[@FrugalRepair]

Good job trying to fix it. Glad to hear you were able to keep the battery pack going.

[@michaelherbert9381]

Hi my power went out and I accidentally plugged a heater in which forced the Flashfish AC not to work. I trued recharging it as the manufacturer suggested but it didn’t work. Any ideas? Thanks mike. I have the flesh fish 200w

[@FrugalRepair]

These devices should not break when you pull too much current. There likely is a reset switch or button you can press.

[@dr.hoover345]

7:30 I would have laughed if he accidentally plugged it in with the polarity reversed again.

[@harrycee656]

I was secretly hoping it was going to happen so we got another lesson in this video.

[@georgemartinezjr]

Great job of testing did you have in instruction electronics

[@jasonmartin9393]

Hi there so I have a power station something like that one but not that brand I can plug it up to charge but no matter what it says 0watts it will charge but at 0watts takes it like 2 day what do u think that could be wrong with it

[@호호-g3w3g]

I have Anker F2000 power station that is not working with E3 battery protection mode due to output overload. Is there any way to fix it?

[@FrugalRepair]

I don't have that one but I would try the reset switch (you need a paper clip). I assume that unit has one.

[@bruceleealmighty]

So, like so many others, knowing I would have absolutely no problem with this, thinking how many people would insist that you replace, rather than repair.

[@FrugalRepair]

Yep, and it's interesting that we have the most readily available information for repairing things that has ever existed.

[@Daniel-vx6uj]

Well, I'll be. Wow. You explained that perfectly. I never knew it was something sum what easy. I've always gotten to that part & be like, yeah f that & smashed it lol. Thanks man keep on keeping on.😜👍👍🍻✌

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! Well, at first when I saw all of the smoke coming out the sides that's what I thought. Though I didn't know what I would get in to, I was happy to see that the capacitor seems to be the only damage.

[@genyang536]

My 1500 keeps reading as too cold. I'm from California. Any way on fixing the thermos or something?

[@FrugalRepair]

Huh, that's strange. That sounds fixable. I wonder if the temp sensor went bad. You could experiment with disconnecting the sensor to see if it allows you to charge or discharge and if so, see about replacing it.

[@Gandoff2000]

Separate refrigerator magnets for each set of screws. 🤦‍♂Why didn't I think of this. I have been using small cups. But if you knock one over the screws flee! Thank you!

[@FrugalRepair]

Glad it can help! I’m regularly grabbing those fridge magnets for projects. You can also draw on the magnet with an oil based pen (sharpie) if you want to make a diagram, for example.

[@nathanleazer9834]

I have the 600W King Boss and it won't turn on. The blue light comes on when charging but the display won't turn and and neither will any of the outputs. I left it in the equipment room at work and that was clearly a mistake I won't make again.

[@FrugalRepair]

Are you going to try to fix it?

[@nathanleazer9834]

@@FrugalRepair Yes I would like to. I have the charger plugged in and when I hit the button for the AC/USB/DC outlet, the blue light blinks once but they still don't cut on. The main power screen still won't come on.

[@Track1recordschannel]

This is awesome. Can please fix mine. I have a NEXPOW 300W Portable Power Station that I don't know what's going on with it

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! What’s doesn’t work with it?

[@Hooghan04]

I have an error code fo on my display. It’s the 1000 pro. I’ve tried resetting it. It won’t come on or charge. Any ideas? I contacted jackery, but they won’t warranty it because I bought it from a guy who won it in a raffle and he doesn’t have the order number.

[@FrugalRepair]

Have you made any progress? What is the error code and do you know what it is related to?

[@willhouskamp1723]

I broke my usb port on my jackery is there a way to replace it?

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, you can solder in a new one. Of course, you have to take it apart to get to the circuit board

[@Trindify]

I'm sorry, but what? The inside is positive and the outside is negative but you "had it reversed"? How do you insert a power cable's connector inside out?

[@FrugalRepair]

If I remember right I mixed up an SAE connector. I had to convert anderson to the barrel connector and was using what I had on hand. You are correct that you can't really mess up a barrel port connection.

[@DonTrump-sv1si]

I dropped my jackery and the plugins don't work. I hear something rattling in it. You think it's an easy fix?

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, I think you can fix it. I have no idea how "easy" it would be for you. But why not give it a try. Go slow and use common sense.

[@Eldannysvideos]

I have a Chafon brand power supply, its an orange brick looking.. my Dc outputs doesn’t work,, it charges and usb ports work.. any ideas?

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry, no idea. You’d have to open it up and start poking around

[@tluva1020]

Reverse polarity protection should be standard

[@FrugalRepair]

Agreed, but apparently Jackery didn’t feel like they needed it on this model.

[@md.shariarkabir7350]

they should gave reverse current protection on the power house.

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, I would have thought that was standard protection.

[@gotech7991]

i just bought the other day one unit i wonder if these are used computer batteries been used in this ??????

[@FrugalRepair]

I’m sure they are using new 18650 cells when they make the battery pack.

[@vgamesx1]

A little hard to understand what you mean, but yes laptops sometimes use them, but these days most companies use flat cells to make devices thinner.

[@whatever52h]

How do you reverse the polarity of a plug?

[@FrugalRepair]

With an adapter. Some power stations and solar panels use uncommon connectors. I should have tested with a multimeter first (not to mention the power station should have protection from reverse polarity)

[@sjhanksaz]

How many volts was that battery pack inside it?

[@FrugalRepair]

I honestly don't remember. Why do you want to know?

[@sjhanksaz]

@@FrugalRepair want to try and charge it outside of the unit to see if that revives the battery pack

[@FrugalRepair]

You should be able to get a voltage on the battery to give you an idea. Worst case, you can calculate it by the cell configuration (I think they used 18650 cells). Hope it goes well

[@maxinnn1]

do theses type of thing exist in 220 v?

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, if you are in Europe, for example, most battery units like these have a standard 220v AC output.

[@65choco]

What's funny is that I have cheap devices that they work easy between 9-24v with polarity protection. But expensive stuff came with only one input (12v or 24v) no protection.

[@georgemartinezjr]

How do remember were everything goes back together

[@FrugalRepair]

Some of it is experience and some is going back and looking at videos and photos I took when I was taking it apart.

[@mathiasgonthier5436]

I blew up a relay of some type but trying to replace it I ends up melting or damaging the mobo. Trying to find someone with a rockpals ps300 power board or a broken one for parts. Anyone?

[@JohnDrach]

I paid 1300 for one of the larger versions of this thing (3 months old). It won't charge or charge devices. Jackery won't help me because I didn't buy from them. For anybody looking to buy one of these. Don't. Hoping I can fix it

[@FrugalRepair]

I hope you can fix it. Did the battery pack voltage get too low? And now the bms won’t charge it? Or was there damage to it?

[@JohnDrach]

​@@FrugalRepair I dont know. Ive used it twice since I bought it. It was reading 55%. I did a hard reset and now it reads 65%. I cant charge it and I cant charge anything with it. Its possible the display is not reading properly and voltage is lower than whats being displayed.

[@genonote228]

Hilarious how experienced people with excellent repair skills blows equipment by making connection mistakes. If experienced people can blow up things not surprising that normal people do it accidentally. They realy need to add fuse protection to these devices. In the old days almostv everything was fused.

[@FrugalRepair]

It tells me two things, 1 - These units should have reverse polarity protection. 2 - I should have checked the polarity first rather than assuming because the connections fit. And usually repair people get better at repairing because they have broken a lot of things ahead of time and it became a learning experience.

[@glockman9c]

What do you mean you had the polarity reversed??? You used an aftermarket AC/DC adapter?

[@FrugalRepair]

Reversed polarity on a solar panel output with the connector I used

[@Dummygreg]

Should have use electric tape on ur screw drive to keep from touching metal

[@wt9653]

Not even watching your video. Did you push and hold the display for 10 seconds. All Jackery has safety feature. To reset models 1000 and smaller. Push and hold display button for 10 seconds. 1500 and up, push and hold both display and dc button for 13 seconds. It resets the Jackery.

[@scottcates]

Pro Tip: You also have to place a nine-volt battery in your mouth when the capacitor is fried.

[@wt9653]

@@scottcates If that doesn't work. You put hot 120v extension cord to your sphincter muscle. It will pucker you up.

[@tippett58]

Yes it was salt water.

[@FrugalRepair]

That’s unfortunate because it’s much more corrosive. You want to open that up and see if you can identify where the corrosion is and hopefully ID the faulty parts, replace and clean thoroughly and get it running again.

[@PEST4LESSPestControl]

Can you fix our 240?

[@FrugalRepair]

What is wrong with it? I doubt it’s cost effective to mail it to me (if I could fix it)

[@lefokamogomotsi8239]

What if you overcharged your portable power station and it no longer switches on

[@FrugalRepair]

How can you over charge it? It might have a reset button you can try

[@lefokamogomotsi8239]

@@FrugalRepair bro I left it on a charger and it never switched on again so I thought I probably overcharged it .... . But it chargers my phone via USB cable even though it doesn't switch on

[@namenotfound8172]

Those Explorer's are overpriced and inferior to other power stations.

[@LoLErMan13]

God damnit I did this with my fast ebike charger, instead of the generator charger now it doesn't work at all.

[@FrugalRepair]

Are you going to try to fix it?

[@randomhobbies5796]

Jackery Chinese made?

[@mjremy2605]

Of course. Everything is made in China. Forget Swiss and German products. Even they have moved to China.

[@harrycee656]

I refuse to buy any power station that doesn't have a C12 plug.

[@FrugalRepair]

Not many besides the low quality ones do that anymore.

[@tdiler12]

TD 0 seconds ago I did the same thing, fried the input on the 500 unable to charge as no usb input like yours $ 500 loss unless I can find a repair havent the skills/tools ---F** !..

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry to hear! Perhaps you can ask around on social media with friends who can solder out/in a capacitor for you. I’m sure you can get to work again.

[@tdiler12]

Thanks for the video and advice maybe I can send back as defective Jackery has a 24 month warranty.

[@GoatZilla]

Lol

[@cureforboredom9719]

oooo first

[@FrugalRepair]

Nice!

[@vivekreddy6052]

Great review: One question though: which one would you recommend in terms of Safety during extreme temparatures for Van life. Jackery or Lithium ION batteries with charger controller set up. Tnx in Advance !!

[@FrugalRepair]

Do you mean cold or hot temps? The high end temps are probably not an issue with most devices. But if the unit will be below freezing then you want to get a battery that has a heater on it (installed or built in).

[@mjremy2605]

Lithium always. Keep it warm not cold. Also, Inverter should be True Sine otherwise your cell phone and laptop will be permanently damaged. Modified Sine inverters are cheap rubbish that will damage a $1500 computer or phone. Yeti Goal Zero 400 is pricey but has lithium batteries, and a true sine inverter safe for delicate electronics. It also does not die on you early like the Lead Acid batteries that don't hold a charge. I mean most of these have 18AH Lead Acid batteries. You can only discharge that to 50% or 9 AH. Are you kidding? That is worthless.