The BEST Way to BOOST Your Portable Power Station!

[@LMcCall-tr4dx]

I've thought about connecting an external battery to the DC input of my power station...but NEVER thought about connecting it to the solar input. That's ingenious and the solar input accepts a lot more current than the DC input does. Thanks much for a great idea!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet! Glad I could help!

[@butchie2752]

@@LMcCall-tr4dx with a power inverter you can just plug it in as if you were plugging it into the wall. How long it will take depends on the wattage of the inverter.

[@TheOldJarhead]

True

[@DrPhatMusic]

@@butchie2752 the inverter built-in to most power stations are quite robust (2600W on my Elite 200 V2), so I feel the inverter is unnecessary as long as the DC in is sufficient for refilling the power station (1000W) with a 48V battery. I won’t need an expensive inverter!

[@TheOldJarhead]

I think for the most part that's correct

[@dad7256]

I've worked with UPS systems over the years as an electrician, I recently purchased an Anker system and have been thinking about trying this, you proved to me I can ! thank you for your service to our country !!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad you found it helpful! and thank you!

[@wolfenstein6676]

What do you think of the EcoFlow Alternator Charger?

[@TheOldJarhead]

@wolfenstein6676 Sounds like an awesome solution

[@campandcook3118]

​@@wolfenstein6676 that every alternator connected DC charger that provides the correct voltage and amps will be fine

[@TheOldJarhead]

👍

[@normprovost2808]

Seems that the external battery is a substitute for a solar panel. Very nice. Not mentioned is how the external battery gets re-charged.

[@TheOldJarhead]

The next video I do just that 😉 Cheers

[@leeinwis]

Thor ?

[@TheOldJarhead]

LOL when responding on my phone that often happens - typos galore! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTLaGyugbaLeKc Is a video I did to answer the charging questions :D

[@stedyone1090]

External battery gets charged whatever way you want. DUH...😮

[@TheOldJarhead]

I think some don't realize the idea here is that you can extend the time your power station runs something this way but that it is not an end all be all solution.

[@handsomedubbledee]

First of all, thank you for your service. I am a veteran as well. US Army. Second, the best video about charging your power station with a battery. Straight to the point like a soldier would tell it. Now I know what to do. I have the same kind of power station. Thank you so much for the help

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thank you for your service! And glad I could help!

[@truth431]

@@TheOldJarhead Hello From Canada 🍁 Thank You so much as for the greater reassurance just the right kind of information as I been looking for !! Please allow me to share what all as I been currently planning for next summer I'm 58 years young !! LOL And as I having retired early simply to make the best out of my lifetime more so then simply as within the moment but as well to live to actually have the time to mindfully enjoy the thoughts of my memories of all my upcoming planned adventures out on the road such as I explain here below !!! I just ordered a very expensive long range electric bike that will venture up to 150 plus miles with an extra battery on a single charge !! I'm also buying the parts to build my own ultra light/ aluminum framed mini closed in popup style camper trailer and as it will also will be integrated as by design to fit a fishing kayak in other words it will serve as my campers roof top and simplistically designed of course to keep the overall weight load at a minimum towing capacity along with my camping fishing gear !! And most certainly to including you're great setup which as you shown me as would do just fine including a couple my solar panels as will also be intergraded in part of the walls of my camper as to top it all off literally as is just about what all I need to head out on the roads during my traveling fishing and camping adventures come summer !!! Bon voyage !!! Thank You For Them Money Wise SAVINGS Tips My Friend !!! I Have Subscribed !!! All The Best Adventures To You As Well Of Course Always Follow You're Heart ❣ and OH YA LOL one more thing such as by the way what a coincidence as I actually had made Myself Chili Tonight for my own dinner and Certainly Tasty Chili As Will Certainly Be A Staple Packed Up For All My Travels Next Summer !! Besides The Fish Are Not Always Biting !!! LOL So I Guess Be It Wise At Best To Have A Back Up Chili Plan . LOL CHEERS !!!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Sounds like fun -- but if pulling with the e bike all that weight will reduce the range quite a bit, maybe half it so be mindful of that in your planning ;)

[@truth431]

@TheOldJarhead I agree and certainly it is much like a balancing act of course I am keeping that in mind I am buying another ebike battery which will help in the balance and range of my road trips as I have factored into mind. Long with solar panels as well some charging stations like camp grounds I plan to stop into between some point along my way from place to place . All combined will be well planned out and I will not hold a timeline set to travel about from one point to the next and the slower I tend to push the ebike the longer the range I will get out of my batteries like at half throttle rather then maxed out all the way which I calculated into my thoughts and plans. Thank you for you're kind advice most appreciated my friend.

[@TheOldJarhead]

It will be a grand adventure! Where are you located?

[@ronhawkins8604]

Sir, just wanted to add another thanks for the knowledge I get from your videos. My P210 arrived yesterday and today I fully charged it. Then connected one 12v 100ah battery which pushed 112w in. Then two batteries in series and exactly like you showed, just over 500w going into the power station. I love it when a thing works 😊

[@TheOldJarhead]

Awesome to see it working! Nothing like getting a new piece of gear up and running 😉

[@ronhawkins8604]

@@TheOldJarhead I'm resisting the urge to buy the Solar Play version of this for $799. I hate wanting things that I truly don't need.

[@TheOldJarhead]

I know the feeling! But what's the 'Solar Play version?' Is that just a smaller unit with a solar panel? I'll have to go look. I will say, the Aferiy has been a good unit for me :D But today's video is on a MONSTER of a power station (so you might not want to watch it LOL).....

[@barrykery1175]

Neat trick. I have two 13 volt 20 ah LiFePO4 batteries wired in parallel. Last week I tried plugging them into the Aferiy. It charged at 110 watts. Works for me. Barry

[@TheOldJarhead]

Nice!

[@JamesAmbrose48]

When I plug my 12.8v 100ah battery into my Bluetti’s pv charging port, it charges about that rate too, which is perfect.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That's good to hear!

[@zodaguado6655]

It’s because this unit allows up to 25 amps, your Bluetti will only allow 8 amps with a 12-24v battery…. That’s why this unit will charge at 500, which is max, so if you have a Bluetti and use this 24v battery, it should give you 24x8 or around 200 watts if charged,,, now if you move to a 32v battery or above, the Bluetti will allow 10 amps, so 32x10 will be your new charge rate

[@TheOldJarhead]

Great breakdown! It’s always important to understand how these units interact with each other to optimize performance.

[@PhilCherry3]

Part of the issue is too many people try to maintain access to substantially high levels of available power in situations that require a mental switch to camping/backpacking mode. While it’s understandable to want to save meats stored in refrigerators & deep freezers, modest people can strategically consume those items &/or share them with neighbors so they don’t go to waste. The biggest lesson I leaned during Hurricane Hugo was it’s better to have a multitude of impromptu cookouts than to waste time & energy fighting hopelessly to preserve a frozen food storehouse for a week or more without power. Use reasonably sized & portable power stations. Use USB devices that have low energy needs. Pair that with a decently powerful solar panel suitcase product. Supplement these with whatever trove of power bricks you may have accumulated. Make sure everything is topped off pre-storm. Once the storm event has passed, use power as if you expect to be without shore power for weeks. Do the same thing with potable water. DO NOT TRY TO RUN YOUR 85” FLAT SCREEN TV ALL DAY & INTO THE NIGHT. FORGET ABOUT THE WILLIAM SONOMA CHEF’S KITCHEN-GRADE ESPRESSO COFFEE MAKER.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Agreed! I was at Lejeune during Hugo

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Exactly! That is what we do. I do want to get my batteries connected to an electrical panel for the convenience of wall outlets. My priority is food but I use a smaller chest freezer. It uses 1/4 the power of my full size upright freezer.

[@TheOldJarhead]

It's great to see you prioritizing efficiency! Connecting your batteries to an electrical panel will definitely make things easier. Smaller chest freezers are such a smart choice for conserving energy!

[@davidarnold344]

@@PhilCherry3 keeping the food good does NOT use much energy. 200-300w for a fridge and chest freezer. If you use a battery generator and recharge it with a small LP 2 hours a day. You will pay for that battery generator after the first power outage and use like 5 gal a week of fuel. (A BBQ lp tank)

[@beisdj0]

​@davidarnold344 Yup. I have a Predator 2000 that sips gas. I can easily recharge my solar generator in a couple of hours and run my fridge, small chest freezer, lights, fans, internet, etc 24/7. If the sun is shining I have 1200 watts of portable solar panels, no genny needed.

[@rlwoods61]

I'm not sure what you did for a living but you like a very knowledgeable electrician. I know that because I was an electrician for 38 years at a electric utility. My team was responsible for the backup batteries. You made a lot of since and will save people a lot of money!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks! I worked in Telecommunications for 30 years and worked on a lot of DC power systems from small remotes to large central offices 😉

[@rudgarzsda]

That’s for sure.😊👍🏽

[@TheOldJarhead]

thanks

[@tomgarciaaz]

I've done it a few years ago with a 12v bat and a 24v buck converter. It works ;)

[@TheOldJarhead]

Agreed.

[@puffyjet]

great tips for a beginner like my wife and myself thanks very much

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BJsmith-l7h]

THANK FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY ❤ Thank you for sharing this video.

[@TheOldJarhead]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@richJimZ888]

A new twist to having a loud generator on to recharge. I'm new to this as I live in a suburban area and don't want to install solar panels on the roof so I've been looking for alternatives. Thanks and a new subscriber.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful.

[@305dave]

Just went though Milton here in Tampa and while we were extremely fortunate, we didn't have power for 4 days and I have since become obsessed (maybe a little dramatic) with solar generators as I'm in an apartment. I'm trying to select the one I'm going to get but this video certainly alters what I was going to do. Awesome information, thank you 🙏🏾

[@TheOldJarhead]

Let me know if I can help you decide further!

[@305dave]

@TheOldJarhead I truly appreciate that, thank you. I might actually take you up on that.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Feel free! I'm happy to help where I can and I do plan on testing more power stations, batteries and DC to DC chargers soon!

[@305dave]

@@TheOldJarhead 👍🏾👍🏾

[@305dave]

Hi there, I ended up ordering the Ecoflow Delta 3 Plus. To run the setup you have in this video, can you tell me exactly the converter I'd need? You talk about in the video but I'm illiterate in these kind of things and need a little help specifying exactly the one to get. Thanks in advance!

[@llamawrangler8964]

This is a quadruple WOWzer!!!! I kept thinking along the same lines. It's what I taught in shop class long, long, long ago. AND if I'm right .... can charge the other power cells back up by being connected to the XT60-out while either connected to Solar, 120v outlet, or ... a combination of both It just takes a simple reminder to the brain cells. Appreciate VERY MUCH !!!!!

[@TheOldJarhead]

If you have an output then perhaps yes but would need to be managed

[@bobclark7211]

Great video. Thanks, i didn’t think of this less expensive way to get the added power.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad I could help!

[@areafiftyoneok]

Just tried it on one of my Ecoflows and it works a dream, Thanks

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It means a lot to know that my tips are helping out. Happy powering!

[@stedyone1090]

BEST OPTION EVER Thanks for sharing 👍

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@truth431]

Hello From Canada 🍁 Thank You so much as for the greater reassurance just the right kind of information as I been looking for !! Please allow me to share what all as I been currently planning for next summer I'm 58 years young !! LOL And as I having retired early simply to make the best out of my lifetime more so then simply as within the moment but as well to live to actually have the time to mindfully enjoy the thoughts of my memories of all my upcoming planned adventures out on the road such as I explain here below !!! I just ordered a very expensive long range electric bike that will venture up to 150 plus miles with an extra battery on a single charge !! I'm also buying the parts to build my own ultra light/ aluminum framed mini closed in popup style camper trailer and as it will also will be integrated as by design to fit a fishing kayak in other words it will serve as my campers roof top and simplistically designed of course to keep the overall weight load at a minimum towing capacity along with my camping fishing gear !! And most certainly to including you're great setup which as you shown me as would do just fine including a couple my solar panels as will also be intergraded in part of the walls of my camper as to top it all off literally as is just about what all I need to head out on the roads during my traveling fishing and camping adventures come summer !!! Bon voyage !!! Thank You For Them Money Wise SAVINGS Tips My Friend !!! I Have Subscribed !!! All The Best Adventures To You As Well Of Course Always Follow You're Heart ❣ and OH YA LOL one more thing such as by the way what a coincidence as I actually had made Myself Chili Tonight for my own dinner and Certainly Tasty Chili As Will Certainly Be A Staple Packed Up For All My Travels Next Summer !! Besides The Fish Are Not Always Biting !!! LOL So I Guess Be It Wise At Best To Have A Back Up Chili Plan . LOL CHEERS !!!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Sounds like fun! Good luck!

[@NicolasYnurreta]

Thank you just saved me a ton of money!!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@keith9875]

All good information. I chose the factory extra batteries because I want my system to be portable. Having the convenience to take it camping or take it with me to the vacation cabin.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Nothing wrong with that :) and camping is what got me into power stations

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Been thinking about exactly this... Great video

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willdrivesu7914]

Here and i was thinking i wasted money on my eco flow, because i want to expand the capacity bit those extra batteries are just too expensive. What an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing this!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@nathanaelhanson2412]

I love my Aferiy, it is an absolute beast. Built in 2400w pure sine inverter, tons of ports. Best investment I’ve made in my off grid system.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That’s a great unit to have!

[@barrymclaughlin794]

Why didn’t I think about this? I have a couple of large capacity power stations linked to a home integration panel to power up my critical loads panel. I had been considering buying more of the manufacturers expensive expansion capacity batteries however I do have multiple 100Ah 12 volt batteries that are not being used and now I have your video of what I can do with these batteries. I could also connect solar to the main batteries but if I don’t have a sunny day after the hurricane passes this is a great work around to expand my capacity without spending more money. Thanks again for this proof of concept video.

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet! And yes, in an Emergency thus is a cost saving measure that can extend your capabilities!

[@RogueOntheRoad]

I saved even more money by building my own power station. The 2,000 watt inverter is powered by a 200 amp hour battery. Charging the system can be done easily while powering the refrigeration units. If I can't find shore power I charge with solar. Upgrading is no problem. I bought some flexable 200 watt solar panels which I want to connect in series. The input voltage will be over 100 volts. I looked for a charge controller which can have the total volts delivered from the series connected solar panels. So now I can have two different solar panel arrangements at the same time. I am also building a system that uses a 24 volt 300 amp hour battery which has a 4,000 watt inverter. I plan to add another 300 amp hours in parallel for a total of 14,400 watt hours of power.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That's a great way to go!

[@jamestarpley162]

@@RogueOntheRoad do you have a KZbin channel?

[@TheOldJarhead]

He does but it looks inactive.

[@rudgarzsda]

Nice. What are you planning to supply power to?

[@TheOldJarhead]

👍

[@BruceRiley-rj4lh]

Very cool. Opened my eyes. Thankyou

[@TheOldJarhead]

You're welcome 😊

[@JBROWN3830]

Two 12v x 100ah batteries could also be connected in series to get the 24 volts as well.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Yup

[@ronhawkins8604]

What is the advantage of using two 12 to make 24 vice just using one of the 12v at a time?

[@TheOldJarhead]

Since the charge controller on the power station in this case has a 20a max it will only draw 256w off the 12.8v batteries but in series you get 25.6v so it can draw 512w :D

[@ronhawkins8604]

​@@TheOldJarheadok Cool, guess I'll just use one for my home built portable and the others will be available to supplement the aferiy. My primary goal is to keep freezers going so I don't lose thousands of $ worth of meat and to run the blower on my wood furnace if commercial power goes out. I like the idea of quiet also so my distant neighbors don't hear and get any ideas

[@TheOldJarhead]

I get that ;)

[@nytrini1ify]

I have two Anker f3800 and in the the process of connecting solar panels. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Anker has good products!

[@shelley131]

I have the first generation EcoFlow delta max 2000, two of them. I don't believe in buying expansion batteries, instead I'll buy 2 and daisy chain them together. I like doing it this way for when we are out of town because I'll connect my fridge to the ecoflow and the ecoflows are connected to each other and one of them to the a/c outlet. Because of the pass through charging and the EPS, the ecoflows are 100% charged and if I happen to have an outage both ecoflows will run my fridge for over 30 hours and I don't worry if I happen to be out of town because normally by that time power is back on and the ecoflows will begin to charge from the wall outlet while still running the fridge. I have a 48V battery that I have also used for when there is no power or sunlight, it works great. Also as you stated it is a lot less expensive than those expansion batteries. For $1299.00 , buying the 51.2V battery gives me 5120 watts that is 25¢ a watt. Great video and great job.

[@michaelmorrison5280]

The main downside to a setup like that is you're losing twice as much power running multiple inverters, but there are quite a few upsides to having multiple units like that.

[@jacoblharris]

@@michaelmorrison5280 You're right, I would rather have the expansion battery.

[@JohnBurns-j2c]

I also Have Two Delta Max 2500w Continiuous,5000 watt peak.×(2) of giving Me now more than(2) 20 amp Circuits! & Actually 45amps at Continiued at 120volt.Way,way more than Needed to Run anything. I also Have the Eco-Flow portable 600watt 51.2volt D.C.Solar Panels. Will Charge each Station in 3-4 hrs.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Sounds like you have a solid system!

[@fookingsog]

​@@michaelmorrison5280 If they are daisy-chained, the secondary unit detects the first unit as being "line voltage" and doesn't kick in until the first unit hits the low mark cut-off and shuts down...so both inverters are not operating simultaneously.

[@robertarnobit5357]

Great idea 👍 you saved me a lot of money. Eventually I would come to the same conclusion but after buying an expensive addition.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad I could help

[@latergator3367]

You saved me. I can’t swim but after you threw me that extra battery I was almost saved at checkout. Thanks Grunt.

[@TheOldJarhead]

LOL not sure about the swimming but hopefully the battery trick works for you!

[@thelifeofdoug]

I went to youtube University today. Thank you sir. I learnedca great deal.

[@TheOldJarhead]

I'm always happy to help!

[@MsdMakingSawDust]

Good information there Sir. Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@TheOldJarhead]

Hey thanks bud!

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

Wow! I might still expand my Anker Solex c-1000 with their battery because it's on sale and immediate, but the lightbulbs of understanding are starting to turn on and your videos have been really helpful. Eventually I'll build from scratch. Thanks!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Awesome! You may enjoy today's video 😉

[@royrobinson4636]

That's a very budget-friendly and logical way to store additional energy. 🤠 However, I would not have so easily discounted an independent D/C to A/C Inverter. For example... with a 3000-watt pure sine wave inverter, you can connect multiple batteries (in parallel) as long as the voltage remains the same. Then, charge your Power Station via the "A/C input", generally 2-3 Times faster than the D/C input. You can also connect your inverter to a vehicle to charge your Power Station, appliances, battery charger, etc. directly when you have little or no sunlight.

[@Step-n-Wolf]

You are converting DC to AC to DC. That wouldn't be as efficient as DC to DC.

[@royrobinson4636]

@@Step-n-Wolf ~ Yes, that's true. However, I believe a D/C to A/C inverter is a great "optional" power source to recharge your power station(s), battery banks, and run appliances, lights, etc. When the grid is down, it's dark outside or there is no sunlight, and your food is thawing in the freezer, etc., calculating efficiency is the last thing on your mind.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Agreed

[@TheOldJarhead]

True but he's correct in that the AC would be faster.

[@19ghost73]

Great advice! What I personally would add (for any external battery system): Cover both el. connections of that 24V-battery to prevent accidental shortening them and add suitable (30A ?) fuses into each lead from that battery. That 24V-battery has a serious amount of energy stored inside, and any el.. shortcut could lead to serious consequences.

[@TheOldJarhead]

1 fuse per battery, but yes :)

[@af1023]

Excellent review and I like your practical project. I also use a 24v battery or 2x 12v 100ah Power Queen in series to extend my power station's during outages and camping. To recharge them in the field, I attach a Victron 30/100 controller attached to 3x220w Renogy bifacial panels to feed 500-600w on a mediocre day. Things I have found out during my prolonged emergencies: 1- the "old but still works" refrigerators can be a real pain as they are extremely inefficient. A new one will save the day 2. For some elder relatives, I use a small man cave fridge and keep it at 52F for the insulin and other medicines, 3- regular refrigerators should be kept at 37F, anything higher will prompt spoilage including baby formula. Again, important in long term outages (3+ days) 4- 12/24v refrigerators and other appliances prolong power, 5- Avoid the box fans unless you know they are very efficient. Many of these fans start at 68WHr vs 10WHr for a Costco minifan. Use 12v or USB fans. 6- Any devices that use BT can be consumption killers and should be disconnected when not in use. 7- Try to prepare food with propane based camping stoves 8- Keep a good inverter Gas/LNG/Propane generator to temporarily charge your batteries and power stations if the sun is not charging 9- When using the gas generator, DO NOT charge your power station past 80/85%, this eats a lot of fuel just to bring it to 100% 9a- this includes charging your power station with the 24v battery, you get a lot more miles not charging the power station to 100% Thank you, you hit a very good spot in this community.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Great points, you've obviously put a lot of thought into this!

[@af1023]

@@TheOldJarhead Thank you, taking care of family and figuring out the best way to prolong energy available. Videos like this one help a lot and validate some ideas. Thank you

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet! Family first!

[@pablocortes6950]

Very informative video! Thank You for your service Sir 🇺🇲‼️

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thank you!

[@sdatenor]

I have a Bluetti AC 200 Max. It is used everyday to power my son’s computer, Xbox, PlayStation and LED flat screen TV. The Bluetti is charged with 600w of solar, but sometimes the unit just turns off after it runs out of power without warning. My son has Crohn’s disease and bed ridden for 4 + years in a medical bed in our living-room. Instead of buying the Bluetti 3000k external battery for $1,999. I decided to buy a Redodo 24 v 100 Li battery, saving me $1500. Thank you for the information. If there are any other helpful hits, please let me know. Merry Christmas.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Merry Christmas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6O9qKuOgbV_nbM this one can show you a way to charge it as well

[@pennyclegg7728]

Thank you for this video! I was going to buy the extra expansion battery from eco flow. I won’t now. Your idea is awesome!❤ Canada 🇨🇦

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad it's helpful

[@junkerzn7312]

Yes, as long as the battery voltage you are feeding in is within the range supported by the power station on its "solar" input, you can do this. Since power stations usually also support car-charging, they don't get confused by the source being a battery rather than a solar panel and will charge at their maximum amperage. In this regard, both 12.8V LiFePO4 and 25.6V LiFePO4 batteires generally work. But double check. Since the power station is amperage-limited, using a higher voltage (25.6V.. which can be as high as 29.2V by the way) battery will allow it to charge more quickly. As long as it's within the range the power station can handle that is. For safety, you should always fuse the external battery connection going into the power station to roughly 150% the power station's maximum input amperage on that port. The external battery is capable of pushing an enormous amount of power and you don't want a short or failure in the power station to cause a fire. This isn't perfect, in that the power station is still limited by its AC output... so you might need a medium or large power station anyway depending on what you are running with that AC output. But you can avoid buying expensive proprietary power station expansion batteries by using an external battery or battery bank to feed into the power station. -Matt

[@TheOldJarhead]

I've done this with small power stations as well but yes, you must fit within the Power Stations input parameters but batteries don't 'push' amperage, they just allow it to be drawn off. If the max input is 10amps then it's 10amps. If it's 20amps then that's what it is. The battery could care less :)

[@junkerzn7312]

@@TheOldJarhead The power station regulates the input to a maximum amperage, to be clear. The batteries are typically capable of an order of magnitude more amperage than the power station could actually handle.

[@TheOldJarhead]

@@junkerzn7312 Correct

[@miguelv431]

@@TheOldJarhead thank you that the information I was looking for. 👏👏

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@stewartmackay]

Good video, thank you. This has got me thinking now.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks

[@lavenderlilacproductions]

4:40 For the same reason I don't build my own computer anymore. I can buy parts and assemble my own, but chasing a half dozen warranties from multiple Chinese manufacturers when a part acts up is different than making a call to Jackery or EcoFlow

[@lavenderlilacproductions]

10:25 it's certainly a money saver. Have to pull it apart to recharge the external battery. I wonder if we'll see Chinesium battery packs for the big brand power stations like we do for DeWalt and Milwaukee tools

[@TheOldJarhead]

I still build mine but generally research components to make sure what I put in will run a long time. My main case is 23 years old! Still running but the guts have been changed many times as things get more power hungry.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That would be cool -- what I'd like to see is the cables with adapters for standard LiFePo4 batteries instead of their proprietary batteries.

[@gsp49]

I had already learned this trick, refilling a little Bluetti' EB3A off of a 50 Ah the advice to leave it plugged up and use up the external battery first was helpful .

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad to be of help!

[@darrendondero520]

How do you like the Bluetti EB3A? I’ve been looking at getting one for some off grid truck camping. Do you also have solar panels? What external battery are you using for your unit?

[@TheOldJarhead]

I'd be interested in that answer as well but for a little more I'd get the Oupes Mega 1. Foldable solar panels work well but can't produce what a fixed array does, however, for overlanding/camping, foldable panels are nice. Personally I'd recommend a 100AH LiFePo4 (any of those I've tested or Will Prowes would recommend).

[@dta97392]

Did miss something? how do,you charge that extra battery? What’s the easiest way? thx

[@shanwar9844]

I was wondering the same thing

[@vicc6744]

I guess you just charge it off the solar battery? Yeah I don't get it either- Unless you have to eventually have a 120 wall outlet stashed somewhere

[@TheOldJarhead]

Just hook up a charger to it or a solar panekbwith a charge controller as needed.

[@colsdebo9034]

Me too, I'm new to solar but am assuming that we'd need a solar charge controller and another cable to charge the battery. Please do a follow-up video showing us how it's done. Much appreciated, new sub!

[@TheOldJarhead]

@colsdebo9034 I'm editing that video now 😉

[@vernlemasters6504]

Thank you I don’t have my power supply yet but it’s on the way and this is a great option to expand it. Thank you

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@jessedavis5362]

Excuse my ignorance, how do you recharge the extra battery? Would plugging in the ac plug for the generator to home power recharge the extra battery too?

[@Ron49x]

New to all this and that was my question too…

[@TheOldJarhead]

You charge it with a separate 24v charger and/a solar panel.

[@jessedavis5362]

​@@TheOldJarhead Is that the only way to recharge it, via solar panel?

[@TheOldJarhead]

No. You could charge it with a charger and a 120v power source (generator/utility power), or via a solar panel and charge controller, or from a charger plugged into your power station with a big solar panel (of more power than the charger) to keep things going but understand, 2560wh of battery will take 4 hours of charging (from zero) at 640watts of solar!!! So, these big extra batteries increase the amount of solar needed to charge the entire unit up. However, if you run the battery to zero and just charge it while the power station rests or runs without the external battery you can get by with less solar. In truth, I'd have 500 watts for the battery and an additional 200-500w for the power station if I needed all that power all the time and I'd have a backup generator to assist on cloudy days or when I'm using more power than planned. I'll cover this in tomorrows video ;)

[@donfugate01]

What a great and informative video. I have purchased the power station and will get the external battery soon!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericlid]

I think for something like this you need to explain how to charge the battery back up

[@TheOldJarhead]

Interesting point. I hadn't thought it would be something I would be asked, but you are correct! It can be done with any standard battery charger with LiFePo4 setting or via a portable solar panel and a charge controller. Thanks fir mentioning!

[@cary2677]

@@TheOldJarhead How about a Pecron 500 watt car charger or a Weize 14.6 v 20 amp lithium battery charger? I am thinking about buying both and using them to charge my Li Time 12v 100Ah which i will x90 connect it to my Bluetti. The Weize charger i will use while my generator is running and the Pecron i will use when i am driving around away from the camp.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That should work well!

[@earthangelsounds844]

Charge controller & solar panel or wind.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Or the 120v wall plug when the power comes back on.

[@tlflora]

i just put all 3 in my amazon cart and am now checkng out your other vids, HS! ty

[@TheOldJarhead]

Awesome!

[@outbackeddie]

Great information. I like the fact that using a 24-volt battery is far more efficient that using a buck converter on a 12-volt battery. I already have two 100-amp, 12-volt batteries which I can wire in series to get the 24-volts. I will need to make a cable with an 8mm plug for the solar input on my Bluetti, but that's no problem. I'm not sure about fusing but I will figure that out before I connect everything.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That's a great approach. And an inline fuse (not the skinny ones but one made for a battery terminal) is best

[@hogbodyusmc9987]

Thanks, this is all new to me. Looks like I got a lot to learn yet. Thanks again.....

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad to help

[@stevesmith-sb2df]

Good info. Boost converter or flyback are used to make 12v into 24v.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Yes, you are right

[@pcaffeldt]

Hey ! Thanks for this ! I'm going to give it a try ! 😊

[@TheOldJarhead]

Enjoy!

[@slngo49]

This is awesome! Going to save me a lot of $$$ thank you for sharing!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@stevefry5441]

I have that exact Aferiy unit. It's worked well, agree with all your comments. Plus the warranty period is quite good. What I was concerned about with doing something like this is the maximum input amperage limitation. If you just connect another large amperage power source, how do you make sure you don't exceed the 20 amps input to the Aferiy? What if the Aferiy is discharged, so it's drawing the maximum from the external battery? With solar panels, you can size the solar array so as to not exceed the 20A limit, but with a large battery there is no current limiter. I believe Aferiy says in the manual that exceeding the limit will damage it and result in a voided warranty. Great video, thanks for posting it!

[@TheOldJarhead]

The Aferiy is the limit 😉 it can't draw more.

[@wschellhousRFD]

Thank you! Great tips!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You are quite welcome

[@alvarogaitan2529]

great job my friend veteran God bless you

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrJoe8K]

Never thought if it. And actually built my own “Power station” 12 years ago and these new all in ones are crazy small

[@TheOldJarhead]

Yup and convient, but won't replace full blown systems

[@MarcRyan-i9n]

Great idea, I’ve got a small all power solar generator, going to do the same.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Go for it!

[@stephenstinnett4520]

Thank's a lot. Just purchased the battery with a discount on Amazon for 300 dollars.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Nice!

[@Buffy-88]

Excellent presentation 👏 really enjoyed your explanation

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad you liked it!

[@ElementalTJ]

Awesome idea! Watching the next video on how to charge now (:

[@TheOldJarhead]

I'm glad it resonated with ya!

[@MimharvyJ]

I’m a woman who believes in being prepared with power sources, water, food, meds and more-for us, and our neighbors. You have really helped me save some money! Thank you.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad to have helped. I also believe in being prepared.

[@ca8746]

this is amazing, thank you!!!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet!

[@henrydonado6355]

Just bought an ecoflow delta 2 max with the alternator charger for $1199 on Black Friday sale. Will buy one extra 100amp 1280wh Temgot battery for $169 on amazon. The perfect modular setup, to be used the exact same way you’ve described it without any extra hardware. Future is bright

[@TheOldJarhead]

Nice!

[@Oldguy11]

Great, loved it.

[@TheOldJarhead]

👍 Glad you liked it!

[@zorro5651]

Thanks for the tip. Based on your video, I went and got a litime 12v 100ah battery. I did go for the extra dollars to get the bluetooth model, which is quite handy. I got it at amazon for $163 using a coupon and promotional price, I see it's $229 now. I made up some cables for my several powerstations, an older vtoman 1500x with 5521 inputs and some xt60 inputs for my ecoflow delta 3 plus. I got a 20a buck converter 12 to 24 for $30 and plugging it into the vtoman it charges at 172w the same as with their power adapter. But I can also plug it into the buck and send it to the ecoflow which can take 11-60v @ 15a and with an inline power meter I am seeing 15a and 22v and it charges at 325w. There are some loses, as the battery bluetooth says it's outputing 385 w. Also the buck converter is reading 130f and too hot to touch. I used some screws to make 4 legs for it and that helps. I also got a $79 14.6v 20a charger made by litime. So, $272 + some wiring and misc connectors and crimpers is less than 1/2 a vtoman 1400 wh extra battery, plus I can charge it w/o needing the powerstation. Similar results with the ecoflow, although that can charge much faster from a/c. But with 2x 500w solar inputs, I can also hook up my 4x100w eco-worthy panels and charge with both at the same time.

[@TheOldJarhead]

And raise the voltage higher to get more where the solar inputs can take it.

[@everydaycarry1328]

This is a point I have made many times, especially to newbies But .... most solar generators use a combo inverter/ charge controller system which works fine though if you are running that inverter to the max and charging/ inputting power it might get an overload or thermal protection could trip unlike if it was just the extension batteries. Furthermore several extension batteries have a few features such as a solar input and USB and 12V outputs. But still a good idea for cheaper capacity 👍🏻

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's always great to see knowledgeable viewers contributing valuable insights to the conversation.

[@markchristianperez2105]

2:50 i think thats a boost converter, buck converter steps down voltage. Very informative video.

[@TheOldJarhead]

yup, good catch 👌

[@KAI-m4s]

Great idea. 👍🏿

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad you like it!

[@mrp55net]

About the expansion batteries you mentioned in your video ... I have the Bluetti B230 expansion. The B230 can be used as a separate power station. The B230 has a separate MPPT controller, so you can charge it directly from solar panels. It also has several USB ports and a 12v cigarette lighter port, so you get some flexibility for your $950. That being said, I often top off my Bluetti AC200 MAX from an Epoch 300ah 12v LiFePo battery using the same cabling system you have. The difference is that I found a 12v to 36V step-up converter, so I can charge with 525w from the Epoch.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That's what I do for smaller power stations like my Jackery 550. It can take 24v in so I use a step up converter to go 12v to 24v (at the time I didn't have a spare 24v battery). That's also what I'd do if I wanted to run the power into a unit that can take more voltage and I didn't have a battery to get me there, just use the converter and Bob's your Uncle! More power!

[@wardwilson443]

BEAUTIFUL JOB TY MUCH!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You are most welcome!

[@jK-yj2tl]

Thanks for the excellent information.

[@TheOldJarhead]

You are quite welcome!

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

I had to keep a 12v fridge going for a week unattended. I had two 1000 Jackery's and a few of their 250's. I daisy chained them using the 12v sockets. It wasn't pretty but it worked (and was basically the same idea). One possible advantage of the factory 'add on' battery is some of them might have the ability to monitor remotely. But for the cost, I like this solution much more.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks for sharing

[@FewerOptions-mx7qt]

You could use a shunt with Bluetooth to monitor

[@TheOldJarhead]

Yup

[@shanebrownrigg8632]

thank you so much,just catching up on your vids

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet and thanks for watching! *warning* there are hundreds! 😆

[@DennisMathias]

But how do you charge the addon battery?

[@carolmaplesden916]

Yeah I know Nobody ever shows that

[@TheOldJarhead]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6O9qKuOgbV_nbM I have done a couple vids on it

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

Using stand alone LFP batteries as a capacity extension for a solar generator is totally valid. The price goes up once you add a mppt to that extra battery and solar panels to charge it. And if you want to use a generator for charging the wall chargers are pretty expensive. I just bought a 80amp LFP 14.6v wall charger for nearly $400. Sure a 20amp charger is cheaper, but also takes 4 times as long. Anyway, using a stand alone battery is great for a long weekend when you don’t have to worry about recharging it until you get back home.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Yup. Easy way to add run time

[@bertkelly7650]

I have two different solar batteries. The Jackery 240 and the Bluetti EB3 with 268 wh. I can double my output by plugging in the 12 volt Jakery plug into the EB3 input 8mm socket. Pretty much what you did. Thanks for your video.

[@TheOldJarhead]

even better to use a 12v LiFePo4 😀

[@goodcitizen4587]

Amazon also has 48V (51.2) 25Ah for $220 (and 48V 50Ah for $350)

[@TheOldJarhead]

Wow

[@comictrio]

Interesting. It didn't occur to me that I could use a large, external battery to charge my two Delta 2 power stations using the XT 60 input on these power stations. Excellent video.

[@Step-n-Wolf]

Be sure to get a XT60I connector as it charges faster than a XT60.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks! And yes!! Great when you need the boost specially when the sun is down!

[@TheOldJarhead]

I will have to try that myself. I saw one video on it and seem to recall that's what he found.

[@zodaguado6655]

Remember if you get a 12 v only charges at 110 watts an hour while 24 v battery will charge at 250 watts on those power stations, also consider a dual fuel 2500 champion generator and run on propane to charge the battery fast in a grid down situation

[@Step-n-Wolf]

@@zodaguado6655 If you use the XT60I connector on the Ecoflow, it "fools" the power station into thinking it has solar panels attached and charges at 15A = 500W instead of 8A if it thinks it is a 12V battery. There is also a resistor that can be wired in internally that accomplishes what the extra wire on the XT60I has.

[@thepubliceye]

So where do you connect the solar panels?

[@TheOldJarhead]

In this case the battery has replaced the solar panels so you'd either have to remove the battery and hook the panels up, or add an MPPT controller and hook the panels to the battery -- though if doing so it's best to make sure the voltage of charging the battery (s) doesn't go over the solar input on the power station. Note: this is meant to be a temporary solution to the issue of having too little reserve power in the event of an emergency. Charging the battery by generator or solar or eve DC to DC charger will give you extended range.

[@candaceseayfolks7954]

Thanks for the education

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks for watching!

[@eddavenport1970]

Thank you Sir..

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thank you

[@scottss213]

Thanks for the video you got me thinking

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad it got you thinking!

[@sam_wyt9879]

Nice video man. I wish you discharged the unit below 50% state of charge and run the test. That way we can know how much wattage the battery will charge the unit.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Not a bad idea.

[@petecoventry6858]

I am one of those idiots who got a Bluetti and their expansion batteries lol but it's OK thanks to you I can now use my 2x 100ah Renogy batteries to add even more power. I now have 10Kwh and 10Kwh battery storage going in soon - so thank you Sir :)

[@TheOldJarhead]

Not an idiot! Just either found that a good approach and/or didn't know you could do this. I think those batteries have their place, specially for those who can afford them or just want simplicity 😃

[@hdson46]

Can two of these supply 220 v for off grid?

[@TheOldJarhead]

I don't believe the Aferiy can

[@ericl5973]

Buck converters step voltage down, it is actually a boost converter. You need to show how to recharge the external batteries to go full cycle for power. That is the main advantage of buying the fancy batteries that connect direct, they will recharge directly if you have solar. I build my own power systems but I have used the MPPT inputs to charge from power supplies or batteries. It is a good technique to know though.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Correct, or step up converter. I address charging in two videos following this one (in fact, I linked one at the end for those who watched the entire video 😉)

[@jamestarpley162]

what to you suggest for a 12 system

[@TheOldJarhead]

For a 12v solar power setup? Like for a cabin?

[@TheOldJarhead]

To be honest, I'd build a 24v or even 48v system, but for 12v I am actually testing 280AH and 310AH 12v XZNY batteries and if I were doing a small 12v system I'd get two 310AH 12v batteries, a 1500w - 2500w pure Sine inverter and then look at solar. Now that's a lot of battery, but I'd plan to only use a max of 40%, so about 3200w, which I'd want to get back in 4 hours of solar charging, so 800w min. solar. I'd then either get a good charger that can provide 1000w or close to it and a small generator to run that.

[@rycwe]

So how do u charge the battery

[@TheOldJarhead]

There are a number of ways which I detail in the next video after this one, but in short, a charger, solar panel and charge controller, generator, etc

[@DrPhatMusic]

I’ve been searching for some info to support my idea and found it here and in the comments! Thanks so much! I will be purchasing a 48v 50Ah (2400Wh) battery for the input of my Bluetti Elite 200 (60v 20A max for 1000W max) and I should get 1000W charge. My Bluetti AC180P would charge 10A (500W) and that’s great too. With 800W of solar panels that also max out at 50v (16A), I will get an MPPT for the 48V battery… just trying to decide which one (must support 48V and 30A+. I will make sure the solar panel wiring is adaptable to plug into either my MPPT (20A load out to the Bluetti?) or to plug directly into the Bluetti for a 1-day trip (without the 48V)!!!! Hope this helps any readers! The bottom line here is that with a 60V 20A max like the Elite 200 V2 has, a 48V battery (or 2x24V in series) is the perfect battery size!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Look at Victron cc's

[@Richard-oy9xc]

Thank you for the For the information I really appreciate it.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Glad to help!

[@timramsey3003]

Hmmm... I have a Bluetti AC200L for camping and home backup, and a golfcart with a 51.8v 100ah lithium battery in it that I installed last summer. I might pull the battery for the winter and hook it to the Bluetti and give this a try! I think the Bluetti has a solar input voltage range between 12-120v. Certainly a cheaper alternative to the Bluetti`s expansion options.

[@TheOldJarhead]

If it has that voltage then yes!! Just be sure to fuse it.

[@timramsey3003]

@@TheOldJarhead This is working brilliantly with my 48v 100ah battery connected directly to my Bluetti AC200L thru the XT90 DC solar input! Input watts is about 780 watts. With both the 48v battery and the Bluetti fully charged, when an AC load is applied to the Bluetti, as long as the load is under the 780 watts it will drop the Bluetti to 99% and then the DC input from the 48v battery will start and essentially match the AC output to pull from the 48v battery and maintain the Bluetti charge!!! Brilliant!!! This adds a whopping 5120wh of expansion power at less than half the cost of a Bluetti expansion battery.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Awesome

[@cleverjoe]

Good explanation! Cheers

[@TheOldJarhead]

Cheers!

[@Electronzap]

Good advice.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Appreciate it! We can get more out of these units than most people realize :D

[@STFOURNARIS]

Brilliant!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks

[@joetripp123]

That XZNY battery is actually a great deal right now on Amazon because there’s a $65 off coupon available. That makes the price $284.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Wow! That's awesome!

[@tonylourenco9829]

Will that work the same way on a bluetti ac200max

[@TheOldJarhead]

Yes, get the right cable / connector and a 24v battery and it will work.

[@FewerOptions-mx7qt]

I bought a ecoflow delta 3 plus while on pre-order. They start shipping out tomorrow. It has 2 xt60i solar connentions each provide up to 500w each max is 60v and apparently the max amperage doesn't matter it will reduce it. I also got the alternator charger. Together costed $950

[@TheOldJarhead]

They are having some great sales!