April 2022 rolling out now: check 1st post. 3 Models 25% so far.

[SharpeCat]

Any preference in the JP vs the current VL line? Anyone go from JP to the VL?

Luis

JPs are plastic and are more portable. The internal components are very similar between the two.
Right now I am leaning towards the TR because of the portability factor; the wheels are a game changer.

As far as power consumption, I am running a series of test that will give everyone insight into that. Today’s test ended after about 21 hours. The first 33% lasted like 15 hours, and last 66% lasted only 6.

Why the big difference? It was in direct sunlight for the latter part of the test. So now I’m back to the drawing board as far as designing a more controlled test, where the conditions are easier to replicate for future tests; otherwise the comparisons between tests will not be accurate/fair. Today’s test revealed that it’s not the Eco vs Max mode setting that caused the difference between 26 and 20 hours results, but rather likely because the fridge was under my awning in one test, and not for the other.

Prolonged direct sunlight makes a vast difference, so I would recommend setting up/parking in the shade when you are concerned about battery capacity.

With that said, anything above 17 hours means we will average less than 10W continuous... which is impressive and very promising in terms of incorporating it into a project I am working on for everyone.

 

[LuisJr]

And that was with the Jackery 160 or am I getting mixed up with the tests?? If so that is freaking incredible. I usually like to go larger for anything I do. But it 300/500 series max would be the most I would actually need It would really only be used for powering the fridge!

I will keep researching amongst their line up. But at this point I don’t think it matters much, like just deciding which one I like visually better lol

 

[CowboyTaco]

Prolonged direct sunlight makes a vast difference

This is very true. When I was first testing the solar charging on my Jackery, the top of the unit got up to 140 degrees in direct sunlight. A couple hours later when I had it in the shade of the solar panel it was only 95 degrees.

But it 300/500 series max would be the most I would actually need It would really only be used for powering the fridge!

Needs change with time. I think the 300 would be plenty, but the 500 would allow more time between charges and can power a wider range of devices.

The surge, or starting watt, rating on the Jackery units seems to be about double the capacity. The Explorer 500 can take a surge of 1000W. The Explorer 1000 can take a surge of 2000 watts. The Explorer 500 would be able to power a small (<14 cu ft.) home refrigerator in the event of a power outage. That said, it is unlikely that you have a home fridge that small. I wasn't able to find a ton of devices between 3 and 500 watts. Heck, even the average blender is supposedly 900W (per google search).

I remember in college, we had to find a microwave that used less than 300 watts, so even that could be used with the E300.

 

[SharpeCat]

And that was with the Jackery 160 or am I getting mixed up with the tests?? If so that is freaking incredible. I usually like to go larger for anything I do. But it 300/500 series max would be the most I would actually need It would really only be used for powering the fridge!

I will keep researching amongst their line up. But at this point I don’t think it matters much, like just deciding which one I like visually better lol

Yes sir the 160 with 167 wH!

 

[SharpeCat]

This is very true. When I was first testing the solar charging on my Jackery, the top of the unit got up to 140 degrees in direct sunlight. A couple hours later when I had it in the shade of the solar panel it was only 95 degrees.



Needs change with time. I think the 300 would be plenty, but the 500 would allow more time between charges and can power a wider range of devices.

The surge, or starting watt, rating on the Jackery units seems to be about double the capacity. The Explorer 500 can take a surge of 1000W. The Explorer 1000 can take a surge of 2000 watts. The Explorer 500 would be able to power a small (<14 cu ft.) home refrigerator in the event of a power outage. That said, it is unlikely that you have a home fridge that small. I wasn't able to find a ton of devices between 3 and 500 watts. Heck, even the average blender is supposedly 900W (per google search).

I remember in college, we had to find a microwave that used less than 300 watts, so even that could be used with the E300.

Yeah, my friend carries a blender and he has a Tail Gator generator just for it . I agree needs change with time and you should leave some room for expansion, and that aiming for a 1000w discharge rate or more will cover just about everything; including a small window air conditioner. I want to pick up 1 more Jackery 160 when it’s back to 110 bucks for side by side tests, but for my personal bank for every day/long term use, I would not want anything below 500. My needs are way beyond the vast majority because of the live broadcasting equipment and because of living full time in the 200, so I am actually holding out for something like another AC200 (~2000wH) unit for 50% off. It might be years before that happens though, where we get a decent unit at a rate of 50 cents per watt hour; might have to become a dealer to get rate I want for myself and for members.

 

[NYC570]

Yeah, my friend carries a blender and he has a Tail Gator generator just for it . I agree needs change with time and you should leave some room for expansion, and that aiming for a 1000w discharge rate or more will cover just about everything; including a small window air conditioner. I want to pick up 1 more Jackery 160 when it’s back to 110 bucks for side by side tests, but for my personal bank for every day/long term use, I would not want anything below 500. My needs are way beyond the vast majority because of the live broadcasting equipment and because of living full time in the 200, so I am actually holding out for something like another AC200 (~2000wH) unit for 50% off. It might be years before that happens though, where we get a decent unit at a rate of 50 cents per watt hour; might have to become a dealer to get rate I want for myself and for members.

Actually the AC200 has a 1700wh capacity battery with a 2000w inverter. If you mainly want capacity, the EB240 would be a better option with a less powerful inverter. Right now it's $300 off with the hobotech coupon. $1599 for 2400wh capacity is a good price in my opinion.

 

[LuisJr]

@NYC570 and @SharpeCat ...

you both are making me want well beyond my needs hahaha

 

[SharpeCat]

Actually the AC200 has a 1700wh capacity battery with a 2000w inverter. If you mainly want capacity, the EB240 would be a better option with a less powerful inverter. Right now it's $300 off with the hobotech coupon. $1599 for 2400wh capacity is a good price in my opinion.

That’s why I use the ~around 2000wH. Capacity as well as discharge rate, and most importantly recharge rate. If I can find a decent unit that meets those criteria’s like the AC200 can, for close to 50 cents per watt hour, I’d be all over it. The biggest thing is the recharge rates, as a big capacity with slow recharge will not be very practical.

And yes, that is a very good price as it is about 33% off. I’m in no rush though and am willing to wait for the one that hits all my check marks.

 

[SharpeCat]

@NYC570 and @SharpeCat ...

you both are making me want well beyond my needs hahaha

I’m just speaking long term/the buy once cry once solution. Honestly this Jackery 160 at 110 sale price is all you’ll need if the fridge is your only major thing. If not on sale then I’d go with whatever one under $250 that gives you the most wH for your bucks.

Remember my needs are much higher than most, since I live full time in my LX and since I live stream often. For you I’d honestly just recommend a 250wh , and even the 160 is enough.

I just started the retest of yesterday’s test, but this time I placed the fridge in the shade. If you want to see proof that the Jackery 160 can power this thing for over 24 hours at 41 degree setting, then you can stop by the live feed anytime at twitch.tv/sharpecat

 

[vwynn]

Dang living full time in the LX!

To conclude the saga, my gear list is:

Fridge: VL60 Dual zone
Power source: Bluetti AC50S 500wh
Recharging: 1x Rockpals 100w Solar panel 02 version


Im going to need to figure out the slider solution since Iceco is sold out.. perhaps i can use 8020 bars and create a platform to slide on?

we will see..

 

[NYC570]

Dang living full time in the LX!

To conclude the saga, my gear list is:

Fridge: VL60 Dual zone
Power source: Bluetti AC50S 500wh
Recharging: 1x Rockpals 100w Solar panel 02 version


Im going to need to figure out the slider solution since Iceco is sold out.. perhaps i can use 8020 bars and create a platform to slide on?

we will see..

Did they solved the low open circuit voltage of the rockpals?

 

[vwynn]

Did they solved the low open circuit voltage of the rockpals?

i want to say yes with the 02 model. The 01 model, per hobotech, had issues charging up bluettis.



per this review of the updated panel he has no issues charging.. Fingers crossed though! AC50s should be shipping out end of week... still unsure when ill get mine

 

[NYC570]

i want to say yes with the 02 model. The 01 model, per hobotech, had issues charging up bluettis.



per this review of the updated panel he has no issues charging.. Fingers crossed though! AC50s should be shipping out end of week... still unsure when ill get mine

I'm also waiting for my AC50S. I went with a Paxcess 120W solar panel. I got it on special for $160 like two weeks ago.

 

[SharpeCat]

The AC50S is a good unit as well, and might just dethrone the Jackery 500 if the price is right!

Has anyone contacted Bluetti/Maxoak for a group buy?

 

[vwynn]

The AC50S is a good unit as well, and might just dethrone the Jackery 500 if the price is right!

Has anyone contacted Bluetti/Maxoak for a group buy?

please dont make me sad.

 

[SharpeCat]

please dont make me sad.

Lol I highly doubt if they agree, that they’d give a better price than the introductory price you paid when it was 33% off. That really is a solid deal and most people would be happy, and possibly the only person holding their breath for a better deal is me.

 

[SharpeCat]

Bluetti has no US phone number, so i contacted ROCKPALS instead. I did fill out a contact form on Bluetti but that doesn't seem very promising.

I was able to get ahold of customer service from ROCKPALS easy, and was told to inquire via email about group buys. I will say that more often than not, i don't get a response from these things. I'm a "better to try and fail than to fail from not trying" kind of guy, so it doesn't bother me to fail repeatedly; each fail brings me 1 step closer to success. I'm hoping that there is at least one decent manufacturer out there who will give us a good deal on a power bank/solar panel package to accompany our fridges and cell boosters (my other GB thread on mud), and i'm hoping that i'll find them.

I don't like to keep secrets, so my little project i am working on for you guys is to figure out the minimalist approach to endless refrigeration for the long term; long term excludes most made-in-china products that are really cheap but you also really get what you pay for. It would help greatly if i found a fairly established/reputable manufacturer who would be willing to cut us a great deal for a power bank/solar panel combo; ideally in the 150-500wH range and 50-100W panel so that the total cost of the setup can stay low. From there i will promote it as an endless refrigeration package, and hope that it will help sales for both ICECO and whoever gives us a good deal on panel/bank combo; that's in addition to getting a good deal for members.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Maybe theres a mudder with connections to one of the manufacturers who can help us get a foot in the door! Either way, i have my fingers crossed.

 

[Whoareu2200]

I also contacted Rockpals let u guys know if they reply

 

[vwynn]

If anyone is interested.. new code for ICECO is " PrimeDeal " to get 25% off via there website.

 

[SharpeCat]

If anyone is interested.. new code for ICECO is " PrimeDeal " to get 25% off via there website.

Nice! Title updated.

Thank you for sharing!