New Anker PowerHouse

[opg4759a]

So I saw this on a couple of my Android sites and it seems interesting.

Anker which sells battery chargers for phones and tablets is stepping up their game with a new device called the PowerHouse which looks to compete with the Goal Zero Yeti 400. What is interesting is they are using Lithium Ion Batteries instead of lead acid so this is a 434Wh device that weighs in at less than 10 pounds. I'm a little wary of the 160 watt power inverter that is built in can't find out if it is Pure Sine Wave or modified. Also it will do solar charging but at 16.8 Volts so they will have a propitiatory solar charger but there is no information on that yet.

I'm interested in this since I use an older Goal Zero extreme 350 that the battery is failing on and this might be a good replacement to go to run my CPAP when I'm out camping.

It's not cheep at 499, but that isn't bad for 434Wh worth of LiION batteries.

Amazon.com: [New Release] Anker PowerHouse, The Most Compact 400Wh Portable Generator, Clean and Silent DC / AC Power Inverter, 12V Car, AC and USB Outputs, Recharges via AC or Solar for Camping, Emergency Backup: Automotive

Android Police has a decent review of it and a 20% off coupon code ANKPower

[Review + Deal Alert] A Look At Anker's Newly Released Power Bank - The Powerhouse - Its Highest Capacity Battery Ever With A Whopping 120,600mAh Of Juice

 

[ewillis]

Been looking at this pretty hard too. Disclaimer...I am not electronically savvy so this might sound dumb, but anyone know if there is some type of attachment that could fit into this and be used to jumpstart the LC in a pinch? Thinking bout one of these instead of dedicated dual bat system.

 

[CV Kurt]

I've been considering options for charging phones, tablets, etc., while camping... and maybe powering a tent light/fan... I've been thinking about using automotive battery and converter to charge and power things over 12V auto and USB sockets... and charging this auxiliary automotive battery using alternator and/or a solar panel. Nice thing about using an automotive battery is that it can used to start the rig (if it has enough juice).

This Anker battery is interesting... but I'd be more interested if it capable of being charged using an alternator and a solar panel.

Ewillis, it most certainly cannot be used to jumpstart your LC... the output connections simply cannot handle the necessary draw. However, in a pinch, you might be able to use it , via the 12V socket, and the solar panel in combination to trickle charge your LC's main battery enough for it get you going. Just be sure to disconnect both the Anker Powerhouse and Solar Panel before turning the key. My guess is this wouldn't be an application Anker would support.

 

[opg4759a]

From what I read is yes it can be charged via Solar and it can be charged via 12 volt input. There is a good tear down on Amazon about it, the built in inverter is Pure Sine-wave and the overall internal construction is pretty good. Amazon.com: SonarTech's review of [New Release] Anker PowerHouse, Most Compa...

 

[ewillis]

I've been considering options for charging phones, tablets, etc., while camping... and maybe powering a tent light/fan... I've been thinking about using automotive battery and converter to charge and power things over 12V auto and USB sockets... and charging this auxiliary automotive battery using alternator and/or a solar panel. Nice thing about using an automotive battery is that it can used to start the rig (if it has enough juice).

This Anker battery is interesting... but I'd be more interested if it capable of being charged using an alternator and a solar panel.

Ewillis, it most certainly cannot be used to jumpstart your LC... the output connections simply cannot handle the necessary draw. However, in a pinch, you might be able to use it , via the 12V socket, and the solar panel in combination to trickle charge your LC's main battery enough for it get you going. Just be sure to disconnect both the Anker Powerhouse and Solar Panel before turning the key. My guess is this wouldn't be an application Anker would support.

It is an interesting set up and can be used with a solar panel. Anker already makes a portable jump start system and I was hoping it was integrated into the PowerHouse system. If it were, that would really be beneficial to the overland crowd. Amazon.com: Anker PowerCore Jump Starter 600 (High 600A Peak Current Car Battery Jump Starter and 15000mAh Portable Charger with Built-in Flashlight and Safety Protection) Perfect for 5L Gas and 3L Diesel Engines: Automotive

 

[CV Kurt]

Thanks for posting up that teardown... that has me less interested. I think I'll stick with my plan on building my own.