Thread: Portable Power Packs

Really wanting some help with a small lightweight power bank to charge the inreach in the field.

Any experience shared in this space would be appreciated.

There are a couple old threads on here but most of the links no longer work or model no longer available
Watching with interest.

I have just ordered a USB adapter that fits my Bosch 18v batteries. If you have a cordless set look for one for it. I know Makita does one and I think Ryobi not sure about the others.

My bach is off grid, and I rely on a Powertech charger. Has 3 USB ports, and 3 12v output ports as well as a 3 pin plug AC outlet. It charges from 240 volts or a solar panel (700 x 400). Weighs 1.5 kg. Bought it from Jaycar. $200 ish without the panel. Brilliant bit of kit.

Stag if you use 18650 batteries for some of you other gear, have a look at the Nitecore F2 or F4.

Virtually the same response as in previous threads. I have an Anker 2010 power bank. Has three USB outputs one of which is a C. Charges my phone and tablet. Powers my Labradar at the range.
Only change I would maybe make if buying again is Anker have larger capacity units now on the market.

For vehicle starting I have a Powerall 400a unit which lives in my van. It's not one of the larger capicity units around but I have strated with ease diesel utes, my 4 cylinnder diesel tractor. In fact I have started more other people's vehicles than my own.
It also has USB outputs but I have never used them.

Originally Posted by ebf

Stag if you use 18650 batteries for some of you other gear, have a look at the Nitecore F2 or F4.

F1/F2 have been discontinued.

Only the F4 which is out of stock most places and the new F21i which takes 21700 batteries.
You would need to look for other options to hold 18650 batteries at this stage.

Nitecore also make 2 powerbanks, one is a small single cell NPB1 5000mAh (RRP $70) and the other is a 10000mAh bank that is ultra light because of carbon fibre but as you can imagine, the price is right up there at RRP $110 per unit.

Originally Posted by terryf

F1/F2 have been discontinued.

Only the F4 which is out of stock most places and the new F21i which takes 21700 batteries.
You would need to look for other options to hold 18650 batteries at this stage.

Nitecore also make 2 powerbanks, one is a small single cell NPB1 5000mAh (RRP $70) and the other is a 10000mAh bank that is ultra light because of carbon fibre but as you can imagine, the price is right up there at RRP $110 per unit.

nitecore is available on AliExpress

Originally Posted by Carbine

nitecore is available on AliExpress

so are Carl Zeiss scopes

Originally Posted by zimmer

Virtually the same response as in previous threads. I have an Anker 2010 power bank. Has three USB outputs one of which is a C. Charges my phone and tablet. Powers my Labradar at the range.
Only change I would maybe make if buying again is Anker have larger capacity units now on the market.

For vehicle starting I have a Powerall 400a unit which lives in my van. It's not one of the larger capicity units around but I have strated with ease diesel utes, my 4 cylinnder diesel tractor. In fact I have started more other people's vehicles than my own.
It also has USB outputs but I have never used them.

@zimmer i have no idea about these power banks but the brand Anker has come up more then once even Josh James recommends them,
Can you explain the three usb ports and what does the C mean?

Originally Posted by 2post

I have just ordered a USB adapter that fits my Bosch 18v batteries. If you have a cordless set look for one for it. I know Makita does one and I think Ryobi not sure about the others.

@2post do you have a link you could post for these please?

Originally Posted by terryf

so are Carl Zeiss scopes

difference is nitecore are made in china and are genuine about 25% cheaper from aliexpress
just saying just because its out of stock here doesn't mean you cant get its easily from the source

nitecores official AliExpress store shop for yourself https://nitecore.aliexpress.com/stor...63eb3cf8WjnaSW

Originally Posted by Speill

@2post do you have a link you could post for these please?

NZ$ 23.46 19%OFF | USB Power Converter Power Adaptor For Bosch 18V 3.0/4.0A Li-ion Battery To Phone Charging Charger Emergency Power Supply
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMMyxFY
It hasn't arrived yet, happy to update when it does.

Originally Posted by bigbear

@zimmer i have no idea about these power banks but the brand Anker has come up more then once even Josh James recommends them,
Can you explain the three usb ports and what does the C mean?

USB-C was the last development of the USB ports. Has much higher power capability than the earlier types, is physically smaller, and is universal ie plugs in either way. In use on lots of phones and laptops now.
The photo shows my Anker PowerCore+ 20100 on the left. The right hand port is USB-C. I also recharge thru this port using an Anker hi power charger.
The power bank on the right is something I bought earlier on before I knew better and is a POS. It is a Coghlan's 6000mah power bank. It has solar and hand crank recharging as well as plug in to recharge. The solar struggles to charge it. Sat it in bright sunlight for several days and it never fully recharged it. The 6000mah rating is also generous I think.

just ordered this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000...3cd04c4duBjAKz
so i can add my own 18650 batteries i have from using them for torch's/headlights and create my own powerbank
can get 3500mAh lg batteries for about 15$ each at the moment 6x = 21,000mAh for under 100 pretty good value