I’ve recently returned from a trip through France and Spain and thought I’d mention a piece of kit which may well be of interest for those with a motorhome or campervan wishing to gain access to additional power from a mobile external source when on the move or when stationery.
This kit would be of particular use at times when off grid, not on EHU hook up, as a back-up incase of van habitation electrical failure, and for those without a fitted inverter.
Our trip through France and Spain consisted of a combination of stops at numerous locations of varied types, sites with EHU, and stopping places with nothing at all.
Our motorhome set-up has a 120ah lithium battery with 110 watts solar, and no inverter.
We found the kit most useful to power up and charge all manner of items, such as phones, laptop, ipads, camera, portable light, bike lights, bike computer, tyre inflator, portable phone power bank, and such like when we were not on EHU and stationery for protracted periods.
We had intended using the kit for our cooling fans, but as you’ll probably be aware the weather took a turn for the worse and we didn’t need them sadly.
The kit can apparently power a mini fridge for around 35 hours at a time, and even some low wattage electric kettles and hairdryers!
The Jackery Explorer 500 is pretty compact, not too heavy, (just over 6kgs) fairly rugged and well put together with an ergonomic carry handle.
It can supply power to most gear and small electronic devices, as long as they are below 500w. If they exceed this, the unit will automatically shut off.
The folding solar panel is also well made, not fussy, compact and easy to erect and is very stable when the attached 2 support legs are extended.
The kit comes complete with all necessary cables in a convenient carry case.
The Jackery has two DC ports, one cigarette lighter outlet, 3 USB ports, and one pure sine- wave UK 3 pin plug outlet, so plenty to choose from.
It also has a very straightforward back lit LCD display showing percentages of charge, actual input and output in watts, and a five bar charge level indicator.
There’s also a handy powerful LED torch light on the device, which flashes if needed.
The kit is very easy to use, and to set up. I’m generally pretty poor with anything technical, this kit was no problem when figuring out what went where, so I’d say fairly idiot proof.
We generally charged the unit with a mixture of mains power when we could, or 12v when on the move. We also managed solar charging on a number of occasions when weather permitted. It was good to have the choice depending on circumstances and conditions at the given time.
For anyone tech minded and wishing to know the specifications I have listed them at the end.
In essence I would say the Jackery Explorer 500 is an excellent piece of kit which could appeal to a variety of users.
It is well put together, very compact, well thought-out, efficient and easy to use. It could be used as both a primary source or back-up depending on requirements.
I would certainly recommend it. For those interested it can be bought from -
https://uk.jackery.com
It comes in other sizes, smaller at 240, and larger at 1000, along with other packages with additional accessories included .
Jackery 500 specifications.
Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
Capacity: 518Wh (21.6V, 24Ah)
Lifecycle: 500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Management System: BMS, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
Operating Usage Temperature 14-104F (-10-40℃
Ports-
AC Output 1 x 230V, 500W (1000W peak)
USB-A Output 5V, 2.4A
Car Output 12V, 10A
DC Input 12V-30V (65W Max)
Recharge Times-
AC Adapter: 7.5 Hours
12V Car Adaptor: 16 Hours
Solar 9.5 Hours
Width (W) cm 19.3
Height (H) cm 24.2
Weight 6.04 kgs
100W folding Solar Panel
Weight 4.69 kgs.
This kit would be of particular use at times when off grid, not on EHU hook up, as a back-up incase of van habitation electrical failure, and for those without a fitted inverter.
Our trip through France and Spain consisted of a combination of stops at numerous locations of varied types, sites with EHU, and stopping places with nothing at all.
Our motorhome set-up has a 120ah lithium battery with 110 watts solar, and no inverter.
We found the kit most useful to power up and charge all manner of items, such as phones, laptop, ipads, camera, portable light, bike lights, bike computer, tyre inflator, portable phone power bank, and such like when we were not on EHU and stationery for protracted periods.
We had intended using the kit for our cooling fans, but as you’ll probably be aware the weather took a turn for the worse and we didn’t need them sadly.
The kit can apparently power a mini fridge for around 35 hours at a time, and even some low wattage electric kettles and hairdryers!
The Jackery Explorer 500 is pretty compact, not too heavy, (just over 6kgs) fairly rugged and well put together with an ergonomic carry handle.
It can supply power to most gear and small electronic devices, as long as they are below 500w. If they exceed this, the unit will automatically shut off.
The folding solar panel is also well made, not fussy, compact and easy to erect and is very stable when the attached 2 support legs are extended.
The kit comes complete with all necessary cables in a convenient carry case.
The Jackery has two DC ports, one cigarette lighter outlet, 3 USB ports, and one pure sine- wave UK 3 pin plug outlet, so plenty to choose from.
It also has a very straightforward back lit LCD display showing percentages of charge, actual input and output in watts, and a five bar charge level indicator.
There’s also a handy powerful LED torch light on the device, which flashes if needed.
The kit is very easy to use, and to set up. I’m generally pretty poor with anything technical, this kit was no problem when figuring out what went where, so I’d say fairly idiot proof.
We generally charged the unit with a mixture of mains power when we could, or 12v when on the move. We also managed solar charging on a number of occasions when weather permitted. It was good to have the choice depending on circumstances and conditions at the given time.
For anyone tech minded and wishing to know the specifications I have listed them at the end.
In essence I would say the Jackery Explorer 500 is an excellent piece of kit which could appeal to a variety of users.
It is well put together, very compact, well thought-out, efficient and easy to use. It could be used as both a primary source or back-up depending on requirements.
I would certainly recommend it. For those interested it can be bought from -
https://uk.jackery.com
It comes in other sizes, smaller at 240, and larger at 1000, along with other packages with additional accessories included .
Jackery 500 specifications.
Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
Capacity: 518Wh (21.6V, 24Ah)
Lifecycle: 500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Management System: BMS, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
Operating Usage Temperature 14-104F (-10-40℃
Ports-
AC Output 1 x 230V, 500W (1000W peak)
USB-A Output 5V, 2.4A
Car Output 12V, 10A
DC Input 12V-30V (65W Max)
Recharge Times-
AC Adapter: 7.5 Hours
12V Car Adaptor: 16 Hours
Solar 9.5 Hours
Width (W) cm 19.3
Height (H) cm 24.2
Weight 6.04 kgs
100W folding Solar Panel
Weight 4.69 kgs.
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