17 replies to this topic

[xonefs]

Looking for one or two of these that max out the extended airline size. Most airlines allow 2 batteries up to 160 WH. So something small, fast charging, maxes capacity, and not overpriced to put in a carryon. Surprisingly it's hard to find anything exactly at the 160 wh max size and a lot on amazon is smaller, too big, or too bulky. need 12v (13-14v) out. 

 

 

omni makes one that looks nice but way overpriced at $399

 

 

this is closest ive seen but still looks a bit bulky for the capacity:

 

https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B0BFQXPFR2/

Edited by xonefs, 23 May 2023 - 09:49 AM.

[andysea]

The page is a bit tricky it says 150W output but 115Wh capacity.

[Jeff Morgan]

Could you ship the batteries to your destination and meet up with them there? 

[xonefs]

Could you ship the batteries to your destination and meet up with them there?

No- I would just buy a deep cycle agm bat from walmart and leave it there if I really needed but I have use for a small 12v power source anyway if I am just powering my am5 for solar or my smaller tracker (lightrack ii)

Edited by xonefs, 23 May 2023 - 10:47 AM.

[matt_astro_tx]

I have this one.  It's 142WH and very affordable.  https://www.amazon.c...duct/B07H8F5HYJ

 

I just returned from a dark sky imaging trip to New Mexico this weekend and had it in my carry on bag.  I didn't have any problems.

[xonefs]

I’ve had pretty bad experience with talentcell- I had a different small one and it never worked properly and held charge and is completely dead now

[matt_astro_tx]

Ouch.  I hope that's not my experience.  I've only had mine for about three weeks.

[Blue_Orca]

I use a Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC (Previous Generation) Portable Power Bank, available from Amazon, as backup for my RST-135E when mains fails.

[xonefs]

I use a Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC (Previous Generation) Portable Power Bank, available from Amazon, as backup for my RST-135E when mains fails.

95WH... doesn't max out the 160 WH limit

[tkottary]

I carry 2 of these on carry on bags.
https://www.bioennop...lack-w-pvc-pack

[astrohamp]

I found a 12v 12Ah LifePO4 battery from Amped Outdoors which I discussed several times  here, here, here, here.

 

Not offered by Amped' any more although I did find a possible retailer here and there may be others.

Haven't flown with the batt box yet so the jury is still out.

[bosastroguy]

I have these two.  First one can be carried on without permission from the airlines.  2nd one is just under the 160 wH limit, with airline's permission.  Both have worked well, although I've only had them a couple of months.  All lithium batteries must be carried on, you cant put them into checked luggage, according to TSA regulations.  

 

https://www.amazon.c...oduct_details  

 

https://www.amazon.c...product_details

Edited by bosastroguy, 27 May 2023 - 09:41 AM.

[matt_astro_tx]

"Airline permission" was a bit of a misnomer for me.  Southwest said I didn't need permission and just to go ahead and take it in my carry on.

 

Also, it seems to me that a powercell which has AC outets is less than ideal.  You're going to plug an AC inverter into that outlet to convert it back to DC anyway.  That's why I like my TalentCell.  It provides a 2.1mm DC jack and I go straight into my ASIAir with it.

 

Edit: I just noticed the Apowking unit has a 2.1mm DC output so... 

Edited by matt_astro_tx, 27 May 2023 - 12:13 PM.

[xonefs]

Yes, the permission thing was a bit confusing you don't need permission to take 2 160 wh batteries

 

the only reason I don't want AC outlets is the extra space/weight of an inverter would prefer less bulky

Edited by xonefs, 27 May 2023 - 12:22 PM.

[bosastroguy]

I was more concerned with what TSA said about the power bank, not necessarily the airline.  I got through with my 100 wh without a problem but they pulled me aside because I had my counterweight in my carryon.  They said it could be considered a weapon but let me go through.  Apparently, it was considered a "grey area" but I already had enough weight (46 lbs) for my checked baggage.  Live and learn.  

[Hesiod]

Maybe this one https://www.celestro...#specifications

 

I have the smaller 7Ah model since a year or so and so far no complains.

[xonefs]

Maybe this one https://www.celestro...#specifications

 

I have the smaller 7Ah model since a year or so and so far no complains.

hmm that actually is closest to meeting specs and lifepo4 is a bonus as well

 

 

anyone use this?

 

just wish it wasn't so cheap looking. they managed to make the case look like an actual toy or something you would find at walmart, yet it is pretty expensive for what it is. 

Edited by xonefs, 27 May 2023 - 06:27 PM.

[Hesiod]

Oh, well, the small one is rubber-y and plastic-y but surprisingly though and rather impervious to damp and wet.

However, were I planning the trip of my life I would opt for a Tracer battery even if this means losing a bit of Ampere (they have 4, 8 and 10 Ah: the best you can made is getting both the smaller units but depending on your setup this split may be not ideal).