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Wood,....., everything else: Home Improvement Store
In this episode of DIY or Buy we will be having a closer look at portable power stations. Those are great for all kinds of outdoor camping or if your garage is not connected to the electrical grid,.....like mine. In the video I will show you how a commercial power station works and how we can create a DIY version which is actually a bit cheaper and can output way more power. Let's get started!
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Music:
2011 Lookalike by Bartlebeats
0:00 Portable power stations are awesome!
1:36 Intro
2:23 Testing a commercial power station
3:53 How does the commercial version work?
5:47 DIY version components
7:22 DIY version wiring
9:21 DIY version first test
9:43 DIY version enclosure build
12:10 Verdict
Do not worry about my voice in the video. I am not sad or depressed or anything like that. I just got over a cold and lost my voice there. That is why it sounds a bit different ;-)
I was worried you caught covid, but all good I suppose :)
So that's what it was. Speedy recovery and good health!
I understand, Get well soon Scott!! And Great Video 👍👍
i am big fan of your channel
Stay safe!! We need you !
Looks like Great Scott now needs to DIY a camp truck to carry this huge enclosure for camping
YEESSS
Well, it definitely takes up some space. But it is still manageable.
@@greatscottlab yes that's right. You can still easily place it in the back of your car
Camping Caravan || DIY or Buy
Where is Laura Kampf when you need her?
We have used the kzhead.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
When you revealed your own batteries i had a Crocodile Dundee moment: "That's no battery" *Heavy rolling* "THAT...is a battery" XD
Now that's a knife!
Wait why is this comment one day old and the video only half an hour?
@@jumpro5905 patreon users
@@bitelaserkhalif ok
@@jumpro5905 Patreon supporters have access to his "hidden" videos before they get listed for everybody else.
The military definition of the word "portable" says: Anything that does not require heavy machinery to move, is portable. :-)
IBM called the 5100 portable .....
@@Alexander-jr8nw If you put a handle on it sure! lol
So tvs?
So technically ancient pyramid stones were portable?xD
Holly bananas! Never seen cells that size before! Great build. The thing about DIY is you can fix it if it breaks and every time you see it, you know you made it and pride washes over you... That's priceless.
True ;-)
Plus not having extra features, that you might not want. And the peace of mind of knowing, the quality of each component in the system.
When you brought out those HUGE batteries for the DIY soultion I knew it was already the winner XD
Fate has brought us together once more
@@slovakaerospacetechnologie4529 hi :)
Nice build! Tech tip: Do not drill all the way through plywood - it will split on the other side. Drill a little from one side and as soon as drill bit starts to poke through - drill from the other side.
I seem to recall from shop class 100 years ago that you could also put a piece of scrap wood on the other side and drill through and into that to help prevent splintering. I might have hallucinated all that, though.
@@bmbiz Yes, it could work but that scrap wood should be in very good contact with drilled material.
@@electronpath Yes, that's an important detail. A small piece of a quality 2x4 worked well in many cases, IIRC. You can drill straight down into the two on a solid surface or clamp it on if you can't lay the work flat.
Solid tip. I've been working with MDF for my senior year engineering project and may try this
I use a small diameter pilot drill when using, say, forstner bits.
Hey there. Nice to see you working on a portable energy source, since I just started to work on a similar idea. Good you already payed the 500 bucks to look inside one of those commercial units, so I won't have to do that anymore :D. Just kidding, great work as usual!
Thanks mate👍 Looking forward to your video about the subject👍
I have a feeling I already know where you are going to use your portable setup.
You could make it motorised and ride on like a 'Modobag' 👨🦼
Hey a collaboration between you two would be fantastic - maybe something to think about !
Colab Colab Colab You're both German, so its possible you could live like 2 hours away from each other
"Portable" Do we need to buy a destroyer to carry those torpedo size batteries or we can diy it as well ? Jk , im jelous .
i guess a PT-105 is sufficient :D
Might be cheaper to just build a hull around the battery.
You can bury a person in it.
It has wheels.....that means it is portable ;-)
@@greatscottlab it needs off road wheels
The sunken cost fallacy is when you have invested too much into something and are reluctant to admit it was a waste of money. If you were only motivated by the amount of stored energy, you could have almost bought two and got twice the energy for what you put into it. But the the experience you gained and the public good of education generated for your audience (who cannot afford to buy foot long batteries) is priceless. This one could have gone either DIY or buy. It depends on whether having extra power was your only goal. Loved the video. Power independence is a favorite topic.
Great video! I did exactly this last year only, instead of charging from a wall outlet, I mounted a 100W Renogy solar panel to the top of the enclosure and included a Victron charge controller to keep the batteries charged. My setup was comparable to a Goal Zero model that costs several hundred dollars more and doesn't even include the solar panel.
Excellent, as usual. Some KZheadrs don't seem to work very hard, but you do. This is remarquable !
It’s not the DIY or the buy who wins.. YOU win every time .. I studied electrics, but I can’t declare myself as engineer with your existence !! Stay creative and we love you!!
Nice build. I did the same thing without an actual enclosure. I used a 1/2 inch wide plastic cutting board and mounted the inverter on one side and the charge controller and DC connectors on the other side. Its relatively light and portable. The battery is separate and must be connected to use. It is pretty much a small solar power system that can easily be transported in the back seat of your car.
I LOVE IT!!! I’ve been subscribed for three years waiting for THIS video!!!im actually working on mine at this moment. Installed in a “Pelican” case. Wish I could share pics. You rock, love from Texas! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
So you made it bigger, better, and more powerful, my question is. "Can you actually take that with you when you go camping?"
If you are willing enough,.....yes :-)
You can go camp riding on it, I think that's a win.
@@kei2142 yeah! A portable power station can be a modified bicycle! 🚲
@@f4tboy99 That charges as you pedal, lol
@@f4tboy99 I use my truck as a portable power station. It's even self driving if you park it on an incline.
Putting all this stuff in to a l-Boxx or Systainer would make it very interesting. Especially if you have one of these systems for tools allready.
Great job! I vote for home built. I finished my battery compression box the day you posted this. The unit is up and running daily. It has 560 amp hour EVE cells, 3000/6000 surge inverter, 250 amp BMS, 30 amp MPPT, 75 amp on board lithium charger. It was built to run a big refrigerator and 2 chest freezers on 120 VAC power. We lose power more often in Northern California these days. Last year it was only out for 47 hours in August here, but much longer elsewhere due to wildfires and terrible winds. Its in a steel tubing cage on caster wheels but at 51 kilos, 130 pounds, its not portable. The 410 watt panel sits temporarily on the roof on the foam they shipped the cells in.
I am super impressed with quality of your videos. And diy or buy episodes are the best in my opinion.
when you take the definition of ''portable'' literally anything with wheels counts, but man that's sick! would be cool for camping or straight for Van builds
Diy is always the winner in my opinion because it's built with the users purpose and specs in mind. Next time instead of building a case, try and find an old computer case or other junk item to repurpose for the case to save time and money.
Dear GreatScot, thank you for making awesome videos. Your efforts not only sharps my electronic knowledge further, but also helped me to get through my masters :) :)
I have done a price analysis on building a DIY power wall - and in terms of the price per Kilowatt it is right on par with grid power usage fees! Which begs the question; why aren't more people DIYing their own power security? Great build! The laser labeling is a very nice touch too.
I think you identified the main problem with power stations you buy - they try to do everything and they cost a lot as a result. In reality, as you have shown, everybody's needs are different - You want USB and mains output and don't need 12v. I need 12v and USB but I don't need mains. I've just finished building my own power station which does what I need and no more. Cost me £120 - with the greatest savings being not needing the inverter and the cabling and larger batteries that go with it. DIY is definitely the best option.
Great video. For more portable options, you may want to consider a modular plastic tool box, cooler or a hard case luggage that you can modify. A pelican style case would also work. Hope this helps. Keep the builds up, you got a new subscriber here.
Well done Scott. Very nice project. One improovement could be to add fast fuse between an inverter and the AC socket because this type of inverter doesn't tolerate shorts on it's output despite what user manual says.
Your voice is so good! Speak not fast also not slow. Very helpfull tech for every one. Many thanks 😁
Excellent video and great finished product. The only problem I can foresee is the lack of ventilation for cooling. I understand that you have a lot of space inside but a couple of fans on the side to allow a constant air flow would do wonders. Also you could add a solar controller with MP4 connections to easily connect solar panels when you're on a long camping trip. Overall I really like it because I prefer units built to suit your specific needs rather than buying a generic product.
I am a structural engineer who recently discovered the miracle of PL premium and PL Premium Max... also Loctite branded versions. If you used it in all your connections of wood to wood it the wood will break before the glue does. It is super cheap... bonds to most materials... but it wont come apart ever.
I fit the wood parts dry, apply PL from the 4 oz tube, hand position the parts and pop a few air driven brads into the joint at random angles. The stuff is amazingly strong. Pieces go together quickly.
I had the same dilemma, but ended up buying the same portable power station about a year ago. I want to build a larger unit someday. Thanks for the video.
When you use the Laser Engraver. User Painters-Tape. This will get you rid of the burning marks. Just peel it of after the lasering.
A really cool project. Just saw one of those 4KWh solar mobile charging packs earlier and wondered if one couldnt diy it. When paying 3-4k bucks for one of those there sure might be benefits for DIY. Assuming one doesnt burn the house down with it at least.
Your english pronounciation has improved over the time. I really do appreciate that. Good video.
Dude you're handwriting is awesome and those diagrams are so satisfying to look at lol
This is so ironic,i have been planning on building one of these for the pst few days now,and literally just came back from buying the wood and saw this video,great working
At first I thought the reason for bringing portable power source is to charge your phone or use it for some low energy applications but the answer "bring out the jigsaw for an emergincy wood cut" got me there
I have a couple of small 'power stations' here, inexpensive and LiFePo4 based. Pretty decent. But, as you noted, you have to take their idea of a suitable 'mix' of features, outputs and capacities, and they're rarely in accord with your wants. I also have my house critical systems (except refer/freezer currently) on a battery-backed setup using surplus scooter Li-Ion 36V packs. Now, the surplus quality Li-Ion and lately, LiFePo4 packs out there make a DIY solution way more compelling. You can find all the needed components easily and cheaply to assemble your backup system, or a power station like yours (love the wheels!) with capacity galore, all the inverter and/or DC power you want and the charging options to match. Just several hours to plan, assemble and build. Because there are so many great deals on 36V packs, I was able to find a couple surplus quality UPSes that work great, and under my keyboard right now is a 3000W sine 36V inverter, that'll handle the refer/freezer and microwave loads. And it was easy to use those DC-DC "lab" style power modules to arrange 42V/30A charging. (Using 42V Cisco router P/S as source. Think were 2 for $60? Soo cheap and way quality.) (But see my channel for how not to mount LiPo batteries. Very nasty when poked!) Anyway, if you factor in quality recycled cells out there, (And UPSes! Great quality inverters, low speed chargers and backup. Real cheap Ebay, usually shipped without the failed batteries, so cheaper/safer shipping, and very much life left! I paid about $70 for my 500VA and $90 for my 1000VA shipped. I don't even notice the power drops anymore, except the mini-split stops. Nice.) you can build a beast on a budget! Thanks! Stu (Too much blabbing. Sorry! Love your stuff, and it's great when DIY beats BUY! Stu)
Very well done, for the full 1kw of continuos power I would have used a set OFC 2 gauge wire, it is still extremely flexible and soft bit would allow for proper transfer. 85 amps continuos through 8 gauge seems a bit weak. That is my opinion however and I build for the extreme as well.
Actually for camping or Bushcraft activity we just need Battery Bank that can deliver; 1. USB charging port 5V and Quick Charging, 2. DC port for 12V or 18V, 3. COB LED for lighting. If we need power tools for drilling or grinding, cutting saw etc, make sure take 12V or 18V cordless power tools or make its corded with DC from our Battery Bank. This settings always enough to camping or bushcraft activity. Simple, elegant, cheap, durable, and ready for all occasions even for survival. Greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩
I did a similar project and the core components are simple, but with all the safety and monitoring features gets quite complicated!
nice gonna come back and watch this later with my food, this is the exact type of video i been needing!
Tech tips: Always plug and unplug the dc power supply went its not powered by 110/220AC to prevent dc arcing. Same applies to laptops. Nice video...
Very good project! Useful, professional and complete👍 Good job!
Well in your criterias, if you had considered the look of the end result, the *Buy product would have been the winner*
You certainly could make it look better, you could make it look like anything you want - to be honest. It depends on who's making it and who you're trying to impress 🤣
What are you saying about this master woodworker? :D
I mean he has a lot of tools including a 3D printer, so he could've made something much nicer looking if he wanted to, I assume this was just the result of any project that doesn't come out nice, mainly time/laziness.
Not a bad build! I used a toolbox, and small 32650 cells all spot welded together for mine. It’s got 2000ish Wh, but the same 1000W inverter. And I used a solar charger controller instead of a buck converter to charge... but I TOTALLY agree, DIY wins hands down.
REAAALYY Stretching the word portable on this one. I challenge you to make another build but this time keeping the size within 160% of the comparison Power station and adding more of the same ports and features.
I love your videos and your electronics skills, but oh boy, your woodworking skills on the other hand... That plywood cuts were an eyesore 😱
Fantastic work, dude! Really well done! 😃 There are some tips you could definitely use while making the enclosure (like using painter's tape to prevent splintering of the plywood)... But that's not the important part! Anyway... Stay safe and creative there! 🖖😊
The best part of DIY is you can choose everything like you can avoid the voltage conver to charge the battery by using a charger with right amount of voltage and you can entirely skip or downgrade or upgrade the inverter like 300w or 1200w.also you can choose what type of battery you need like Li-ion or Li fe po4
kind of like buying a big box store PC vs building.. you typically spend more but your component's are better and probably last longer, plus performance is typically better. I dig your build, I have a bluetti AC200 but I think with the battery options now, BMS, shunts, I probably would've been better served with something that I could replace everything myself vs all-in-one. Awesome video as usual.
As much as I like the build if you compare it with the ecoflow delta I would say buy is the winner it's more expensive but it has way more features an even bigger ac output power. Overall great build.
This video is the inspiration for what I want to make. A good upgrade or replacement for my e bike battery.
Love these big and heavy builds and diy vs buy!
you are the inspiration for me to be motivated to produce my video ideas. really ! Thank you very much!
I'm sure you already thought of this, but for the sake kf discussion: if you do have a laser engraver, you can use it not only to label the ports, but also to mark cut lines on the wood, to follow later with a saw or jigsaw.
I like the sweatshirt you wear on camping. Very cool.
You videos are ALWAYS AWSOME !!!
That picture of you camping is iconic :-)
I was just looking for this video and seems like you read my mind . Thanks for making this this video.
Hi great Scott I love your videos, they are very educational.
I have seen now you are very regular with your videos thanks you made my day better
It's my pleasure
This is a great example of why I only use Torx screws for wood :)
I like that the pcb and battery pack have xt-90 (or 60?) connectors attached to it
Emergency Jigsaw 😀😀 very good video! I will do a DIY battery for my balkonkraftwerk sometime. Your video is very good inspiration! I will probably choose other cells and another BMW but use the same concept.
And DIY is the winner!! I wish to make one like this.
Nice build ! Using sandpaper after laser engraving makes the text much cleaner ;)
I like how you need an emergency jigsaw while camping, just like how Jason would need an emergency chainsaw while camping, he he. Great one Scott, I love those batteries, must say. I would love to see you build an electric motorcycle someday, one with a sidecar full of batteries.
Glad you didn't call it a generator like so many other builders do.
I despise the term ''solar generator''. Now that it's commonly used I say it with a sneer and exaggerated sounds.
I enjoy camping too! It's super fun!
Portable power stations , great And I love power stations They are great And I love this kind of videos....
If you now ensure that loads can be powered from the wall and the batteries at the same time without interruption (UPS), you'd have a pretty cool multifunctional power supply at hand. No problem if the power goes out because the batteries are topped up and ready to help you get through a few days.
Tip for soldering bucket ring terminals: hold with vice grips or vice, heat with torch, fill 1/2 way maybe 3/4 max with solder while still heating, dunk wire in solder, hold 'til solid. Perfect solid connection, though do remember the solder can, as always, wick up the wire thus strain relief is always a good idea.
Tip for soldering wires together straight: put wires together end on end, turn them about 45 degrees from each other which will allow you to wrap them around each other, creating a better mechanical connection before soldering as well as a perfect clean joint that you don't have to hold while soldering. Solder then, be happy. Called a western union/lineman splice.
I liked what you have created but it lacks the portable camping elements, certainly as a house back up supply it's wonderful. Overall good video with your logic being described.
sir, are you ok? your voice sounds settled down. and thank you for making this comparison as I always felt commercial versions were under powered and looked cheap. have a nice day!
Always good to see that I'm not the only one who got a snapmaker xD
Awesome project! I might buy or even build one of those!
one mistake you did in your build.... where's the vents for the inverter/battery compartment? you certainly don't want to trap heat in there.
that's an "emergency wood cut" ;-)
I will monitor the temperature in the future through the BMS and add vents if necessary.
Whoa dude, that is awesome! So much attention to details and the wheels are a great feature, next step: Make the wheels motorized and program them so that the power station follows you around, would be really funny :D How I would make a poor mans diy portable power station: Car Battery + Inverter + Fuse (optional) = It's wörking
Was just waiting for your video 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️
Nice build! I was surprised the store bought one looks like it was actually made reasonably well, I was expecting a pitiful battery bank and bad wiring jobs.
I've had decent luck with tacklife products. They're a good chinese brand. I use their jump starter in my car. Never personally used it, but had people ask me to jump their cars multiple times, usually in a parking lot where then you have to awkwardly maneuver your cars to get the leads to reach and whatnot, and that thing has worked every time and holds a charge. Had it for two years now, never charged it once. Supposedly can jump a diesel pick up truck and a Suburban. I have a highlander.
Very nice project, I need to make a similar one with an esp32 as a controller. Also, you should consider adding air assist on your laser engraver to reduce the burned wood around the text
Or apply some masking tape over the area you're about to engrave.
Awesome build. Thanks for sharing.
Finally DIY is winner 😱😱😱.. I can't believe..
Great reasons to carry a portátil power supply to the woods jajajajajaja u r great Scott
If you can, buy yourself an impact driver, it makes driving screws into wood a lot easier. Nice job 👍🏼
Awesome Video :D yes the other was 500€ and DYI was 970€ so you save maby around 30€ with DYI and *2 the Power aswell and the fun of making your own that can be made for portabel in a car Camperwan etc :D the 500€ i guess is nice for the design&Size :) Maby next video you try to make the box small as possible and maby in aluminium case with Grounding+Safety with grounding :D
I LITERALLY JUSY MADE ON OF THESE BUT UT CHARGES WITH A SOLAR PANEL. THE BATTERY IS A 7AH BATTERY AND ITS PRETTY GOOD. AHHHHHH THANKYOU
Post a video! Be careful, this stuff is addictive. My 560 amp hour unit runs a small wire feed welder, table saw, and air compressor. It has a 410 watt solar panel, not exactly portable but its on wheels.
I expect it smaller than that, but as always, Iove that detail explanation
Gotta start saving up for something like that.
Maybe having a 1000W AC output for camping is quite an overkill, sarcastic if you will. The project looks pretty nice but I'd stick with the buy version, doing some work on the diy version like painting or protecting the wood from rain would be good great video man
hey i just love ur videos and i do many things like u... I am also following u from many years... I am inspired by u and i would like to become just like u.... I LOVE U SO MUCH!!!!!😁
That thing looks quite beautiful but I would consider adding a bit of strength to the housing .Even a kick could easily break that 3mm plywood
I made a 2kwh version of this a few months ago, a $20 plastic tool box is much easier than building own box, and it has a handle
I prefer DIY powerstation because I can easily fix it or swap defective parts if trouble occur, now I am making 90aH diy powerstation
I like this awesome device and we will find a better use case for it or add more functionality i guess
I built a very similar thing for my van about 2 weeks ago but using 12v deep cycle 90amp battery that charges of the van, but is disconnectable so I can power my pressure tester off the 12v side and use the inverter for charging power tool batteries. But I never thought about putting fuses on any of it xD
Great work, keep it going 👌
The Buy Version seems to have an MPPT load regulator for Solar Charging, you forget that in your DIY Version.
10:12 - when an electric genius does woodworking ❤ love it! XD
Complete opposite for me, I'm quite good with woodworking but my soldering skills are... well about as good as his woodworking.
Hi baby I am arpit