FJ Dynamics MP500 Portable Power Station – CleanTechnica Tested

Smartphones have modified the world of computing in some ways. When a few of us had been children, a pc that would solely do a couple of staple items took up a variety of floor space on a desk. For those who wished one thing able to taking part in the most recent 3D video games the place every little thing resembled the endlessly upcoming Cybertruck, you’d see a distinction in your energy invoice. The pc monitor took up the remainder of your desk, and possibly left some room for a mouse and a keyboard.

Now, in 2023, you are able to do every little thing that outdated pc might do, and a complete lot extra, and it matches in your pocket! Even on a tiny little battery, smartphones can do that all day. Sadly, although, it doesn’t imply which you could take all of these capabilities with you.

Simply because computing know-how has shrunk and received much more energy environment friendly, doesn’t imply that they’ll do every little thing. The obvious factor you miss out on with smartphones and tablets is contact typing. For those who’re a Biblical type of typist, and use the “search and ye shall discover” technique (often known as “hunt and peck”), a laptop computer doesn’t offer you a lot benefit over the cellphone or pill. However, for those who’re typing dozens of phrases per minute, you’ll miss that functionality. There’s additionally the overall dimension of a laptop computer’s display screen (extra actual property for work), and the truth that you’ll be able to run many applications a pill or cellphone simply can’t run.

Outdoors of computer systems, there are various different applied sciences we take as a right at house that also take the identical energy they did within the 90s. Nebulizers, CPAP machines, moveable stereos, small TV units, satellite tv for pc communications (again then it was Dish Community and DirecTV, right this moment it’s Starlink), and plenty of different issues want juice and aren’t going to get all of it out of your automotive’s cigarette lighter away from house.

A pair weeks in the past, I made a decision to spend a couple of days off-grid. I stayed on the high of a ten,000 foot mountain, and regardless of being on the fringe of a wilderness space, it was up excessive sufficient to have wonderful mobile phone sign. We ended up bringing lots of the comforts of house alongside, together with a Shiftpod insulated shelter, an air conditioning unit, solar energy, and several other assessment merchandise. I additionally introduced my pc, tenting chairs, and a folding desk alongside to arrange a cellular workplace of types.

Fortuitously, one of many merchandise we introduced alongside to assessment was the FJ Dynamics MP500 portable power station. Whereas I had a a lot larger energy station within the Shiftpod alongside, and I had my car there able to ship some energy, I actually wished to have a way more stress-free place to work for a couple of minutes. As a substitute of getting a pleasant desktop background, I wished an actual background behind the laptop computer. The ten,000-foot mountain we had been on supplied this handily, however I didn’t really feel like working an extension twine from the large photo voltaic generator or from the automotive.

Specs & Such

Earlier than I get into the place the unit actually helped me, I wished to cowl some extra fundamental info.

Capability is according to the unit’s title: simply over 500 watt-hours of storage (519 Wh to be actual). Most energy output, once more, matches the title with 500 watts of energy. You possibly can make the most of this energy by way of two AC energy ports (built-in pure sine wave inverter), a number of USB ports, a USB-C PD port, a 12v cigarette lighter port, and a few DC energy output ports. It additionally has a wi-fi charging pad on the highest, and a built-in lantern.

However, that which is used must be replenished. Choices for charging embrace charging from a house wall plug, a automotive’s cigarette lighter, and photo voltaic panels (not included). They even included an adapter for widespread photo voltaic panel connectors so you’ll be able to cost the unit utilizing the solar out within the area.

The factor that helped me essentially the most on this journey was the USB-C PD port. The facility station was simply the proper dimension to suit on my folding desk and never take up an excessive amount of house, and with a two-ended USB-C cable, I used to be capable of most effectively energy my laptop computer. Positive, you can use the AC ports and a house energy adapter, however staying with DC-DC conversions helps keep away from losses and make the battery last more.

So, it was tremendous simple to arrange a transportable workplace with a tremendous view! From the place I used to be sitting, at one of many greater peaks in New Mexico’s Sierra Blanca vary, I might see deserts, nice plains, and dozens of mountains. Actually, the mountain vary lies on the sting of what’s geologically thought of the sting of the Nice Plains, dividing it from the extra geologically lively western United States. I might even see the lights of Roswell, New Mexico, and the distant plains that some say aliens (or a climate balloon, however that’s no enjoyable) crashed on in 1947.

Kind Issue & Weight

As I identified earlier than, I had a a lot bigger energy station with me, however larger isn’t all the time higher. The MP500 is nice as a result of it doesn’t weigh a lot and has a built-in deal with that folds out of the way in which. Folded, it has a pleasant sq. form that’s simple to pack within the automotive on journeys, however on the identical time, it’s good to have the ability to fold the deal with out for simple carrying.

It’s additionally not a bad-looking energy station. I’ve positively reviewed some that had been far uglier and low-cost wanting! This one has a pleasant yellow shade scheme that matches in nicely with energy instruments, tenting gear, and different belongings you would possibly carry it together with.

Closing Ideas

The very last thing I need to focus on is value. The facility station is according to the competitors with a $500 price ticket at Amazon. That places it at about $1 per watt-hour of storage and watt of most energy output, which is fairly near what you see within the trade.

Given the respectable appears, good usability, and a few further options (particularly the sunshine and wi-fi charging), it’s an honest worth proposition.

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