Portable Power Box

I'm interested in building/buying a portable power box. This would be to power phones and electronics like cameras for an extended period of time off-grid. I came across this video, and like a little kid, my mind is racing non-stop. :LOL2: I've watched this video a couple of times now, I think I can do this, but the cost and time to do it might just make it smarter for me to buy one.

[media]https://youtu.be/6PJxkR9JqDs[/media]

I know this company makes them, but I want one that has USB-C to be able to power and charge a large iPad, possibly a laptop.

https://www.iceholepower.com/

So the question I really have, have any of you ever made one of these or have any thoughts?

Most portable 'Car Starter/Jumpers' have a cigarette-lighter port where you could power a single or dual-port USB charger of phone or iPad. As a bonus, you "might" even be able to jump start a car if needed. They also have LED lights. What I mean by that ... is drain the gizmo of all its amps for using and charging your handheld/potable devices ... and you might not leave enough amps to start a car. And car starting needs OOMMPPPHHHHH.

Works for me! And mine is old school, I'd bet the newer ones have built-in USB ports. And these ready built are $50 or so. We bring one when Winter camping, for emergency power needs, and in temps to 6-degrees, it kept all of our phones charged for our 4-days trip easily. And we use the phones constantly for GPS and texting back & forth, whilst deer hunting.

Also consider a 'hand-crank charger' AM/FM (add Single SideBand too, for the advanced prepper!) radio that also has a USB charging port. I keep one on the boat for overnights on the boat or beach use.

I had a NECO once that completely left me embarrassed when i tried to be a hero and help someone jump start their vehicle. I felt like a tool when it couldn’t do its job.


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Jim said:

I had a NECO once that completely left me embarrassed when i tried to be a hero and help someone jump start their vehicle. I felt like a tool when it couldn’t do its job.

Click to expand...

LOL ... I once had the SAME thing happen! But I don't think I left it on their long enough ...

Made a simple one, use type 24 deep cycle battery. This one has volt meter, USB ports, aux power port, 200 watt inverter, led strip lights, and is recharged off a 180 watt solar panel. Battery box is a 24-31 adjustable.

I used a spare deep cycle because I had it, it’s lot cheaper than lithium (lot heavier too), and I can run my CPAP for a couple of days when camping, before needing a charge.

Inverter and solar connections will also fit inside the case, I leave them out when using.

Vented batteries should always be used outside.

CPAP too? Awesome, I never even thought of that for our camping trip.


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A few better pictures.

Thanks! How do you charge the battery?


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Made a cable to charge/maintain batteries while traveling.

I use the 7 way plug on my Truck. The 12vdc circuit is only on when key is on, and I think it is 30a.

It will differently maintain a battery, charging is dependent on alternator output, batteries, and other factors.

They are easy to make but take a bit of time. I built a few of them now for ice fishing to power the lights in the portable ice house and charge my phone if needed. Also has a light to find my way back to the truck LOL. I think there are a few vidios out there you can check out to make one. Mine gets bounced around on the ice a lot so my connections are all soldered and I do use a lithium battery in it so it will hold the charge a bit longer. Parts are easy to find on e-bay and amazon. I cant see why some put so many power posts on them. How many things can you hook up to one little battery. The ones I make have the volt meter, 12 volt post and 12 volt outlet, light and usb port. Nice for gifts to friends and kids as I am retired and have the time to make them.