DIY Lithium Power Box Build | 18ah Portable Charging Station | NPLife
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- What's up guys? It is way too cold outside to go fishing, so I decided to do a little DIY project. Today we're building a portable Lithium Power Box!
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Materials list.
Plano Molding Small Field Ammo Case
18ah Amped Outdoors Lithium Battery
Ice Hole Power DIY power box components kit w/ 6 way LED fuse block
-Kit includes:
-- Voltmeter
--USB Port
--Cigarette Lighter Port
--5 switches
--2 Banana Posts
--6 Eagle Eye Lights
--6 Way LED Fuse Block
Wiring Components
-6 blue ring terminals
-25 blue 16-18 female quick disconnects
- 7 larger 12-14 female quick connect
- 1 huge 10 guage wire female quick connect
- 5 5amp fuses
- 5 3amp fuses
-small zip ties
-2 machine screws
Tools
Stripping Pliers
Crimping Pliers
Scalpel
1 1/8 inch cutting bit
¾ inch drill bit
Small Socket Set
Drill
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Check out JDS Outdoors original video: • How to build a portabl...
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*Great **Generater.Systems** so far. We have the same brand just a little less power. This one is so much quieter then our first one. Great buy*
Great idea! You may want to consider using a step drill for the holes as they tend to cut cleaner in this situation.
Yes. Can Confirm. Do This ^^^^^^^^^
Would recommend an inline fuse between battery positive and the main power switch as close to the battery as possible. Just in case of a short downstream before the fuse holder to protect the main switch and voltmeter.
Outstanding video man! Future reference, when drilling holes regardless of size, use some frog tape over the spot(s) you want to drill. It will give you much cleaner holes and I would use bits rather than using hole saw. The bits will dig that mess up and all you gotta do is pick and pull. Takes no time my guy. No scalpel needed lol
Thanks man, I never thought of that!
Or grab a rat tail deburr tool from harbor freight, super cheap. It's take off any excess flash that the whole saw or otherwise leaves behind
Step bits are the way to go for stuff like that, for sure
Awesome build. Appreciate the shout out as well. This is why I put out the video in the first place.
Thanks man!
Do you have a way of charging the battery while its in the box?
Looks nice but how you going to charge it up
My question too
I would guess in the car with cigarette lighter to cigarette lighter adapter. Its 12 volts just like the car.
Probably via one set of the banana posts
Regular car style battery charger. Pop the top, hook the clips and youre done
@@wr3ncher if im not mistaken, the charger voltage must higher than the battery, should be around >14v
Great video!! thank you!! ill copy this! i am curious about a couple of things, how will the battery charge? also, any idea how long would this power station would provide power to say a 40watt LED light when camping? Could i switch the battery to something bigger?
You really need to INSTALL an integrated charging system. It really really leaves a HUGE hole in the project not discussing what you are using to charge it. 120v, solar, etc should be included...
Hey John! I charge it through the banana posts with a lithium charger. I'd love to see different charging options. I'd assume that since you're watching powerbox videos you're planning on making one. You should create a video and include the things that i missed. good luck!
@@NPLife Yes... there is a plan to make one. I have many of the parts. I am awaiting the charger... to determine how I will incorporate it into the build. I will do something to outline my progress. Thanks.
@@PelicanPines you could tell when you create the video bc Ill be one giving you like and suscribing !
How's that video coming along John?
@@ColdStoneRacing Oh... it's like 5 projects down on the list, sorry. I won't forget. Spring 2021
Gave you a like - and some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism! - solder, solder, solder; anything that'll live near water (especially the salty
kind), should be soldered, not crimped, to prevent corrsion damage, longterm. Nice tools, by the way. Also, the box is too small
for ALL you stuffed in it; thse newfangled batteries (BMS-controlled powerpacks), NEED cooling, no room for circulation leaves
NO room for cooling air to do its job; not to mention all the heat producing lights, etc. (even if they're all LEDs, they still give off
some heat), and it leaves additional room for future 'improvements' - my projects are rarely ever "complete" for at least 2-3
additional sessions of "would have been better this or that way; so I'll change something or two!"
Love the build. Not going to lie I would have thrown the box away and restarted the minute the holes weren't perfectly aligned. Yes, it's a flaw of mine but it would drive me nuts anytime I looked at it.
Never go Full Corn Pop
Ammo cans! It’s like Tupperware, but for men!
Consider adding a XLR plug to charge the battery easily.
Best tutorial I've found, am building two for hurricane season here in Eastern, NC. USA. #1 is the ammo box, 2nd is a larger box with two marine batteries ( in parallel) and a 1500w inverter on 100w solar panels to run TV, wi-fi, laptop, etc.... Thanks
Have you started your tandem marine battery solar build yet?
Did i miss something? How do you charge it?
Regular battery charger. I built the exact box jds outdoors did with the same solar charge option.
@@chrispierce2942 I didn’t see where you could charge it either
You just ooen the top, take the alligator clips and attach them to the battery terminals directly. If you want solar, that's an additional build
I noticed that too. With the mess of wires, opening and closing it to charge will likely create a problem at some point with the wires.
through the positive and negative terminals.
I am an IT / Network Engineer, but I simply cannot wrap my brain around wiring and electronics like this. It's really discouraging, because I know it's not just for "geniuses" to be able to wire stuff themselves, but I just don't think I am capable of learning this stuff. I'm really trying to get in to solar/DIY/Batteries/Bug Out Vehicle overhaul etc - But, the wiring and electricity terminology runs me in to a wall :( Can I just BUY this box off you, dude?
Hey man, check out www.iceholepower.com. they sell them pre-made and done much better than me.
@@NPLife Thanks I did look at this right after I posted my comment, but didn't even realize they had an option for professionally wired boxes! - That said, as I am looking at the cost, they seem comparable to one of these solar backup batteries I'm seeing promoted a lot, such as the Jackery stuff. Are these both the same thing, essentially? Is there a major difference I should take note of, not being very savy with electronic components and terminology?
Great tutorial! Thanks for including so much detail in how you built this out.
great detailed information on how to get this done. Now i can actually get the parts and do it myself, Thanks!!!
Question? Is the battery rechargeable and how do you charge it?
It is. I charge it through the banana posts with the lithium charger that comes with the battery.
That's cool. Do you think you could charge it off a 100w solar panel?
@@quassisbelltower9408 honestly, I have no idea. I'd imagine you could. It just might take a while.
WAIT A SECOND!
How are all the switches getting power?
Oh wait... they cut off the black wire... nevermind.
I guess you charge the battery through the banana clips?
I've found that step drill bits are awesome for drilling in plastic boxes.
Nice build. 18AH for an electric trolling motor? You must not be traveling any distances to your fishing spots. I'd probably go with 50AH.
Stop playing... I not going out today to buy this yet. I am studying right now... Should be watching videos. But thanx so much. Between UA-cam and movies. Studying is like😫
Let's run to the store
No. Save money for the other building projects
Thanks again for the great video and taking time to help me out with my build!
Any time man! be sure to send some pics when you're done.
This is really cool, thanks for sharing! I'm looking to upscale this for a ~40AH battery as I'll be using mine for astrophotography so will need it to run all through a winters night.
Did you make one? I use Minn Kota trolling motor boxes for my home built emergency backup power boxes to run CPAP machines. I put in a 100 amp hour lithium battery in one unit and with its attached 300 watt inverter weighs 22 pounds. I got carried away and stuffed mine with a 200 amp hour lithium battery to run a 1200 watt inverter if needed. That weighs 43 pounds total. With that, you could run your iOptron SkyGuider Pro, a 5 cup coffee maker, cook your midnight stew with the smaller Instapot pressure cooker, and run your trolling motor to get across the lake in the morning. I should make a video of it.
@@kimmer6 Hey Kimmer. Well, my astro rig grew arms and legs so I had to rethink the power solution. Given work and the awful weather we've had, I've not had the opportunity to image remotely so for now, I'm continuing to run on mains electric. Wow, sounds like your got your power situation sorted out!
@@IcedReaver I should start hanging out in the pub. It might be a cheaper endeavor than building lithium battery powered things! Here's that trolling motor box with 200 amp hours, 2560 watt hours, stuffed inside. I built the 7200 watt hour unit underneath it for running my son's fridge and chest freezer when the grid goes down....again. I keep improving it and Version 2 will be much better. In NorCal, Spring weather arrived and I'll head out tonight and look for satellites. ua-cam.com/video/Z1raS3WEe1g/v-deo.html
@@kimmer6 I just checked out your video, and you weren't kidding when you said you had a slow cooker on the go! I'll put in an order of beef brisket please :) I'm sure you'll see plenty of satellites when the sky is clear, they certainly find their way into my images that's for sure.
@@IcedReaver
Remember the Iridium satellites? I tracked and viewed about 200 of them. They would catch sunlight at night for a few seconds and flare brightly. My tracker app was quite accurate. I was at the local fishing pier one night pointing out where to look to my friend who never saw a flare. Some crackhead asked what I was pointing out. I showed him the app and the map on my cell phone and couldn't help myself in telling a fib. I told him that I worked for Lockheed Martin and that I was going to turn on the back porch light on our satellite. There were about 6 of his friends and I pointed out where to look. I did the countdown and tapped my phone. They thought that was the most awesome thing...touch my phone make that thing in space light up. ''Do it again, do it again!!!''. ''Woops, can't do it yet. I have to let the batteries recharge.'' I miss those Iridium Sats.... Corned beef and cabbage coming up Thursday for St Paddy's Day. Come on over.
To many switches I would keep the master, the lights, & the power & USB ports, eliminate two. The banana posts can be hot wired to the fuse box.
wow you just saved me a few hundred bucks thanks man!! well done 👌🏻
what was the total cost?
I know this os very old. But a good build, as a designer by trade I saw a few things if anyone makes one to watch out for, for safety. The side switch for power should be a push in/out or have guards to prevent it from being turned on by placing it against something. I had a case the exact same way (for R/C) and every time I went to use it, it was dead from something (someone) bumping it on at the track. Second you ran the power to the fuse box through the volt meter, the fuse box should have been wired direct to batt with fuse. The way you have it, the total amps of the fuse block now goes through the voltmeter and they are generally only made for 10 amps. A momentary short is going to blow the voltmeter before the fuse blows. Other than that, enjoyed the video presentation was better than some I have seen:)
Is there a charging port for the battery? I didn't hear you saying anything about the charging process... Great device!
Hello fellas, is there a way that i can have everything connect to something, and then that something connects to the botttom, im looking to hide the wires, is there a type of junction or something
Lock washer can do it’s job only if you’re not use regular washer.
Great video. I am also building a powerbox of sorts. I am adding in multiple inputs for charging. Solar and the ac adapter but everything will be closed so no need to open the case to do any charging or work.
It would have been more helpful if you were to slow down on the way you did the wiring. We can all know how to place the switches and stuff
GREAT TUTORIAL. one question though... what do you use the banana clips for? is that how you recharge the battery?
Thanks! Yes, I use them to recharge. I also use them to hook up led light strips on my tent and boat, as well as, running fish finders.
Running your series 100 and to 30 Amp lithium batteries
Great build. I was hoping you would open and close the box... If you did, I may have missed it. Either way, a suggestion, It appears the wires would bend at the hinge area. While you are not opening and closing often, it would be an area of future failure. If you run the wires from the lid down to one side to the hinge, cross over at the hinge and then into the box. That way the wires would twist over the length of the hinge rather than bend at it. Hopefully this makes sense. Again, great project.
Are the disconnect terminal sizing listed correct? Aren’t the standard sizes 18-22, 16-14, and 12-10? I can’t find the sizes you listed
Anderson plug's needed and maybe LED bar instead of Volt meter.
Also power switch on top - not to get knock when packed.
Volt meter would be handy if you can externally access it, like a basic multimeter.
The lights are a great idea. you can also buy resettable blade fuses.
Just a terrific video. Thank you! I am looking forward to starting my project.
Put a piece of scrap wood on the backside of the plastic when drilling or boring to support the plastic against deformation and reduce the amount of cleanup required with the x-acto knife.
The screws holding the fuse block should have a finishing washer under the heads to spread the load and keep the top from cracking.
I'd recommend a fuse block that has both positive and negative connections so that everything is connected to it without the point to point jumpers back to the battery used here. It makes it easier to wire, easier to troubleshoot, easier to change things, eliminates a lot of wires being flexed when the lid is opened and closed. They are available with LED indicators for blown fuses.
USB ports are available that will fast charge an iPad or iPhone, or other devices. Apple and Google Pixel needs PD 3.0 and most other electronics need QC 3.0. There are some that have both QC and PD. You may also want to consider USB-C connectors as they are becoming more common and can deliver more power by increasing their voltage output. With more and more things using USB for charging adding one of the fast charge ports to this setup seems like a good bet.
Really liked the "live" build of this box. Great stuff. Maybe put a tiny bit more info on the electrical part for us electricity noobs ;-) Sounds like a fun project...I would just add a radio on there and turn it into a ham radio go box!
love the video man. but for the love of god stop cutting towards yourself with a razor knife 🥲
good video and will help me with my box build. Thanks
Run piggybacks to a waterproof SAE connector. That amped lifepo4 charger is easy to splice over to SAE. External charging without having to open the box, and you can wire in a solar charge controller inline for a solar generator.
Enviame todos los pasos para hacer una. Pesca en kayak. Gracias
May want to at least run an "in line" fuse between main and Voltmeter, and also step drill bits are great for things like this. A little wire loom and maybe some foam and You couldn't buy a better setup! Awesome Job!! Look forward to more of your vids
Still on the hunt for a video that shows grounding battery.
Maybe I'm being picky... shouldn't the backing washer go on first "in the back" ...then the lock washer, then the nut? Great job otherwise Only thing that jumped out at me.
There is a solid chance that you are right. One thing I wish I could change is adding an inline fuse to the mail power. Thanks for watching!
How much does the 18ah lithium battery cost ?
Thank you, what was the cost for this project?
Fantastic video! Continuity test with multimeter between components is while wiring is always a great sanity check
Get a better ground and upsize the gauge of the power wire to prevent the interruption of power to electronics.
Had the same issue-
Sorry to bother you how much did you spend for the entire thing?
That’s awesome. Great video. I have my switches installed but never finished.
Built one of these, or at least similar idea. Mine was a larger box with fuse block, ground bar, dual usb, powerpole 15amp, powerpole 30amp, master switch to power fuse block, and then side mount powerpoles for charger connection on the outside of the box. I then also installed a mobile dual band 2m and 70cm transceiver. Im sure I overkilled it, but I ran 10 awg wire from battery through switch and then fuse block, and then all the other wiring was 12 awg. Fun project
Can you elaborate on this transceiver thing? I would love to see a video of what you are talking about. I have most of the parts needed, just trying to finalize my plan. I want to be able to power a garmin echomap and a livescope with the black box, and my submersible green LED light for night fishing via cigarette plug. I have an 18ah lithium battery. I hope thats enough.
@@anonymous_friend ....it is a HAM Radio. Both receives and transmits at 50w for 2m and 70cm bands. Carry a roll up J-pole antenna for the radio. Easily communicates simplex or duplex for coverage in the Tulsa area. Radio distance has a lot of variables, but I can consistently get 40-50 miles. Ive since built 2 more of these using an Apache case from Harbor Freight.....generic version of a pelican case. Fun to build and very useful
The only change I would make is to the master switch. I would not have it wired in a way that it always connects a load to the battery. The voltmeter (load) is always on and even though it's a small load, it is still draining the battery. One possibility would be to have an on/off switch for the voltmeter. Do you really need a constant display of voltage? It only takes one forgetful moment to completely discharge your battery.
Hey! Thanks for watching and the comment! The way it's wired only sends load to the voltmeter when the master switch is on. The master is the cut off between the battery and any components. Sorry if I didn't show that well.
Nice job... started on mine... almost finished...
Thanks! I hope yours turns out great!
Cool job
It’s interesting to me. All these videos about how to build power boxes and none cover how to charge the battery easily without having to remove it from the box.
hey Mike, it's really easy to charge. just hook the alligator clips of the charger to the banana posts, then flip the switch controlling the posts you used.
would build and sell that box to the public with no battery
is that how much Amp is that battery i have 18 volt lithium battery 18 volt 12Amp
40$ Walmart 20ah , about 1/10 the size
For small power boxes it cheaper to buy premade
i think the battery terminal is too close for the + and - . It may short circuit if not handle properly.
Sir, pls step by step or make it clean the video
Neat works! My only concern is on the lithium capacity. What can you do with 18Ah powerbox? I am thinking of building one with 50Ah, softpack, plus an inverter module, car lighter socket, car usb charger, variable voltage booster 12-30v (to power up various laptop), and 12v battery charger rammed into the box
My powerboxes are mainly for running lights in my ice fishing house and charging cameras/drones while I'm off grid hunting or fishing. I have this smaller 18 and a bigger 30 that pretty much cover all of my bases.
Nice job. I would put a fuse between the battery and main switch. Also, the positive main should go directly from the main switch to the fuse block. Plug the volt meter anywhere downstream from the fuse block.
how many amps of fuse do you recommend?
Great video, very entertaining and filmed well considering how small and intricate that box is. Really enjoyed watching you plan the steps out before starting to work.
All good and well until your battery dies
Excellent box build. that's talent!!!👍😎
Thank you very useful presentation
what are the bananas of which you speak ?
Great vid... I like the light idea! Nice clean audio with no annoying back ground music!
…but please in future videos get rid of the guitar music also.
Running this to there, and this one over to there is not showing or explaining anything, dude ! Seriously?
If you don’t like it, make your own video. Seriously!
Awesome build!!! Have you ever tried seeing if it floats? If so that would be a great bonus! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! I havent tried, that seems a bit risky!
silly question. How do you charge the battery?
I hook the charger to the red and black posts, then just flip their switch to “on”.
hi i make same like this how can show you ?
Good Job. I build them myself for people. I set mine up so they can be charged by AC plug, Solar Panel or a Car Cigarette Lighter Plug. You might want to give the charging some thought. However you've done good,
How much do you charge, or is it only for people you know? I would love to see your final product. I liked the charging options you mentioned.
Kansas, how much do you charge for your build? I'm interested in one to use for my fish finder. Let me know. Thanks.
This tutorial is not good. You need a specific charging circuit in order to not overlaod the battery or over drain the battery
This comment is not good. I use a charger dedicated for lithium batteries. Also most lithium batteries have a battery management system built in.
Now get you a 10 watt solar panel to keep it charged.
I'm new to this stuff and I was wondering: why 2 sets of the banana posts and can you run some wires from those banana posts to a solar charge controller and charge the battery up via solar? Thanks. Awesome build.👌🏼
He has several things he wants to charge, and the battery has a built-in BMS so as long as your solar setup provides about 14.6v through a proper LIon charger, and you use proper guage wires you can charge the battery however you want.
Have fun 😊
Silly question maybe: how do you wire banana jacks to power supply for devices (I.e fish finder)?
Nice build _BUT_ you really need to add a fuse coming off the battery positive _BEFORE_ it connects to anything else. Safety first, If your main power switch shorts out there is no protection to the battery and a fire can result. There are far too many tutorial builds on UA-cam that leave this part out.
Thank you but darn it, you're making me think about adding LED lights.
My box bangs around in the back, but I might be able to put the lights in between some ridges in the case...
My box version is not as nice as yours, it's meant to be a straight 12v, light and portable power supply for a high volume (truck tire) air compressor and light duty trolling motor (I only run it for short runs when my hands are busy with fly line) and my fish finder/gps so I just have brass pass through (remote jumper posts) automotive terminals mounted near the handle of a waterproof Pelican clone (waterproof case with a one way vent) with foam that came with it to prevent rattling.
I used 5/16" posts but if I did it again I'd use standard 3/8" posts.
For waterproofing I sacrificed an old inner tube to make rubber washers. Put them on the outside, under the terminal body (not inside) and your case is waterproof again.
The posts come with a screw on piece that locks ring terminals in place and protects the posts.
Since I used rubber washers, it floats, and I don't have to worry about salt water corrosion on my wiring, although I like the LED lights idea >:(
I used to help with minor modifications and installations on friends boats so I like to keep wiring simple and accessible because I've spent way too much time upside down tracing wiring.
If I were to run a heavy duty setup and didn't care about weight I'd probably use automotive side battery terminals and screw in some Better Battery posts so I could run standard car connections for charging and whatnot.
I run short 8ga wires with a 30a fuse inside, and my large tire air compressor has a 10a fuse that I tend to blow when I abuse it and let it get too hot 🔥.
So I don't run down my car battery, my box works great as a portable 12v source for inflatable kayak, SUP, and car camping air mattresses ... oh, I almost forgot about my human wash down pump (self priming ShurFlo with a pressure switch) for when I get out of the water (it draws from a 5 gallon bucket) and I really should use it to wash my car (not allowed to wash my car where I live).
Where did you purchase your materials. Thanks for sharing your build video. I have subscribed to your channel.
What is a good use for terminals on a box? And what size fuze would you recommend I'm running a 12v 15amp sla
I also have plans to build one of these also, but I'm going to add two super capacitor banks and a 12v DC motor with hand crank. Plus, mine will also be EMP proof.
the 2 lights on the front aren't straight!!!@@#@@@ now you have to sell that box and make another one you can live with :P LOL..great job too btw
Excellent video...many, many thanks! I love the OCD factor when you noticed the
imperfections :)
Very nice build. I love putting together power boxes too
The only thing missing out of all these videos of battery boxes I've seen being built is an actual cigarette lighter. Nothing worse than being out fishing on your kayak and you drop your lighter in the lake or your lighter gets wet and then you're screwed. Not me I got a cigarette lighter on my battery box. Just living the dream..... or maybe you have a weather emergency or a medical emergency or get lost on your kayak and you have to head to dry ground and possibly set up camp the push in cigarette lighter is a godsend. Especially if you're a non cigarette smoker in the first place and don't carry a lighter, that's your number one mistake. But just to top it off and always be prepared my battery box has a push in cigarette lighter on it😂🤣
Will this handle the amped outdoors 32 ah battery?
I just looked it up, it looks like they are both the same footprint, so it should work.
What are the banana posts used for.
Could something like this run a CPAP?
I'm not positive. You might be able to run an inverter? Or do they make cigarette lighter plug ins for cpap?
Dumb question because I am still learning about building a portable battery station. What about the battery possibly overheating?
Stupid question: When you charge the battery, are you attaching the charger directly to the battery terminals or are you using one set of banana terminals to accomplish that task?
Can I use that for a grill
Should've invested in some terminal strips home depot or lowes will carry them...
You did a really good job. the only thing missing is you charging up that battery again you could get the charging system out of an old UPS Computer backup system so you can charge with 110V plug so you can charge the battery back up.
question: why didn't you use one set of banana post so you could hook up to them and trickle charge the battery?
Very informative video you made. I don’t have any experience regarding with wiring the cable thru the battery. I only that i know is the positive and negative connection. Can you sent me your DIY wired lay out?😂