Just completed the break-in period and so far the unit is operating perfectly ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y . I was amazed by just how quiet this little guy is. I kept having to walk down the driveway to the generator to make sure it was still running. In fact, the most annoying noise coming from the set-up is a high-pitched chirping coming from the pressure regulator on the propane line. I suppose it's possible my other propane-powered generator's pressure regulator is making the same noise, but the generator itself is so loud I've never noticed it. Build quality so far is excellent. My only nit is the service panel is a little tricky to remove. I feel like I might break off one of the plastic tabs when bending it back. I probably just need to work out the technique, so will not hold it against Champion.Next week I intend to fully load the unit to charge a large battery pack and will update this review if there's any problem (3000W continuous load vs a rated 3100W capacity while using propane). Absent any trouble there, I'm 100% pleased with this purchase.
Dude I'm not even half way through this and I wanted to say thank you for being the person you are. There are not enough people like you out in the world trying to make things better for us all. Please dont ever stop what your doing. Huge motivation to me and inspiration
I mean I'm not really talking shot but he is doing it because he makes money off the video and then has affiliate links for everything so I mean it's not for nothing
@@james10739 if he wasn't able to make money off the videos then how would he be able to have the time and afford the equipment in order to make the videos in the first place. We don't live in a utopian society. There's no such thing as free. We should be rewarding people monetarily for giving out great content not questioning their motives.
@@james10739 No, he’s doing it because he loves it. It not only shows in his attitude but it’s also a fact he did it for a long time at a loss before making money off it. The fact he’s making money now is secondary, and not “the reason why” he’s doing it.
Jehu great video, last year when Maria hit PR I was traveling to my house to check for damage and there was no electricity in my town. I watched ALL your videos along with other DIY videos. You are the DIY man. The problem at that time was shipping 18650's and there were no batteries available in PR. I ended up buying a kodiak generator and had it shipped to PR. It was a life saver, I DIYed the solar panel frames, custom mc4 cables and was able to ship and reassemble on my roof. I added 3 Optima gels and run everything.
What separates your videos vs other “solar battery generators” is build quality AND automated battery protection. Seems to me a lot of folk have ruined batteries by falling sleep with an inverter .. or something else on, effectively draining the battery’s bellow best cycle longevity practices. You are an Expert Sir !
Beautiful build as always Jehu! Love that you kept the mistakes in there as well, as that lends a healthy reminder of caution to those who want to jump into a build like this without a proper understanding of what they are doing. Overall great build!
THANK YOU!!! I've watched every video I can find on the Kodiak, and not one of them shows the insides of the unit. One guy cracks it open long enough to see some wires, but no teardown video in sight. If anyone's going to make a DIY unit to rival this $1,500 mystery box of power, it would be you!
This is good inspiration. Here are some things that could be done differently: Don't cut open poorly packaged pouch cell box with a knife. A hamfisted person could have destroyed all those cells in one cut, and maybe burned down their house/shop at the same time. Shipper should warn how to open, and protected with more packaging. Don't scrape pouch cells with screwdrivers and knives. Don't cut the foil. Leave them. They fail/catch fire if you puncture them and cause a short, right? Use a steel box when you're building something so fire prone. Isolate the batteries in their own box, and wall them off from all the electronics that could cause them to burn. They need passive airflow or better yet, active with temp triggering. Fuse the two systems (electronics fuse battery). Fire box chassis will save your house from burning down, though you'll still have horrible smoke damage, if those batteries go into thermal runaway. Don't enclose all those batteries and an passively cooled inverter, and a toy skateboard charger into a tight sealed, space. This design could overheat and overheat will cause fire. Don't compare the price of DIY to the price of a finished, tested product with hopefully overbuilt engineering involved in it, and pretend that they are equivalent. Use an MPPT charge controller in any system like this. It'll make your panels work well and still prevent overcharge. You don't describe the Power Meter as a BMS and it doesn't look like that's its primary function. Why not call it one if it is, and otherwise use one if it wasn't. I just watch Rich Rebuilds almost burn down some guys shop in NJ because they weren't using a BMS, and probably had a problem with the charger overcharging the Tesla packs. These DIY projects need safety, not just cheap solutions that work until they burn. I think we all thought the product you tried to replicate is overpriced, but I'm pretty sure trying to replicate it with lithium cells and build it to that quality with new cells is hard to beat/match. Lithium is still expensive, and folks continually comparing used cells to new is bad form move.
CP great job showing of the Flex on your channel. They are shipping, I received mine and I’m testing it all now with practical application testing.... since that’s all I know. So far so good.
Dude i am so happy i was going to suggest you do a video on this. Im an avid carp fishermanand there are a few people selling power banks for overnight use but after watching your videos i know i can spend less and build to suit my needs. Your a star.
This is great! I'd pay for this from you haha. There are places in the world right now that could use this. Thanks for the inspiration for the budget oriented DIY. Glad I stumbled upon your video. Keep up the videos.
Is there a full length video? Seems like there is a lot of things glossed over here. Or as some people are asking for a wiring schematic please. Thank you! I’d seriously pay money for the full video.
As would I. I am paying monthly and trying to build this. Many items are glossed over. A full assembly over multiple videos would be handy. I know you are quite busy jehu. But a schematic would really help. My first assembled battery was messed up. Had to do trial and error. Finally got it built, looks ugly as hell. But it works. Built second battery with no problems. Jehu you glossed over the bms assembly so it was more difficult than I'd hoped. Otherwise great videos, tysm
Ive been subscribed since you were a small channel, forgot about your videos because the content was not my style but this type of video i like! More of this?! Greetings from Belgium, Goeroetje.
I have one it's fabulous. Went boondocking with a friend in an Airstream and it powered everything. It can run your air conditioner but only for 2 hours on a low setting but the unit stayed cool.
That was a little one - there are a lot bigger mistakes that can be made if you don't take care that all the cell voltages are very similar before connecting, or do something really stupid like a short circuit!
It'd be cool if there was an overall schematic! It'd be great if you could post one somewhere! nice build overall! Why LIpo and not LI-ion? Can you charge the battery pack while also running loads through it? How are the cells going to stay balanced? What's the point of including the relays? I can't you using them to switch anything. Sorry I keep editing this but I keep getting more and more questions XD
Simple schematic would be great and i too don't know the use for the relays... The Inergy Kodiak have a really interesting feature: you can hook 12V lead acid battery to it and it will use them to provide more power; AND charge them too! Please sir, or anyone else, how can one add this feature to jehugarcia's build? Thank you very much
@@cirelefebure5485 Per Inergy's online manual, the external battery connections are power inputs only, so don't expect to be able to charge a 12 v battery with it. It's just an alternate power input to solar or 120 VAC for charging the internal battery.
good job. Suggestion... how about using 18650 in 7s (whatever p) 24 volt inverter not using the board kit in this case, just cells mounted in the classic plastic holders for space saving. spot welding or wire and fuses. everything simple. and every user chooses their favorite way of charging, (solar, ac adapter, car) Jehu has inspired me wit his ideas. keep that good work and spread of battery education.
Excellent Breakdown and Analysis of a DIY Solar Charger better than the Kodiak. I like you quick analysis of reading the spec sheet of the Kodiak. You knew immediately you could beat it.
Wish that inverter were not a PWM charger. If I were to build this I would use a discrete charger (MPPT). Nice build other than that, always look forward to your videos my friend.
This is great!! In fairness to Kodiac though, you should also include what yours would cost if you paid yourself $25-30/hr. Just so people don’t think the Kodiac is overpriced by the amount of that difference.
Jehu, kick ass video!!! Love this type of content!!! You rock. I've learned a lot from you. I'm literally building my own solar generator right now. Super helpful!!
I really like all your videos . Please don't pay any attention the keyboard cowards . The fact that you have around 4,000 subscribers and your videos draw 100's of thousands of views speaks well of your videos .
This is very impressive. One thing to note is weight. The Kodiak unit is roughly 20 pounds... I own one, and it is incredibly light for all of it's features. If you only account for the inverter and case of this DIY unit that is a total of 27 pounds... This doesn't even include the batteries used. If ease of portability is of concern, this may be a deal breaker for some.
I wouldn't want to transport the DIY one or move it anywhere. There was nothing holding the batteries in place, and the inverter is just sitting on top of the batteries.
Great project! And good job in putting it all together, always love these DIY's. Do you mind checking out JMantzel here on youtube ? He really is amazing at what he does, just like you. He is currently searching for a sponsor as he is living on an island and running his caste, bulldozer and 4 boats off of solar power and golfcart batteries. Last time people reding this comment thought that it was a joke, but i assure you he is real. Take care man
Nice video. What about the BMS details and are you using a solar charge controller? How did you use the 40A relays - i assume in parallel to net 80A’s x 24v DC. I am building something like this with a 24v Tesla pack and would love to add some of these features. Please consider adding a wiring diagram.
Hey Jehuey, What BMS Boards did you connect to the batteries & where did you plug them to sense / control voltages? That's also not in you parts brake downs? Also on your testing footage, you started at 4.0v as full & ended at 2.8v... Yet can't you go higher & lower without hurting them?? Say 4.1v on high side & 2.5v on low discharge, like 18650s??? Also shouldn't you put an earth ground lug on it??? Thanks
Would love to learn how to build and understand what im doing building one of these. Can build most of house(no electricity), build/rebuild any part of a car no problem. But put a computer chip in a computer, wire a few switches and BOOOOM! all hell breaks loose.
I noticed that too... There doesn't seem to be any ventilation to cool the inside, although that is easily remedied... Cut a hole and put a screen over it... Much like a computer's power supply... then connect an exhaust fan... Drill some holes on the opposite end for air to enter...
@@sleepyratt2 That inverter is the same as mine. There is no heat sink on the bottom, they are on the sides... Anyway, that inverter has a fan or two built in but if there's no place to exhaust the heat from the interior, the heat will just recirculate inside the box and get hotter...
Jehu, I would like to say thank you for putting this video up, I admire the work you do. I am a pastor on the road in my rv full time & I'm also a DIY and save money kind of person. This to me is by far the best video you have put up or should I say the most helpful to me 👍🏼👏😁. God bless you & yours. #MAGA 🇺🇸
What and how are the 6 balance leads connected to? What are the relays for? I have made batteries before and I am an electrician, but I could still do with a little more detail. I have already ordered most of the parts. Could you do a follow up? Thanks.
John B. That relays connect directly to the DROK Digital DC Multimeter, it provides a way to shut everything down in the event of draining the cells down to far.
John B - there appears to be stuff missing here. The balance leads go to a balance plug which you would need a separate lipo charger for (the one in the link is basic with no balance facility), or you’d need to install a separate BMS. Also the DROK he installed will warn you of over current, over and under voltage etc but it won’t “do” anything. You’d need to hook up relays disconnect the power in the event of a problem which the Drok can control. As others have pointed out there is also no thermal management here. At the very least I’d install a BMS between the charger and the pack with a temperature sensor that disconnects the pack on over-temp. As others have pointed out there is no venting in the case - this makes it basically weather proof but you need to vent heat with an inverter and battery pack that size.
You cant with the those cells the configuration dosen't work well in 12v strings you only get about 40% capacity at 12v vs 24v. In another video he load tests a 12v string with the flat packs cells.
Excellent work. When you did the price comparison you didn’t include your time. Companies also have to make a profit so 1500 is probably not as bad as it first looks. I prefer your version.
im practically ordered batteries by set of four. each every transactions and also gives me alot of time to test each cells before my next order my biggest mistake was purchasing dead laptop batteries. most of the cells were under 300-500mah and to the worst part are you cant discharge them like 1 amp. each cells like to discharge under 0.3 amps lol
I think a Q/A follow up for this video would be good to address a few issues. Primary concern is safety and a few mod ideas. 1. Fuses and electrical safety concerns . 2. Temperature Control (Active / Passive cooling and emergency automatic kill switch when temperatures approach / go over safety limits. 3. Some general usage statistics for the build, Average time for usage for defined loads and recharge times when plugged in. On a side note, If I build this I know I will keep a portable Fire extinguisher on hand at all times given the possible risk of fire for the unit.
skywave dxer Huh? "The meter doesn't matter"? Is that the meter that trips the protection relays due to the short circuit? I somewhat agree, I would have liked to see a 150-200A fuse in there... but then again, the gauge of the pack series wires may have been picked so that they are the fusible links.
@skywave dxer personally i don't like fuses aside from redundant protection since they can be slow and for such high current at the battery output voltage your impedance is pretty close to a short so it's not that easy to use a fus,e i think what he should have done is a charging and protection circuit to each pack
Don't forget to check surplus stores for plastic ammo boxes! They have locking rubber sealed lids, and are roughly the same size. My local princess auto (Canadian harbour freight basically) has one for $24, and that's Canadian! So maybe 15 bucks south of the border? Much better than the $124 American for the one in the video. Even on Amazon.ca Acr8-72 boxes are only $40 Canadian.
I would like to see something small. Just a little battery that you can bring for example to camping and power on lights, charge phones etc. Or use in house for powering a PC for a few hours. Great video as always... everything diy is cheaper than market product
Jahu please don't get me wrong, I love your videos, extremely educational. First Speedy Gonzaléz is jealous. You used to take your time and explain things step by step. Seconds your quote is on materials only. Labor is not included. That's why is maybe is call DIY. Third their some safety issue on the video. No cooling system in case of over Heat, and grounding. I saw that on the screen your set up some limits but a cooling system make better. Over all I love it.
Cool build, Lipos are no joke.... Most people watching this video have no clue how dangerous they can be. You also can't put them out with water if/when they catch fire..... Basically this is a huge bomb 🤔
If you wanted to save even more money - you could swap the amazon / pelican box for a tool box from home depot + silicon bead ($30). I have 2 of those tool boxes at home, some multi-meters. some led acid car batteries (i know not great - but free!), some solar panels......thinking I might build a down scaled "parts bin" box like this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Is there a link to find the full build instructions? Also curious about how to make a full power wall using those ss batteries! I’m relatively new to a lot of this, but I get the concepts
How many hours did it take you to build it? How many hours did you spend gathering all the items needed for the construction. How much did all the tools cost you needed in order to assemble it? I agree the components themselves might be half the price, but when the true cost of assembly is all factored in, are you really saving any money?
Good Job overall, A+ for the concept and proof of concept. B- for cable management, C for heat migration, D for safety concerns, F for a using Amazon Box, a Pelican case or a Pelican cooler or similar would have been the hot ticket, and having a larger box would allow you to use outdoors without the concerns of H20 getting into the live outlets being as they are on the top of the unit. Having a 20 amp 30 amp and 50 amp plug would have been very nice to see. Maybe try to make one for $1499.99 plus shipping etc, and make a monster Kodiak. Thank you for the inspiration and God Bless you.
I'm trying to figure out the wiring... as I see it, the 30amp socket is limited by the 12amp power strip... unless two power strips are being used together to give 24amp possibility??
There is so much to improve it. First using 18650 Cells you could use the Space MUCH better. No need for Pouch Cells with 1200Wh every normal 18650 Cell can handle 2000W without Problems. Second: SAFTEY, I didnt see a fuse, I didnt see the separation vom the heavy aluminium inverter to the soft cells. This is extremly dangerous how can someone who works with that show something like that ?? People gonna build this and set their House on fire because the inverter cuts the cells. You need to step up the work. Other Point Even if the Inverter reaches 95% you have 100W heat from it with 2000W supplied. Where shall the heat go ? You get the Cells warm and degrades their lifespan. This is made dangerous ! Folks, dont make it that way for your own safety !!!
Yes, it's a little too much "put together ready built stuff" for a pro. I would rebuild all that stuff, take the inverter apart and give it a new cooling system in its own metal housing, rework all connectors so it fits for a safe and good lookinh cable management, and definitly fuses, a lot of fuses, on the inputs, thermal fuses on the batteries, one max. power life plug with it's own fuse and some life plugs that share the maximum power, each one fused. Basically it's a pretty simple project, but there is a lot of power and handle that as safe as possible differs pros from noobs, I not a engineer so more a noob than a pro and I see already things that aren't acceptable.
When he started to pack the batteries in the box I knew it's going to be a crappy project. However the concept is clear to make a DIY. Others shouldn't follow the same arrangement.
You missed the one major benefit of the Kodiak, which is the expand-ability. On the side it has 2 plug which allow for Marine Batteries to be hooked up to it, allowing for a near infinite expansion of how much juice it can hold. Great video, but that is a MUST HAVE option for this to compete with the Kodiak
Thanks so much for this. I've wanted one of those 3 k Inergys since seeing the same vid you referenced but it's so spendy. I've actually tried to figure out how to diy it, but couldn't even find all the specs you somehow found.. Also, to be honest ,it puts my brain in overdrive too long and it shuts down on me, lol. Great vid.
Every1 sayin no fan over heat a lot of stuff miss....yes he could of done better!!! But he basically said just threw stuff together really quick...main goal of the video was just to beat Kodiak spec ND price tag...not making the perfect solar/power generator just the basic....so now u got, basic it call (D.I.Y) for a reason...also u can kinda tell he just threw it together skipped/ shorted video (figure stuff out as he go) way he say "just put dis here cut ther and made that fire obviously he didn't plan it out much watch his other video ND u can see he capable of doing much more....
a good construction and thank for the video, im sure it's really helpful for so many, i just want to point safety factors that you missed them, the inverter will produce heat and the box have a missing vantilation holes and that could damage and reduce the lithium batteries life, beside that more heat will cause more energy lose, beside everything it good.
@@johnqsak Yeah, i see what you mean. At the time of my comment there was no refference for a Pure Sine Inverter. Good for Jehu he corrected this. Now my comment is mute.
I am not a fan of AC so I will skip that for a variable voltage regulator. And I have a case already not into the plugs much. Will add some high powered usb usb c ports 20 bucks skip the pouch to 18650 65 cells with a 1/3 modular as almost all my gear is modded too use 18650. So the real question is how to balance modular cells and secure them in the case! Ideas? Anyone?
I wish I had all the tools needed to do this. If I bought all the tools to do this it could put the price of the Kodiak BUT I would have all the tools and probably some spare parts. Did this have cooling fans? I do not have the knowledge to do this, it looks simple and fast in the video but I’m just not that confident with electronics YET so for now I’m good with my Kodiak and new Flex unit. Great video... I love this channel👍
I think I see where some of the confusion is with the solar in this video. In the link in the description you have it pointing to a pure sine wave inverter that does not have a solar charge controller built in. What you are actually using is the modified sine wave inverter that does have the charge controller built in.
Awesome Build my friend...! I can’t wait until I have enough saved to build on of these for myself...! Keep safe and designing new projects for us to build and save money on...! The best to you and yours.
Great video - good details. Thanks ! --- Dont pay attention to the haters - you can't make everyone happy. I noticed you're using relays instead of fuses. Good call. Nice design and looks very well put together. Great job !
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Just completed the break-in period and so far the unit is operating perfectly ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y . I was amazed by just how quiet this little guy is. I kept having to walk down the driveway to the generator to make sure it was still running. In fact, the most annoying noise coming from the set-up is a high-pitched chirping coming from the pressure regulator on the propane line. I suppose it's possible my other propane-powered generator's pressure regulator is making the same noise, but the generator itself is so loud I've never noticed it. Build quality so far is excellent. My only nit is the service panel is a little tricky to remove. I feel like I might break off one of the plastic tabs when bending it back. I probably just need to work out the technique, so will not hold it against Champion.Next week I intend to fully load the unit to charge a large battery pack and will update this review if there's any problem (3000W continuous load vs a rated 3100W capacity while using propane). Absent any trouble there, I'm 100% pleased with this purchase.
*Lightweight, quiet and versatile. I love the duel fuel operation. I feel this **Generater.Systems** was a great value.*
Dude I'm not even half way through this and I wanted to say thank you for being the person you are. There are not enough people like you out in the world trying to make things better for us all. Please dont ever stop what your doing. Huge motivation to me and inspiration
How are you building this with this video and no schematics?
I mean I'm not really talking shot but he is doing it because he makes money off the video and then has affiliate links for everything so I mean it's not for nothing
@@james10739 if he wasn't able to make money off the videos then how would he be able to have the time and afford the equipment in order to make the videos in the first place. We don't live in a utopian society. There's no such thing as free. We should be rewarding people monetarily for giving out great content not questioning their motives.
@@james10739 No, he’s doing it because he loves it. It not only shows in his attitude but it’s also a fact he did it for a long time at a loss before making money off it. The fact he’s making money now is secondary, and not “the reason why” he’s doing it.
Jehu great video, last year when Maria hit PR I was traveling to my house to check for damage and there was no electricity in my town. I watched ALL your videos along with other DIY videos. You are the DIY man. The problem at that time was shipping 18650's and there were no batteries available in PR. I ended up buying a kodiak generator and had it shipped to PR. It was a life saver, I DIYed the solar panel frames, custom mc4 cables and was able to ship and reassemble on my roof. I added 3 Optima gels and run everything.
Your an inspiration to the DIY community and we appreciate all the work and “energy” you put in to making the community grow.
you should have said glow instead og grow :)
Big facts
What separates your videos vs other “solar battery generators” is build quality AND automated battery protection. Seems to me a lot of folk have ruined batteries by falling sleep with an inverter .. or something else on, effectively draining the battery’s bellow best cycle longevity practices. You are an Expert Sir !
Beautiful build as always Jehu! Love that you kept the mistakes in there as well, as that lends a healthy reminder of caution to those who want to jump into a build like this without a proper understanding of what they are doing. Overall great build!
THANK YOU!!! I've watched every video I can find on the Kodiak, and not one of them shows the insides of the unit. One guy cracks it open long enough to see some wires, but no teardown video in sight. If anyone's going to make a DIY unit to rival this $1,500 mystery box of power, it would be you!
J.G: Nice build. Like your approach to D.I.Y, straight to the point and no B.S.
This is good inspiration. Here are some things that could be done differently:
Don't cut open poorly packaged pouch cell box with a knife. A hamfisted person could have destroyed all those cells in one cut, and maybe burned down their house/shop at the same time. Shipper should warn how to open, and protected with more packaging.
Don't scrape pouch cells with screwdrivers and knives. Don't cut the foil. Leave them. They fail/catch fire if you puncture them and cause a short, right?
Use a steel box when you're building something so fire prone. Isolate the batteries in their own box, and wall them off from all the electronics that could cause them to burn. They need passive airflow or better yet, active with temp triggering. Fuse the two systems (electronics fuse battery). Fire box chassis will save your house from burning down, though you'll still have horrible smoke damage, if those batteries go into thermal runaway.
Don't enclose all those batteries and an passively cooled inverter, and a toy skateboard charger into a tight sealed, space. This design could overheat and overheat will cause fire.
Don't compare the price of DIY to the price of a finished, tested product with hopefully overbuilt engineering involved in it, and pretend that they are equivalent.
Use an MPPT charge controller in any system like this. It'll make your panels work well and still prevent overcharge.
You don't describe the Power Meter as a BMS and it doesn't look like that's its primary function. Why not call it one if it is, and otherwise use one if it wasn't. I just watch Rich Rebuilds almost burn down some guys shop in NJ because they weren't using a BMS, and probably had a problem with the charger overcharging the Tesla packs. These DIY projects need safety, not just cheap solutions that work until they burn.
I think we all thought the product you tried to replicate is overpriced, but I'm pretty sure trying to replicate it with lithium cells and build it to that quality with new cells is hard to beat/match. Lithium is still expensive, and folks continually comparing used cells to new is bad form move.
Don't listen to this guy. Safety Sally! I just did a video on how to heat your home with a charcoal barbecue. It's total DYI.
Solid advice for everyone. Thanks. It is not easy learning to fly jumping off the roof with and umbrella. 🤔
@@philboeing1889 🤣Lol the imagery has me dead
Always funny to check out a video and see yourself talking at the beginning of the video :) great video.
😂 why do all my favorite UA-camrs watch each other?
Possibly a review of the DIY version maybe.
CP great job showing of the Flex on your channel. They are shipping, I received mine and I’m testing it all now with practical application testing.... since that’s all I know. So far so good.
Can I buy one of these boxes from you?
Dude i am so happy i was going to suggest you do a video on this. Im an avid carp fishermanand there are a few people selling power banks for overnight use but after watching your videos i know i can spend less and build to suit my needs. Your a star.
Although if im honest i was looking at 18650 as ive salvaged a few but ill get more power to volume with the batteries youve used
@@paulpilkington4994 You can use 18650s instead if you have enough.
This is great! I'd pay for this from you haha. There are places in the world right now that could use this. Thanks for the inspiration for the budget oriented DIY. Glad I stumbled upon your video. Keep up the videos.
Is there a full length video? Seems like there is a lot of things glossed over here. Or as some people are asking for a wiring schematic please. Thank you! I’d seriously pay money for the full video.
As would I. I am paying monthly and trying to build this. Many items are glossed over. A full assembly over multiple videos would be handy. I know you are quite busy jehu. But a schematic would really help. My first assembled battery was messed up. Had to do trial and error. Finally got it built, looks ugly as hell. But it works. Built second battery with no problems. Jehu you glossed over the bms assembly so it was more difficult than I'd hoped. Otherwise great videos, tysm
Ive been subscribed since you were a small channel, forgot about your videos because the content was not my style but this type of video i like! More of this?!
Greetings from Belgium,
Goeroetje.
I have one it's fabulous. Went boondocking with a friend in an Airstream and it powered everything. It can run your air conditioner but only for 2 hours on a low setting but the unit stayed cool.
I like that you put your mistake in the video you don't shy away from it
That was a little one - there are a lot bigger mistakes that can be made if you don't take care that all the cell voltages are very similar before connecting, or do something really stupid like a short circuit!
Wonderful video. I bet you beat the price of Kodiak. Now I will build one for now. Based on this video you made... Thank you.
It'd be cool if there was an overall schematic! It'd be great if you could post one somewhere! nice build overall! Why LIpo and not LI-ion? Can you charge the battery pack while also running loads through it? How are the cells going to stay balanced? What's the point of including the relays? I can't you using them to switch anything. Sorry I keep editing this but I keep getting more and more questions XD
Agreed, a schematic would be nice to this project. Thanks for showing it can be done for half the cost.
Simple schematic would be great and i too don't know the use for the relays...
The Inergy Kodiak have a really interesting feature: you can hook 12V lead acid battery to it and
it will use them to provide more power; AND charge them too!
Please sir, or anyone else, how can one add this feature to jehugarcia's build?
Thank you very much
How about a parts list?
The relays disconnect the inverter from the battery packs - a must have to prevent draining them down when you aren't using the inverter.
@@cirelefebure5485 Per Inergy's online manual, the external battery connections are power inputs only, so don't expect to be able to charge a 12 v battery with it. It's just an alternate power input to solar or 120 VAC for charging the internal battery.
Thanks for the video. I look forward to an update with fans, bms, solar charging and adding external battery pack. Great work!
good job. Suggestion... how about using 18650 in 7s (whatever p) 24 volt inverter not using the board kit in this case, just cells mounted in the classic plastic holders for space saving. spot welding or wire and fuses. everything simple. and every user chooses their favorite way of charging, (solar, ac adapter, car) Jehu has inspired me wit his ideas. keep that good work and spread of battery education.
Luis Rodriguez 18650s are what Tesla uses.
You could end up melting the spring connectors if you pull a lot of current.
@@kevincai96 wright. in that case the sistem is good for electronics, use a few hundreds of watts like most solar generators.
Excellent Breakdown and Analysis of a DIY Solar Charger better than the Kodiak.
I like you quick analysis of reading the spec sheet of the Kodiak. You knew immediately you could beat it.
Wish that inverter were not a PWM charger. If I were to build this I would use a discrete charger (MPPT). Nice build other than that, always look forward to your videos my friend.
This is great!! In fairness to Kodiac though, you should also include what yours would cost if you paid yourself $25-30/hr. Just so people don’t think the Kodiac is overpriced by the amount of that difference.
Excellent work Jay, this is really the kinda stuff i love! You did an excellent job of the breakdown and the work. Keep up the excellent videos!!!!
Great video and greatly appreciated , but I would like and enjoy watching a step by step video. A further detailed explanation of the project.
Any update on the schematic? Specifically how the relays work with the power meter. Thanks for an awesome video!
Christopher Paris waiting on them too 🙃
I’m waiting too @jehugarcia
Your DIY box blows the Kodiak box out of the water! Good job man!!!
Jehu, kick ass video!!! Love this type of content!!! You rock. I've learned a lot from you. I'm literally building my own solar generator right now. Super helpful!!
I really like all your videos . Please don't pay any attention the keyboard cowards . The fact that you have around 4,000 subscribers and your videos draw 100's of thousands of views speaks well of your videos .
I'm building my own as well. Thanks for the video.
This is very impressive. One thing to note is weight. The Kodiak unit is roughly 20 pounds... I own one, and it is incredibly light for all of it's features. If you only account for the inverter and case of this DIY unit that is a total of 27 pounds... This doesn't even include the batteries used. If ease of portability is of concern, this may be a deal breaker for some.
I wouldn't want to transport the DIY one or move it anywhere. There was nothing holding the batteries in place, and the inverter is just sitting on top of the batteries.
Btw guys, this project was sponsored by BatteryHookups which provided the battery 42 Lipo Cells j35.us/42x-SPIM08HP
Great project! And good job in putting it all together, always love these DIY's. Do you mind checking out JMantzel here on youtube ? He really is amazing at what he does, just like you.
He is currently searching for a sponsor as he is living on an island and running his caste, bulldozer and 4 boats off of solar power and golfcart batteries. Last time people reding this comment thought that it was a joke, but i assure you he is real. Take care man
No BMS with lipos?
Nice video. What about the BMS details and are you using a solar charge controller? How did you use the 40A relays - i assume in parallel to net 80A’s x 24v DC. I am building something like this with a 24v Tesla pack and would love to add some of these features. Please consider adding a wiring diagram.
$210.00
Used
Hey Jehuey, What BMS Boards did you connect to the batteries & where did you plug them to sense / control voltages? That's also not in you parts brake downs?
Also on your testing footage, you started at 4.0v as full & ended at 2.8v... Yet can't you go higher & lower without hurting them?? Say 4.1v on high side & 2.5v on low discharge, like 18650s??? Also shouldn't you put an earth ground lug on it??? Thanks
Would love to learn how to build and understand what im doing building one of these. Can build most of house(no electricity), build/rebuild any part of a car no problem. But put a computer chip in a computer, wire a few switches and BOOOOM! all hell breaks loose.
No fans? Are you worried about heat? Under full load how much heat is generated?
I noticed that too... There doesn't seem to be any ventilation to cool the inside, although that is easily remedied... Cut a hole and put a screen over it... Much like a computer's power supply... then connect an exhaust fan... Drill some holes on the opposite end for air to enter...
Believe he had to remove the heatsink from the bottom of the inverter too. Looked open to me when he put it in.
Exactly what I was thinking. Most people have a fan for air in and one for air out.
@@sleepyratt2 That inverter is the same as mine. There is no heat sink on the bottom, they are on the sides... Anyway, that inverter has a fan or two built in but if there's no place to exhaust the heat from the interior, the heat will just recirculate inside the box and get hotter...
That and the space from and to the battery pack , you dont want them too close to the inverter.
Jehu, I would like to say thank you for putting this video up, I admire the work you do. I am a pastor on the road in my rv full time & I'm also a DIY and save money kind of person. This to me is by far the best video you have put up or should I say the most helpful to me 👍🏼👏😁. God bless you & yours. #MAGA 🇺🇸
What and how are the 6 balance leads connected to?
What are the relays for?
I have made batteries before and I am an electrician, but I could still do with a little more detail. I have already ordered most of the parts.
Could you do a follow up? Thanks.
John B. That relays connect directly to the DROK Digital DC Multimeter, it provides a way to shut everything down in the event of draining the cells down to far.
@@1akmason Thanks. Why are there 2?
John B - there appears to be stuff missing here. The balance leads go to a balance plug which you would need a separate lipo charger for (the one in the link is basic with no balance facility), or you’d need to install a separate BMS. Also the DROK he installed will warn you of over current, over and under voltage etc but it won’t “do” anything. You’d need to hook up relays disconnect the power in the event of a problem which the Drok can control. As others have pointed out there is also no thermal management here. At the very least I’d install a BMS between the charger and the pack with a temperature sensor that disconnects the pack on over-temp. As others have pointed out there is no venting in the case - this makes it basically weather proof but you need to vent heat with an inverter and battery pack that size.
Need more info on wiring. How is balance connector used? Where do the balance connector and XT60 connector go?
ua-cam.com/video/KKxGZiNDlho/v-deo.html around minutes 8-9
Absolutely brilliant! Right On!
Great video I built mine but was running hot just installed a couple of fans and it's doing well
A little spark when you're building is fun. Not sparks can get boring. Thanks for the video.
You should build in a temperature monitor inside all your DIY systems to make they are not over heated
Great project Jehu! Thanks for your inspiration and explanation. U d bes'!
Definitely gonna make one of these (maybe add a few of my own improvements) when I can afford to.
Can you make a video in detail about hooking up the lifepo4 flat batteries. Instead of 24 v can you do 12v.
You cant with the those cells the configuration dosen't work well in 12v strings you only get about 40% capacity at 12v vs 24v. In another video he load tests a 12v string with the flat packs cells.
Excellent work. When you did the price comparison you didn’t include your time. Companies also have to make a profit so 1500 is probably not as bad as it first looks. I prefer your version.
Man, I wish I had enough money for that DIY
It will still be expensive but you could always start with one battery and buy the others as you need it or as money comes
im practically ordered batteries by set of four. each every transactions and also gives me alot of time to test each cells before my next order
my biggest mistake was purchasing dead laptop batteries. most of the cells were under 300-500mah and to the worst part are you cant discharge them like 1 amp. each cells like to discharge under 0.3 amps lol
I think a Q/A follow up for this video would be good to address a few issues. Primary concern is safety and a few mod ideas.
1. Fuses and electrical safety concerns .
2. Temperature Control (Active / Passive cooling and emergency automatic kill switch when temperatures approach / go over safety limits.
3. Some general usage statistics for the build, Average time for usage for defined loads and recharge times when plugged in.
On a side note, If I build this I know I will keep a portable Fire extinguisher on hand at all times given the possible risk of fire for the unit.
4. How much does this thing weigh too.
Video update coming
Did I miss the fuses or breakers so it doesn't melt down?
Think the battery protection was all done through the drok meter - over/under voltage and over-current, etc.
skywave dxer Huh? "The meter doesn't matter"? Is that the meter that trips the protection relays due to the short circuit? I somewhat agree, I would have liked to see a 150-200A fuse in there... but then again, the gauge of the pack series wires may have been picked so that they are the fusible links.
@skywave dxer personally i don't like fuses aside from redundant protection since they can be slow and for such high current at the battery output voltage your impedance is pretty close to a short so it's not that easy to use a fus,e i think what he should have done is a charging and protection circuit to each pack
a box that chill don't need a fan lol
KD0LRG and no low voltage disconnect. With all that’s missing it would pump it up to the price of the Kodiak LOL
As always you're awesome Jehu. Thanks again for the great DIY builds.
All the dislikes are from the $1,500 Kodiak generator manufacturers
I disliked it because it's going to overheat. He should have added a couple of fans
Don't forget to check surplus stores for plastic ammo boxes! They have locking rubber sealed lids, and are roughly the same size. My local princess auto (Canadian harbour freight basically) has one for $24, and that's Canadian! So maybe 15 bucks south of the border? Much better than the $124 American for the one in the video. Even on Amazon.ca Acr8-72 boxes are only $40 Canadian.
Beautiful job and great video, this video is finally the trigger for me to make one.
Me too mate
@@kenibarwick We can call it, the KB2000! :)
I would like to see something small. Just a little battery that you can bring for example to camping and power on lights, charge phones etc. Or use in house for powering a PC for a few hours.
Great video as always... everything diy is cheaper than market product
The link provided for the inverter doesn't have the solar charge controller as shown in the video. Please provide link for correct unit.
Jahu please don't get me wrong, I love your videos, extremely educational. First Speedy Gonzaléz is jealous. You used to take your time and explain things step by step. Seconds your quote is on materials only. Labor is not included. That's why is maybe is call DIY. Third their some safety issue on the video. No cooling system in case of over Heat, and grounding. I saw that on the screen your set up some limits but a cooling system make better. Over all I love it.
I like these builds, but what about ventilation? That inverter is going to roast in there without some airflow.
I agree with you 100%. Safety first. Preventing before catastrophe.
You always make some of the coolest stuff and I’ve learned so much watching your videos. Keep it up man!
Cool build, Lipos are no joke....
Most people watching this video have no clue how dangerous they can be.
You also can't put them out with water if/when they catch fire..... Basically this is a huge bomb 🤔
You have one of the best intros on UA-cam
So impressive man! Are you an electrician by trade?
If you wanted to save even more money - you could swap the amazon / pelican box for a tool box from home depot + silicon bead ($30). I have 2 of those tool boxes at home, some multi-meters. some led acid car batteries (i know not great - but free!), some solar panels......thinking I might build a down scaled "parts bin" box like this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Is there a link to find the full build instructions? Also curious about how to make a full power wall using those ss batteries! I’m relatively new to a lot of this, but I get the concepts
Very nice I love it absolutely a great job. I also love the fact that you show your mistakes and how to fix them.
How many hours did it take you to build it?
How many hours did you spend gathering all the items needed for the construction.
How much did all the tools cost you needed in order to assemble it?
I agree the components themselves might be half the price, but when the true cost of assembly is all factored in, are you really saving any money?
I know little about electronics but (although it’s a cool project) I know enough to realise that that thing has multiple fire hazards !
Are you float charging these packs? I noticed you put balance leads on them, and never did anything with them
Good Job overall, A+ for the concept and proof of concept. B- for cable management, C for heat migration, D for safety concerns, F for a using Amazon Box, a Pelican case or a Pelican cooler or similar would have been the hot ticket, and having a larger box would allow you to use outdoors without the concerns of H20 getting into the live outlets being as they are on the top of the unit.
Having a 20 amp 30 amp and 50 amp plug would have been very nice to see.
Maybe try to make one for $1499.99 plus shipping etc, and make a monster Kodiak.
Thank you for the inspiration and God Bless you.
I'm trying to figure out the wiring... as I see it, the 30amp socket is limited by the 12amp power strip... unless two power strips are being used together to give 24amp possibility??
ok, power strip is seems to be 12a + 12a + 2a +2a + 2a = 30amp .... so in total equal to single 30amp socket.... nice
There is so much to improve it. First using 18650 Cells you could use the Space MUCH better. No need for Pouch Cells with 1200Wh every normal 18650 Cell can handle 2000W without Problems. Second: SAFTEY, I didnt see a fuse, I didnt see the separation vom the heavy aluminium inverter to the soft cells. This is extremly dangerous how can someone who works with that show something like that ?? People gonna build this and set their House on fire because the inverter cuts the cells.
You need to step up the work.
Other Point Even if the Inverter reaches 95% you have 100W heat from it with 2000W supplied. Where shall the heat go ? You get the Cells warm and degrades their lifespan.
This is made dangerous ! Folks, dont make it that way for your own safety !!!
Yeah, the separation looks like a major oversight.
Yes, it's a little too much "put together ready built stuff" for a pro. I would rebuild all that stuff, take the inverter apart and give it a new cooling system in its own metal housing, rework all connectors so it fits for a safe and good lookinh cable management, and definitly fuses, a lot of fuses, on the inputs, thermal fuses on the batteries, one max. power life plug with it's own fuse and some life plugs that share the maximum power, each one fused. Basically it's a pretty simple project, but there is a lot of power and handle that as safe as possible differs pros from noobs, I not a engineer so more a noob than a pro and I see already things that aren't acceptable.
When he started to pack the batteries in the box I knew it's going to be a crappy project. However the concept is clear to make a DIY. Others shouldn't follow the same arrangement.
He said early in the video that there would be a divider shelf between.
@@thomasluck1611 Yep, at 3:59
You missed the one major benefit of the Kodiak, which is the expand-ability.
On the side it has 2 plug which allow for Marine Batteries to be hooked up to it, allowing for a near infinite expansion of how much juice it can hold.
Great video, but that is a MUST HAVE option for this to compete with the Kodiak
See the blue plug? That’s for external battery
And I can just hook up like 100 batteries all in series and plug it into that port?
When plugged into the wall, could this also be used as a very high capacity UPS as well?
that's right.. in fact I am trying to build one now using a IPS as it has an inverter
@@ThanaKrishnan
How did the build go?
Neat video! By trimming the batteries down they are much weaker in the case of a battery failure and will be more likely to burst
No they are wrapped in kapton tape
@@jehugarcia no, I mean if the cells were to get shorted and started to puff up they would be more likely to burst.
According to the amazon listing you linked for the pure sine inverter, the built in charge controller is for lead acid only. ☹️
Yup, it will charge lithium no problem
jehugarcia how? The listing states lead acid only.
I still haven't completed the one in the Pelican case. I started that 12 months ago!
Lol
Do you have written instructions some parts you time lapsed I couldn't see all you were doing
Thanks so much for this. I've wanted one of those 3 k Inergys since seeing the same vid you referenced but it's so spendy. I've actually tried to figure out how to diy it, but couldn't even find all the specs you somehow found.. Also, to be honest ,it puts my brain in overdrive too long and it shuts down on me, lol. Great vid.
Every1 sayin no fan over heat a lot of stuff miss....yes he could of done better!!! But he basically said just threw stuff together really quick...main goal of the video was just to beat Kodiak spec ND price tag...not making the perfect solar/power generator just the basic....so now u got, basic it call (D.I.Y) for a reason...also u can kinda tell he just threw it together skipped/ shorted video (figure stuff out as he go) way he say "just put dis here cut ther and made that fire obviously he didn't plan it out much watch his other video ND u can see he capable of doing much more....
He may have made mistakes but at least he was on the right track good luck with your next power box
Can someone help me!
How were the relays wired
Cool build! Huge inspiration, I'm just getting started with solar and EV and you break everything down nice and clear. Add another subscriber...
How are the batteries balance charged?
lnox bilto with the bms?
Bro this was the best DIY vid you have done!
GREETING MY FRIEND
BORICUA. .
CARLOS FROM CALIFORNIA!.
NICE JOB MAN!
a good construction and thank for the video, im sure it's really helpful for so many, i just want to point safety factors that you missed them, the inverter will produce heat and the box have a missing vantilation holes and that could damage and reduce the lithium batteries life, beside that more heat will cause more energy lose, beside everything it good.
You should compare apples w/ apples. Kodiak is "Pure Sine Wave" while the inverter u used is "Modified Sine Wave".
He at least listed the Pure Sine Wave inverter which was $ 105 more that the one he used.
@@johnqsak Yeah, i see what you mean. At the time of my comment there was no refference for a Pure Sine Inverter. Good for Jehu he corrected this. Now my comment is mute.
@@johncristianjcivan5429 he's a sneaky one XD XD
@@johncristianjcivan5429 Moot.
Not sure why there's a 220 volt plug on the system when the inverters only 120 volts doesn't make sense to me.
Badass Jehu! I am building one of these after watching your video ! You rock !
I am not a fan of AC so I will skip that for a variable voltage regulator. And I have a case already not into the plugs much. Will add some high powered usb usb c ports 20 bucks skip the pouch to 18650 65 cells with a 1/3 modular as almost all my gear is modded too use 18650. So the real question is how to balance modular cells and secure them in the case! Ideas? Anyone?
This diy project is beyond wow!!!
I wish i can build one!!!
Great vid! Can you tell me what the weight of those LiPo battery packs are together? Could this setup be extended to say a 400-500 AH battery setup?
I wish I had all the tools needed to do this. If I bought all the tools to do this it could put the price of the Kodiak BUT I would have all the tools and probably some spare parts. Did this have cooling fans? I do not have the knowledge to do this, it looks simple and fast in the video but I’m just not that confident with electronics YET so for now I’m good with my Kodiak and new Flex unit. Great video... I love this channel👍
where do the balance cable for each cells connect to for charge? Anyone has a schematic i may look at?
I think I see where some of the confusion is with the solar in this video. In the link in the description you have it pointing to a pure sine wave inverter that does not have a solar charge controller built in. What you are actually using is the modified sine wave inverter that does have the charge controller built in.
If I buy the components can you build it for me?
Hawkeye312457 for real lol
I’ll build it for ya for a price though
Nicely done, Jehu. That's a bit of work involved, but a great savings.
Good video but i am from eu please try update links or just a battery link and inverter link inventer for 230V please
DAVD Games Google is A search engine, look it up you lazy😂
Awesome Build my friend...!
I can’t wait until I have enough saved to build
on of these for myself...!
Keep safe and designing new projects for us to
build and save money on...!
The best to you and yours.
You didn't add any fans or vents, you know it's going to get hot in there.
You can add that in.
I know its hard work but you made that look like fun to make , excellent job ,very Informative
How 220V is wired into this outlet?!
It’s not 220 it is a 30 amp single phase 110 volt plug
Great video - good details. Thanks ! ---
Dont pay attention to the haters - you can't make everyone happy.
I noticed you're using relays instead of fuses. Good call.
Nice design and looks very well put together.
Great job !