Yes Brian, you did one helluva job with this project, you should be proud ... excellent! Very nice build, meticulous, well planned and thought out, great execution, super well documented, and excellent explanation. Oh yes, thanks for the parts list too.
That is a real nice build. I have recently built a box myself for off grid HAM radios. I also used Dakota Lithium batteries. I may change my design up a bit but want to use it a few more times before changing anything. I primarily use it for my HAM radios with solar charging or commercial charging.
I thinking of doing this with a 60AH lithium deep cycle. Any concerns with the foam and electrical? I was concerned for it to be a fire hazard, but I could be wrong. Thanks ahead!
I love the idea of alot of UI but id personally cut down on all the waste of space in the box for more battery storage capacity but i did like some of the things in your design well done !!!
Hello from the high desert of New Mexico USA 🇺🇸. I just found your channel and I liked and subscribed. Very well done and nice design. Keep up the good work and stay safe and charged
Wow that is a nicely built solar power box. I am just getting ready to build my first power box as well. I picked up a large ammo box that I am going to use for mine. I really like the Anderson power outlets I am going to have those in mine as well. Thanks for posting this video.
True. You run into space constraints trying to include a solar charger, inverter, batteries, outlets, etc. I have a design for an expansion box that only has batteries (6x 18ah batteries for 108 ah total capacity), a breaker, and a high-current SB50 connector. I could connect the expansion box to this box charge both boxes with the solar charger. I could also use the expansion box as a stand alone power supply for the external / high current inverter.
overall a clean build but one recommendation, those Miboxer chargers are pretty bulky if for some reason you decided more NiMH/LiIon/LifeP04 charging was desirable you could probably fit an Xtar VC8 ($30 on a few websites) to have 8 slots. Storage mode puts Lithium Ion at 3.7V which doubles as LiFeP04 cylindrical charging max voltage. Would likely fit vertically. It has a max 3A charge rate for 1 cell, 2A for 2 1A for 4 and 0.5A for 8. Fits 21700's and 26650's. Powered by USB C to USB A with QC Charging 9V but can run slower at 5V. Xtar VC8 Plus also has barrel jack and I think does 2 at 3A, 4 at 3A, etc
Very good set up Like it that you used Bigger wire and lots of circuit Breakers. my set up is Older more bulky but i used large Gage wire also still works but Now thinking to Make one like yours. Like the case and Set up Very Much
Very nice work! Two questions; 1. How do you keep it cool inside the case? Many of those components generate considerable heat. 2. How do you prevent your vehicles alternator from overheating when using your Anderson connector to charge the pack? I have researched this issue and the alternator on your vehicle is not designed for constant high current output that LiFeP04 batteries will draw especially while your vehicles engine is at idle and air flow is low through the alternator. Thank you.
Good Questions. 1. The inverter and the solar charger both generate some heat. If I'm using the inverter, the lid is open (since there is no AC outlet on the outside of the box) so the heat does not build up. I do leave the lid closed when using the solar charger and it gets a little warm inside but not hot. I'm only using 200W of solar so your results might be different if you are connecting a huge solar array. 2. You are correct about it being poor practice (in general) to connect lithium batteries directly to your alternator as they can draw excessive amperage and cause the alternator to overheat. However, I don't think it's an issue with only a small 50ah battery bank like this. This is not a huge battery bank and will fully charge before the alternator gets a chance to seriously overheat in my opinion. On the other hand, I converted my Airstream trailer to lithium batteries (525ah capacity) and I wouldn't want that directly connected to the alternator. I installed a DC to DC charger in the trailer that takes power (at a controlled rate) from the alternator and charges the trailer batteries as we travel. Hope that helps.
I have the same excellent build. Enjoy watching video and I would like to build one myself if you end up building another would you make a step-by-step video on everything you put into the box, and would you do a step-by-step video on your next power box?
There are five 10ah LiFePO4 batteries from Dakota Lithium. There is link in the description for the batteries and all the other components. Amped outdoors is another good source. They have a 12ah version of these lithium batteries (same size case) for approximately the same price. Must be higher capacity cells inside. If I were building this again, I would consider those. The box would then have 60ah capacity instead of 50ah. I have used Amped for other builds and they are very high quality. Hope that helps.
I used 1/4" thick ABS sheet. You can find it at Tap Plastics (or other plastic suppliers in your area). I buy full sheets (4x8) because I use it for lots of things but you could buy any size you need. I used the foam interior piece that came with the box as a template. I traced around it with a sharpie and cut out the piece with a bandsaw, and rounded the corners on the sander. Depending upon what tools you own, you could cut with a jigsaw and round the corners with a dremel or something like that.
There are five 10ah lithium batteries for a total capacity of 50ah. There is a link in the description for the actual batteries used (along with most of the other components).
You mentioned you were going to use your vehicle, Altadena to recharge your batteries while you drive, if you have not already done, so I caution you please put in a DC to DC charger rated for that lithium ion batteries. If you don’t you will fry the alternator on your truck and possibly damage the batteries
Thanks for the comment. I agree that a DC to DC charger is always better for the batteries (giving them the exact voltage / amperage profile that they want). However, for this box, there would not likely be any issue with damaging either the vehicle alternator or the batteries for the following reasons: 1. BMS Charging Limits. The battery BMS's will limit charging to 10 amps each. There are 5 batteries so that's 50 amps max charge total for the box. A 50 amp draw s not going to damage your alternator. The batteries would fully charge in 1 hour. 2. The relatively small capacity of the box / battery bank. There are 5 of the 10 ah batteries in the box. That's 50 amp hours total. Even if the BMS's would allow an unlimited charge rate (they wont, see #1 above) and could charge at the full alternator capacity of say 150 amps, the box would be fully charged in only 20 minutes and quit charging. That's not enough time to heat up your alternator enough to cause damage. All that said, If you are running a large capacity battery bank (anything over, say 100 ah) in your van / motorhome / trailer you should definately use a DC /DC charger to protect your alternator. The 2 limits above would not apply and your alternator could definately be damaged due to over-work. I have DC /DC chargers in both my RV trailers for this exact reason.
Very cool I was thinking about doing something like this but didn't really know if it would be worth it but now after watching your video I will be. thank you for a great video
I've used it a few times and everything is still working great. The only downside to it is size / weight. It's portable but not exactly "handy". I built a smaller version with only 20Ah capacity, no internal inverter, and less outlets. It's just a solar charger, a couple of batteries, and a couple of outlets. I intended the smaller one for camping (using my CPAP and charging electronics). I'll post a video of that soon when I get some time. Glad you enjoyed the build.
It was somewhere right around $1,000 in parts. Lithium batteries aren't cheap unfortunately. Batteries $450 Box $45 Inverter $45 Charger $80 Misc $400 est The Misc is breakers, bus bars, outlets, wire, connectors, etc. You could save a bit here if you didn't go marine grade on everything. There is a LOT of time involved with assembling one of these and I don't think I'd be able to charge enough labor to make it worth my time. So, no, I don't think I'd be interested in making another one to sell. I hope the video helps you if you decide to make one yourself. Glad you enjoyed the video and take care.
They have both which is the beauty of the cigarette lighter plugs. I usually buy the Anker brand on amazon (search for "Anker Car Charger") and you can see all the different versions and pick the ones that will work best for your devices. They have ones with high-power USB-C Power Delivery ports for charging Macbooks and other tablets / laptops. Other ones have normal USB Quick-Charge outlets. There are others that have Qualcom Quick Charge capability but I've never used those. The Anker ones are very good quality and I've never had any issue with any of them. Hope that helps!
Very nice craftsman ship but giving wrong information. It's a 300w inverter best thing it's good for is charging phones. Thing I don't agree with is saying you can draw 100 amps or 300 amps is just BS. If your building something for power outage I wouldn't recommend a 300 w inverter.
It depends entirely on what components you use but a good range would probably be $700-1100. Lithium batteries are about $100 each (for 10ah size) so there is $500 worth of batteries plus probably another $500-600 worth of other components / wiring in the box as shown. The wiring and breakers adds up fast. I just helped a friend build himself a similar box based on this design. He used 3 lithium batteries, the same inverter, a small solar charger, and a few less breakers / outlets. His came to around $800-900 I think. Not cheap. Hope that helps.
You could buy a better electric portable charging system. Power boxes are for on the go and disposable. Providing power to sentry weapons or anti aircraft, counter intel, etc. Go buy a jackery portable charger Lt. And that's non negotiable.. hahaha
This is the power box build version of the old adage, "it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Great work!
I’m a retired, disabled Army veteran and if you ever want to make another one or sell this one.....I am your huckleberry. Beautiful work.
best power box video on UA-cam! this is a great looking project.
Love they kayered design with strategic external connections only. Very neat. Good job 😊
Then you open the box. Wow that's a usefull tool .....😮
Im planning on a 30Ah in an MCM Ammo Box, still doing research, glad i found your video, it helps a lot!
Yes Brian, you did one helluva job with this project, you should be proud ... excellent! Very nice build, meticulous, well planned and thought out, great execution, super well documented, and excellent explanation. Oh yes, thanks for the parts list too.
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you like it! Now, if I could just get the dang power to go out.....
WOW !!! This has to be the best build I have seen on UA-cam !! Great Job Sir 👍
Thank You for the Links Also !!!
Glad you enjoyed the build!
WOW! AWESOME! One question are those uncovered connections in the bottom, POS current carrying if something metalic were to get in there?
Design and execution is top tier - well done.👍
That is a real nice build. I have recently built a box myself for off grid HAM radios. I also used Dakota Lithium batteries. I may change my design up a bit but want to use it a few more times before changing anything. I primarily use it for my HAM radios with solar charging or commercial charging.
Yeah, same I’m in the process of making one like this for Ham / cell charging and another box on wheels with more capacity for bugging out.
Very clean build. With all that is going on you should consider rebuilding it in a steel case for some emp protection
That is a fantastic looking battery box! Very nice job.
I thinking of doing this with a 60AH lithium deep cycle. Any concerns with the foam and electrical? I was concerned for it to be a fire hazard, but I could be wrong. Thanks ahead!
I know you mentioned the ABS Glue but can not seem to see what glue you were using to glue the ABS to the box?
I love the idea of alot of UI but id personally cut down on all the waste of space in the box for more battery storage capacity but i did like some of the things in your design well done !!!
Your build is next level diy, great video, you’ve set the bar really high...Very nicely done!
Hello from the high desert of New Mexico USA 🇺🇸. I just found your channel and I liked and subscribed. Very well done and nice design. Keep up the good work and stay safe and charged
Wow that is a nicely built solar power box. I am just getting ready to build my first power box as well. I picked up a large ammo box that I am going to use for mine. I really like the Anderson power outlets I am going to have those in mine as well. Thanks for posting this video.
You're welcome. Yes, the Powerpoles are addicting. I have kind of standardized on those for most of my solar, battery chargers, and disconnects.
Well built , wish you did a step by step video.
That's my only wish ....Step-by-Step Video Still we must say great video
Impressive build- truly impressive.
Fantastic build, this thing is incredible. The only way it could be better is if it had more amp hour capacity
True. You run into space constraints trying to include a solar charger, inverter, batteries, outlets, etc. I have a design for an expansion box that only has batteries (6x 18ah batteries for 108 ah total capacity), a breaker, and a high-current SB50 connector. I could connect the expansion box to this box charge both boxes with the solar charger. I could also use the expansion box as a stand alone power supply for the external / high current inverter.
overall a clean build but one recommendation, those Miboxer chargers are pretty bulky if for some reason you decided more NiMH/LiIon/LifeP04 charging was desirable you could probably fit an Xtar VC8 ($30 on a few websites) to have 8 slots. Storage mode puts Lithium Ion at 3.7V which doubles as LiFeP04 cylindrical charging max voltage. Would likely fit vertically. It has a max 3A charge rate for 1 cell, 2A for 2 1A for 4 and 0.5A for 8. Fits 21700's and 26650's. Powered by USB C to USB A with QC Charging 9V but can run slower at 5V. Xtar VC8 Plus also has barrel jack and I think does 2 at 3A, 4 at 3A, etc
Very good set up Like it that you used Bigger wire and lots of circuit Breakers. my set up is Older more bulky but i used large Gage wire also still works but Now thinking to Make one like yours. Like the case and Set up Very Much
Mate that is impressive, I was looking for ideas and I must say my search is complete. Thank you
Best power box Ive seen .. awesome
Very nice work!
Two questions;
1. How do you keep it cool inside the case? Many of those components generate considerable heat.
2. How do you prevent your vehicles alternator from overheating when using your Anderson connector to charge the pack? I have researched this issue and the alternator on your vehicle is not designed for constant high current output that LiFeP04 batteries will draw especially while your vehicles engine is at idle and air flow is low through the alternator.
Thank you.
Good Questions.
1. The inverter and the solar charger both generate some heat. If I'm using the inverter, the lid is open (since there is no AC outlet on the outside of the box) so the heat does not build up. I do leave the lid closed when using the solar charger and it gets a little warm inside but not hot. I'm only using 200W of solar so your results might be different if you are connecting a huge solar array.
2. You are correct about it being poor practice (in general) to connect lithium batteries directly to your alternator as they can draw excessive amperage and cause the alternator to overheat. However, I don't think it's an issue with only a small 50ah battery bank like this. This is not a huge battery bank and will fully charge before the alternator gets a chance to seriously overheat in my opinion. On the other hand, I converted my Airstream trailer to lithium batteries (525ah capacity) and I wouldn't want that directly connected to the alternator. I installed a DC to DC charger in the trailer that takes power (at a controlled rate) from the alternator and charges the trailer batteries as we travel.
Hope that helps.
Dang this is cool seems complicated to put together. I wanna make 1 just to power my fridge.
the alligator clips could also be used to hook up to a battery array for an extended grid down scenario
I have the same excellent build. Enjoy watching video and I would like to build one myself if you end up building another would you make a step-by-step video on everything you put into the box, and would you do a step-by-step video on your next power box?
Very nice build thanks for sharing 🙏🏻
Maybe I just missed it in the video, but what battery technology did you use for this build? Are you using regular lithium-ion cells or LiFePO4 cells?
There are five 10ah LiFePO4 batteries from Dakota Lithium. There is link in the description for the batteries and all the other components. Amped outdoors is another good source. They have a 12ah version of these lithium batteries (same size case) for approximately the same price. Must be higher capacity cells inside. If I were building this again, I would consider those. The box would then have 60ah capacity instead of 50ah. I have used Amped for other builds and they are very high quality. Hope that helps.
Hello, what did you use for your floor? There is nothing on the market for this that i can find. Thanks Bob...
I used 1/4" thick ABS sheet. You can find it at Tap Plastics (or other plastic suppliers in your area). I buy full sheets (4x8) because I use it for lots of things but you could buy any size you need. I used the foam interior piece that came with the box as a template. I traced around it with a sharpie and cut out the piece with a bandsaw, and rounded the corners on the sander. Depending upon what tools you own, you could cut with a jigsaw and round the corners with a dremel or something like that.
@@brianevans1777 Thank you for the reply. I am looking into designs at this time. Robert
doggie was my favorite part
Jesus. That’s an incredible build. Nicely done. What type of batteries did you use on the lower level ?
Just answered my question. Beautiful build. Excellent.
There are five 10ah lithium batteries for a total capacity of 50ah. There is a link in the description for the actual batteries used (along with most of the other components).
@@brianevans1777 thank you. I discovered the parts build list after I sent the question. Thanks for the prompt response.
Nice - looks great and clean work :)
You mentioned you were going to use your vehicle, Altadena to recharge your batteries while you drive, if you have not already done, so I caution you please put in a DC to DC charger rated for that lithium ion batteries. If you don’t you will fry the alternator on your truck and possibly damage the batteries
Thanks for the comment. I agree that a DC to DC charger is always better for the batteries (giving them the exact voltage / amperage profile that they want). However, for this box, there would not likely be any issue with damaging either the vehicle alternator or the batteries for the following reasons:
1. BMS Charging Limits. The battery BMS's will limit charging to 10 amps each. There are 5 batteries so that's 50 amps max charge total for the box. A 50 amp draw s not going to damage your alternator. The batteries would fully charge in 1 hour.
2. The relatively small capacity of the box / battery bank. There are 5 of the 10 ah batteries in the box. That's 50 amp hours total. Even if the BMS's would allow an unlimited charge rate (they wont, see #1 above) and could charge at the full alternator capacity of say 150 amps, the box would be fully charged in only 20 minutes and quit charging. That's not enough time to heat up your alternator enough to cause damage.
All that said, If you are running a large capacity battery bank (anything over, say 100 ah) in your van / motorhome / trailer you should definately use a DC /DC charger to protect your alternator. The 2 limits above would not apply and your alternator could definately be damaged due to over-work. I have DC /DC chargers in both my RV trailers for this exact reason.
Very cool I was thinking about doing something like this but didn't really know if it would be worth it but now after watching your video I will be. thank you for a great video
real nice.do you have a break down of parts needed
looks like IF you were running your generator you could quick charge off the gen set.
Excellent work! Love the planning and execution of your design. KY4BCD (master electrician)
THAT IS SIICK love it mate
Since its been a year any usage or upgrade reports on your box? Very nice build.
I've used it a few times and everything is still working great. The only downside to it is size / weight. It's portable but not exactly "handy". I built a smaller version with only 20Ah capacity, no internal inverter, and less outlets. It's just a solar charger, a couple of batteries, and a couple of outlets. I intended the smaller one for camping (using my CPAP and charging electronics). I'll post a video of that soon when I get some time. Glad you enjoyed the build.
CPAP with heater ?
Very nice!
best one I have seen on youtube, you did a great job brian
Excellent!! Thanks a lot.
Great job! very well thought out! Can i ask you where can i find the hard plastic deck panel????
It's 1/4" ABS. I got it at TAP Plastics locally but you can probably find it online as well.
I'm using an old abs cutting board that I purchased at Sams
Brian, This is extremely impressive power box. How much roughly did this cost and would you build another one for someone else?
It was somewhere right around $1,000 in parts. Lithium batteries aren't cheap unfortunately.
Batteries $450
Box $45
Inverter $45
Charger $80
Misc $400 est
The Misc is breakers, bus bars, outlets, wire, connectors, etc. You could save a bit here if you didn't go marine grade on everything. There is a LOT of time involved with assembling one of these and I don't think I'd be able to charge enough labor to make it worth my time. So, no, I don't think I'd be interested in making another one to sell. I hope the video helps you if you decide to make one yourself. Glad you enjoyed the video and take care.
Have they come out with a USB quick charge port and or a type C cigarette lighter plug
They have both which is the beauty of the cigarette lighter plugs. I usually buy the Anker brand on amazon (search for "Anker Car Charger") and you can see all the different versions and pick the ones that will work best for your devices. They have ones with high-power USB-C Power Delivery ports for charging Macbooks and other tablets / laptops. Other ones have normal USB Quick-Charge outlets. There are others that have Qualcom Quick Charge capability but I've never used those. The Anker ones are very good quality and I've never had any issue with any of them. Hope that helps!
Great video 👍🏻 where do you get the abs sheets?
I got the 1/4" ABS at Tap Plastics and cut to size.
so pretty
Thank you for the detailed explanations, really good job you did!
you'd have a nice little business building and selling these online. very interesting
Very nice craftsman ship but giving wrong information. It's a 300w inverter best thing it's good for is charging phones. Thing I don't agree with is saying you can draw 100 amps or 300 amps is just BS. If your building something for power outage I wouldn't recommend a 300 w inverter.
wow next level
really like it
How many AmpHour are the batteries you used? are they all in Parallel?
10ah each, there are 5 in parallel for a total of 50ah
I’d like to build something like this with a built in HAM radio
nice video but you do know lithium battery brim down plane killed to pilot right lithum battery over heated ok
It's going to be difficult to top this for sure.
Amazing job....Peace
What is the price range for that box
It depends entirely on what components you use but a good range would probably be $700-1100. Lithium batteries are about $100 each (for 10ah size) so there is $500 worth of batteries plus probably another $500-600 worth of other components / wiring in the box as shown. The wiring and breakers adds up fast. I just helped a friend build himself a similar box based on this design. He used 3 lithium batteries, the same inverter, a small solar charger, and a few less breakers / outlets. His came to around $800-900 I think. Not cheap. Hope that helps.
Would be awesome if you could build me one too
I see a business opportunity here...
You could buy a better electric portable charging system. Power boxes are for on the go and disposable. Providing power to sentry weapons or anti aircraft, counter intel, etc. Go buy a jackery portable charger Lt. And that's non negotiable.. hahaha