Slim Tests Jackery's Explorer 500 & SolarSaga 100 Power System
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- Опубліковано 25 лис 2019
- After hearing about my past issues with remote power, a company called Jackery sent me their products to try out and review. Here is my honest opinion of the Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station and the SolarSaga 100 Solar Panels.
Note on Amp Hours: Jackery confuses the issue by only mentioning a 24Ah@ 21.6V rating of the lithium battery. Using this on 12V instead of through the 110V inverter is far more efficient. My calculation was based on 518Wh divided by 12.6 (battery voltage) = 41.1Ah. This is a better approximation in comparing it to other 12V RV batteries.
CORRECTIONS: The SolarSaga Panels have USB-A and USB-C ports, not miniUSB. Also the 12V and 110V charge adapters go in the INPUT socket like the Solar panels. 12V Output is only for using the Jackery to charge other appliances. Sorry!
Products mentioned in this video (Amazon Affiliated Links*):
Conair miniPRO: amzn.to/2rjJ7b3
Jackery Explorer 500: amzn.to/34cOY0o
Jackery Solar Saga 100W Solar Panel: amzn.to/2qwe5g6
Outbound 24-can soft Cooler: amzn.to/37yzdmz
MC4 Solar to 8mm Adapter Cable: amzn.to/2qGDAvj
For a list of all my videos, please use this link: / @slimpotatohead
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Main Camera: Sony A7Sii: amzn.to/2J9voXk
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
4K Sports Camera: amzn.to/2Dtsygn
Zoom Field Recorder: amzn.to/2WrLZQU
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Merlin 2 Steadicam: amzn.to/2X67unS
Tripod: amzn.to/2Xb3EKg
Editing: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
Sports Chair: amzn.to/2OkN7PL
Traction Matt: amzn.to/2z4sb9o
Tow Truck in a Box: amzn.to/2Os2vf0
Electric Blanket: amzn.to/2UB6UjP
How I get around:
Trailer: 2004 Abner (aka Aliner) with around 100,000 miles of hard use. Includes propane stove, hot shower, toilet, refrigerator, 400W solar, three 12V batteries (one AGM, one deep cycle, one lithium-ion)
Tow Vehicle: 2010 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 160,000 km
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks! the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!
I’ve watched quite a few videos on the Jackery line. You’re the first to show it had an led flashlight built in.
When charging the Battery Unit in a closed car, be mindful that under direct sunlight the room temperature might exceed the max Operating Temperature Range of 40 degree celsius pretty fast. Although that admittedly might be more of a spring/summer problem. I had left a smartphone in a car and when I returned a couple hours later the battery had popped. Sent some chills down my spine imagining what if it had caught fire and set the car ablaze.
SCARY!!!!!!
Thanks for this. I've been trying to talk my husband into buying a Jackery to run his CPAP machine.
Great review. Entertaining and educational. People like you makes this world better place. Thank you so much😀 Yama
I just bought Jackery 500 today.
Ingenious charging in the window for security!
He’s like a camping sensei
My solar products don't charge behind my windshield - too well shielded from UV I guess
Brilliant idea.
I just discovered your channel and you sir are THE MAN! I'm going to pour myself a glass of whiskey tonight and binge your videos. Have a good one!
Pour guy just discovered the channel now. Binge on my friend and pore it on!
He needs Patreon page asap! He has great content.
@@Fingerprintguy You're confusing poor/pour/pore.
RandomPlaceHolderName I have holes 🕳 in all my undies now that’s being poor
Make it Canadian for authenticity.
Thank you so much Slim for sharing this review. I've been researching and (not totally understanding) these types of power stations. Your explanations and demonstrations are miles ahead of others so again thanks for making this easier to understand. Love all your videos!
I agree I've seen the Jackery talked about on many videos but Slim did it more clearly than any I'd seen with extra good ideas.
I've been looking into this setup for my truck camping setup so thanks for the review.
Hairdryer idea......genius!
What about one of those small area heaters that work on 110? I know it jas to be under 500watts. Running the hair dryer into the sleeping bag just might make for a better night.
@@cherriemckinstry131 That's a good idea. I have a mr. Heater but would like to use something a little smaller.
Thank you, you certainly sold me. Your suggestion of the cooler case & putting the solar panel in the windshield are brilliant.
Another great video! Recently I heard of Jackery power stations and now I know a lot more. Thanks so much for your helpful videos to help us get more from our off the grid camping. I look forward to all of our videos. Safe travels!
You make it look so easy to set up and operate. I have to have it! That is what I want for Christmas. Thanks Slim.
That’s a cool product, I love the beer cooler case idea. Thanks Slim.
I have had the exact worries when leaving my solar generator out when hiking away from the campsite. It NEVER occurred to me to put it inside the car! Simple and Brilliant!
Just make sure not to do it during summer. Lithium batteries only handle something like 40 Celsius, and they have been known to catch fire at temperatures above that.
Great review Slim, you've really peaked my interest in the Jackery. ......and Wishing I was out in the mountains today like you!
I just got my Jackery 550 and love it so far. Just waiting on my solar saga 100 watt panel to arrive for further testing. Thanks for such a great review on it!!
I just purchased one. I do off grid camping with my kids. This last time was rough -27 f we were only forecasted to be -5. Boy I was happy for the wood stove in my camper.
I will have to look up the panels for my jackery. I also got it for my husbands cpap. We live in tornado prone area. Want to make sure he has it at all times.
Darn. I want to use my solar panel as a raft. Appreciate your honest review. The beer cooler suggestion is epic.
It's about time! Every other UA-cam is supported by jackery.well done!!
Thank you for another great video with a bonus review! Definitely going to look into the jackery, I still need a solar setup for my cargo trailer! Cheers!
Thanks for the beer can cooler idea. I have a Jackery and it is a great thought.
Great review! I enjoy the humour in your videos, and this is no exception. Thank you.
Thank you Slim for your great honest video about the power system. I'm going to buy a Jackery 500, most likely [or the model a step down]. My set up will never be as amazing as yours, but my plan is to have a travel vehicle with a couch and TV and those sort of things for adventuring/sleep/relaxation. Thanks again for all your videos and always giving us honesty.
I don't think you give enough credit to your trailer home. I honestly is one of the reason why I watch your show. Seen that you go anywhere and your trailer home protects you from all weather conditions. I also love your narration. Most professional and you editing presentable ready. Keep it up Sir. My most respects to your channel.
Great product review I want one now lol.
Keep the great videos coming loving this channel
Loved your review! A lot of useful info. I was thinking of the yeti 450. But will look more into this. I like the idea of the cooler as no one would think to steal it. Great job!
Not want to steal 24 cans of beer? Hmm.
@@faithrada Yep I've had my camp invaded and cooler on picnic table looked into - people looking for beer - fortunately I heard them and my movement scared off but all they would have found anyway was food - no beer. Since then I camp in bear country so of course never leave cooler out.
@@nooneanon3151 🐻🍺🌲😎
Well done, informative video, Slim! I'll be checking out your other vids as well!
I watched tons of reviews. Your seems to be the best. I was thinking about putting the solar panel in my front window as well. The bag seems to be a perfect fit.
When driving with it on your passenger seat, run the safety belt through it. In a "situation" that thing will become a deadly projectile.
Another good clear video, amiably presented. Thanks! 😊
Great thing about the Jackery and panels is that you can transfer them to your next trailer with ease. No custom installation needed.
That is an interesting point to be made in favor of having a system like this (portable power station) in that other than some manufacturer tie-in (Jackery unit only working (officially) with Jackery panels for example) it's basically a way to invest in a power system that you can move between places/trailers so you can retain your investment.
Putting the solar panel in the windshield of a locked vehicle is brilliant, simply brilliant! Well done Sir.
Always enjoy your videos I find you to be a humble and practical man looking forward to seeing new videos from you have yourself a good day
Thanks for reviewing this , I saw it in one of your previous videos and couldn’t read the name , I’ll start saving for one !
Thank you for the information on the Jackery...it was sooo very helpful
Another great video Slim. I have seen other videos on the Jackery, but You are the first one that I have seen that shows there is a light on the side of the Jackery. Thank you, that would really be a great feature and one that would be used from time to time. A good review, thank you.
This is a better review the most I’ve seen on the Jackery 500
You remind me of something I used to search for in the back of hunting magazines back in the 60s called TAPS TIPS.
Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.
I really like that jackery...and to be light weight I would love it..great information.. really love your videos,,thank you again for sharing.
Another great video. I've seen other camping UA-cam channels, and the charger seems to be pretty popular. Thanks for all of your extremely interesting and entertaining content!
Great informative review! Thanks for sharing this story of experience with the functional solar generator tool !
As always, fantastic review. Impressive. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Just wanting to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and keep up the great videos
Great review, best I've seen on the Jackery, so far. Hope you got some compensation for it. Thanks!
Love your vids. Much more informative than other channels.
Thank you SO , SO Much for converting all your metric measurements for us old Yanks.
Great review, thanks! I need one for my c-pap machine when l am boondocking.
The interior of your Jeep looks so good! Good luck with trailer shopping.
Great review! And, what a tip on putting the solar panel in the truck dash. I never thought about that. Thanks! -- Atco
Got it! Thanks for link and promo code to save some buckeroos. Already have the Jackery500. Looking forward to testing them together. Safe travels....
Hey Slim
That was a honest and great review.
You'll need another cooler for your beer.
I like how you can put it on the dash.
You can go hiking and it'll be secure and charging.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Honestly, somebody should hire you as a promoter/influencer, cause you make awesome review videos Mr. Slim ! Thanks for the video ! Keep them coming !
Glad you did this review, I was looking to purchase one of these for the 2020 season. Thanks
I checked out the Jackery system. Thanks for the concise review!
I've been using the Stanley 1200 for a year now. It has a light, airs up tires,can jump start my Van's battery as well as having USB & 110 outlets. I do have to charge it by plugging it into a wall socket but for under $100, I'm happy with it.
I still may get a jackery and solar panels. Time will tell!
Thanks Slim! Respect! Always enjoy your videos and know how!
Thanks for the very informative video on power stations, and the solar panels.
Will Prowse did a tear-down of this model, and it is VERY well made inside. This is probably the best you can buy in this power and energy range.
And I'm sure, at some point in time, Will, will chime in by saying "something".
Can't imagine being able to afford to "tear-down" one but thanks that's very good to know I've been lusting for one for almost a year - going to buy soon - especially helpful to see Slim's review and hear that they're good inside out too!
I have been watching Will for a bit now, and will search his videos if I am in the market for small portable power
Cool, since we just bought, but haven't been able to use yet, an aliner classic, I've been watching your videos, very inspiring, I know nothing about how to use the jackery
or solar, but hope to understand these things soon. Some folks say "you'll learn in a hurry "!
I love your channels handle. Great videos, great product review.
I could listen to you speak all day. :)
Outstanding review
You are so creative! Good job Slim!
Exactly what I've looking for, shopping around on Amazon! Thanks for the awesome review... with that touch of humour...
Fantastic idea about the beer cooler! I bought one immediately after seeing this. It arrived today. Absolutely perfect fit! Thanks for the tip, and the video overall. You're a funny guy.
A handy gadget! Great review Slim!
Well, Slim, I was with you all the way until you started the workout!!!!! Great review.
The idea about placing on car dashboard is great!
I have seen a lot of reviews on the Jackery 500, and yours has been the most thoughtful and thorough. Thanks, Slim!
Putting solar panels inside front car window is a GREAT idea. Thanks 😊
I bought an Explorer 500 a few months ago, and I love it. SO much, that I bought an Explorer 1500 last month. Same wonderful performance. You had a *GREAT* idea of putting the folding solar panels behind the windshield!!! LOL!
Great review. Thanks 😊
Excellent presentation on the Jackery
This was a great video, thanks for your time and the review. ☀️☀️
I have the small Jackery and i love it, wish i would have gone for the 500...the light is very nice to have also..safe travels
Love it! The idea of the windscreen for charging thank you, ☺
Slim, when you said about reflection on the solar panel, I wondered is something like reflectix put down under it would help no matter when and where you use it. Just an idea. Thank you for sharing with us. 👍🏻❤️
Good thinking ! It may or may not be really effective, but surely will not hurt power production. Thanks for the tip.
This is interesting Sue. I've been building out my Chevy Astro and I have a Renogy 100w panel on the roof and my Jackery 500 was showing 30 watts of input. I was putting foil sided foamboard insulation on the ceiling that day and had placed a 4x8 sheet leaning on the van. When I looked at the Jackery's input it went up to 52 watts from the reflection so I may be fabricating something to enhance the input.
Great idea for the cooler as a means of protection. But, additionally, with the strap of the cooler it provides for hands free carrying. Thanks for your review.
Very cool. I recently purchased a Rockpals system. Looking forward to more boondocking.
Hey Slim, this is hands down the best unit on the market for a CPAP machine.
msnpassjan2004 I was able to use a similar unit for tent camping with CPAP. Mine has a much smaller capacity due to airline restrictions. Nevertheless I was able to use the heated humidifier for 5-6 hours a night as long as I recharged every day. Also, I ran my dream station directly off 12 volts to avoid the power loss from the inverter.
Hahahaha
msnpassjan2004 good to know that
@@turkey4957 I use the Jackery 440, the Jackery 500 predecessor, daily since September 2019 as my UPC. My Resmed CPAP machine pulls around 5 watts so the Jackery 440 is good for about 16 hours to 30%. The Jackery 500 should be even better.
Kudos on the review because many wouldn't show the little tricks you know like using a reflective surface like snow to maximize recharging or setting it up in a vehicle so it wouldn't walk away. Another way to imitate Slim's reflection tip is to put down a white material like a sheet or plastic sheet under the panel and it would also protect it from the ground at the same time. The best reflector would be a Silvered Mylar Foil like some Windshield Shade use or similar insulation material sold in rolls since there practically a mirror. Be careful not to use rechargeable battery or device when its on in an insulated container because they do release heat that can soar to dangerous levels and check it even while it's off since there should be no heat generated when stored in any insulated container or other such storage conditions.
Operating it in the car while you're away won't be a solution in summertime - will get much too hot very quickly, dangerous. Won't it even be too hot for the device inside a car parked in sunlight in summer to just store/keep it there?
DISCOUNT CODES !!!! Order from Amazon on November 27, use "Potatohead5" and save 15%off for the Jackery 500. Use "Potatohead1" for 10% off the the SolorSaga100. Thanks! SP
Sweet!!! Thanks Slim!
I want one but ... after Christmas sale ???
Been thinking about getting one of these. Good review. Nice discounts. Thanks!
Slim Potatohead missed it! Dang!!!
What happened to your old Jeep Liberty?
Oh man I made my comment before I saw you put that in the cooler! That's a great idea
Once again, a superior video!👍
Wow slim the idea of leaving it in your ride while it charges is brilliant. I can't believe that thought hadn't crossed anyone elses mind including myself. I've been watching alot of jacket reviewers because I've really thought about getting this product. Thanks for a very good and unique review.
My roommate bought a small solar panel to keep up both of my truck batteries, works great so long as it parked in the sun!
I like it 👍 Thanks Slim! Happy Thanksgiving and God bless ✌️
Hi Slim, I believe Bex Cat Herder also did an great review on this too, thanks for the videos!
That was a great video. You've got a great channel with lots of wonderful ideas and suggestions. Thanks and have a beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday.
After researching the portable solar generators I bought the Jackery 500 watt unit. I recharged 2 Dewalt 18v NiMH batteries that were about 1/2 down from full and the Jackery was still at 81%. A couple of days later the Jackery 60 watt panels came and I place the panel in direct sun light and achieved 48 watts of charging going back into the Jackery. A couple hours and the Jackery was back to 100% charged. You get what you pay for with these devices - cheaper units are just more of a gamble. The low cost 100 watt panels will not deliver any more wattage than the 60 watt Jackery panels. This unit is my backup for home and travel use. Anything more serious that a few hours of power outage and I will gas up my Honda generator. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, good review ! !
Hi Slim - thanks for this video. Appreciate your thoughts on this kit and have gone ahead and ordered the Jackery 550 with the solar panels from Canadian Tire (virtuallly identical to your 500). Our teardrop has rooftop solar panels and a plug in panel but the issue is always when we are camped in shadier areas and not feeding our AGM battery enough to keep our dometic cooler powered. The ability to take the Jackery kit to the sun (or to shore power) and that brilliant idea of using it as a sun shade sealed the deal - the extra power will be welcome for all kinds of uses. Cheers - enjoy your videos.
I love watching your channel!
Great review, Slim. Thank you.
Looks like a nice piece of equipment. Its good to know you are color coordinated. I used cheap white paper plates. Plug in a computer, small tv and a cheap ceramic heater. That's all I use.
LOVE the info as the videos. Thank You.
Thanks for the excellent review!
Slim, My experience with Jackery’s portable products has all been positive. I still prefer fixed mounts and Renogy MPPT controllers. My favorite Jackery feature is the ability to charge it from the power port in my truck. I have not had a single issue with either company.
Great review!
Thank you for using celsius. I know that in Canada this is commonly used. The US RVers who make UA-cam videos talk exclusively in Fahrenheit but today the vast majority of the world uses celsius. I think it is good to put in the Fahrenheit conversion on screen as you did.
I like the panel in the windshield idea!!!
Very informative. Thank you Slim
Yes I agree about putting the panels in the windshield of your car that too will also be like a greenhouse effect and bring the temperature closer to not freezing for charging. It's a good day to be a cat in the window with a good book and a snuggly warm dark blanket. Thanks for sharing looking forward to seeing more
Charging in your car while hiking = Brilliant!
Slim has a great mind.
The only thing I would suggest is getting it in behind the mirror. If the mirror wipes out a bit of one cell you efficiency will drop significantly.
@@grannieannie1371 doesn't being behind glass kill the efficiency?
@@chtomlin it depends on how clear your glass is. But yes but if it's not charging at all or charging a bit. Charging a bit maybe helpful.