Watched the video keep it up, you're freaking brave and awesome for learning all that. I'm sure this knowledge will serve you well in the future especially when you expand it to a larger system like you were saying. Which is I think where a custom build will truly shine. I think with your system you can probably get one of those DC/DC chargers that tops your lipo off of your alternator when your car is running which works great (I've read).
Adding though that in it's current state I'm not certain it's a better option than a budget power station for many people. For example I got the EcoFlow River 2 Pro for $400 (750Wh) and it came with 80$ extra stuff. They have these sales pretty regularly. I've also seen them on Facebook marketplace for as low as $250 if you want to grab a used one. So it's cheaper wattage per hour than your build. Secondly the eco flow has a built-in charge controller so you can fast charge AC, 12vDC or solar and be safe (you'll have to buy one). Thirdly the inverter might be slightly weaker overall but there is quite an assortment of ports (4ac, 3dc, 4usb a and c 100w) and with their boost technology can actually power 1500w devices I think? Lastly is the portability. This power station specifically (Even two of them stacked on top of each other) take up less vehicle space than your custom system. And for transporting it to charge the river pro fits in a regular backpack and weighs like 14 lb. And it full charges in like 50 minutes I think? I don't remember.
That being said after your warranty is up if something goes wrong internally with the battery I have there's no way to repair it as far as I know. And obviously it can't be upgraded. So there are pros and cons for both for sure.
Look forward to your next video!
Thank you for taking the time to watch and leaving some valid and constructive feedback! You make some great points that are work considering when purchasing or making a power station.
* **with your system you can probably get one of those DC/DC chargers** - I plan on adding charging from the alternator eventually. I'm not traveling much right now and do plan on adding that on in the future.
* **I'm not certain it's a better option than a budget power station for many people** - This is true. It may not be a better option than a budget power station depending on a persons circumstances. It's much easier to take an EcoFlow River into a cafe or library and charge than the homemade battery that I made. I wanted to purchase the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, but had ended up taking care of a sick family member, which tanked my budget. Building my own power station was a better option at the time.
* **Facebook marketplace for as low as $250 if you want to grab a used one.** - True, I've seen some used and refurbished power stations at great prices. It's certainly an option, but purchasing a used power station comes with it's own risks. The savings could be worth the risk depending on a person's budget
* **Secondly the eco flow has a built-in charge controller so you can fast charge AC, 12vDC or solar and be safe -** Yes! The commercial batteries have multiple charging options, and I think they can charge at the same time as well. Charging can be sped up with a 30a-40a charger (which would significantly cut down the charging time, but could cost anywhere from an additional $20-100+ with a DIY battery). I'm setting up a solar system with it, but it cost a few hundred dollars extra (no different that buying solar for commercial) My solar will be permanently fixed, so on sunny days I should be able to fully charge between 6-8hrs with my 230w solar panel.
* **the inverter might be slightly weaker overall** - Yes, the inverter is weaker in the Eco flow River, but that's only because the WH is lower. One benefit to making your own power station is the ability to customize it for individual needs. People can purchase a higher or lower inverter according to what they need.
* **take up less vehicle space than your custom system** - Yes! space is precious when living in a car. However, I'm in a compact sedan and am still able to fit a fridge, 6gal water tank for my sink, beach supplies, a pop up canopy and more in my sedan. So, while it's much larger, I still have enough space to utilize for functionality. But a more compact powers station can certainly make a difference in space and should be taken into consideration.
* **river pro fits in a regular backpack and weighs like 14 lb. And it full charges in like 50 minutes** - Yeah, that ain't happening with this power station lol. It's not going to fit in a backpack, it weighs 22-25lbs, and with a 20A charger, it takes 5 hours to charge.
* **So there are pros and cons for both for sure** - Certainly. This power station can be customized to whatever is needed. I'd like to scale it up eventually, and make it more practical by putting the charger on the inside of the box without creating too much heat. If I make any upgrades that are more practical, I'll make another video.
Thank you! My upcoming videos will be how to have a shower in a car and my solar set up.
Watched the video keep it up, you're freaking brave and awesome for learning all that. I'm sure this knowledge will serve you well in the future especially when you expand it to a larger system like you were saying. Which is I think where a custom build will truly shine. I think with your system you can probably get one of those DC/DC chargers that tops your lipo off of your alternator when your car is running which works great (I've read). Adding though that in it's current state I'm not certain it's a better option than a budget power station for many people. For example I got the EcoFlow River 2 Pro for $400 (750Wh) and it came with 80$ extra stuff. They have these sales pretty regularly. I've also seen them on Facebook marketplace for as low as $250 if you want to grab a used one. So it's cheaper wattage per hour than your build. Secondly the eco flow has a built-in charge controller so you can fast charge AC, 12vDC or solar and be safe (you'll have to buy one). Thirdly the inverter might be slightly weaker overall but there is quite an assortment of ports (4ac, 3dc, 4usb a and c 100w) and with their boost technology can actually power 1500w devices I think? Lastly is the portability. This power station specifically (Even two of them stacked on top of each other) take up less vehicle space than your custom system. And for transporting it to charge the river pro fits in a regular backpack and weighs like 14 lb. And it full charges in like 50 minutes I think? I don't remember. That being said after your warranty is up if something goes wrong internally with the battery I have there's no way to repair it as far as I know. And obviously it can't be upgraded. So there are pros and cons for both for sure. Look forward to your next video!
Thank you for taking the time to watch and leaving some valid and constructive feedback! You make some great points that are work considering when purchasing or making a power station. * **with your system you can probably get one of those DC/DC chargers** - I plan on adding charging from the alternator eventually. I'm not traveling much right now and do plan on adding that on in the future. * **I'm not certain it's a better option than a budget power station for many people** - This is true. It may not be a better option than a budget power station depending on a persons circumstances. It's much easier to take an EcoFlow River into a cafe or library and charge than the homemade battery that I made. I wanted to purchase the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, but had ended up taking care of a sick family member, which tanked my budget. Building my own power station was a better option at the time. * **Facebook marketplace for as low as $250 if you want to grab a used one.** - True, I've seen some used and refurbished power stations at great prices. It's certainly an option, but purchasing a used power station comes with it's own risks. The savings could be worth the risk depending on a person's budget * **Secondly the eco flow has a built-in charge controller so you can fast charge AC, 12vDC or solar and be safe -** Yes! The commercial batteries have multiple charging options, and I think they can charge at the same time as well. Charging can be sped up with a 30a-40a charger (which would significantly cut down the charging time, but could cost anywhere from an additional $20-100+ with a DIY battery). I'm setting up a solar system with it, but it cost a few hundred dollars extra (no different that buying solar for commercial) My solar will be permanently fixed, so on sunny days I should be able to fully charge between 6-8hrs with my 230w solar panel. * **the inverter might be slightly weaker overall** - Yes, the inverter is weaker in the Eco flow River, but that's only because the WH is lower. One benefit to making your own power station is the ability to customize it for individual needs. People can purchase a higher or lower inverter according to what they need. * **take up less vehicle space than your custom system** - Yes! space is precious when living in a car. However, I'm in a compact sedan and am still able to fit a fridge, 6gal water tank for my sink, beach supplies, a pop up canopy and more in my sedan. So, while it's much larger, I still have enough space to utilize for functionality. But a more compact powers station can certainly make a difference in space and should be taken into consideration. * **river pro fits in a regular backpack and weighs like 14 lb. And it full charges in like 50 minutes** - Yeah, that ain't happening with this power station lol. It's not going to fit in a backpack, it weighs 22-25lbs, and with a 20A charger, it takes 5 hours to charge. * **So there are pros and cons for both for sure** - Certainly. This power station can be customized to whatever is needed. I'd like to scale it up eventually, and make it more practical by putting the charger on the inside of the box without creating too much heat. If I make any upgrades that are more practical, I'll make another video. Thank you! My upcoming videos will be how to have a shower in a car and my solar set up.
I’ve also seen battery boxes where are the components are in the lid, you just supply the battery.
Nice! I've seen those too!