Milwaukee Provides Portable Jobsite Power With M18 Carry-On Power Supply

Portable power is no stranger to construction sites. However, the challenge of using a battery (or batteries) to power corded tools is. Milwaukee answered that challenge initially with the MX Fuel Carry-On Power Supply. Now, they turn to its massively popular 18-volt system with the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply. We’re diving deeper into the design to see what it is… and what it isn’t.

Pros

• Power to run 15-amp corded tools
• Durable, jobsite-ready design
• Pure sine wave output
• Includes 120V AC, USB-A, and USB-C outlets
• Simultaneously charges four batteries
• Compatible with any M18 batteries

Cons

• Not as feature-rich as recreational power supplies
• Lowest-capacity pack limits the runtime

Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply Performance

Power Source

To power this unit you need four M18 batteries. That’s different from some of the other exterior battery units that step down the watts with lower numbers of batteries. It makes sense, though. You’re not going to run a 2-inch rotary hammer very long if you only slap a single 2.0Ah battery on there. By requiring four batteries, Milwaukee ensures that you have the performance to run power-hungry tools with relevant runtime and it protects the packs by allowing them to share the load.

To get the best performance, make sure you start with four fully-charged batteries of the same capacity. Whichever pack drains first limits your runtime.

As you get close to the end of your runtime, the unit emits a beep that’s loud enough to be heard on a jobsite. However, its standard operating noise level is just 66 decibels.

Output

As for output, the Milwaukee 2845 offers 3600 starting watts and 1800 running watts of pure sine wave energy to power everything from sensitive electronics to 15-amp corded tools. That’s the same as what the MX Fuel unit offers. The output is significantly more than some of the portable power stations in a similar size range. For example, the Jackery 1000 offers just 1000 running watts. The Generac GB1000 and GB2000 are better at 1600 watts, but still short of what you get from Milwaukee.

It’s A Charger

Another notable feature is the ability to charge your M18 batteries simultaneously at a standard 3A rate using the included charging cord.

Note that the outlets aren’t active until you press the power button. When you do, charging stops, even if it’s still plugged into the wall.

Applications

With the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply, you get a pair of 120V AC outlets, a USB-A port, and a USB-C port. For tools, you can run 15-amp tools like table saws and compressors. Its pure sine wave energy also enables you to charge sensitive electronics like your phone or laptop.

That’s not all, though. When Hurricane Ian rolled through, we used it to power a full-size refrigerator overnight and to smoke chickens on our Traeger pellet grill. Basically, if you can plug it into a standard wall outlet, the Milwaukee 2845 can run it. Plus, it doesn’t matter if you need to run it inside or outside—there are no gas fumes or smells to worry about.

Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply Design Notes

What It Isn’t

I talked to a friend who felt Milwaukee punted on this unit, which confused me a bit. What he wanted to see was an LCD screen that showed charging and discharge rates, solar compatibility, and more outlets. In other words, he wanted a recreational portable power supply.

That’s not what Milwaukee primarily designed this unit for, though. It’s first and foremost for power tools and electronics on a jobsite. That’s why it has a roll cage design and optional battery locks. While having the additional feedback on a screen is helpful, it’s at risk of breaking more easily than other components and the information it provides isn’t something you’d monitor as closely on-site. In our opinion, the 4 LED lights and notification beeps do the job well enough.

Size and Weight

Without batteries, the Milwaukee 2845 weighs 28 pounds. By the time you add four 12.0Ah High-Output packs to the mix, it’s 41.7 pounds. Its footprint takes up 15.1 inches long, 12.3 inches wide, and 13.8 inches tall.

Additional Features

• Recommended operating temperature: 32° – 105° F (40° – 105° recommended charging temperature)
• Compatible with shoulder strap (sold separately) for easy carrying
• Compatible with all M18 batteries

Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply Price

The Milwaukee 2845 retails for $699 bare and there are a couple of kit options available. With four 5.0Ah batteries and the shoulder strap, it’s $1122. It’s a good option if you’re primarily charging devices and/or running tools with lower power demands.

There’s also a kit with four 12.0Ah High Output batteries and the shoulder strap for $1720. This gets you the longest runtime and it’s what we suggest if you’re running tools on the higher end of the power scale.

Milwaukee backs this device with a 3-year limited warranty.

Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply Quick Comparison

The Bottom Line

The primary goal of the Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply is to supply power to your corded tools, including in environments you can’t run a gas generator in. However, it’s not designed with all of the features you might find on a recreational portable power supply. For what the product team designed the 2845 to do, it does well. Buy it if you need a battery-powered construction site power supply and enjoy that you can use it recreationally as a secondary application.

Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 2845-20
• Length: 15.05 in
• Width: 12.25 in
• Height: 13.75 in
• Weight: 28 lbs (without battery)
• Noise level: 66dB(a)
• Starting watts: 3600W
• Running watts: 1800W
• AC output: 120V 15A Duplex
• DC output: USB-A Port: 5V. 2.1 A (10.5W)
• USB-C PD Port: 5/9/12/15/20V, 3A (60W)

The post Milwaukee M18 Carry-On Power Supply Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Generac Enters Portable Power Station Market With Two Lithium-Ion Models

Lithium-ion inverters (often called battery-powered generators) are a great way to get portable power where you need it when it’s unsafe or unwise to use a gas generator. Lots of brands from power tool companies to dedicated inverter manufacturers are in the game. Now Generac enters the market, and with its reputation for emergency and portable power, we expect great things. We got our hands on the GB1000 Generac Portable Power Station to see if greatness is what they delivered.

Using the Generac Portable Power Station

Capacity and Output

There are two models to choose from: the Generac GB1000 and the GB2000. The smaller GB1000 has 1086Wh of capacity and the larger GB2000 holds 2106Wh. Regardless of which model you choose, you get up to 1600 continuous running watts and 3200 starting watts.

The main question is… what can you run?

The limit is effectively 13 total amps. From power tools to home appliances, there’s a wide range. Here are a few examples:

• Small angle grinders
• Coffeemaker
• TV and Blu-ray player
• Refrigerator or freezer
• Portable fans
• Lights
• Phone/tablet/laptop charging

The output is “clean” energy, so it’s perfectly safe to run/charge your sensitive electronics. Just keep in mind the higher the energy needs of what you’re using, the faster you’ll drain the battery. One nice feature Generac adds is a reverse-contrast display that shows you the active output in watts along with an estimated remaining runtime (assuming the load stays the same).

While our power was out during Hurricane Ian, the GB1000 ran our TV and Blu-ray player with a combined draw of just under 100 watts and more than 12 hours of estimated runtime. On the other hand, it was able to keep our refrigerator going for about 6 hours. The GB2000 would have been roughly double that.

Need more capacity or output? No problem—there’s a parallel connection so you can hook two Generac portable power stations together.

Outlets and Ports

Generac includes a generous suite of outlets and ports for charging on its portable power station. There are three 120V outlets, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 12V car outlet. A bonus that most battery-powered generators don’t have is the 15-watt wireless charger Generac has on the top.

You can use as many of these as you want at once as long as you don’t draw more than 1600 continuous watts. As we mentioned earlier, the more watts you draw, the faster you go through the battery, so pick your battles when you don’t have other power sources nearby.

To use any of the ports, you first need to turn the inverter on. Press the on/off button and hold it until you hear a soft beep and see the display light up. At that point, all of the USB ports become active. To use the 120V outlets or 12V DC port, you need to press the corresponding button to activate them. The wireless charger is connected to the DC switch.

Charging Options

As you would expect, you can plug the power station into the wall to recharge it. For those of you thinking about off-grid power, it also comes with a connector for solar panels. Another bonus we don’t typically see is the 12V vehicle charging cord that Generac includes, making this one of the most overlander-friendly designs we’ve seen.

Recharging is quicker thanks to a built-in MPPT controller. Plugged into a wall, you can get an 80% charge in just over two hours on the GB1000. Once it hits that mark, the charging slows down to prevent damage to the lithium-ion cells.

To get the absolute fastest charging, it is possible to combine power sources. For example, you might want to run both 120V AC and solar. However, going too fast can reduce the overall battery life. For the best results, stick with less than 540 watts on the GB1000 or less than 1000 watts on the GB2000.

LED Light

Generac offers some help locating your portable power station and plugging things in when it’s dark. A 2-setting LED light is on the front. Not to worry—it’s a low draw on your battery and won’t have a major effect on your overall runtime.

Generac Portable Power Station Models

The primary difference between the two models is capacity and there are some size and weight consequences. Here’s a quick comparison chart:

Optional Accessories (Sold Separately)

• 200W Charging Enhancer
• 450W Charging Enhancer
• 30A Parallel Kit
• 100W Solar Panels

Generac Portable Power Station Price

The retail price on the Generac GB1000 is $999 and the GB2000 runs $1799. Generac backs the power stations with a 3-year warranty. Compare that to the popular Jackery 1000 and you’ll find that Generac offers a better feature set, more available power, and still comes in $100 less.

The Bottom Line

In the class of integrated battery power stations, Generac genuinely impressed us with its portable power station designs. It offers excellent power output, includes a wide range of outlets and ports, and adds features we haven’t seen from other brands. Even better, you’re not paying a premium just to have the Generac name on the unit and they’re not upcharging a ton for the features they added. If you’re looking for clean portable power, we highly recommend the Generac GB1000 and GB2000.

The post Generac Portable Power Station Review: GB1000 GB 2000 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Honda EU3200i Generator Offers Quiet Operation In A Compact Package

Having one of our coasts on the Gulf of Mexico and the other on the Atlantic Ocean, here in Florida we like to keep an eye on backup power options during hurricane season. They’re not only useful for disasters, but they also come in handy for camping and tailgating. The Honda Super Quiet EU3200i portable generator is making its debut and it has a lot to offer.

Honda EU3200i Super Quiet Portable Generator: The Big Deal

The Honda EU3200i portable generator features a fuel-injected 3200-watt GX130 engine. That’s a step up from the 3000-watt unit, giving you that extra bit to run multiple items or get over more startup surge.

Honda tells us its Eco Throttle system offers great fuel efficiency, so you can expect to get runtimes up to 8.6 hours on its 1.2-gallon tank depending on an 800-watt load. At full load, you’re looking at 3.3 hours per tankful.

It also puts off less noise than the average conversation with operating noise levels from 54 to 58 decibels.

Whether you need a generator to power your smart refrigerator during an outage or leisure activities such as RV and tailgating, the Honda EU3200i offers stable power for all of your electronics, no matter their power sensitivity. Honda’s Inverter Technology provides the “clean” power your electronic devices need to avoid damage.

If you find yourself needing more power, Honda provides an option for a parallel kit that allows you to link a second EU3200i generator, doubling the available power to 6,400 watts. This is a good option if you want the power of a high-end generator but the space-saving features of a compact one.

Like all Honda portable generators, the EU3200i includes Co-Minder advanced carbon monoxide detection with automatic shutdown when CO concentrations get too high.

Additional Features

• Easy, 2-step starting
• 59.1 pounds dry weight
• USDA-qualified spark arrestor/muffler
• Low oil shutoff
• Integrated upper and lower handles
• Front panel LED indicators for fuel level and more
• Remote smartphone monitoring and control are available

Honda Super-Quiet Generator EU3200i Price

The Honda Super-Quiet EU3200i generator has a retail price of $2,999 that includes a 3-year residential and commercial warranty. Acme Tools has the generator listed for $2,599 for pre-order, and it’s also available now at Honda premier dealers throughout the U.S. and should be at all Honda Power Sports retailers by the end of summer 2022.

Specifications

• Model: Honda EU3200i
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 22.5 x 12.0 x 17.8 in
• Engine: Honda GX130
• Displacement: 130cc
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.2 gal
• Runtime per tank: 3.3 hr @ rated load; 8.6 hr @ 1/4 load
• Noise level: 58 dB(A) @ rated load; 54 dB(A) @ 1/4 load
• Weight: 59.1 lbs

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Anker 757 PowerHouse Provides High-Powered, Portable Backup Power

Anker has long made battery backup solutions for portable electronics and eventually moved into larger power station products. The Anker 757 PowerHouse 1500W Power Station represents their biggest product yet. With fast charging and tons of connectivity options, could this device power your next remote outing?

The Portable and Durable Anker 757 PowerHouse

The Anker 757 PowerHouse has one of the more elegant designs we’ve yet seen in a power station. All of the controls and outlets live on the front of the unit. You also get a nice LED bar-style light across the top that emits enough light to let you see around a campsite—or even a jobsite table to read building plans.

The 757 PowerHouse Power Station has convenient handles that line up well for deadlifting this giant battery. The only problem is that you can only deadlift it as there are no wheels to assist you in moving this 44-pound device from place to place.

Large Capacity and Power

All of that weight signifies something important, however. The Anker 757 Power Station doesn’t achieve its 1500W rating on its good looks. It also features 1,229Wh of battery capacity. While not the largest power center we’ve tested or seen, that still represents a good amount of stored energy.

Internally, Anker seems to have built the Powerhouse 757 to handle being run over by a truck. It has an aluminum frame that surrounds the electronics and 1229Wh worth of LFP (LiFePO4) cell batteries.

Several large heatsinks manage the heat associated with storing and unloading all of that potential power.

It claims to deliver an impressive 1,500W of output power with a 2,400W surge capability to handle aggressive startups. Anker also claims this device can handle the following tasks:

Real-World Testing

We connected a 15A DeWalt shop vac to the Anker 757. It draws around 1200 Watts and ran for exactly 54 minutes and 43 seconds. Based on the estimates given by Anker, that actually beat their number by 14%. We would consider that a win.

When testing with tools that stay under 1500W, the Anker supplied enough power to keep them going. As a temporary power source for medium-duty tools, you should be able to get some use out of this product. The higher the load, however, the less runtime you receive.

On a whim, we decided to test the Anker 757 with a more power-hungry tool, a Milwaukee 15A Super SawZall. This might be the best corded reciprocating saw on the planet—if not the most popular. Realize that this tool tops out around 1800W—well beyond the stated capabilities of this power station. Even so, the Anker PowerHouse 757 let me get about 3.5 cuts in before it shut off power to the outlets! After about a 30-second cool-down period, it let me turn the outlets back on and do another 3-4 cuts before it shut down again. We suspect the high current draw was the chief culprit. Color us impressed anyway.

Anker designed the PowerHouse 757 for less aggressive loads and longer runtimes. That’s not surprising, given its design. Even a sustained 12A tool draw (1440W) presents a very aggressive current load for battery-powered systems. A battery-backup system primarily designed for the jobsite would also have some more protection and portability—perhaps even a roll cage.

That doesn’t diminish the Anker in our opinion—it simply sets it up as a power source designed for camping, glamping, UPS functionality, and using all of that excellent battery storage for applications that better fit its design.

Recharging the Power Station

Recharging took only around 1.5 hours off a 20A 120V outlet. During the recharging process, we thought the Anker 757 wasn’t going to make it within the allotted time. On the LCD display, it kept saying it was only approaching 66% charge capacity after nearly 90 minutes. A moment later, the LCD indicated 100%, and the unit stopped charging. While not a great user experience—it completed charging in the time Anker claimed for a full charge. Presumably, if you stop it early and then check the battery gauge, you should get a fairly accurate number—just not while actually charging the power station.

Anker PowerHouse 757 Connectivity

For camping or anything else you can think of, the Anker 757 power station includes 13 ports for connecting all of your various devices.

Here’s how that breaks down:

• 3 polarized 120VAC outlets
• 3 grounded 120VAC outlets
• 2 USB-C (100W max) ports
• 4 USB-A (12W max each) ports
• 12V (120W max) car outlet

On the back of the unit, you find the 120VAC charging input, a connection for car or solar panel input, and the reset button.

Pure Sine Wave Output

Anker not only provides a capable battery backup system but also built it as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a 20ms switchover time. It also has pure sine wave output on the six 120VAC outlets, so sensitive electronics get clean power. You may not care about that, however, cheap UPS systems without sine wave output can eventually damage products like refrigerators and certain medical equipment.

Recharge Rates

The Anker 757 PowerHouse recharges quite quickly for a power station this large. We connected it to a 20A circuit, and the PowerHouse 757 reached a 100% charge in one hour and thirty-two minutes. While we would have liked to have seen if it got to 80% in an hour as claimed—the truth is, the LCD display is highly inaccurate while charging. Right before the unit hit 100% it was showing 1.8 hours on the meter, a charge rate of ~300W, and 61% completion. 10 seconds later it hit 100% and stopped charging.

So, while we like the speed o the recharge process—and Anker does appear to charge as quickly as it claims—you won’t really know how it’s doing unless you interrupt the process and then check the display. When charging using an outlet, we recommend simply waiting at least an hour to 90 minutes (if you can afford the time) before reusing it.

Of course, if you want to go completely off the grid, you can connect up to 300W of solar panels to the 757. Do that, and you can recharge the Anker 757 to 80% capacity in less than 4 hours.

Other Features

• 50,000 hours of electronics life expectancy
• 6.1″ LCD Display
• 5-year limited warranty (doesn’t cover solar panels)

Pricing & Availability

You can pick up the Anker 757 PowerHouse 1500W Power Station for $1,399. If you want the Full Monty with three 100W solar panels, the cost is $2,299. Anker has a very active presence in the Amazon marketplace with several power products. You can also visit the Anker website for more information.

Anker 757 PowerHouse Power Station Specs

• Capacity: 1,229 Wh
• Battery cells: LiFePO4
• Dimensions: 18.2 x 11.3 x 9.3 in. (463 x 288 x 237 mm)
• Weight: 43.9 lbs. (19.9 kg)
• AC input: 1,000W (max)
• AC outputs: 6 (1,500W pure sine wave)
• Max output: 2,400W (surge)
• AC Recharge time: 1 hour to 80%, 1.5 hours to 100%
• Solar panel input: 300W (max)
• Solar recharge time: 3.6+ Hour to 80%
• Outputs: 6 x AC Outputs [1,500W Max (100-120V)]; 1 x Car Outlet (12.0V/10A Max); 4 x USB-A (12W); 2 x USB-C (100W and 60W);
• LED light: RGB Multicolor
• Warranty: 30-day money-back, 5-year limited warranty
• Includes: 757 PowerHouse, AC charging cable, car charging cable, parallel solar connection cables (XT-60 To DC7909 for up to 3 panels), dust-proof bag
• Price: $1,399

The post Anker 757 PowerHouse 1500W Power Station Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Zendure SuperBase Pro Provides High-Powered, Portable Backup Power

Zendure, a California-based company that works in portable power solutions, has expanded its product range by moving into the power station market. The Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station boasts some big power and capacity, fast charging speeds, a laundry list of output options, and a footprint that encourages portability. The SuperBase Pro provides power backup for emergencies or to let you go camping (glamping?) in style.

The Portable and Durable SuperBase Pro

Zendure designed the SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station like a short, fat suitcase. This lets you easily move it around to and from the jobsite, campsite, or wherever you need power. It even comes with both a telescopic handle and a fixed handle, and the wheels are larger enough to move the 46-lb. power station across uneven terrain. The design even allows for stacking items on top of the power station as you might with traditional luggage.

The SuperBase Pro also features ridges along the top and back offer some physical collision resistance. Meanwhile, Zendure has also reinforced the internal components to protect against impacts so that it can stand up to real-world use and weather.

Large Capacity and Power

The Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station has a 2,096Wh battery capacity. It features an impressive 2,000W output with 4,000W surge capability. Sporting these sorts of numbers, the SuperBase Pro is ideal for providing plenty of backup power to keep high-power equipment up and running.

We connected a 15A DeWalt shop vac alongside two LED work lights and ran it for over 90 minutes on High before depleting the battery. Recharging took only around two hours off a 20A 120V connection.

For camping applications, Zendure’s power station can power a variety of devices for a prolonged period of time, including laptops, mini-fridges, projectors, LED lamps, and more.

Pure Sine Wave Output

Zendure has also worked their AmpUp technology into the design. This technology allows the SuperBase Pro to power devices up to 2000W, opening you up to running heavy-duty appliances and power tools like induction cookers, vacuums, chainsaws, drills, and motorized devices.

Basically, AmpUp is a Dynamic Voltage Output tech that, when an appliance begins to draw a high current, the power station lowers the output voltage to compensate. This lets you use most appliances without any disruption due to overload protection. Zendure tells us that it’s completely safe and maintains a pure sine wave to run sensitive electronics (like refrigerators and medical equipment).

The Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station also has household-grade Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) functionality. Basically, you can plug the Power Station into an AC power source, and it will run power to your connected devices as well. Should you experience a power outage, the UPS functionality takes over, automatically switching to battery power to avoid any power interruption.

Recharge Rates

Zendure has also designed the SuperBase Pro 2000 so that you can recharge it very quickly. They tell us that, when connected to 1,800W of AC power, the SuperBase Pro reaches 80% charge in an hour. It reaches full charge in two hours.

However, supposing that some users will be working off-grid, Zendure has also designed the SuperBase Pro 2000 with PVMax technology, which lets you pop a solar panel into the side and recharge that way. They even claim similar recharge times when using solar panels to recharge the unit. It comes with an MC4 to AC female cable so that you can connect 1,800W solar panels to take advantage of the fast solar recharge speeds.

All in all, Zendure provides up to six ways to recharge the SuperBase Pro, all with varying recharge speeds:

Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station Outputs

The Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station includes 14 output ports. Here’s the breakdown of what is offered:

• 6 x AC: 2,000W Max (100-120V)
• 1 x Car Outlet: 13.6V/10A 136W Max
• 3 x DC5521: 13.6V/10A Max 136W Max
• USB-C (1): 5V-20V, 100W Max
• 2 x USB-C: 5V-20V, 100W Max
• USB-C (3)(4): 5V-12V, 20W Max Total

Note that the 136W refers to the combined maximum output power of the Car Outlet and the DC5521 ports together.

Location Based Services & Carbon Reduction

Zendure’s SuperBase 2000 Pro, according to the brand, is the first power station to provide Location Based Services. It uses a built-in 4G IoT connection that lets you manage your power station from just about anywhere (as long as you’ve got 4G signal). With Zendure’s companion app for your smartphone or tablet, you can check the power station’s location, charge levels, and output power in real-time. You can also adjust settings, schedule recharging for low-energy times, and switch to different operation modes on the fly from the app.

The companion app also tracks the total carbon reduction achieved by using the SuperBase Pro 2000. When you have collected a certain amount of green energy, Zendure has partnered with the OneTreePlanted Foundation to plant a tree on your behalf.

Other Features

• Equipped with ST ARM + TI DSP processors to provide high-performance, realtime processing, and to maintain system stability
• EV-grade batteries that can run 1,500 cycles to 80% capacity and 3,000 cycles to 60%
• 6.1″ LCD Display

Pricing & Availability

Zendure has the SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station available for $2,299. Zendure has a very active presence in the Amazon marketplace with several power products. You can visit the Zendure website for more information.

Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 Power Station Specs

• Capacity: 2,096 Wh
• Battery Cells: Li-NMC
• Dimensions: 17.56 x 10.51 x 13.86 in.
• Weight: 46.5 lbs.
• AC Input: 1,800 W
• DC Input: XT60, 12V-60V, 10A/600W Max
• 14 Outputs: 6 x AC Outputs [2,000W Max (100-120V); 2,000W Max (220-240V)]; 1 x Car Outlet (13.6V/10A Max) 3 x DC5521 (13.6V 10A Max); 2 USB-C (5V-20V, 100W Max); 2 USB-C (5V-12V, 20W Max Total)
• LED Light: RGB Multicolor
• Connectivity: Smart Companion App, Wi-Fi, 4G IoT
• Included: AC cable, MC4 to XT60 cable, MC 4 to AC Female Cable, accessory bag
• Price: $2,299

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The DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt Tri-Fuel Generator promises enough power and capacity to run an entire home. The advantage of the DuroMax Tri-Fuel over many other home generators is that it lets you operate it off of three different fuel types. This powerhouse of a generator could give you the options and flexibility you need when an emergency strikes.

DuroMax 13,000-Watt Tri-Fuel Generator – The Big Deal

The first tri-fuel generator released by DuroMax, the XP13000HXT generator claims to be the largest tri-fuel portable generator on the market. You can fuel it with gasoline, propane, or natural gas. Compared to other portable generators, this model promises significantly more power, especially for a portable model. Even with natural gas and propane which tend to give off less power than gasoline, the XP13000HXT seems to stay on top of the power game when compared to similarly powered generators.

The DuroMax XP13000HXT also comes with an updated computer system. This includes a large LED display that shows voltage, runtime, and gas gauge, among other details. Additionally, the unit includes a remote control so you can control it from a distance if you need power quickly.

One of the most useful features is the CO alert technology. This feature appears on most new generators at this point and ensures that the system shuts off automatically upon the detection of high levels of carbon monoxide.

DuroMax 13,000-Watt Tri-Fuel Generator – Additional Features

• Wheel and handle kit included
• Solid-filled tires capable of traversing any terrain
• Approved for use in all 50 states
• EPA and CARB certified

Pricing and Availability

The DuroMax XP13000HXT Tri-Fuel Generator is available at The Home Depot and other authorized retailers. It retails for $2,499 and comes with a 5-year warranty.

The DuroMax XP13000HXT Specifications (By Fuel Type)

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Walther Electric PDU’s Designed to Work in the Extremes

The Walther Power Distribution Units safely centralize and distribute power from temporary power poles or jobsite generators. They have a main power input to transform high voltages into usable 480/240/208/120-volt GFI-protected power from a variety of receptacle outputs. The Walther PDUs are designed for typical jobsite applications like welding, cutting, cranes, machinery, power tools, on-board entertainment events and more.

What’s the Big Deal?

Walther designed the Power Distribution Units for use on the construction site, outdoor events, ship building and repair, emergency preparedness, or anywhere else you might need temporary power.

Walther Electric has designed their PDUs to work reliably in the roughest terrain, the most demanding applications, and in extreme environments. The PDUs use heavy-duty, solid rubber in the body construction for a non-conductive enclosure suitable for indoor/outdoor use.

Most models come NEMA 3R-rated for weather resistance. NEMA 3R enclosures protect against incidental contact with enclosed equipment. It also gives the unit protection from falling dirt, rain, sleet, and snow. And, it provides protection against rain at a higher level than the lowest live part.

Furthermore, the PDU’s modular design lets you stack and store multiple units for better organization and space saving.

By integrating numerous receptacles into one electrical enclosure, the Walther PDUs eliminate the need for multiple conduit runs with individual branch circuit wiring. This not only reduces material costs, but it streamlines your operations when temporary power is necessary.

Other Features

• Power surge and overload protection
• Compact dimensions at 11.5″ x 12.5″ x 14″
• Portable with a top handle for easy carrying
• Walther Power Distribution Units can be built to your exact specifications with cable assemblies available in stock and custom sizes

Pricing

You can find a collection of “off the shelf” Walther Electric Power Distribution Units on Amazon. The seven models listed range from $776 to $1,021. To view the Walther Electric Catalog with their entire line of “off the shelf” models, click here.

However, you can also customize a Walther PDU to your exact specifications. You can find an order form for custom PDUs in this product catalog listed above. To contact the company directly with any questions, visit them at www.waltherelectric.com.

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Ryobi Portable Power Sources Keep You Going On the Go

We love a good battery power inverter. They open up our battery packs to even more applications than their primary purpose: to power our cordless tools. They help us keep our phones and other devices charged up at the jobsite or when we’re off-grid, which we find incredibly helpful. Ryobi has some experience in this field already, having produced a couple smaller power inverters and an 1800W Power Station Inverter. Joining that lineup in November, the Ryobi Automotive Power Inverters give us even more power options when we’re on the go.

Ryobi Automotive Power Inverters: The Big Deal

What makes the Ryobi Automotive Power Inverters different from the brand’s previous efforts? Two things, notably their power output and their versatility with power sources.

The Ryobi 18V One+ 120 Watt Automotive Inverter provides 120 Watts of continuous output. With one 120V output and two USB-A outputs, Ryobi has designed the RYi120AVNM as a solution for powering laptops, tablets, cell phones, fans, and other small electronics. It draws power either from your vehicle’s 12V power port via the included adaptor or from a Ryobi 18V battery.

For even more powering options, the Ryobi 18V One+ 800 Watt Max Power Inverter can use alligator clamps to provide 800 watts power directly from your car’s battery. Or, you can use a Ryobi 18V battery for 300 watts of portable power. On the road, you can also plug into your vehicle’s 12V DC power port for 120 watts of continuous power (while your vehicle is running, of course).

The RYi8030AVNM features two 120V outlets, two USB-A ports, one USB-C PD port, and a 12V DC power socket for powering multiple devices at once. Ryobi tells us that this is their highest-powered One+ inverter available, twice that of the RYi150BG 150-Watt inverter (when using an 18V battery pack for both models).

Ryobi Automotive Power Inverters Price

You can expect both of the Ryobi Automotive Power Inverters to launch in November. You’ll be able to find them at Home Depot, both in stores and online. The 120 Watt Automotive Inverter will retail for $49.97 while the 800 Watt Max Power Inverter will run you $129. Both options come with Ryobi’s 3-year limited warranty.

Ryobi Automotive Power Inverters Specifications

Ryobi RYi120AVNM 18V One+ 120 Watt Automotive Inverter

• Power Output: 120W of continuous output
• Power Input: 18V One+ battery, 12V DC power port
• Outlets: (1) 120V outlet, (2) USB-A outlets
• Includes: Inverter, 12V adaptor cable, 18V adaptor cable
• Warranty: 3 years
• Available: November 2021
• Price: $49.97

Ryobi RYi8030AVNM 18V One+ 800 Watt Max Power Inverter

• Power Output: 800W when connected to an automotive battery; 300W when connected to 18V One+ battery; 150W when connected to 12V outlet
• Power Input: Vehicle battery, 18V One+ battery, 12V DC power port
• Outlets: (2) 120V outlets, (2) USB-A ports, (1) USB-C PD port, and (1) 12V DC power socket
• LED Light: Yes
• Includes: Inverter, 12V adaptor cable, clamp car battery adaptor cable
• Warranty: 3 years
• Available: November 2021
• Price: $129

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Ryobi Power Station Offers Solutions For Jobsite, Home and Recreational Use

As battery power continues to become more sophisticated and powerful, Ryobi has launched the 40V Power Station Inverter. Doubling as a super-charger for your Ryobi 40V batteries, it provides pure sine wave current to power everything from TVs and refrigerators down to your sensitive electronics. With 1,800 watts of running power (and 3,000 watts of peak power), the Ryobi RYI1802B6 looks like a viable solution for the jobsite, camping, tailgating, and emergency backup applications.

What’s the Big Deal?

The big deal surrounding the Ryobi 40V Power Station Inverter revolves around its modular design. The battery-powered inverter market is not short of options at this point, but where most employ an internal battery design, we enjoy the fact that we can run this inverter using between 1 to 4 Ryobi 40V batteries of any size (though for optimized performance and runtime, you’ll likely want to be using all 4 available ports).

When plugged into AC power using the included charging adaptor, the RYi1802 will operate as a battery charger to sequentially recharge your batteries. It ought to be noted, however, that it doesn’t appear as though the inverter has pass-through capabilities. This means that, when plugged in, the inverter only operates as a charger, cutting power to anything you have plugged into the outlets or USB ports.

However, when operating as a portable power solution, the Ryobi 40V Power Station Inverter provides clean, quiet power. With 3,000 starting watts and 1,800 running watts, the RYi1802 can power appliances, fans, lights, and small electronics from its three 120V outlets. Or you can use any of the 6 various USB ports to recharge your phones, laptops, batteries, and other sensitive electronic devices.

If more power is required, the Ryobi Power Station can be connected to another inverter for twice the power output. Ryobi sells the parallel kit separately.

Ryobi has also designed the 40V Power Station Inverter with Bluetooth capability so that you can use the Ryobi GenControl app to control it from your smart device. With the app, you can activate the remote shutoff as well as monitor battery levels and power consumption rates.

Other Features

• Ideal for indoor use
• Outlet types: three 120-Volt household outlets, 4 USB-A outlets and 2 USB-C outlets
• LCD screen displays battery level and load level
• External LED light
• Includes 2 (or 4) Ryobi 40V 6.0 Ah batteries, charging adaptor, and cover
• 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty

Side-By-Side

Like we said, the battery-powered inverter design has taken off of late, and Ryobi isn’t the only brand using a similar design. For instance, EGO and DeWalt both have very similar models available. Here’s a cursory comparison to see how they stack up against one another.

Pricing

You can find the Ryobi RYI1802B6 40V Power Station Inverter in three configurations at your local Home Depot or online. In the first configuration, it comes kitted with two 6.0Ah batteries and retails for $799. Or, if you’d rather purchase enough batteries to take advantage of all four ports at once, you can buy the bigger kit. It comes with four 6.0Ah batteries and runs $1057. Lastly, at $649 you can have just the inverter as a bare tool. Ryobi warranties the inverter for 5 years and the batteries for 3 years.

Ryobi 40V Power Station Inverter Specs

• Model: Ryobi
• Running Watts: 1,800W
• Starting Watts: 3,000W
• Electrical Output: Pure Sine Wave
• Outlets: (3) 120V 15A, (4) USB-A ports 5V 2.1A (Shared), (2) USB-C Ports 5/12/20V 3A Max
• Dimensions: 14.1 x 18.5 x 13.9 in.
• Weight: 12 lbs.
• CARB Compliant: Yes
• Warranty: 5 years
• Price: $799 (RYI1802B6 2-battery kit); $1057 (RYI1802B6-6 4-battery kit); $659 (RYi1802BT bare tool)

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The EGO Nexus Power Station Offers Balances Customizable Capacity, Power, and Price

The EGO Nexus Power Station is giving lithium-ion power supplies a kick in the pants with its unorthodox modular design. I say unorthodox because until power tool companies started getting in the game, most battery inverters had large internal batteries.

Pros

• Capable of powering many 15A tools
• Flexible lithium-ion power source options – use one to four EGO 56V batteries in any capacity combination
• Nearly silent, emission-free power
• 2000-watt continuous power handles up to 3000 surge watts
• Easily replaceable/upgradable batteries
• Large, bright LCD screen
• Simple yet useful app offers controls and more detailed info
• Firmware updates offer easy and free upgrades down the road
• Roll cage offers extra protection
• Solar adapter now available

Cons

• Onboard capacity is well under some brands’ max
• Won’t make it past the startup surge of all 15-amp motors

EGO Nexus Power Station Output

This system is a far cry from the EGO Nexus Escape which outputs 150 watts. The EGO Nexus Power Station can output up to 2000 continuous watts with 3000 peak watts out. Those are pure sine surge watts and at 50% over its continuous output rating, it exceeds what a 2000-watt gas generator/inverter can do by a long shot.

The Power Station runs on any combination of EGO 56V batteries. The EGO battery inverter possesses 4 ports, but you don’t have to use all of them. You can use just one if you want. The type of battery (or batteries) determines your maximum output watts.  With a 1P pack (2.0 or 2.5 Ah), it runs at 600 watts. It bumps up to 1200 watts of output with a 2P (5 Ah) battery. To get the 2000-watt maximum, you need to run at least one 3P (7.5 Ah) battery or equivalent in smaller packs.

It’s really about the number of cells. EGO’s 56V battery runs on 14-cell groups. 14 cells on the Power Station gives you 600 watts and 28 cells bump it to 1200 watts. With 42 cells or more, you get the maximum 2000 watts output. It doesn’t matter what combination of batteries you use.

You can also mix batteries without issue. When you use batteries with different capacities or charge states, the EGO Nexus Power Station will draw down the highest one(s) first until they’re all at the same level. Then it pulls equally from all battery packs together.

Real World Testing

So what can you do with 2000 continuous watts and 3000 surge watts? A lot, apparently.

Goal Zero’s Yeti 3000 moved us into the 13-amp range for corded tools. The EGO Nexus Power Station will run 15-amp tools. I started with a standard 15-amp sidewinder circular saw cutting 3/4″ OSB subfloor and then stacked it to make 1.5″ cuts with a 15-amp Skilsaw worm drive saw. Even pushing the worm drive, I didn’t trip the Power Station.

Out of curiosity (and because it was 85º in mid-February), I plugged in our 17,500 CFM drum fan and ran it on high to see if I could still cut with that sidewinder at the same time. It turned out that I could. Of course, you can trip the unit if you push too hard. The fan puts out an additional 900 watts, or 7.3 amps. Running that and pushing the saw harder brings the total draw higher than 2000 continuous watts.

We also tested Skilsaw’s larger worm drive table saw and that seems to be where the limit is. This battery-powered inverter can’t currently handle the startup surge on that tool.

I say “currently” intentionally. One of the beautiful things about this kind of inverter is that the electronics and Bluetooth/WiFi connections permit firmware updates. If EGO finds they can better optimize the output, an update can be made available to download.

So far, the only battery inverters that have been able to make cuts on that saw is DeWalt’s Portable Power Station and Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Carry-On. The trade-off is that both are more limited in onboard battery capacity.

Resetting

This seems like a good time to talk about resetting the Power Station when you exceed its limits. The electronics make this very easy. Just turn the main power switch off and back on, turn your outlets on, and power is restored. Alternatively, hold down the blinking reset button for 3 to 4 seconds, then turn your outlets back on. Either method works fine.

EGO Nexus Power Station Capacity

The total capacity of the EGO Power Station is the sum of the batteries you put on it. Stick four 2.5 Ah packs on it and you get 560 watt-hours to work with (140 watt-hours x four batteries). Here’s what some other options look like:

• 4 x 5.0 Ah batteries: 1120 watt-hours
• 4 x 7.5 Ah batteries: 1680 watt-hours
• 4 x 10.0Ah batteries: 2240 watt-hours

While some fully enclosed units can push 3000 watt-hours or more, modular systems such as EGO stop well short of. However, it’s easier to get your hands on spare batteries if you need more capacity. And remember that the Power Station can run on just one battery.

EGO Nexus Power Station Charging

It seems curious that the charging unit is external, but that’s intentional. It gives EGO the option of offering an upgraded rapid charger down the road without needing any modifications.

When our 7.5 Ah batteries arrived, they were nearly dead (1 bar each). It took just under 13 hours to complete the charge cycle. Your charge times will vary based on the batteries you use. The onboard charging port pulls 170 watts (EGO’s standard charger is 210 watts and their quick charger is 550 watts). Here are some estimated optimal charging times:

• 4 x 2.5Ah: 4 hours, 3 minutes
• 4 x 5.0Ah: 8 hours, 7 minutes
• 4 x 7.5Ah: 12 hours, 10 minutes
• 4 x 10Ah: 16 hours, 14 minutes

When you plug the charger in, the LED screen will tell you the estimated charge time once it stabilizes.

If you have more than one battery on board, the charger automatically switches from one battery to the next. Instead of fully charging before moving on, it switches at a consistent interval. This keeps the group’s charge state close in case you need it before all batteries fully charge.

One important note: You can’t charge and discharge at the same time. If you power anything and plug in the charger, it cuts the power and prioritizes the charge cycle.

Update: Solar is Now an Option!

There’s now a solar adapter you can use with standard solar panels. EGO doesn’t sell any panels at this stage, but we were able to use a commercially available set we got our hands on without a problem. Note that you can connect a maximum of 180 watts of solar to the unit.

EGO Nexus Power Station Additional Details

Firmware

Check and see if there’s a firmware update straight away. Some of the earlier units may need it. They’ll still run, but they’ll run better and have the latest firmware after the update.

New vs Old Batteries

Any EGO 56V batteries work in the Power Station, but they may perform differently. The original EGO batteries have a red/yellow/green level indicator that blinks like a Christmas tree when inserted into the Nexus.

The newer batteries have a 5-LED ring to give you a better idea of how much charge you have and aren’t as “festive”.

One other thing—the original batteries can put out up to 90 amps (5,040 watts) of power. The newer packs produce up to 130 (7,280 watts)! There’s an 80-amp fuse on the Power Station, so you won’t access all of that potential.

Add a Battery in Use

Did one of your batteries go dead? You can pop a charged one in while the Power Station is running without interrupting your power. It’s kind of like adding gas to a running generator—except this battery-powered generator runs on lithium-ion cells.

Roll Cage Design

Dropping a battery inverter off your tailgate probably means the end of it unless you’re using the EGO Nexus power inverter. Its roll cage gives it a fighting chance to survive. EGO intentionally designed it to let the batteries pop off to avoid worse damage.

Environmental Conditions

The EGO Nexus Power Station has an IPX4 rating. It can handle splashing water for 10 minutes, but it’s not designed to leave out in a storm. Since it produces no emissions, there’s no problem bringing it inside the tent or cabin with you. Besides, do you really want a family of bears plugging in and watching TV while they eat all the food from your cooler?

High-Vis LCD Screen

The LCD screen has a black background with easy-to-read white and red graphics—even in bright sunlight. The display is also larger than Kohler and Goal Zero, making it easier for those of us who can’t see like we used to.

Not Crazy Heavy

Even with the batteries onboard, I can carry the Nexus pretty well thanks to the handle design. I don’t really want to lug it a long distance, though. It weighs a little over 29 pounds bare and 54 pounds with four 7.5 Ah batteries. The charger and cords add another 2 pounds.

EGO Nexus Power Station App

The LCD screen gives you valuable feedback, but you can see more details in the app. Here’s what you can do/view:

• Toggle between Bluetooth and WiFi connection
• View current watts out per outlet
• Turn outlets on/off (full bank of USB and individual outlets)
• View battery charge status on each port as a percentage

Who is the EGO Nexus Power Station For?

The EGO Nexus Power Station works well as a quiet, emission-free power supply for jobsites, camping/hunting, emergency power, tailgating, and more. The potential use for providing emergency power really sheds some light on the benefits of a device like this. If you’re a homeowner, you can stick your gas generator outside and enjoy most of your comforts after a storm.

But what if you’re in a 5th story apartment?

You can run the Power Station inside without any fear of building carbon monoxide. It’s a great solution for folks that live in the city, especially considering the average power outage is just 3 hours.

That isn’t quite as reassuring in hurricane and earthquake-prone areas where outages often last for days. However, EGO does have solar panel compatibility. That’s something that makes it a better option for multi-day outages or off-the-grid days. I’d max out the 180 watts of panels to get a reasonable charge during the day.

EGO Nexus Power Station Price

There’s a pretty wide spread of prices depending on what kind of capacity you need. EGO is kitting the Power Sation four 5.0 Ah batteries for $1299 or two 7.5Ah batteries for $999. If you already have EGO batteries you want to use, the bare unit is $499. Here’s how Milwaukee and DeWalt compare:

• Milwaukee MX Fuel Power Supply: $2199 with 2 extended capacity batteries
• DeWalt Portable Power Station: $499 with no batteries

The Bottom Line

The EGO Nexus Power Station is the most capable, best battery-powered inverter we’ve tested so far. It lets you run tools like 15-amp handheld worm drive saws. That may get even better with firmware updates. While short of matching the total capacity of the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 on its own, the flexible design makes it easy to carry extra batteries in reserve if needed. Whether you’re looking for no emissions, low noise, or just need to run your power source inside, the EGO Nexus Power Station is pushing your access to reliable power further.

Learn more from EGO.

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