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| Keith5 Member Since: 27 May 2016 Location: Scotland Posts: 352   
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I'm looking to build/buy a large power bank for the Scout group. We have 2 active Scout Troops and an Explorer unit that camp year round and have kit out on use most weekends.
We've recently gone for a modular system for camp and activity lighting using a combination of LED strip lights and flood lights all with integrated batteries. 
For the lighter months these work great with the units easily holding enough charge for a weekends use. However in the winter or when away for a week we need to find a way to recharge these units. They all charge off USB inputs so I'm debating a couple of ideas and would appreciate anybody with experience to give me some guidance/feedback/hints before I get too far down this path. Option 1 is to build my own using a 12v leisure battery in a solid toolbox/battery box with a set of switched 2.1A USB outlets on the outside of the case. This would give me something like 50 Ah on the 12v battery so plenty juice for recharging. If I put a 12v socket in the side I can then plug the solar panel in to top this up during the day and also use this for charging at the hall with a C-tek. Option 2 is to go for a pre-built version of this like: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ALLPOWERS-78000mA...s_sp_2_vtp Looks like the capacity would be lower than option 1 and has less USB outputs than I would like, which would limit the no of devices we could charge at one time, but should do exactly what we need as it's designed and built for this purpose Option 3 would be to look at some of the new tech car jump start packs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TACKLIFE-Starter-...mp+starter Again limited on no of outputs but given they are smalle rand cheaper we would end up with a few of these compared to one of the larger units. As I said I'm keen for people to point out any flaws in the plan just now before we commit any cash as given its the Scouts money I want to get it right first time. Equally (as I found in the mains hook up question) there's people on here that know a lot more about this than me and can possibly add an even better option into the mix. Many thanks Keith |
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13th Jan 2019 12:12pm |
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| diesel_jim Member Since: 13 Oct 2008 Location: hiding Posts: 6031 
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Couple of lorry or tractor batteries? they're HUGE! (in capacity/CCA)
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13th Jan 2019 12:24pm |
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| leeds Member Since: 28 Dec 2009 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 8578
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Hi Keith, just a few comments.
Do you or a member of your group have the right skills for building the power supply to a high standard? One or two big units or multiple smaller unit? Multiple smaller units does allow your group to be wide spread on multiple sites. Option 3 have a small battery at 7.8 Ahr so how many of your group lights will it recharge? Would suggest you have a look at greenboxlighting company. Either to get ideas for yourself or they might be able to do a custom built unit or two for your group. Brendan |
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13th Jan 2019 12:28pm |
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| Keith5 Member Since: 27 May 2016 Location: Scotland Posts: 352
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Brendan,
I note your comment about competence to build, I'm fortunate to have an electrical engineer work in my team who's happy to help out. Was thinking about larger units as it's only likely to be 1 or 2 power banks in use at any time. Thanks Keith |
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13th Jan 2019 12:49pm |
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| Badger110 Member Since: 06 Feb 2018 Location: South hams Posts: 1025 
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Power tool batteries have leaped forward in performance these days, to the point I can run a 12v 4amp torch for 18hours on the dimmed mode (I think 200 lumens? )solid before charging ( Bosch model gli12v330)
Bosch batteries are brilliant and I’ve used makita ( not worth it ), dewalt ( ok ) and metabo ( very good ) but as I use majority of cordless power tools I know what these batteries can do. Power tool manufacturers rely on good portable power sources and they tend to put a lot of effort into their batteries ( except makita ) It’s something worth considering, you can buy the 4ah 12v batteries from Germany for about £35 each and if you can create a system incorporating them, I think you’ll be surprised what they can do. Cheers |
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13th Jan 2019 1:31pm |
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| Adam17 Member Since: 15 May 2018 Location: Within Bedfordshire Posts: 1193  
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Oh how things change..
When I was in the Scouts we didn't have these fancy led lights or torches, battery packs etc.. We had a camp fire - or one of those terribly dim torches that just about lit the floor at your feet (not coming from a wealthy family). Plenty of power banks about now though... I just got this one for my GoPro's when travelling.. 25000Mah https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07HRN...&psc=1 And a dual purpose power bank/jumpstarter, which stay in the truck all the time.. 1000Amp & 20000Mah https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07125...&psc=1 Regards Adam Loving The Duchess The Defender 110 TD5 XS My Defender story - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic64005.html |
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13th Jan 2019 1:33pm |
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| Adam17 Member Since: 15 May 2018 Location: Within Bedfordshire Posts: 1193
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WOW - that ALLPOWERS power bank @78000Mah looks epic!
Mind you, everyone will be wanting to charge their phones and tablets 
PS - 'Add to basket'!!   Regards
Adam Loving The Duchess The Defender 110 TD5 XS My Defender story - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic64005.html |
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13th Jan 2019 1:34pm |
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| RFT Member Since: 13 Nov 2010 Location: Cheshire Posts: 674 
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This is the low tech but totally reliable lighting that we use at our scout group.
I think the it is best to avoid any electrical power, 12v, 5v, 230v when camping with scouts it keeps them off their bloody phones! 130 Puma HCPU with an Artica 240LR Demountable Camper |
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13th Jan 2019 3:06pm |
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| Adam17 Member Since: 15 May 2018 Location: Within Bedfordshire Posts: 1193
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Love it!! Does it use much gas? Regards
Adam Loving The Duchess The Defender 110 TD5 XS My Defender story - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic64005.html |
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13th Jan 2019 3:25pm |
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| Keith5 Member Since: 27 May 2016 Location: Scotland Posts: 352
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That brings back memories.
The scouts implemented their own ban on smart phones at troop nights and camps. Keith |
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13th Jan 2019 3:28pm |
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| RFT Member Since: 13 Nov 2010 Location: Cheshire Posts: 674
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Adam17
We run them on 6kg propane bottles and they last for ever, according to this website it is 85g/hr for 100W equivalent light. https://gasproducts.co.uk/bullfinch-1616-h...ntern.html Bullfinch make gas spot light I think as well. They also make the best blow lamp torches ever. Keith5 Sounds like you have a good sized group we run at approx 97 young members, we have some excellent leaders (including DaveK). If you are willing to share some ideas send me a PM. 130 Puma HCPU with an Artica 240LR Demountable Camper |
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13th Jan 2019 6:58pm |
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| captain slow Member Since: 22 Jun 2011 Location: Herts Posts: 350 
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Have a word with the chaps at Green Box Lighting - perhaps they can make something for you?: https://www.facebook.com/Greenboxlighting/ 2.2 Tdci 110 XS CSW Corris Grey
Prince Harry's D3 (gone but not forgotten) 300 Tdi 110 CSW (gone but not forgotten) |
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13th Jan 2019 7:06pm |
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| landy andy Member Since: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 5416 
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Talk to Andy Foster on the D3 forum. He makes portable power packs that are based on a wolf box with light, gel battery, battery monitor, 12v and usb power outlets, complete with charger.
He is a fully qualified sparks by trade and has this as his sideline business. Let me know if you require his details. Andy. |
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13th Jan 2019 8:10pm |
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| Keith5 Member Since: 27 May 2016 Location: Scotland Posts: 352
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Andy
If you could pass on details that would be great. We already have lights but if he can build boxes to recharge them off that sounds ideal. I've also sent green box a message. Thanks Keith |
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13th Jan 2019 8:18pm |
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