I still have the original Buddipole Solar Charge Controller going strong for over 7years now for my older battery tech setups. This new one doesn’t disappoint so many great features all in one.
@@KM4ACK His original version didn't have the USB port. He made that version for a year or less, then upgraded it with the USB port and some other menu features. It is really solid and I have been quite happy with mine also.
GREAT JOB! I have the original. Amazing product and nothing like it on the market that is this size and radio functional info. NOTE: Having designed and constructed many solar setups, mostly using Renogy, from QRP Ham setups to fully self contained RVs I just wanted to mention the needs for portable (say 150w and less) the notion that the PowerMini, using a PWM controller, is inferior to say like a Renogy MPPT solar charge controller. I understand why people have the impression MPPT is 'superior' to PWM. Yes and No. MPPT is superior if you are running high line voltage when you run panels in serial. But using relatively lower line voltage from panels like 50-100w single panel there is little to no real benefit using a MPPT., the line voltage does not get high enough to gain this efficiency. What the Power Mini gives you is a small all in one power management and info that was designed for the needs of a portable low power solar setup. But both works but PowerMini is quite amazing all in one product made for Hams.
Perhaps you could do a follow-on "advanced" review after you have used this for a while and you have become more familiar with it? Lots of unanswered questions such as can you monitor the loads? How efficient is the MPP algorithm in this unit? etc.
Some time ago I also was interested in the PowerMini, but when I noticed that it does only offer PWM charging I chose the Genasun. The reason behind that is waste or unused power that comes from the solar panel as PWM charge controllers drop the panel voltage down to the battery voltage. In my opinion they are just an acceptable choice if your battery voltage is close to your panel voltage. Possibly you could run a comparison on both of them to benchmark the power output?
Nice review. I have been using the 1st Gen since they came out. Best bang for the buck power management solar controller charger do it all there is. In fact for our Ham needs there is no other product on the market that does all that it does.
Great demonstration, Jason, but you didn’t explain the bar graphs in the middle of the display. Those have some great information about LV/HV cutoffs, load current, and battery voltage (fuel gauge).
Indeed I didn't. Only because I was unaware of them when I filmed the video. I learned of them later while reading the owners manual a second time. Somehow I skipped over that info the first time through. The fuel gauge is much more relevant using SLA battiers and less so with LiFePO4 due to the difference in discharge curves.
You prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the password. I love any tips you can offer me
@Terrance Oakley I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
I wish they would make a panel mounted version. I have my battery and all the connectors mounted in an ammo can. I like that better than having the battery, load meter, solar charge meter, etc all as separate devices that you have to unpack and plug together. From a modular standpoint, though, it's great. I might try it in the future just to see how I like it.
Thanks so much for the great video Jason! I always appreciate your analyses. BUT ... you neglected to mention that this is a PCM charge controller and NOT an MPPT. For me, MPPT is the only way to go for solar charging. In particular, the Victron 75V / 15A MMPT is a small size, low cost, high quality MPPT solar charge controller that I use for all portable ops. It generates much more solar charging power than any PCM controller (on both sunny and especially cloudy days) and is incredibly well-built! Only $80 on Amazon :) 73 KJ6ER, Silicon Valley
I agree and wish they would incorporate MPPT into the PowerMini. I still like it for it's compact size and host of features. I do keep the old Genasun on standby should I need the extra juice a MPPT controller would provide.
@@KM4ACK Yes absolutely, I love the packaging with those powerpoles and built-in display. Like you, I wish they upgraded the internal charge controller to MPPT. 73!
You have excellent taste in equipment. I first encountered the BuddiPole POWERmini on OH8STN's channel. I've been looking at getting one for some time now based on the reviews and features. What solar panel are you planning on using in the field? Great stuff, Jason!
I have been using a PowerFilm 30W for a couple of years now. I am also testing a new folding panel that I grabbed from Amazon recently. It's no PowerFilm but a good, much cheaper alternative. Comparison video coming soon.
If I wanted to use solar to charge the internal battery in the Xiegu- X5105 how would I go bout it? FYI I hooked the power mini to the Xiegu power in and it won’t power the charge controller. If I plug the Xiegu into one of the load outlets it will charge the internal battery but it just draws from the battery connected to the power mini. I would like to charge the internal battery without connecting another battery to the power mini.Thanks K7WHN
Check the battery chemistry and the voltage required for charge. I don't own the 5105 but I'm guessing it runs on a Lithium-Ion battery. The power mini can be set to charge Lithium-Ion if that is indeed the correct chemistry of the 5105 battery.
I love the Genasun but found that it would not trigger BMS balance on my homebrew LiFePO4 batteries because it needs to reach 14.6V (i.e. 3.65V per cell) whereas Genasun only goes to 14.2V. Otherwise, Genasun GV-10 Lithium is a solid rf-free solar charge controller. Can you customize Max Charge Voltage to 14.6 on the PowerMini? You keep prompting more purchases, Jason, now I got my sights set on a getting one 😅
In this video I was using the PowerFilm 30W panel but the panel was inside in front of a window with very little sunlight. I am working on a comparison video now where you will be able to see a couple of various panels in different lighting conditions.
I have had one for many years and they work well. The only thing it’s missing is you can’t plug a power supply in place of a solar panel to charge is needed. Otherwise its a very good charger.
@@scottversaw3344 Chris Drummond said not to plug in a power supply, it designed for a solar panel. I have not taken mine apart to see why. From the manual. POWERmini USB can be used with a 12V solar panel with power output up to 150W. It may also be used without solar input but note however that the solar input should only be used with a solar panel and should never be connected to any other type of power source (for example DC power supply or car battery) as this may cause damage to the battery and/or POWERmini USB.
I just bought one almost a month ago, but have yet to receive it. I suspect they are overwhelmed. I needed it a week ago been thinking about cancelling the order. The company does NOT provide any status updates. When I call, you can tell they are overwhelmed. too bad
$150 is very high for a PWM charge controller! I didn't see where it said but the solar panels voltage must match the battery voltage. That tells me it is a PWM. MPPT are much more efficient! Have you checked the frequency that it uses? PWM turns the charging on and off at a high frequency and controls the charging by how long it is on with each cycle. PWM pulls the solar panels down to the battery voltage and most of the time that is not the maximum power point for the solar panel. Pulse With Modulation! They can be between 50% to 80% efficient. MPPT can be up to 95% efficient! And they use a buck converter to step the voltage from the solar panels down to the battery voltage. Maximum Power Point Tracking! MPPT finds the point that the solar panel puts out the maximum and uses the buck converter to change that to the voltage the battery needs and gives more amps than coming from the solar panel. I do not know witch gives more RFI. They both use high frequency, PWM uses it to turn on and off the pulses to charge the battery, the MPPT uses high frequency in the buck converter.
There are a lot go to Amazon and do a search for MPPT charge controllers. But be careful if you see one they clam to be MPPT and is around $20 it isn't. Buck Converters to handle power cost! The easy way is if it will take input voltage 2 or more times the battery voltage. One of the small but high power is very high price is, Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 50 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)! At over $300 it is small, can charge 12 or 24 volt battery's, Bluetooth to get all the information on power in and out also to do the set up, but will fit in a pack. One of the big name is EPEVER. Many of them are big and not good for packing. But there are a lot of different ones. A quick check of videos on charge controllers will give you some of the information needed to get what is best for your needs.
@@lawrencethompson465 Victron BlueSolar 75/15 MPPT Charge Controller - 15 Amps / 75 Volts ! This is much lower price than some at under $90. Bluetooth setup and batter status, and other information. On checking more the Bluetooth needs a module! But there are a lot of MPPT controllers. Check my other post.
Device looks good. I will use my Genasun solar charger for a while longer. Another ham radio gadget for 149 bucks? My XYL will not be amused. Maybe Santa will bring one to me.
Frustrated by lack of response from Buddipole so will ask you. Didn't see ability to set bulk and absorption voltages for SLA batteries. Does the unit provide for that as they can vary from manufacturer to manufacture? Tax. N6MED
Yep, I agree! I would never buy a PCM solar charge controller no matter how pretty it is. And $150 for a PCM is a hard-stop for me. Victron MPPT are by far the best. 73 KJ6ER
I still have the original Buddipole Solar Charge Controller going strong for over 7years now for my older battery tech setups. This new one doesn’t disappoint so many great features all in one.
Been using one of these for a while. Great device. Chris from Buddipole is a friend of mine, he makes great products. Thanks for the review.
I haven't had this long but have been very pleased so far. It is a great addition to the kit :-)
@@KM4ACK His original version didn't have the USB port. He made that version for a year or less, then upgraded it with the USB port and some other menu features. It is really solid and I have been quite happy with mine also.
GREAT JOB! I have the original. Amazing product and nothing like it on the market that is this size and radio functional info. NOTE: Having designed and constructed many solar setups, mostly using Renogy, from QRP Ham setups to fully self contained RVs I just wanted to mention the needs for portable (say 150w and less) the notion that the PowerMini, using a PWM controller, is inferior to say like a Renogy MPPT solar charge controller. I understand why people have the impression MPPT is 'superior' to PWM. Yes and No. MPPT is superior if you are running high line voltage when you run panels in serial. But using relatively lower line voltage from panels like 50-100w single panel there is little to no real benefit using a MPPT., the line voltage does not get high enough to gain this efficiency. What the Power Mini gives you is a small all in one power management and info that was designed for the needs of a portable low power solar setup. But both works but PowerMini is quite amazing all in one product made for Hams.
Perhaps you could do a follow-on "advanced" review after you have used this for a while and you have become more familiar with it?
Lots of unanswered questions such as can you monitor the loads? How efficient is the MPP algorithm in this unit? etc.
Some time ago I also was interested in the PowerMini, but when I noticed that it does only offer PWM charging I chose the Genasun. The reason behind that is waste or unused power that comes from the solar panel as PWM charge controllers drop the panel voltage down to the battery voltage. In my opinion they are just an acceptable choice if your battery voltage is close to your panel voltage.
Possibly you could run a comparison on both of them to benchmark the power output?
Nice review. I have been using the 1st Gen since they came out. Best bang for the buck power management solar controller charger do it all there is. In fact for our Ham needs there is no other product on the market that does all that it does.
Great demonstration, Jason, but you didn’t explain the bar graphs in the middle of the display. Those have some great information about LV/HV cutoffs, load current, and battery voltage (fuel gauge).
Indeed I didn't. Only because I was unaware of them when I filmed the video. I learned of them later while reading the owners manual a second time. Somehow I skipped over that info the first time through. The fuel gauge is much more relevant using SLA battiers and less so with LiFePO4 due to the difference in discharge curves.
You prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know of a way to log back into an instagram account..?
I stupidly lost the password. I love any tips you can offer me
@Briggs Jefferson Instablaster =)
@Terrance Oakley I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Terrance Oakley It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D
Ohhhhh shiney......must resist purchasing.....for now, but definitely another to must purchase for my portable kit
I wish they would make a panel mounted version. I have my battery and all the connectors mounted in an ammo can. I like that better than having the battery, load meter, solar charge meter, etc all as separate devices that you have to unpack and plug together. From a modular standpoint, though, it's great. I might try it in the future just to see how I like it.
Nice review Jason, let us know how it works in the field and if there is any noise from the controler. 73
Will do.
Thanks so much for the great video Jason! I always appreciate your analyses. BUT ... you neglected to mention that this is a PCM charge controller and NOT an MPPT. For me, MPPT is the only way to go for solar charging. In particular, the Victron 75V / 15A MMPT is a small size, low cost, high quality MPPT solar charge controller that I use for all portable ops. It generates much more solar charging power than any PCM controller (on both sunny and especially cloudy days) and is incredibly well-built! Only $80 on Amazon :) 73 KJ6ER, Silicon Valley
I agree and wish they would incorporate MPPT into the PowerMini. I still like it for it's compact size and host of features. I do keep the old Genasun on standby should I need the extra juice a MPPT controller would provide.
@@KM4ACK Yes absolutely, I love the packaging with those powerpoles and built-in display. Like you, I wish they upgraded the internal charge controller to MPPT. 73!
You have excellent taste in equipment. I first encountered the BuddiPole POWERmini on OH8STN's channel. I've been looking at getting one for some time now based on the reviews and features. What solar panel are you planning on using in the field? Great stuff, Jason!
I have been using a PowerFilm 30W for a couple of years now. I am also testing a new folding panel that I grabbed from Amazon recently. It's no PowerFilm but a good, much cheaper alternative. Comparison video coming soon.
This is probably what I need. Want a small solar panel on my cars back seat deck and a lithium battery in trunk to power my FT-8800.
Great review. Just in time for Christmas! 73 keep up the good work.
If I wanted to use solar to charge the internal battery in the Xiegu- X5105 how would I go bout it? FYI I hooked the power mini to the Xiegu power in and it won’t power the charge controller. If I plug the Xiegu into one of the load outlets it will charge the internal battery but it just draws from the battery connected to the power mini. I would like to charge the internal battery without connecting another battery to the power mini.Thanks K7WHN
Check the battery chemistry and the voltage required for charge. I don't own the 5105 but I'm guessing it runs on a Lithium-Ion battery. The power mini can be set to charge Lithium-Ion if that is indeed the correct chemistry of the 5105 battery.
I love the Genasun but found that it would not trigger BMS balance on my homebrew LiFePO4 batteries because it needs to reach 14.6V (i.e. 3.65V per cell) whereas Genasun only goes to 14.2V. Otherwise, Genasun GV-10 Lithium is a solid rf-free solar charge controller. Can you customize Max Charge Voltage to 14.6 on the PowerMini? You keep prompting more purchases, Jason, now I got my sights set on a getting one 😅
Yes. I just looked at the power mini and was able to set the max charge voltage to 15V for LiFePO4 batteries.
For comparison, what solar panel systems are you using?
In this video I was using the PowerFilm 30W panel but the panel was inside in front of a window with very little sunlight. I am working on a comparison video now where you will be able to see a couple of various panels in different lighting conditions.
@@KM4ACK very much looking forward to the next video, of comparisons♡
Great question!♡
Any test for RFI interference in your receiver?
I'm so glad I found your channel!!♡♡♡
🤜🏻👍🤛🏻
I have had one for many years and they work well. The only thing it’s missing is you can’t plug a power supply in place of a solar panel to charge is needed. Otherwise its a very good charger.
Great point ♡
Why not?
How does it know?
Is this limitation documenred in the mfrs. literature?
Thanks for any reply.
@@scottversaw3344 Chris Drummond said not to plug in a power supply, it designed for a solar panel. I have not taken mine apart to see why. From the manual. POWERmini USB can be used with a 12V solar panel with power output up to 150W.
It may also be used without solar input but note however that the solar input should only be used with a solar panel and should never be connected to any other type of power source (for example DC power supply or car battery) as this may cause damage to the battery and/or POWERmini USB.
I just bought one almost a month ago, but have yet to receive it. I suspect they are overwhelmed. I needed it a week ago been thinking about cancelling the order. The company does NOT provide any status updates. When I call, you can tell they are overwhelmed. too bad
$150 is very high for a PWM charge controller! I didn't see where it said but the solar panels voltage must match the battery voltage. That tells me it is a PWM. MPPT are much more efficient! Have you checked the frequency that it uses? PWM turns the charging on and off at a high frequency and controls the charging by how long it is on with each cycle. PWM pulls the solar panels down to the battery voltage and most of the time that is not the maximum power point for the solar panel. Pulse With Modulation! They can be between 50% to 80% efficient. MPPT can be up to 95% efficient! And they use a buck converter to step the voltage from the solar panels down to the battery voltage. Maximum Power Point Tracking! MPPT finds the point that the solar panel puts out the maximum and uses the buck converter to change that to the voltage the battery needs and gives more amps than coming from the solar panel. I do not know witch gives more RFI. They both use high frequency, PWM uses it to turn on and off the pulses to charge the battery, the MPPT uses high frequency in the buck converter.
Who makes or what brands sell MPPT charge controllers. So many acronyms😱
I have used the Genasun MPPT controller for the last few years. A great controller but has less features. amzn.to/3fkvqgT (affiliate link)
There are a lot go to Amazon and do a search for MPPT charge controllers. But be careful if you see one they clam to be MPPT and is around $20 it isn't. Buck Converters to handle power cost! The easy way is if it will take input voltage 2 or more times the battery voltage. One of the small but high power is very high price is, Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 50 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)! At over $300 it is small, can charge 12 or 24 volt battery's, Bluetooth to get all the information on power in and out also to do the set up, but will fit in a pack. One of the big name is EPEVER. Many of them are big and not good for packing. But there are a lot of different ones. A quick check of videos on charge controllers will give you some of the information needed to get what is best for your needs.
@@lawrencethompson465 Victron BlueSolar 75/15 MPPT Charge Controller - 15 Amps / 75 Volts ! This is much lower price than some at under $90. Bluetooth setup and batter status, and other information. On checking more the Bluetooth needs a module! But there are a lot of MPPT controllers. Check my other post.
@@donaldsmith3048 Thank you for your helpful and instructive advice in response to my query. Much appreciated.
Cool gadget!
Device looks good. I will use my Genasun solar charger for a while longer. Another ham radio gadget for 149 bucks? My XYL will not be amused. Maybe Santa will bring one to me.
Is the wife ever amused with another ham radio purchase? I know the answer to that is a solid NO in my household. lol
Nice video 👍
Chud M1PUP QTH London
That is pricey but nice to have that will be my next solar charger
For the price why not buy a Renogy MPPT controller. It will do all of the same things. Will it not?
Frustrated by lack of response from Buddipole so will ask you. Didn't see ability to set bulk and absorption voltages for SLA batteries. Does the unit provide for that as they can vary from manufacturer to manufacture?
Tax. N6MED
You can change the charge voltage of all of the battery chemistries. Li-Po/SLA/LiFePO4
👍👏👏
Great video, thanks. 73,AA4EZ
Nice..........
If only it were MPPT,!
Yep, I agree! I would never buy a PCM solar charge controller no matter how pretty it is. And $150 for a PCM is a hard-stop for me. Victron MPPT are by far the best. 73 KJ6ER