The day I upload this video Bluetti starts selling this: www.bluettipower.com/products/bluetti-d40-dc-dc-battery-charger?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2Vd7NHJBgz6e27xWvw7U2vfnkFvwUnm1-tZeeaB-ZNqkSP4-8tmuPUDp4_aem_AdVK9_oBwYVbDi8H6vbPDtoDFpD1AkP4nBidA9a83XTK-HZn1bgGwaeGFNUC6xNWUsh3eZ5bNtbfuw1BGMFTGa-8
D40 User manual. cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0557/7159/4918/files/D40_User_Manual_EN-FR-1-24.pdf?v=1712471842&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0wlXTaJc9gQI-S3zLTawXRnEuB-0qztF-PME0mLqIbl3NzWL8f1K5dkSw_aem_AdVpsnCNiJee2JGNizPmB2xU_GK1k0Ll6cv9aLNrXJCW8aBQmpGA3bLYj-jKdPzJm_YLTCQyv-hhH48hLaSn2sm_
I started with a Jackery 500, and because of that I eventually purchased a Jackery 2000 Pro. Same story here, I researched the available options, saved my money and bought when the price was right. I have used both the 500 and the 2000 and I’m very happy. I considered the Bluetti and I feel that it is also a great option but stayed with what I was comfortable with. I appreciate that you will use this and let us know how well it works for you. Portable power is such a great addition that we can add to our preps. Use it and appreciate it. Thanks Marc. 👍
Hey, Keith! Seems like the powerstation/solar world is exploding with new products daily. So many brands out there these days, competing for our attention. When there is a product I need, typically I'll learn about it and follow it closely for a time. Sometimes years. When the time is right I'll either buy or continue to wait. Sometimes never ever even purchasing it, that's how I know if I truly need something or not.. With this purchase, I'll no longer need to follow the powerstation subject daily. I can move on to obsessing over a 12v fridge now.. lol. And solar panels.. :D
@@camplapidary Years ago we vacationed at Sequoia National Park. We were there for 6 days and the only inconvenience was lack of a shower and a need for ice every few days. I have since found a solution to both of those issues. We have a rechargeable 12-V pump for showering and a 12-V 42-quart refrigerator/ freezer. Combined with a portable power station and a few folding solar panels and we are now good until the food runs out. Having portable power is certainly a game changer.
Nice unit for a great price. Capacity is definitely more important when it comes to how much power it can hold and how much it will take from solar panels. It's actually a no-brainer in my opinion. I've had my eye on that unit for a couple years as well but for financial reasons I will have to wait before I can upgrade to that size of a unit. I'm sure you can't wait to get out in the field to test it out and have some fun. It's a great purchase and you will be able to enjoy it for years and years ahead Marc. My only knock is on it is that they didn't put two 100 watt USBC ports on it. They have become on my small blue the most important ports I use as they can charge a laptop so quickly and efficiently I use them both all the time. Of course I'm sure you can live with that one port for the kind of use you're giving a unit like that, they are more important to me simply because I now live full-time out of a cargo trailer and I produce all my videos in the field.
Hey, Kenny! How's it going? It certainly is a big purchase for sure. I like to think of it as an investment in the channel. Concerning usb type c ports, I've actually gotten along well with just the one 45 watt type c on my AC50S. And the other type A ports as well.. I have a tiny little Macbook 13" laptop, it's super efficient and charges fine on that 45 watt C port. I really like making my videos on the Imovie program the Macbook provides. I'll be wiring up a 12v system here soon for the AC200Max to power up, perhaps I'll add in some usb c ports. I won't be losing the AC50S, it'll still live where it usually does doing what it always has. If I ever have to replace it I'll probably get something like your "small blue". I think there is value in having the smaller inverter around and available. As always, thank you for the feedback! :D
Hey Marc! Just wanted to thank you for your channel! This video is what I'm looking for, being able to work rocks in the field without a gas generator. Just like you, I'll research and wait. I've been looking at power stations for about 4 years. They really seem to be coming into their own at the moment. I cant wait to see how your next trip goes. Take care! Scott in Kamas ✌️
Hello, Scott in Kamas! I really just had to hold my breath and hit the add to cart button, then 2 hours later I finished the deal. It's not easy for me to spend that kind of money, but I do feel good with my purchase. The D40 device for the AC200L is now being sold and a quick review tells me it's not perfect for what I want and need. Perhaps the (8amp 48v dc) port in question can be hacked in the future. Who knows. Good luck and thanks for watching! :D
I bought the ac200L and it is very good. Silent and super fast to charge and very good mppt charger with the Bluetti 420w portable panel. Now the D40 module is available and the b210 and cable as well. The ac200L is much much more efficient than the ac200max. Sorry but the ac200L is superior and the screen is very good and readable. And the unit is very compact, heavy but compact.
I think the d40 sucks. It costs $200 extra plus tax and seems to provide less amperage for a 12 volt system compared to the AC200Max 12v 30Amp outlet. And it took like 6 months to come out! The screen on the 200Max is perfectly readable. Perhaps the 200L is more readable outside, but I can't see any reason to put the machine outside. It's not a Kindle to be reading from. For my needs I determined that the AC200L was not the best choice. Is the 200L a better unit? Perhaps, but not to me. If the 200L had the full 30amp 12v DC output I would own one today. PS: I think the Bluetti flexible solar panels are extremely overpriced. Seems to me the whole genre of flexible panels are too expensive and have no long lasting durability.They are simply not for me.
@@camplapidary the pv420 is the most efficient 23.4% (which is very rare) and at 879$ + taxes CDN is a good product which seems solid to me, especially when you look at the price of 200w good panel (699$). As a portable it is very good and alone charge the ac200L in 5h in a bad cloudy day. Then in winter for a residence you can buy cheap 340w that are 19%-20% efficient rigid for the winter (-40C), snow and load resistant. But for a small 14 ft rv, the panel pv420 is very good and fast to deploy.
At $849.00 plus tax (US) currently, it can be the most amazing panel of all time, but I'll never purchase it. Costs too much! I'm eyeballing some new 370 watt panels found locally on Facebook marketplace for $115 each. I need 2. Total cost $230.00 for a ton of solar. I'll need to install on the roof of my trailer so there is a lot of work to do and they are much heavier. I think we are both aware of the various pros and cons, no need to go through it all. I don't disagree with anything you have put forth, I just see it from a different perspective. My main beef with the portable solar panels is cost and long term durability, which circles back to cost when they have to be replaced.
@@camplapidary i paid in canadian dollars so it means 651$ + tx US with tx at 15% here in canada. Don’t forget it is portable. I don’t want 2 x 340w at 40lbs each…and you would need support. At the end the rigid panel cost the same and are not portable or efficient (19-20 only for residential panel)
Paying less is a good thing! I still would not purchase flexible portable panels even if the cost were the same watt for watt with rigid panels. Why? Longevity. I have yet to see anyone making videos telling me how they've been using the same flexible panels for years and years now. It seems to me that what I see is people saying the panels last 1 to 3 years and then start falling apart in one way or another. No one bats an eye when a rigid panel goes 20 years and still works fine. Checking the Bluetti website the weight of the PV420 is 33 whopping pounds, that's more than I imagined. Average weight of the rigid panels I've been looking at is 44 pounds, only an 11 pound difference! I just don't see a flexible solar panel lasting in the environment that I'd use it in. The deserts of the western United States are a harsh mistress and I need my purchases to last.
The day I upload this video Bluetti starts selling this: www.bluettipower.com/products/bluetti-d40-dc-dc-battery-charger?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2Vd7NHJBgz6e27xWvw7U2vfnkFvwUnm1-tZeeaB-ZNqkSP4-8tmuPUDp4_aem_AdVK9_oBwYVbDi8H6vbPDtoDFpD1AkP4nBidA9a83XTK-HZn1bgGwaeGFNUC6xNWUsh3eZ5bNtbfuw1BGMFTGa-8
D40 User manual. cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0557/7159/4918/files/D40_User_Manual_EN-FR-1-24.pdf?v=1712471842&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0wlXTaJc9gQI-S3zLTawXRnEuB-0qztF-PME0mLqIbl3NzWL8f1K5dkSw_aem_AdVpsnCNiJee2JGNizPmB2xU_GK1k0Ll6cv9aLNrXJCW8aBQmpGA3bLYj-jKdPzJm_YLTCQyv-hhH48hLaSn2sm_
I started with a Jackery 500, and because of that I eventually purchased a Jackery 2000 Pro. Same story here, I researched the available options, saved my money and bought when the price was right. I have used both the 500 and the 2000 and I’m very happy. I considered the Bluetti and I feel that it is also a great option but stayed with what I was comfortable with. I appreciate that you will use this and let us know how well it works for you. Portable power is such a great addition that we can add to our preps. Use it and appreciate it. Thanks Marc. 👍
Hey, Keith!
Seems like the powerstation/solar world is exploding with new products daily. So many brands out there these days, competing for our attention. When there is a product I need, typically I'll learn about it and follow it closely for a time. Sometimes years. When the time is right I'll either buy or continue to wait. Sometimes never ever even purchasing it, that's how I know if I truly need something or not..
With this purchase, I'll no longer need to follow the powerstation subject daily. I can move on to obsessing over a 12v fridge now.. lol. And solar panels.. :D
@@camplapidary Years ago we vacationed at Sequoia National Park. We were there for 6 days and the only inconvenience was lack of a shower and a need for ice every few days. I have since found a solution to both of those issues. We have a rechargeable 12-V pump for showering and a 12-V 42-quart refrigerator/ freezer. Combined with a portable power station and a few folding solar panels and we are now good until the food runs out. Having portable power is certainly a game changer.
Once I have a 12v fridge, I'm going to bring some ice cream. Cold drinks, that too! I often forgo cold drinks to conserve the ice.
Congratulations on your purchase!…It sounds like it’s perfect for your needs!
I’m looking forward to your next rockhounding venture with Gypsy!
Hopefully we'll be heading out in a few days.
I'll start uploading the series when we get back.
:D
Nice unit for a great price. Capacity is definitely more important when it comes to how much power it can hold and how much it will take from solar panels. It's actually a no-brainer in my opinion. I've had my eye on that unit for a couple years as well but for financial reasons I will have to wait before I can upgrade to that size of a unit.
I'm sure you can't wait to get out in the field to test it out and have some fun. It's a great purchase and you will be able to enjoy it for years and years ahead Marc. My only knock is on it is that they didn't put two 100 watt USBC ports on it. They have become on my small blue the most important ports I use as they can charge a laptop so quickly and efficiently I use them both all the time.
Of course I'm sure you can live with that one port for the kind of use you're giving a unit like that, they are more important to me simply because I now live full-time out of a cargo trailer and I produce all my videos in the field.
Hey, Kenny! How's it going?
It certainly is a big purchase for sure. I like to think of it as an investment in the channel.
Concerning usb type c ports, I've actually gotten along well with just the one 45 watt type c on my AC50S. And the other type A ports as well.. I have a tiny little Macbook 13" laptop, it's super efficient and charges fine on that 45 watt C port. I really like making my videos on the Imovie program the Macbook provides.
I'll be wiring up a 12v system here soon for the AC200Max to power up, perhaps I'll add in some usb c ports.
I won't be losing the AC50S, it'll still live where it usually does doing what it always has. If I ever have to replace it I'll probably get something like your "small blue". I think there is value in having the smaller inverter around and available.
As always, thank you for the feedback! :D
Hey Marc! Just wanted to thank you for your channel! This video is what I'm looking for, being able to work rocks in the field without a gas generator. Just like you, I'll research and wait. I've been looking at power stations for about 4 years. They really seem to be coming into their own at the moment. I cant wait to see how your next trip goes. Take care! Scott in Kamas ✌️
Hello, Scott in Kamas!
I really just had to hold my breath and hit the add to cart button, then 2 hours later I finished the deal. It's not easy for me to spend that kind of money, but I do feel good with my purchase. The D40 device for the AC200L is now being sold and a quick review tells me it's not perfect for what I want and need. Perhaps the (8amp 48v dc) port in question can be hacked in the future. Who knows.
Good luck and thanks for watching! :D
I bought the ac200L and it is very good. Silent and super fast to charge and very good mppt charger with the Bluetti 420w portable panel.
Now the D40 module is available and the b210 and cable as well.
The ac200L is much much more efficient than the ac200max.
Sorry but the ac200L is superior and the screen is very good and readable. And the unit is very compact, heavy but compact.
I think the d40 sucks. It costs $200 extra plus tax and seems to provide less amperage for a 12 volt system compared to the AC200Max 12v 30Amp outlet. And it took like 6 months to come out!
The screen on the 200Max is perfectly readable. Perhaps the 200L is more readable outside, but I can't see any reason to put the machine outside. It's not a Kindle to be reading from.
For my needs I determined that the AC200L was not the best choice. Is the 200L a better unit? Perhaps, but not to me. If the 200L had the full 30amp 12v DC output I would own one today.
PS: I think the Bluetti flexible solar panels are extremely overpriced. Seems to me the whole genre of flexible panels are too expensive and have no long lasting durability.They are simply not for me.
@@camplapidary the pv420 is the most efficient 23.4% (which is very rare) and at 879$ + taxes CDN is a good product which seems solid to me, especially when you look at the price of 200w good panel (699$). As a portable it is very good and alone charge the ac200L in 5h in a bad cloudy day. Then in winter for a residence you can buy cheap 340w that are 19%-20% efficient rigid for the winter (-40C), snow and load resistant. But for a small 14 ft rv, the panel pv420 is very good and fast to deploy.
At $849.00 plus tax (US) currently, it can be the most amazing panel of all time, but I'll never purchase it. Costs too much!
I'm eyeballing some new 370 watt panels found locally on Facebook marketplace for $115 each. I need 2. Total cost $230.00 for a ton of solar. I'll need to install on the roof of my trailer so there is a lot of work to do and they are much heavier.
I think we are both aware of the various pros and cons, no need to go through it all. I don't disagree with anything you have put forth, I just see it from a different perspective. My main beef with the portable solar panels is cost and long term durability, which circles back to cost when they have to be replaced.
@@camplapidary i paid in canadian dollars so it means 651$ + tx US with tx at 15% here in canada. Don’t forget it is portable. I don’t want 2 x 340w at 40lbs each…and you would need support. At the end the rigid panel cost the same and are not portable or efficient (19-20 only for residential panel)
Paying less is a good thing!
I still would not purchase flexible portable panels even if the cost were the same watt for watt with rigid panels. Why? Longevity. I have yet to see anyone making videos telling me how they've been using the same flexible panels for years and years now. It seems to me that what I see is people saying the panels last 1 to 3 years and then start falling apart in one way or another. No one bats an eye when a rigid panel goes 20 years and still works fine.
Checking the Bluetti website the weight of the PV420 is 33 whopping pounds, that's more than I imagined. Average weight of the rigid panels I've been looking at is 44 pounds, only an 11 pound difference!
I just don't see a flexible solar panel lasting in the environment that I'd use it in. The deserts of the western United States are a harsh mistress and I need my purchases to last.
Just promise us you wont get dirty tile cutting juice all over the beautiful Bluetti
I so solemnly swear! :D