This handy portable power station is 25% off, and its solar panels are 50% off

 This handy portable power station is 25% off, and its solar panels are 50% off


The PowerRoam 1200 has it all — 2,100 watts of power, USB and AC ports, high-quality EV-rated LiFePO4 batteries, ultra-fast charging, and even though Prime Day 2023 is over — Amazon still has it on sale.


Power stations have revolutionized charging and powering devices outdoors. Instead of having to rely on 12v converters or gasoline generators, I can take what is essentially a giant power bank with me outdoors, and charge everything from that. And when that runs out, I can charge the power station from either AC power, a 12-volt car socket, or solar power.


Also: The best Prime Day 2023 deals are still available


In this way, the outdoor fun never has to end.


Power plant technology has improved dramatically in the time I've been using it. The units themselves are becoming more compact and powerful, and battery technology has also evolved.


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One of the biggest changes was the switch from lithium-ion battery technology to LiFePO4 batteries. These are not as energy intensive as their lithium counterparts, but they are much safer (i.e. less prone to ignition) and have a much longer life. how much time left? Up to six times longer.


In real terms, while lithium-ion batteries are good for anywhere from 500 to 2,000 recharge cycles, LiFePO4 batteries can handle 3,000 recharge cycles, making them ideal for long-term use.


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For the past few weeks I've been testing a new power station from Ugreen - PowerRoam 1200. I have a lot of Ugreen gear—from chargers and cables to power banks—and it's a brand I've grown to trust. This is the company's first power plant.



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Ugreen power rum 1200


Ugreen's PowerRoam 1200 is one of the most advanced power stations on the market, offering 2100 watts of power, USB and AC ports, high-quality EV-rated LiFePO4 batteries, ultra-fast charging (0 to 80% in just 50 minutes and a full charge in 1.5 hours with AC input).


View on Amazon


PowerRoam 1200 technical specifications


Dimensions: 34 x 22 x 27cm / 13.4 x 8.7 x 10.6in


Weight: 11.5 kg / 25.4 lbs


Rated battery power: 1024Wh 40Ah 25.6V


input

AC: 100-130V ~ 60Hz 15A Max

Solar: 12-48V⎓15A 400W Max

DC/Car Charger: 12V/24V⎓8A Max


Outputs

AC (x6): 120V~60Hz 10A 1200VA/1200W Max

USB-A (x2): Single-Port: 5V⎓3A/9V⎓2A/12V⎓1.5A/5V⎓4.5A 22.5W Max (Dual-Port: 45W Max)

USB-C (x2): Single-Port: 5V⎓3A/9V⎓3A/12V⎓3A/15V⎓3A/20V⎓3A/20V⎓5A 100W Max (Dual-Port: 200W Max)

12V output: 12V⎓10A 120W Max

dC5521 (x2): Single-Port: 12V⎓5A 60W Max (Car charger + DC5521 x 2 = 120W Max)


Total power output: 1565W Max


Working temp (discharging): -10°C~40°C (14°F~104°F)


Working temp (charging): 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)


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note that the model I'm testing is the one for the U.K. market, and as such the AC outlets are different from the U.S. model. Other than this, the units are functionally identical.



First, does the rated battery capacity match up with the information on the spec sheet? With the PowerRoam 1200, every spec is exactly what is stated by the vendor. I'm particularly impressed by the fast charge feature, which can take the unit from zero to 80 percent charge in 50 minutes, and to fully charged in 90 minutes on AC power.


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Another thing I look for is build quality. After all, this is a device that will be carried around, taken on camping trips and other outdoor adventures, and generally roughed up.



No problems here. The PowerRoam 1200 is super sturdy, shrugging off bumps and impacts. The top handle is sturdy and the unit is nicely balanced, which makes it carry its weight of 11.5 kg / 25.4 lb. weight a lot more pleasant.


Another of my priorities is usability, and here, again, Ugreen has a winner. The display is nice and clear, the controls are simple, and you're not left scratching your head as to how to turn on the AC or how much power is left.


Also: The best portable power stations you can buy


The buttons are small and discreet, hard to turn on accidentally, and have a very subtle illumination that makes them observable in low-light conditions, without being blind. This pleases me greatly as I do a lot of photography at night and don't appreciate having my night vision wiped out by laser-like LEDs.


The PowerRoam 1200 is such an easy-to-use and mature unit, it's hard to believe that this is Ugreen's first foray into power stations.




I'm very impressed.


finally, there's safety. In particular, I like to test what happens when the unit is overloaded. In this case, nothing dramatic happens. The PowerRoam 1200 simply cuts off the power and waits to be reset if the AC is stressed. And for such a small unit, it's capable of supporting devices with power ratings of up to 2500W thanks to its built-in U-Turbo mode.


As for longevity, this is a power station that's stood the test of time. for the past few months, I've been using the PowerRoam 1200 to run power tools when I'm away from a mains outlet. This means that it has been thrown into the back of a truck and dragged to some inhospitable places filled with mud, dirt, and damp, subjected to high loads, then been put back on charge awaiting its next work outing. this sort of usage goes above and beyond what a power station is designed for, and yet the PowerRoam 1200 is still going strong.


This unit is as tough as they get!


Also: The 5 best portable power banks: Keep your devices juiced on the go


Ugreen has also released scratch-resistant. iP67 water-resistant 200W solar panels for the PowerRoam 1200, which are currently 50% off on Amazon.


These panels use monocrystalline technology and offer 23% efficiency that can fully charge the PowerRoam 1200 in about six hours (or three hours if you hook up two).




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