The Explore Scientific USB Power Bank is the perfect accessory for those looking for a small, lightweight, 8.4 amp-hour, 12 V battery pack. With the Explore Scientific USB Power Bank with Red LED Flashlight, you will have power to spare for your telescope mount, smart devices, cameras or other equipment in the field.
The unit’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery has a capacity of 8300 mAh with an output of 12v that connects to a supplied power cord with spring-loaded power plugs with 5.5mm x 2.5mm to 5.5mm x 2.1mm connectors. The 5v output from the USB port can power your devices with a standard user-supplied USB cable. The all-weather power pack has an operating range of -4 degrees to a 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The soft deep red glow from the LEDs lets you see under dark starlit skies without ruining your night vision as you make adjustments to your equipment, read star charts, or locate that small telescope part you dropped in the grass.
Slightly smaller than a standard building brick and weighing only 1.4 pounds, the rugged rubber covering protects the battery from minor impacts and seals the red LED flashlight on/off switch from dirt and moisture. The five-level indicator shows power availability and the unit is turned on or off with a toggle switch. A convenient 2-point attachment point allows you to hang the battery near your equipment.
Aside from use on the star party field, the Explore Scientific USB Power Bank is also a capable portable Lithium-Ion battery pack for off-grid camping and as a portable emergency power to keep in your car, home, or office.
Explore Scientific tested the power bank with its PMC-Eight GOTO system to demonstrate a real-world application of the bank’s power longevity. The field tests with the Explore Scientific iEXOS 100 and EXOS 2, with a draw of 0.5 amps (0.6 amps when slewing), delivered approximately 8 hours of running time. For the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G11, which draws about 50 percent more power, they say to expect that bank will have a running time of about 5 hours. Your time will be reduced if you are using the USB port to charge a phone or other device, or if you are using the flashlight.
Typical full charge time is 5 to 6 hours from a full discharge. The power bank comes complete with 110v – 220v AC to DC wall plug charger and power cord with spring-loaded power plugs.
You can learn more at Explore Scientific’s website.
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