I have an Ac180 looking to buy an expansion battery(ies). I understand i can use a a B80,210 or 230.
Can someone explain in English exactly what cords i will need? I’m probably going to get the B230.
I’m trying to understand which cord(s) i will need to plug my electrical devices into my AC180 while using the b230 as an expanded battery power. Do i need 2 separate cords 1 for charging and 1 for battery use while my things are plugged into my Ac180?
I’ve been looking for answers and get confusing information as to what can be done and what cords to use.
Thank you in advanced.
-Frustrated.
@otrkid70 - I also have the AC180. The first point is that the AC180, although its capacity can be expanded, it is not the same as some of the larger units or for example the AC60. They have an aviation style expansion input as the cable is used to communicate between power bank and battery. The AC180 does not have this feature.
However, the cable you need is an aviation plug to suit the expansion battery you chose, with a D7909 plug on the other end. The D7909 plug goes into the Solar/DC input of the AC180 and the expansion battery needs to set to “Power Bank Mode”. More…
i.e. When the B80 is connected to an AC60 using the double ended aviation cable, you can connect the Ac60 to grid charge and it will charge the AC60 battery and the B80 at the same time.
Connecting it to the AC180 via the D7909 input is a one way connection. Connecting the AC180 to the grid to charge, will not charge the B80. Standalone the B80 has no AC charge port. It has Solar and Car charging input. To charge from the grid you need a separate charger (which is an optional accessory.)
This is similar which ever battery you buy, but I believe the connecting cable may vary. First decision is pick the battery, then ask which cable you need to connect to the AC180 and finally how you might intend to charge the expansion battery.
Forgot to mention, I believe if you connect for example the B80 to the AC180, you can’t connect the AC180 to any other DC input at the same time. You can however, connect the B80 to these inputs. i.e. “daisy chain”.
I did look at the B80 as a purchase, but, for my needs, I found the price difference between the AC180 (when on special) v the B80 cost and then comparing their respective Wh, charging capability, AC outlets etc. the AC180 was much more value for my money. So at some point, I’ll get a 2nd AC180, which not only doubles my capacity, but gives me extra AC & DC outlets etc. I can use one while charging the other in a different location or use both simultaneously. Also consider I didn’t include the cost of the connecting cable or the optional AC charger for the B80 and without looking for prices that might cost more than the AC180.
Edit. Did check the prices, the B80, which is rarely on special price + B80 to AC180 cable (free at the moment) and the VAC charger are around AU$150 cheaper than the AC180 price when on special. But, I still think a 2nd AC180 is better value. I would get an extra 346Wh of capacity, a 2nd inverter, a 2nd UPS capability, double up all input/output sockets, a 2nd wireless charger and App control of both units.