Finally, once you know your device is compatible, you'll want to determine how long you'll be
able to power your gear from the Goal Zero Yeti. Here's a quick and dirty lesson in power.
All GOAL ZERO Power Banks and Portable Power Stations have a number in their name,
ex. Guide10 Plus recharger, Goal Zero Yeti 1500X. These numbers refer to the Watt
Hours (Wh), or the amount of energy that can be stored in each recharger, and how
you'll know if your gear is compatible with each recharger. For example, a 200Wh power
station should run a 100W light for 2 hours (200/100=2). If your gear falls within the
1500Wh capacity of the Goal Zero Yeti, you'll want to check the restrictions on each of
the output ports.
Another factor in the math is how much power is being converted going from the Goal
Zero Yeti battery to the device you are powering/charging. In some situations, like
when running a 12V device, such as the LAL 350, directly off the 12V port, there will
minimal conversion and thus very little additional losses. In using the USB ports to
charge a phone, you add a layer of conversion (12V battery in the Goal Zero Yeti is being
converted to a 5V USB output), which introduces around 10% of losses. When using the
inverter, there are two layers of conversion (12V to high voltage, DC to AC). The least
efficient way of using the battery in the Goal Zero Yeti is to use an AC-DC adapter off the
AC ports, as is the case if you use a phone wall charger to charge your phone, as it adds
yet another layer of conversion in the wall adapter.
So when you're deciding on what to power from your new GOAL ZERO recharger, do
some research into your device's watt consumption. For more quick tips and learning
tools, check out www.GoalZero.com/learn.html
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