World leader in the production of drones, stabilizers and stabilized cameras such as the widespread one Osmo, the Chinese DJI It also has two interesting power stations like the one in its catalogue DJI Power 1000 , DJI Power 500, with powers of 1kW and 500 watts respectively.
We wanted to test a kit consisting of one unit DJI Power 500, a photovoltaic panel DJI 120W Zignes and a MPPT solar controller. It is a kit that combines lightness, portability and efficiency. Perfect in situations where the size and weight of the accessories transported make a significant difference.
How they are made
As per DJI tradition the design of the Power 500 is clean, linear and characterized by simplicity. The body that houses the type battery 512 Wh LiFePO he has one integrated fixed handle on the short side. In small units it is the solution we prefer because it leaves the top free to place accessories, phones or chargers. On the front there is an LCD control panel, two two-way USB-C ports, two 230V alternating current output ports, two USB-A ports, an SDC Lite port for charging from a solar panel and one for charging from a home network.
The LCD panel provides the percentage of charge and the state of charge or discharge expressed in watts. Finally, the unit has two power buttons, the second of which activates the supply of 230V voltage. Only the solar panel and home network charging sockets are protected by two very well made doors. Furthermore, a selector allows you to choose between fast charging (home power only) and standard charging.
The 120W Zignes solar panel is the foldable type, with four flaps that when closed form a practical and flat briefcase with handles. Once opened, the panel uses two semi-rigid back supports secured by Velcro bands. These allow it to remain open with the right inclination towards the sun. The weight is approximately 5,6 kg, not exactly light but the appearance is very robust and the finishes are impeccable.
To be able to recharge the Power 500 with the Zignes solar panel you need to use a DJI MPPT charge controller, a robust and well-made accessory that has three sockets for as many photovoltaic modules (usable for a maximum of 300W input if connected with the DJI Power 500).
Outside!
The DJI Power 500 power station thanks to the stability and quality of electricity supply It has dozens of possible uses in many situations where you find yourself far from a mains power source. In our case we find that it is perfect for setting up or accessorizing camperized cars, minivans, vans but also caravans and much more. We therefore took our Florence Camper Tepee van to do a quick test of the kit consisting of power station and photovoltaic panel.
The set up of the various elements is very simple. The Zignes panel is stable and easily adjustable and even though when we arrived at the pitch the sun was already a little low, after connecting it to the MPPT regulator it immediately began to supply the power station with electricity at a rate of around 50 w/h. We then connected a laptop and several chargers including the one from our old one to the DJI Power 500 DJI Spark drone.
It should in fact be specified that thanks to a particular adapter this power station is optimized to provide a super fast charging and very stable to the DJI Air, Mavic and Inspire 3 series drones. The flight battery of a DJI Mavic 3 recharges to 95% in just 32 minutes, an excellent result.
Squeeze it a little…
We are well aware of the fact that guacamole is not prepared with an immersion blender but to test the power of the power station we broke the rule. Our Braun hand blender consumes up to 450W and was perfect for the test. Once we combined the various ingredients in the large mixer we activated our blender. Thanks to the DJI Power 500 he didn't bat an eyelid, returning a creamy avocado-based puree in just a few seconds.
A quality kit
The kit consisting of DJI Power 500, Zignes 120W foldable panel and DJI MPPT charge controller worked like clockwork. We appreciated, in addition to the consistency and stability of the power supply, the small size and weight. The minimal design and the absence of too many functions or useless controls are also interesting. There is what you need and there is no need to interpret anything. The Zignes folding panel seemed well made and adequate in power, aided in this by the MPPT regulator, a truly nice accessory.
Those who work with delicate equipment will appreciate the quality of the power supply and the possibility of using up to 1.000 watts of output (with the battery charged above 20% however). Small and light, the DJI Power 500 can be placed anywhere. For short trips it is easy to carry around as it weighs much less than a carton of water bottles. In the crowded world of power stations It is a model to be taken seriously for its construction characteristics and the quality of the type of power supply offered.
If you are curious about the DJI world, also read our post on DJI Osmo, the small but great-performing stabilized action cam
