One of the most troubling trends of almost every modern consumer product that uses electricity is that the software that controls the product is likely to be proprietary and closed-source, which could be doing (or not doing) any number of things that its owner has no control over. Whether it’s a computer, kitchen appliance, or even a device that handles the electricity directly, it’s fairly rare to find something with software that’s open and customizable. That’s why [Traditional-Code9728] is working on a power bank with an open-source firmware.
From a hardware perspective the power bank is fairly open as well, with a number of options for connecting this device to anything else that might need power. It sports a bidirectional USB-C port as well as a DC barrel plug, either of which can either charge other devices or receive energy to charge its own battery. These ports can also accept energy from a solar panel and have MPPT built in. There’s also dual USB-A ports which can provide anywhere from five to 12 volts at 25 watts, and a color screen which shows the current status of the device.
While this is a prototype device, it’s still actively being worked on. Some future planned upgrades to the power bank include a slimmer design, charge limiting features to improve battery life, and more fine-tuned control of the output voltage and current on the USB-C port. With all of the software being open-source, as well as the circuit diagram and 3D printing files, it could find itself in plenty of applications as well. This power bank also stays under the energy limits for flying on most commercial airlines as well, but if you don’t plan on taking your power bank on an airplane then you might want to try out this 2000-watt monster instead.
I’m confused. This project is not finished and neither PCB nor code is shared.
Hello,
i’m the creator of this project.
This is a testing version which is still far from finished, but i wanted to share my project, because i thought it would be interesting.
In my original project page i explained all of the functions and future functions i plan to implement, but i never stated it’s fully open source, honestly i don’t know why the blogger wrote this post in such a way.
Hello,
i’m the original creator of this project.
This project is still in testing phase and far from finished.
Also in my project page i never stated that i would make the project fully open source,
honestly i dont why why this blogger wrote about it in this way.
I feel one of the worst parts is the functions are not documented. Leaving you to make a science experiment out of the operation of your device.
I find washing machines and dryers particularly onerous. So many cycles and options, and I cannot tell what actually changes between the options that would make me want one over another. Do we need 5 types if cycles with 5 options attached to each? Should come with a flowchart poster.
You can still buy commercial washing machines with simple controls and physical agitators that – unlike “HE” machines IMHO – actually get clothes clean. 10 Year warranty too.
https://www.crosley.com/5tw4207stws.html
Their cheap Conservator line has even simpler controls, and still has a physical agitator.
https://www.conservatorappliances.com/ntw4011swww.html
Careful though: California thinks both of those machines cause cancer…
Agreed. I’m still good, my last old style Whirlpool, Kenmoore, Sears, etc machine got an intermittent leak I couldn’t track down, so I got another for $100 off marketplace.
Hello,
all of the current specifications, functions and future functions are listed in my original project page.
https://hackaday.io/project/197666-universal-powerbank
Best regards
Hello,
all of the functions and specifications are listed on my project page
https://hackaday.io/project/197666-universal-powerbank
Best regards
Does someone know of a “proxy” powerbank/UPS ?
If connected to 110/220, it will use (most or all) input current to power an output.
Excess current will be used to charge iys internal storage the powerbanks that are connected.
When deconnected (and the next seconds), it will use its internal storage to power the output without interruption.
If not connected, it will drain the first powerbank (then second…) to power the output and refill ist internal storage.
I have been looking for such UPS for years.
It should be able to provide multiple outputs with different voltages.
Of course a regular UPS and multiple chargers would accomplish the same, but it is more bulky and inefficient than it ha to be.