I can’t recommend this rugged power station enough to drone users, and it’s now $400 off

What’s the deal?

the DJI Power 1000 Power Station Now priced down $400! Amazon Prime Day This is still available, dropping its price to $599 (requires offer). AmazonPrime Membership).

also: The best Prime Day deals are still valid

Key takeaways from ZDNET

• the DJI Power 1000 Power Station Available on Amazon for $999.
• It is a powerful, high-quality power station designed to meet the needs of professional drone pilots.
• Unfortunately, there’s no storage compartment for the SDC’s accessory cables, and there’s no built-in 12V car adapter port.

I’ve tested dozens of power stations over the past year, but there was one that really intrigued me from the moment I first heard about it. DJIa leader in both Drones And Action CamerasGE has used its expertise in battery technology to enter the competitive world of portable power stations. The company has made an exciting entry into this market with its first — Power 1000.

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Over the past week, I’ve been testing the Power 1000, the larger of the two power stations DJI launched earlier this month. It’s one of the first—if not the first—power stations on the market specifically designed to meet the needs of professional drone pilots.

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DJI Power 1000 Technical Specifications

• Battery capacity:1024 watt-hour
• Cell chemistryLFP (Lithium Ferrophosphate)
• life cycleMaintains more than 70% capacity after 4000 cycles.
• Ports: 2x AC Output, 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, SDC, SDC Lite, AC Input
• AC Output: AC 100-120V, 50/60Hz, Max Continuous Output: 2200W, AC 220-240V, 50/60Hz, Max Continuous Output: 2200W, Max Output: 2400W (Total)
• AC Output (Bypass Mode): AC 100-120V, 12A, 1440W, AC 220-240V, 10A, 2200W
• USB-A output: 5V, 3A, 9V, 2A, 12V, 2A, Max output power per channel: 24W
• USB-C output: 5V, 5A, 9V, 5A, 12V, 5A, 15V, 5A, 20V, 5A, 28V, 5A (EPR), Max output power per channel: 140W
• SDC and SDC Lite outputs: SDC: 9-27V, Max Current: 10A, Max Output Power: 240W, SDC Lite: 9-27V, Max Current: 10A, Max Output Power: 240W
• net weight:Approximately 13 kg
• Dimensions: 448 x 225 x 230 mm

NBThe product in this review has been tested using UK plugs.

I’ve tested a number of power stations in the 1,000Wh range, and the Power 1000’s size and weight matched my expectations. However, one aspect that immediately stood out to me was its solid construction: the outer shell is strong, effectively resisting shocks and bumps without bending or flexing, which is exactly what a power station like this — something designed to be taken with you anywhere — really needs.

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The ammo box handles make it easy to move, either with one or two hands, and are soft and comfortable to grip, which is definitely a plus since this unit is a noticeably heavy piece of equipment.

The Power 1000’s interface is simple and straightforward, with just a few buttons and switches plus an LCD screen. This avoids the confusion of small, hard-to-identify buttons or having to rely on an app to perform basic functions.

I especially appreciate the lack of reliance on an app to control the power station, although connecting the unit to a computer for firmware updates can be a bit cumbersome.

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The LED display appears to be a high-quality custom part — a welcome departure from the lower-quality panels I’ve seen many other power station manufacturers use. The display remains clear even in bright sunlight, providing a clear view that makes it easy to quickly absorb all the important information on the screen.

The ports are reasonable: You have two AC outlets, two USB-C ports that support 24W output, and a pair of USB-C ports that can deliver a full 240W.

I appreciate the hard port covers on the Power 1000’s AC and DC ports. They’re sturdy and don’t seem to tear or fall off easily, unlike some other ports I’ve seen. However, it’s a bit surprising that DJI chose to cover these ports while leaving the AC plugs and USB ports exposed. Ideally, all ports should be covered to provide some level of protection from dirt and moisture, enhancing the unit’s durability and functionality in harsh environments.

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I ran the usual battery of tests on the Power 1000, which included checking the unit’s battery capacity and charging times, verifying that the ports were delivering their rated power, and testing how the AC ports handled an overload. The Power 1000 passed all of the tests with flying colors.

The Power 1000 battery takes about 70-75 minutes to charge in fast charging mode and about 130 minutes in standard mode. While the fast charging option is convenient if you’re in a hurry, using standard mode is generally recommended. This slower charging speed puts less stress on the batteries, which can extend their lifespan.

In the event of severe overload, the unit simply shuts down without any negative effects, a reassuring safety feature.

During use, the Power 1000 is quiet, with the cooling fan only running when needed, and even then it’s not noticeable at all, which is useful when using the power station indoors.

The unit also supports solar charging, but this requires a separate unit. Solar power converter unitSince I haven’t received one to test, I can’t comment on this. However, I like the idea of ​​not having to pay for a solar charging unit if you don’t need solar charging at all, as it helps keep the price down.

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The Power 1000’s SDC ports, which are specifically designed to quickly charge DJI drone batteries, are actually a thoughtful and useful addition for drone pilots. Each port can be used to charge one battery at a time, which works efficiently if you consistently recharge your batteries immediately after use, rather than waiting until you have a pile of them.

However, to charge the drone batteries, you will need dedicated cables, which are sold separately, which increases the cost. There are cables for Air 3, You don’t have 3, Matrix 30And Inspiration 3 Drones.

The lack of storage space for these cables on the device is also a bit annoying. As a temporary solution, I resorted to tying them around the Power 1000’s handles, which is not the most elegant solution, although it is effective. This is one area that could be improved for better user comfort.

There are also cables for conversion. SDC Ports for 12V Car Adapter Outlet And XT60 port.

ZDNET Buying Tips

I liked it DJI Power 1000It has all the features you’d expect from a mid-sized unit in general, but with the added functionality that was designed with drone pilots in mind.

1,000Wh is about the maximum you’ll want to carry, and it has enough ports to distribute that power in a reasonable way. I’ve seen power stations festooned with ports, but two AC ports, a USB-A port, a USB-C port, plus SBC and SBC Lite ports, is a reasonable load.

The Power 1000 is normally priced at $999, which is in line with similar units on the market. However, there is currently a promotion where you can get a $300 discount, either on Amazon And in DJI Official Store.