Parking Battery-Power Station, 3X capacity and 3X cheaper than dedicated options + extra functionality

[Shiwarrior]

Odd

One updated, it will update again

 

[EricSan]

I'm curious to hear what the issues were... I did have some trouble updating the firmware to the previous version when I first received it. After performing the first firmware update, it reported that I was now on version 1.0.0.1 like you are showing above. This seemed odd after having performed an update. I didn't see any other issues, but then again, I didn't fiddle with it very much after I installed it, so I just might not have noticed. It seems that we are also using different hardware, which judging by your screencap, share some software...

 

[Shiwarrior]

I'm curious to hear what the issues were... I did have some trouble updating the firmware to the previous version when I first received it. After performing the first firmware update, it reported that I was now on version 1.0.0.1 like you are showing above. This seemed odd after having performed an update. I didn't see any other issues, but then again, I didn't fiddle with it very much after I installed it, so I just might not have noticed. It seems that we are also using different hardware, which judging by your screencap, share some software...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ecoflow_community/comments/16dplfd/river_2_firmware_update_v21431

 

[EricSan]

Perhaps the biggest problem (in my view) with app-controlled devices (ALL of them) is that once upgraded, there is no way to walk back to a previous version that is less problematic. I like the "old" days of computer updates where you downloaded the software so you could archive a series of versions and mostly pick and choose which version to use just by reinstalling. It seems that consumer power is decreasing with each passing update. Bummer...

 

[stephenjones]

I see the River 3 is out as of a few days ago and on sale. Anyone used it yet with a dash cam?

 

[Shiwarrior]

I see the River 3 is out as of a few days ago and on sale. Anyone used it yet with a dash cam?

I heard they were out, not in the UK yet though

 

[GPak]

I see the River 3 is out as of a few days ago and on sale. Anyone used it yet with a dash cam?

I compared specs for EcoFlow River 3 vs River2.

The River3’s battery capacity is 245Wh which is less than River2’s 256Wh.
It has a very unusual for LFP, a 6S battery configuration, at nominal 19.2V and 12.8Ah.
However, the 6S configuration is not a big negative compere to 4S River2, since DC output voltage is regulated on both.
(It could have been a big negative if the River2, 4S configuration would have unregulated DC out, eliminating losses due to regulation)

We can ignore the AC part, since it is not relevant for the dashcam application.

For the USB ports, there is only one change, and that is USB-C port, which can now output 100W max, but it is not bi-directional anymore, meaning we cannot use it for charging. EDIT
I don’t think it is a big deal, since original River 2, USB-C port charging rate was only 60W max, compare to the direct DC charging rate of 100W max (8A), and it can be lowered in App (8A, 6A, 4A) as needed. EDIT

The River 3 has a 12V DC output port memory setting in the app, it remembers the previous state of the port and will turn on the port if it was on before the timeout/shutdown- positive EDIT:
EDIT: The R3 App has a new feature - a 'power switch' that turns off the R3 when needed, very useful for turning off the R3 and dash cam(s) in a garage where parking recording is not needed.
Otherwise, the performance of R3 and R2 is basically the same.
Sale price is the close for both at about $170 for R2 and about $160 for R3 on Amazon US.

Overall, I would prefer and recommend the R3 over the R2 because of the smaller size, the 'port status memory' (allows for another wiring option), and especially for the ability to turn it Off from the App.

 

[Dakotapilcher]

First, thanks to the members of this forum for posting great reviews and comments to help people like me choose the DashCam that suits their specific needs.

Now, I want to share my project here and maybe help people, who do not want to mess with a car battery and fuse box but are hesitant to spend a lot of money on a dedicated overpriced battery with limited functionality.

To start, here is my bench test.

Bluetti EB3A Power Station on the right, simulates 12V car socket, which I turn ON/OFF to simulate car ignition.

Necespow 161Wh Power Station for parking is on the left.
Note that it is initially completely OFF, and automatically turns on for charging and powering DVR, when the ignition is turned on the first time.
This Power Stations will stay on for entire parking duration and will not auto shut-off until DVR is OFF.

Videos are in the following posts
For now, couple of slides:

Thanks for sharing your project! It's always great to see practical alternatives like this, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of dealing with car batteries and fuse boxes. Your setup using the Bluetti EB3A and Necespow Power Stations seems like a solid solution for powering a DashCam without the typical limitations of dedicated batteries. The auto-on feature when ignition starts and the continuous operation during parking is a nice touch, ensuring the DashCam stays functional without interruption.

Looking forward to checking out your videos for more details!

 

[stephenjones]

I compared specs for EcoFlow River 3 vs River2.

The River3’s battery capacity is 245Wh which is less than River2’s 256Wh.
It has a very unusual for LFP, a 6S battery configuration, at nominal 19.2V and 12.8Ah.
However, the 6S configuration is not a big negative compere to 4S River2, since DC output voltage is regulated on both.
(It could have been a big negative if the River2, 4S configuration would have unregulated DC out, eliminating losses due to regulation)

We can ignore the AC part, since it is not relevant for the dashcam application.

For the DC part, there is only one change, and that is USB-C port, which can now output 100W max, but it is not bi-directional anymore, meaning we cannot use it for charging.
I don’t think it is a big deal, since original River 2, USB-C port charging rate was only 60W, compare to the direct DC charging rate of 100W.
There is a little hope that the USB-C port, being non bi-directional, may be not as “smart” and will not require un-plugging/re-plugging routine after buttery turns off when fully discharged, but I doubt it.

Overall, I see no positives except may be the form factor for some.
On a negative side, it has 11Wh less capacity, and not being able to charge with USB-C port may be deal breaker for some.

Sale price is the same for both at about $170, although yesterday the River 2 was $168, -10% or about $151 on Amazon US.

Thank you. I was on the verge of buying one of the dedicated dash cam batteries until I came accross this thread. Gonna do some more research before i pull the trigger on anything. I can save quite a few dollars with the river 2 vs dedicated ones.

 

[Shiwarrior]

Unable to do my river 2 in the car because I had an emergency operation

Today,

So I put the ecoflow in the boot. Extended the xt60 cable and a cig lighter extention

Plugged in my camera. 7w it's using

Plugged in the cig to xt60 cable started the car.
Charges at 90w
Switched to solar mode 135w charges at

Anything else I need to do?

 

[Shiwarrior]

@GPak
I don't suppose you or anyone else know what version/protocol the Bluetooth uses ?
i am just curious as my car is about 10m away (give or take) from my house, and if i got o the front of the house (upstairs for example) i can read the ecoflow on my phone

 

[GPak]

@GPak
I don't suppose you or anyone else know what version/protocol the Bluetooth uses ?
i am just curious as my car is about 10m away (give or take) from my house, and if i got o the front of the house (upstairs for example) i can read the ecoflow on my phone

I don't have EcoFlow River2, to check the Bluetooth range.

The manual provides the following information:
Wi-Fi (2.4G):
Frequency range : 20M: 2412-2462MHz/40M: 2422-2452MHz
Maximum output power : 0.071W

Bluetooth:
Frequency range : 2402-2480MHz
Maximum output power : 0.005W

If you have Wi-Fi at home, this will be the preferred method of control in my opinion.

 

[Shiwarrior]

Thanks
my manual doesn't say anything, and i did a search on the internet and i couldn't find what version BT the ecoflow has, as some are rated more distance and qualities

What is Bluetooth Range? What You Need to Know - 42West, Adorama Learning Center

Bluetooth range is defined by the number of channels, transmitter and receiver, level of antenna gain, and how much the environment degrades the signal.

www.adorama.com

 

[Dan2]

I compared specs for EcoFlow River 3 vs River2.

The River3’s battery capacity is 245Wh which is less than River2’s 256Wh.
It has a very unusual for LFP, a 6S battery configuration, at nominal 19.2V and 12.8Ah.
However, the 6S configuration is not a big negative compere to 4S River2, since DC output voltage is regulated on both.
(It could have been a big negative if the River2, 4S configuration would have unregulated DC out, eliminating losses due to regulation)

We can ignore the AC part, since it is not relevant for the dashcam application.

For the DC part, there is only one change, and that is USB-C port, which can now output 100W max, but it is not bi-directional anymore, meaning we cannot use it for charging.
I don’t think it is a big deal, since original River 2, USB-C port charging rate was only 60W, compare to the direct DC charging rate of 100W.
There is a little hope that the USB-C port, being non bi-directional, may be not as “smart” and will not require un-plugging/re-plugging routine after buttery turns off when fully discharged, but I doubt it.

Overall, I see no positives except may be the form factor for some.
On a negative side, it has 11Wh less capacity, and not being able to charge with USB-C port may be deal breaker for some.

Sale price is the same for both at about $170, although yesterday the River 2 was $168, -10% or about $151 on Amazon US.

Also, River 3 has a 2 year warranty. River 2 has 5 years.

There will be a River 3 Plus model coming that will be more comparable with River 2 capacity and warranty.

See more: https://www.ecoflow.com/us/support/faq

 

[GPak]

Thanks
my manual doesn't say anything, and i did a search on the internet and i couldn't find what version BT the ecoflow has, as some are rated more distance and qualities

What is Bluetooth Range? What You Need to Know - 42West, Adorama Learning Center

Bluetooth range is defined by the number of channels, transmitter and receiver, level of antenna gain, and how much the environment degrades the signal.

www.adorama.com

Here is link to manual, check the "Specification" page/section
Copy the link and paste in to address bar of your browser

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.rei.com/media/cdda45c8-efaa-4d0a-9e13-c7565f69effb?srsltid=AfmBOorpcBB3NdTDC6NR1jQ_6jMEFf4DKBoFxSOJqf8ubJONLQFwLYOe

 

[stephenjones]

Would there be any drawbacks to charging the river2 using the ac outlet in a car? My vehicle has a built in ac outlet 120 v and max 150w.

 

[Shiwarrior]

Would there be any drawbacks to charging the river2 using the ac outlet in a car? My vehicle has a built in ac outlet 120 v and max 150w.

I don't see why not
Presumably you will be only using that instead of cigar lighter ?

That must be a truck of some sort? Unless you've installed a DC to AC converter

 

[stephenjones]

I don't see why not
Presumably you will be only using that instead of cigar lighter ?

That must be a truck of some sort? Unless you've installed a DC to AC converter

Suv 2022 qx60. Built in port. Not aftermarket. Any yes want to see how much faster it might be instead of the 12 v ciagrette lighter.

 

[GPak]

Would there be any drawbacks to charging the river2 using the ac outlet in a car? My vehicle has a built in ac outlet 120 v and max 150w.

Not a good idea, it takes about 1 hr for the River2 to charge from 0 to 100% using AC input, that is about 300W or even 360W as shown on attached image.

 

[stephenjones]

Not a good idea, it takes about 1 hr for the River2 to charge from 0 to 100% using AC input, that is about 300W or even 360W as shown on attached image.

Thank you. I see you have some video demonstrations in this thread. Do you have a start to finish video tutorial with one of the battery packs? Want to show my dad, more of a visual person. Showed him this thread and he was like let me know when you finish reading all the pages and we can figure out the best route lol. I will continue reading for now. I was checking youtube but could not seem to find any such videos. Most are with the external battery packs from the major brands and the powercell.