Powercell 8 + Neo Ext + Anker C300 combo possible?

[revmeup24]

Hey guys,

My current setup consist of Powecell 8 + Neo Extended battery for my 970XLTE 2-Ch is decent for daily driving but after Friday (parking at home) it usually dies before Monday's commute.

I was thinking of adding additional Neo Extended to the loop but the price for the capacity is a bit overpriced. I was inspired seeing Vortex's mentioned of powerbank as an alternative option as I do have a few of the Anker's C300 from my camping gear.

Ideally I dont want to run any additional hardwiring (besides my current setup) and I would like to integrate the Anker's C300 using the 2 option below. Do you think this will work and any potential risk?

Option# 1 - Use dash cam output on Powercell 8 to charge/re-charge the Anker's C300 and powering my dash cam with the DC socket. Do you think the Powercell 8 dash cam output will be too slow to charge the Anker's C300?

Option# 2 - Use the Neo Ext output/input through XT60 > USB-C In/Out port. Will the USB-C only discharge and not recharge?

 

[GPak]

Welcome to DCT, @revmeup24

In my opinion, neither option will work.
Option 1:
- The Anker's DC input is rated at 100W/8A, and it will definitely draw those 8A.
But the Powercell-8 DC output is designed for dashcams and is likely not rated for continuous 8A output, so it will most likely blow an internal fuse (if there is one) or something else.
Option 2:
- USB-C to 12V/15V/20V cables are unidirectional, therefore, the Anker cannot be charged using these cables.
On the other hand, neither 12V, 15V, nor 20V are suitable for charging the extended Neo battery>>Powercell; it requires ±14.4V, however it is not designed to be charged from extension port.

Check out the linked thread; there have been attempts to use dedicated batteries with portable power stations, here's a working example:

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

Aug 23, 2025

.........
Since I'm getting to the point in my life (ahem) where visual aids help me think things out, I have attached two files--one shows my current setup with just the BV battery and the second shows a setup that won't work (reason noted on PDF) but for which ideally I'd like something similar.

Ultimate question is: I'd like to keep my existing BV battery setup for my more common need for everyday parking mode timeline needs, but also to then add in the R3 or have it replace the BV battery when I need extended PM time. Is there a means to add the R3 to my current setup with...

• GPak

• 

However, personally, I'm not a fan of mixing dedicated batteries with portable power stations.