Take off again quickly: DJI is launching its first two power stations, which can charge the manufacturer's drones particularly quickly. In practical tests, the larger version also shows other qualities that make it the ideal power pack for camping holidays, among other things.
The Chinese manufacturer DJI is best known for its drones, but its camera stabilizers are also popular. The company now has its first two power stations in its range, the DJI Power 500 and Power 1000. The step was obvious, after all, even the most durable drones have to be charged frequently and there is usually no power outlet nearby when they are in use. ntv.de tried out the more powerful version. It has a capacity of 1024 watt hours (Wh) and a recommended retail price of around 1000 euros.
Form follows function
The power station is not too heavy to be carried a few meters.
(Photo: kwe)
The power station is not a design miracle; DJI has focused on functionality. The device is excellently manufactured and makes a very solid impression. However, with open inputs, it is not protected from moisture like other large power stations.
With two generous handles on the sides, it weighs around 13 kilograms and can be easily carried over short distances. DJI also offers an optional bag for just under 100 euros. Without a carrying strap, however, it mainly serves to protect the DJI Power 1000 and does not make transport any easier.
All accessories cost extra
To use the SDC ports, you need to purchase additional cables.
(Photo: kwe)
ntv.de received the bag for testing, but it is not otherwise included in the delivery. Apart from a power cable for charging, the power station does not come with any accessories.
The DJI Power 1000 is equipped with two AC sockets, two USB-A sockets that can charge devices with up to 24 watts (W), and two USB-C outputs that deliver up to 140 watts. The power station also has two proprietary SDC ports, one of which is labeled “Lite”.
Speed is their great strength
They are particularly interesting for users of DJI drones, because these outputs are supposed to charge the batteries from 10 to 95 percent in around 30 minutes. At the time of testing, however, DJI was unable to provide an SDC cable (19 euros). However, the information is probably correct, since all other DJI information was confirmed in the test.
The company states that the charging time of the power station at a maximum of 1200 watts is around 70 minutes. In the test, the battery was fully charged after 68 minutes. According to the power meter, it drew exactly 1 kWh, so it works with practically no losses.
Durable technology
The quality of the built-in battery is unlikely to deteriorate any time soon. The battery is made of lithium iron phosphate cells rather than lithium ion cells. These have the advantage of being much more durable. The power station is said to have lost 20 percent of its capacity after 3,000 charging cycles instead of 800. With daily use, this corresponds to a service life of around ten years. DJI offers a three-year guarantee, registered users receive five. Safety has been tested by the Swiss SGS.
Alternatively, you can also gently charge the DJI Power 1000 with a maximum of 600 watts. This takes just under two hours, but can increase the life of the battery. The power station can also be recharged via the SDC sockets with solar panels or from a car connection. However, this requires adapters, which you have to buy separately for 59 or 49 euros.
Amazingly quiet
Operating devices that draw more than 2200 W works well for a while, …
(Photo: kwe)
A large display shows the charge level, input and output as well as the estimated time remaining until complete discharge or charging. The screen is bright and very easy to read. At night, the display can be deactivated by briefly pressing the on/off switch.
This is important because the DJI Power 1000 is the quietest power station tested by ntv.de to date. Even though it charges quickly at 1200 W, the ventilation is barely noticeable. It is so quiet that you can use it while sleeping near it.
2200 watts is usually sufficient
… but then the overload protection kicks in.
The fan only starts to turn up audibly shortly before it overloads. But that hardly ever happens with a device that you want to use in a tent or caravan at night. The DJI Power 1000 delivers a maximum continuous output of 2200 W, and more is possible for a short time. You can also use it to run a number of kettles, but in the test the device switched itself off after about 30 seconds when running a 2500 W kettle.
For refrigerators that require high power for a short time when the compressor starts, the power of the power station is usually sufficient. However, for the dishwasher, it had to be adjusted when more than 2200 W was required for a short time to heat the water.
If possible, use the USB outputs. The inverter in the AC sockets consumes energy itself, reducing efficiency to around 85 to 80 percent. This is why an automatic function is activated as standard that switches off the AC outputs when they are no longer needed. On the other hand, you get almost as much energy out of the USB-C ports as you put in. Another disadvantage of the AC sockets is a beeping noise when in use, which is not loud but could still be annoying, especially at night.
Practical UPS mode during breaks in use
The capacity of the power station is roughly enough to fully charge drones twelve times, smartphones 57 times, or laptops nine times. If you run a fully charged notebook on the DJI Power 1000, you can work with it for more than 30 hours. The battery will keep a camping fridge running for almost 20 hours and a WiFi router for almost 80 hours.
If the power station is not used outdoors, it is not only useful in the event of a blackout, but can also protect devices in the home office during short power outages. If it is connected, it kicks in within 0.02 seconds. Otherwise, it is inactive in UPS mode (uninterruptible power supply).
Conclusion
The DJI Power 1000 is a rock-solid power station. It works extremely quietly and can still be charged quickly. It is especially valuable for users of DJI drones who cannot recharge any other battery as quickly. Everyone else will not be disappointed by the high-quality power station, but there are alternatives that may not necessarily be cheaper but are sold with all the necessary cables.
