This review dives into the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus, evaluating its suitability as a power bank for the Starlink Mini. We compare it directly to the Anker Prime, highlighting key differences in size, design, and performance. The focus is on the Jackery's portability, making it an ideal companion for the compact Starlink Mini, particularly for travel and off-grid use. We'll examine its power output capabilities, charging features, and compatibility with the Starlink Mini's specific power requirements, addressing potential issues like pass-through charging and consistent voltage delivery. The review also includes an assessment of the bundled 40-watt solar panel, analyzing its charging efficiency and practical implications for extended Starlink usage in remote locations.Ultimately, we determine whether the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus's compact design and superior power delivery justify its choice as the best mini power bank for the Starlink Mini. We’ll consider factors such as real-world performance under various conditions, including sunlight charging and simultaneous device operation. The review will provide a comprehensive assessment, helping readers decide if this power bank-solar panel combination meets their needs for reliable and portable internet access, especially in situations where grid power is unavailable.
Pros And Cons
- Small and portable size, fits in Pelican case
- Supports true pass-through charging
- Sufficient power to power Starlink Mini
- Has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, all supporting 100 watts max
- TSA carry-on compatible
- Includes a display showing input/output power and battery percentage
- The included solar panel's folds are difficult to manipulate, making it hard to lay flat.
- The solar panel's display is not very bright and difficult to see in direct sunlight.
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Size and Design Comparison
The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus is surprisingly compact, a far cry from typical bulky power banks. Its miniature design makes it ideal for portability, especially when paired with the Starlink Mini. In contrast, the Anker Prime 27000mAh, while also TSA-approved, is significantly larger and less aesthetically pleasing. The Jackery’s smaller footprint is a key advantage for travel and compact storage.
Both power banks offer similar capacity, around 99 watt-hours, ensuring sufficient power for the Starlink Mini. The Jackery's sleek, modern design is a noticeable upgrade compared to the Anker’s more utilitarian look. Its size makes it perfect for inclusion in a portable Starlink kit.
Features and Functionality
The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus boasts two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, each supporting a maximum of 100 watts—ample power for the Starlink Mini. The USB-C ports offer the correct PD profile needed by the Starlink Mini’s cable, ensuring seamless compatibility and reliable power delivery. This is a crucial feature often overlooked in other power banks.
A small display provides battery percentage and input/output power information. The simple, user-friendly interface adds to the power bank's overall appeal. Its compact design, combined with its robust power output, makes it exceptionally practical for various applications.
Solar Panel Integration
Jackery offers the Explorer 100 Plus bundled with a 40-watt portable solar panel. This panel, remarkably similar in size to the Starlink Mini, folds compactly into a carrying case. The included cables and carabiners enhance portability and ease of use.
While the panel’s accordion-style design makes flattening challenging, the 40-watt maximum output allows for off-grid charging. Simultaneous charging of the power bank and running the Starlink Mini is possible, greatly extending the overall operational time.
Pass-Through Charging and Starlink Integration
A key advantage of the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus over the Anker Prime is its true pass-through charging. The Anker struggles to maintain sufficient voltage for the Starlink Mini when simultaneously charging or powering other devices. This often results in power interruptions and the Mini shutting down.
The Jackery, however, consistently delivers the required 20 volts to the Starlink Mini, even while charging or powering other devices. This is crucial for reliable operation, especially in mobile applications or off-grid scenarios. The ability to maintain power during travel is a major plus.
Real-World Performance and Conclusion
During testing under direct sunlight, the solar panel provided approximately 25-30 watts of charging power, allowing for net charging of the power bank while running the Starlink Mini. This setup allows for extended usage, even off-grid, especially beneficial in emergency scenarios.
The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus, combined with the solar panel, offers a significantly improved experience for using the Starlink Mini in remote locations or during power outages. Its compact size, efficient charging, and true pass-through capabilities outweigh the slight challenges of the solar panel’s design. The resulting increased run time and off-grid usability make this combination a valuable tool for those seeking portable internet access.
