This review dives deep into the Golden Mate Orion 1000, a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery, exploring its features, performance, and diverse applications. We unpack the battery's robust construction, user-friendly design, and impressive capacity of 1280Wh. The review covers the unboxing experience, highlighting the included accessories and detailed specifications. We also examine the battery's clear display, convenient communication ports, and compact dimensions, making it a highly portable power solution.Beyond its standalone capabilities, the Orion 1000's versatility is showcased through its seamless integration with power stations as an expansion pack, offering a cost-effective way to boost power capacity. We explore its potential in creating DIY power stations using inexpensive inverters, opening up a world of off-grid power possibilities. The review concludes with a strong recommendation based on the battery's exceptional performance, build quality, and competitive price.
Pros And Cons
- Nice looking battery with good handles.
- Has positive and negative lugs with protective caps.
- Features communication ports for multiple batteries.
- Water-resistant design.
- Includes a display showing battery information (percentage, voltage, amp hours).
- Cost-effective expansion battery for power stations.
- Can be used with a $150 sine wave inverter to create a portable power station.
- Provides 1280 Wh of power.
- Simple setup.
- Not completely waterproof; should not be submerged in water.
Read more: OUKITEL P2001 PLUS Review: Best Budget Portable Power Station?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Golden Mate Orion 1000 LiFePO4 battery arrived in a well-packaged box. Inside, I found two communication cables – one for inter-battery communication and another to connect to the main battery. Also included were crimpable lugs and the usual documentation (owner's manual and information card).
The battery itself is a visual treat. It boasts a sleek design with robust handles, making it easy to transport. The positive and negative lugs are clearly labeled, and protective caps are provided to keep them clean. The communication ports are also conveniently located, and the overall build quality appears excellent.
Specifications and Features
The Orion 1000 is a 12.8V, 100Ah battery with a capacity of 1280Wh. Its specifications are clearly printed on the side of the battery, including charging information (14.4V-14.6V, 50A max).
The battery features a user-friendly display showing real-time information like voltage and remaining capacity. There's also a QR code for 24/7 customer support. The dimensions are approximately 13 inches wide, 8.5 inches tall, and 6.5 inches deep, making it relatively compact for its capacity.
Use Case Scenarios: Beyond the Obvious
While perfect for trolling motors and other marine applications, the Orion 1000 shines as a cost-effective expansion battery for power stations. The high capacity and relatively low cost compared to other expansion packs make it a compelling option.
Another innovative use is creating a DIY power station by pairing it with an inexpensive pure sine wave inverter. This opens up a world of possibilities for off-grid power solutions.
Practical Application: Expansion Battery Setup
Connecting the Orion 1000 to a power station as an expansion battery is surprisingly easy. All that’s needed is an XT60 connector. This allows charging at 12V, avoiding any compatibility issues.
The video demonstrates this connection, showing how both the power station and the Orion 1000 display the charging wattage. This seamless integration highlights the battery’s versatility.
Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Battery
The Golden Mate Orion 1000 is an exceptionally well-designed and versatile LiFePO4 battery. Its combination of high capacity, robust build quality, ease of use, and competitive price point makes it a standout product.
I was so impressed, I bought a second one! This battery is a strong contender for anyone needing a reliable and powerful portable power source, particularly for off-grid or backup power applications. I highly recommend it.