Playing out of doors. Inverter for 240 volts

[YammyFan]

My keyboard does  not take torch batteries. I don't like the idea of purchasing a petrol generator. I have seen in the hardware shop a small  inverter ,which might power my keyboard. The inverter  is about 15 inches long. I would like to know if it would work, and how long it would power my keyboard for. I assume that my car would not have to be nearby. I also wonder if I would need to be very careful not to get electrocuted.

[Divemaster]

Hi Yammy Fan

Have you looked at camping and caravan shops? Outdoor enthusiasts also use this kind of equipment. Well worth checking out.

There are now some very good modern Powerpack types of portable mains power banks. Amongst them the Jackery, (see below ) which has a single mains power outlet in addition to several usb and other usefulcharging points. Basically you charge the unit at home, and then it supplies power to you where you need it. Middle of a field, up a mountain, on a beach.... Or if you gig... Outdoor venues. Could open up a lot of opportunities.

There are similar units all over the Internet. The big advantage would be that you'd simply be able to just plug the keyboard in just as you do at home. But you need to assure yourself that it will do this.

Just one idea anyway. Petrol generators, although easily sourced are invariably pretty noisy. Not my choice.

It will also be interesting to know about how/if... the Yamaha power adaptor between the mains socket and keyboard would be electrically ok with a portable connection. I'm not qualified in that stuff, so I can't and won't advise, but I'd want to be sure that I didn't fry my keyboard! 😂 😂 Check the Spec!
I'm going to follow your post. It's an interesting one.



https://www.hampshiregenerators.co.uk/product/generators/portable-power-stations/jackery-explorer-240-portable-power-station/?gclid=CjwKCAjw15eqBhBZEiwAbDomEiB2Ax-apMngQG9xE124Gz0venE-V_Ff2kMt3uy3IAS_jQjRzXjZ8xoCchkQAvD_BwE

Keith.

[Paula]

I have used my jackery often it works great

[Divemaster]

Hi Paula

That's good news.. What keyboard are you using it with, which Jackery model, and what sort of playing time do you get assuming a full charge when you begin playing.

Really great help... I don't gig myself, but I bet this will be of great interest to Yammy Fan the OP.

Big thanks 😊👍
Keith.

[Mikk]

The first thing to do is to check the max wattage of your keyboard when being played.

Check the specifications in the manual.

Be sure to buy a PURE SINE wave inverter which puts out exactly same as mains supply.
If it is not PURE SINE wave it could damage the electronics of your keyboard.

Check that the output wattage of the inverter you buy is 25% higher than the wattage of your keyboard.

Be sure to have you car engine running when using inverter.

Note that the inverter uses a small amount of power when running, even if it is not connected to your key  so disconnect or turn it off when you are not using your keyboard.
Plus I also recommend you have a UPS connected between your battery and inverter. That will need to be plugged into the inverter as well.

Unless you have other items connected to your keyboard it is very unlikely it will use more than 200 watts so a good inverter to buy might be this one.

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/300w-12vdc-to-230vac-pure-sine-wave-inverter-electrically-isolated/p/MI5732?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw15eqBhBZEiwAbDomErQ1BW3hjZRwAFgFRu8Vmk3Aq5i43Bz_SgmVY6fGDgAGEv3jGLbGwxoCgsgQAvD_BwE
Or something similar.

I you want to be totally independent  of  your car you may consider buying a solar panel , charge controller and a battery to supply the power you need for your inverter.

Let me know if you need any other advice on this.

[YammyFan]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. I can see from your comments that it is a minefield, and not one I will ever venture into.

[Divemaster]

On the face of it, and if the electrical requirements stack up (I've emailed the company about this and included information about the Yamaha 300C adaptor which is the one I have) it would realistically seem that the Jackery unit would fit the brief.

It IS PURE SINE WAVE technology, and is not crazy heavy or bulky for it's size.

Add Paula's info and it gets more realistic. Paula, your music is beautiful. 🙂

I know a few spots near here where, in the peace of the countryside playing outdoors could be very therapeutic. I have some ideas....

I'll let you all know what further info I get.
**Update. Zero. Clearly that company are too lazy to reply.

..
Bottom line is that it's useful around the house and garden too where I might need a temporary power supply.... Or say....in a power cut.... We get plenty of those!


Keith.

[MarkF_48]

I have a portable power station similar to the Jackery which is rated for 266 watt/hr that I use to power a QSC CP8 PA speaker when no AC power is available. It will do 1 hour easily. I also use it a as power backup for a CPAP machine if we lose power to the house.
The specs for my aging PSR-S900 show a 40 watt power consumption. If your keyboard is close to this power use, I would guess you could easily get about 4-5 hours of use no problem. If memory serves me correctly, my CPAP machine with the water heater off takes 30 watts and will run an entire night with the power station.
Very handy to have one of these that will find uses to power things where an outlet isn't available.
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Power-Station-Generator/dp/B07D29QNMJ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3JNO0J9CIGGLE&keywords=jackery&qid=1699133061&sprefix=jackery%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1

[Divemaster]

Handy information that Mark, and out of interest I looked up, and also separately calculated that the output for my own PSR-SX700 is 38.4 watts, so not too far out from yours.

Looking at your unit it's exactly the same as the one I'm considering, the only difference being the main power socket. We have 3 pin power sockets here in the UK.

Here in the UK that model is called the Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station currently on a special offer of £180   So give or take $223 US.

I think I'll be placing an order pretty soon. It's something I can see a lot of benefits from owning.

Thanks very much indeed.

Keith