Although I have a solar generator from which I power larger electrical items, I’d like to power the LED lights that came installed from GFC with a smaller battery pack (I’d also prefer not to power it from the vehicle).
Does anyone know the voltage and draw needed for the lights? I assume it’s 12v, but I can’t seem to find details on the power requirements for the lights. I ask because I have a GoalZero battery I’d like to use which is supposed to provide 5-12v and 100w from a USB-C plug. I wired up a USB-C plug that connects to the controller, but only the red lights (lower power draw?) will turn on using that setup. I bought a really cheap battery on Amazon that I’d prefer not to use, but was able to power up the white and red lights using that one, so I know that the wiring works, and the Goal Zero battery works with everything else. Just curious if the lights have some odd power requirements.
The LEDs are 12VDC devices and you can easily adapt the wiring to whatever connector you need by cutting up the provided wiring (my approach) or purchasing additional wiring using 5521 barrel connectors. Most GoalZeros have dedicated 12V connectors with the 6mm barrel connectors or cigarette plugs, that will keep USB-C ports available for other devices.
You should be able to use USB-C adapters, but you need to pay attention to fine details as just because the cable will plug in does not guarantee it will work. Your power source needs to be capable of providing 12V and 5A (typically needs to be advertised as 100W), and your PD cable needs to specifically negotiate for that voltage and current. This product should work, and even if it doesn’t, I’d read the description carefully as it addresses many compatibility considerations:
Here are my current measurements (in A) on my early V2 Pro (build 6437). Multiply by your battery voltage (~12-14V) for power in watts.
All off: .02A
Both White and Red LEDs on per level:
Max (8)
7
6
5
4
3
2
Min (1)
Downstairs
2.45
2.15
1.99
1.52
1.19
0.87
0.37
0.16
Upstairs
1.16
1.02
0.87
0.73
0.57
0.42
0.19
0.09
Total
3.61
3.17
2.86
2.25
1.76
1.29
0.56
0.25
White LEDs:
Max (8)
7
6
5
4
3
2
Min (1)
Downstairs
2.3
1.99
1.67
1.38
1.11
0.83
0.33
0.15
Upstairs
1.05
0.91
0.77
0.64
0.52
0.39
0.16
0.08
Total
3.35
2.9
2.44
2.02
1.63
1.22
0.49
0.23
Red LED consumption is negligible, I didn’t bother testing all steps. I’d guess it’s ~ .75 - .025A. My usage is primarily low and red.
Thank you so much for the in depth response! My GoalZero is supposed to be capable of 12v through the USB-C, but I suspect it’s as you indicated - it’s not negotiating properly to get the right voltage. I was able to get red to turn on (one segment only, not both upper and lower) with the GoalZero, but that was it. My GoalZero doesn’t have the barrel connector (female) - it’s a slightly older model. I’ll check out what you sent - seems like this may be the solution!
EDIT - thank you soooo much - you were right. the item description was super useful and I now know exactly why the cables I made (USB-C on one end, and the water resistant barrel connector on the other) did not work! There’s no chip whatsoever negotiating the voltage. I ordered this cable and will play with it.