Sunbird Solar Solarpod 1K User manual

Solarpod 1K User Manual
PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATOR
USER MANUAL

Solarpod 1K by Sunbird Solar
Sunbird Solar Solarpod 1K is a remarkably light 16.5kg/36.3lb. portable power center with a full,
960 watt-hours of rechargeable power to bring portable energy to your home, office, or job site.
Whether as a backup power supply for areas experiencing power outages due to natural disaster or
as a mobile generator for a campsite, the Solarpod 1K powers your world. Charge it from available
electricity or operate self-sufficiently using one of the Sunbird Solar Ltd. Solar Panels. No set-up is
required, just plug in and go. Includes an AC charger and a cable to connect directly to a solar
panel. The internal LiFePO4battery and energy management system is the one most advanced on
the market with a long life cycle and reliable performance.
Section 1________________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT WARNINGS AND SAFEGUARDS
Read all instructions thoroughly before operating this unit to avoid injury to self or property and
avoid damage to the unit. Keep instructions handy for reference during use.
ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT –ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Do Not submerge in liquid or operate in wet environments. Device is not
waterproof or water resistant. Operate in dry environments only.
Do Not operate in flammable or explosive environments
Do Not operate if the unit is damaged in any way including loose electronics
or if charging cords are frayed and wires are exposed.
Do Not place foreign objects inside of the power outlets.
Do Not disassemble. There are no user serviceable parts. Contact
manufacturer for all repairs.
_________________________________________________________________________
Consult your physician before using with CPAP devices or other non-life
support medical equipment.
Administer close supervision when operating around children or persons
with disabilities.
Do Not use any devices over 1000W for risk of damage to the inverter.
Do Not block the air inlets.
Not recommended for use or storage below -4ºF (-20ºC) or above 113ºF
(45ºC). If using above 113ºF, place out of direct sunlight to prevent
overheating.
Section 2________________________________________________________________________
WARRANTY
Solarpod 1K is only serviceable by an authorized repair facility. Do not dismantle. Warranty is
void if the device is opened by unauthorized personnel. For technical support, contact your
local distributor or go to www.sunbird-solar.com/technical_support.
Registration for the limited warranty described on Sunbird Solar Ltd. website can be
completed by going online to www.sunbird-solar.com/warranty_registration. This is the sole
and exclusive warranty provided by Sunbird Solar Ltd. In no event will Sunbird Solar Ltd. be
liable for any indirect or incidental damages or losses of any kind arising from or as a result of
misuse or abuse, or the incorrect installation or operation of the product.
Section 3________________________________________________________________________
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
DANGER
CAUTION
Top: Display & Controls
Battery Capacity
(Blue LEDS)
Charge Rate
(Yellow LEDS)
Power Button
(Green LED)
AC Power Button
(Red LED)
Front: Output Side
Double USB
Port
AC
Output
DC 12V
Output
AC Fuse
DC Fuse
DC Charge
Input
Back: Input Side
CAUTION

Section 4________________________________________________________________________
CHARGING
Fully charge before first use. For maximum efficiency, charge after each use or every 2 months if it
is being stored. Failure to properly charge as listed below could damage the unit and affect
performance. CAUTION: ONLY USE CHARGERS PROVIDED WITH THE SOLARPOD 1KTM OR DAMAGE
MAY OCCUR.
Charging Indicator - Indicates Charging Rate
1. Five yellow LEDs represent the charging rate when using any of the methods of charging
below.
2. Each yellow LED equals approximately 20% charge rate. This will help you to position a solar
panel in the best angle to the sun. If the Solarpod 1K is plugged into a 100V –240VAC or 12V -
24VDC power source, all 5 LEDs should be illuminated.
Battery Indicator - Indicates Battery Capacity Level
1. Five blue LEDs represents the current battery capacity.
2. Each blue LED represents approximately 20% full.
Solar Charging (recommended Sunbird Solar 120W Solar Panel)
1. The Solarpod 1K has built-in battery protection but also requires a solar charge controller.
2. Place the solar panel in direct sun.
3. Connect the Solarpod 1K solar controller (included) male pin tip to the DC IN port on the
Solarpod 1K. Connect the MC4 (+) and (-) tips to the solar panel.
4. Adjust the solar panel so that it is directly facing the sun. Charging will begin immediately and
the yellow charging LED indicators on the Solarpod 1K will illuminate.
5. To ensure full battery charge, continue charging for 1 additional hour.
6. The LED indicator on the Solarpod 1K Solar Charge Controller will illuminate red when charging
is in process and green when the Solarpod 1K has reached a full charge.
7. Solarpod 1K Solar Controller should be disconnected when Solarpod 1K is fully charged.
AC Wall Charging (Adapter Included)
1. Connect the male pin tip of the AC Wall Charger into the DC IN port of the Solarpod 1K and
then plug the other end into an electrical outlet.
2. The charging indicator on the AC Wall Charger will illuminate red when charging is in process
and green when the Solarpod 1K has reached a full charge.
3. The yellow charging LED indicators will also illuminate.
4. To ensure full battery charge, continue charging for 1 hour after Solarpod 1K is fully charged.
5. There is no need to disconnect AC Wall Charger when charging is complete.
Connecting Charging Lines to the Solarpod 1K
1. Align head tabs with DC IN socket on back of unit.
2. Turn head clockwise until the silver lock tab is at top and press lock tab toward unit.
3. To unplug charging head, follow the above steps in reverse order.
Section 5________________________________________________________________________
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Once charged, the Solarpod 1K is ready to use right out of the box. No set up is required. All
outputs may be used simultaneously. Check your device’s specifications to make sure they are
compatible with the Solarpod 1K.
ON/OFF Button - When on, the switches surrounding LED light will turn green.
AC Power Button - When on, the switches surrounding LED light will turn red.
USB Operation
• Turn the ON/OFF BUTTON on.
• Plug in your device’s USB power or charging cable.
• A combined 5V/2A maximum output is available between the two ports (when fully
charged).
• Disconnect and power off when not in use.
AC Operation (max 1000W output)
• Press the AC power button to activate the inverter.
• Plug in your device’s power or charging cable into the electrical AC socket.
• Disconnect and turn off the power when not in use.
• CAUTION: CHECK CAREFULLY THAT THE VOLTAGE RATING OF YOUR APPLIANCE MATCHES
THE VOLTAGE RATING OF THE Solarpod 1K UNIT YOU HAVE PURCHASED.
• CAUTION: Using devices rated higher than 900-1000W and operated for more than 10
minutes may cause the Solarpod 1K to overheat and shut down. Once it has cooled the
circuit will reset and the Solarpod 1K will be operational again.
Advantages of a Pure Sine Wave Inverter
A pure sine wave inverter produces a nearly perfect sine wave output (less than 3%
total harmonic distortion) that is essentially identical to utility-supplied grid power.
Eliminates electrical interference, overheating and noise.
Computer crashes and other appliance operational glitches can be avoided.
Inductive loads such as variable-speed motors and microwave ovens can be used,
and supports in running them quieter and cooler.
Some appliances and sensitive electronics will simply not work properly without
pure sine wave power.
Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, magnetic circuit
breakers and electronic gears.
12V DC Operation (Max 15A output)
• Turn the ON/OFF BUTTON on.
• Plug in your 12V device’s power or charging cable into the 12V Vehicle Socket.
• Neither power button need to be on.
• Disconnect and power off when not in use.
1. Align Tabs
2. Turn Clockwise
3. Press in Lock

Section 6________________________________________________________________________
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Dust regularly with a clean dry cloth to prevent dust and dirt from building up on the
vents and power inputs/outputs. Store in a clean, dry place when not in use.
Charge after each use, every 30-60 days, and before storing so it is ready to use when
needed.
Solarpod 1K is only serviceable by an authorized repair facility. Do not dismantle.
Warranty is void if the device is opened by unauthorized personnel. For technical
support, contact your local distributor or go to www.sunbird-
solar.com/technical_support for online technical support.
Section 7________________________________________________________________________
TROUBLESHOOTING
If our Solarpod 1K fails to operate as specified, follow these troubleshooting steps to correct the
issue. If you still experience issues, please contact your local distributor or go to www.sunbird-
solar.com/technical_support for online technical support.
Charging Issues
Ensure all cords are connected securely.
Check power indicators on chargers and the Solarpod 1K to verify they are operating.
If using a solar panel to charge, ensure it is correctly positioned in direct sunlight.
Check that the fuses on the Solarpod 1K have not blown.
12V DC Output Fails
Check the battery indicator (blue LED strip) to see if the Solarpod 1K has sufficient battery
charge available. If not, follow the charging steps previously described.
Check to make sure that the 12V DC circuit protection fuse is not blown by removing the
8A fuse housing cap. Inspect the fuse and replace if needed with the same size fuse.
Check the 12V DC output socket for obstructions or other visible damage.
Verify the device being charged is not damaged.
AC Output Fails
Check the battery indicator (blue LED strip) to see if the Solarpod 1K has sufficient battery
charge available. If not, follow the charging steps previously described.
Ensure the AC power button is on and the red light is on.
Check to make sure that the AC circuit protection fuse is not blown by removing the 6A-
6.3A or 12A fuse housing cap and then removing the 6A-6.3A or 12A fuse. Inspect the
fuse and replace if needed with the same size fuse (See Section 8 for AC fuse reference
chart).
Check the AC output socket for obstructions or other visible damage.
Verify the device being charged is not damaged.
USB Output Fails
Check the battery indicator (blue LED strip) to see if the Solarpod 1K has sufficient battery
charge available. If not, follow the charging steps previously described.
Ensure the ON/OFF power is on and the green light is on.
Check the USB port for obstructions or other visible damage.
Verify the device being charged is not damaged.
Section 8________________________________________________________________________
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Type
LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) 24V, 40Ah
Battery Lifespan
2000+ cycles (cycle = charge and discharge)
Protection Circuit
Built-in over voltage, self discharge and short circuit protection
Fuses (replaceable)
6A OR 12A fuse (AC outlet) and 8A fuse (12V DC outlet) (See fuse chart below)
DC Input Power
29V/10A
AC Wall Charger
Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 300VA
Output: 29VDC, 10A,
CE approved
Rated Output Power
(amp-hours)
AC 110V, 1000W Max, Pure Sine Wave Inverter (40Ah)
12V DC, 12A, 180W Max (40Ah)
Two Double USB 5V, 2A, 10W Max (40Ah)
Operating
Temperature
32ºF to 113ºF
0ºC to 45ºC
Dimensions
400 x 262 x 3257mm
Weight
16.5kg / 36.3lb
Certifications
CE: Low voltage directive 2006/95/EC, Electromagnetic Compatibility directive
2004/108/EC
SOLARPOD 1K CHARGING TIME (from fully discharged)
Using 120-Watt Solar Panel
10 - 13 hours (in full sunlight)
Using AC Wall Charger (included)
6 hours
OPERATING TIME
Appliance
Solarpod 240™
Solarpod 1K
USB Output Port
iPhone*/Android** Phone recharge (6.48Wh)
36 times
145 times
iPad*/Tablet recharge (25Wh)
10 times
38 times
12V Output Port
12V Fan (35W)
6.5 hours
25.5 hours
12V Cooler (50W)
4.5 hours
18 hours
12V Flat Screen 19" TV (70W)
3.2 hours
12.5 hours
AC Inverter Outlet
LED Camp Lights (3W)
66 hours
272 hours
Small Refrigerator (40W)
5 hours
20 hours
Laptop battery (50Wh) recharge
4 times
16 times
LED Projector (60W)
3.3 hours
13.5 hours
32''LCD TV (90W)
2.2 hours
9 hours
*iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.
**Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
NOTE: Data is approximated and based on the maximum power consumption.
SOLARPOD 1K Fuse Reference Chart
110V, 1000W Unit AC Fuse
12 Amp Fuse
230V, 1000W Unit AC Fuse
6A-6.3A Amp Fuse
12V DC Output Fuse
8 Amp Fuse