The Jackery Explorer 500 is a portable power station that can charge up to six devices at once with its 518Wh capacity and 500W output. It can power medium appliances like TVs, blenders, heaters, and more. It also supports fast charging via a USB-C PD port and solar charging via compatible solar panels.
But what if you run into some problems with your Jackery Explorer 500? How do you fix them and get your power station working again? In this guide, we will show you some common issues and solutions for the Jackery Explorer 500. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this device.
Troubleshoot Jackery Explorer 500
The power station does not turn on or charge
If your Jackery Explorer 500 does not turn on or charge, there are several possible causes and solutions:
- The battery is too low or empty. Plug the power station into a wall outlet or a solar panel and charge it until the battery level indicator shows at least one bar. It takes about 7.5 hours to fully charge the power station from a wall outlet and about 9.5 hours from a SolarSaga 100W solar panel.
- The input voltage or current is too low or too high. Make sure you are using the original AC adapter or the compatible solar panels to charge the power station. The input voltage should be between 12V-30V and the input current should be less than 10A. Do not use any other chargers or devices that may damage the power station.
- The input port or the AC adapter is damaged or dirty. Check the input port and the AC adapter for any signs of damage or dirt. If there is any damage, contact Jackery customer service for a replacement. If there is any dirt, use a dry cloth to wipe it off gently.
- The power station is overheated or overcooled. The optimal operating temperature for the power station is between -10°C/14°F and 40°C/104°F. If the power station is exposed to extreme temperatures, it may not turn on or charge properly. Move the power station to a suitable location and let it cool down or warm up before using it.
The power station shuts down unexpectedly or does not output power
If your Jackery Explorer 500 shuts down unexpectedly or does not output power, there are several possible causes and solutions:
- The battery is too low or empty. Check the battery level indicator on the LCD screen. If it shows less than one bar, plug the power station into a wall outlet or a solar panel and charge it until it has enough power to run your devices.
- The output power exceeds the rated power or surge power. The rated power of the Jackery Explorer 500 is 500W and the surge power is 1000W. If you connect devices that draw more than these limits, the power station may shut down to protect itself. Reduce the load by unplugging some devices or using lower-power devices.
- The output port or the device is damaged or dirty. Check the output port and the device for any signs of damage or dirt. If there is any damage, contact Jackery customer service for a replacement. If there is any dirt, use a dry cloth to wipe it off gently.
- The output mode is not compatible with the device. The Jackery Explorer 500 has two output modes: Standard Mode and Eco Mode. Standard Mode can support most devices, but some sensitive devices may require Eco Mode for stable operation. Eco Mode can reduce noise and save battery life, but some high-power devices may not work well with it. You can switch between these modes by pressing the Mode button on the LCD screen.
The app does not connect to the power station
If you have trouble connecting your smartphone to the Jackery Explorer 500 via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, there are several possible causes and solutions:
- The Wi-Fi or Bluetooth function on your smartphone is disabled. Make sure you have enabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your smartphone and that they are not in airplane mode or do not disturb mode.
- The Wi-Fi or Bluetooth function on the power station is disabled. Make sure you have enabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on the power station by pressing the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth button on the LCD screen.
- The app is not updated to the latest version. Make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest version of the Jackery app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- The app is not compatible with your smartphone. The Jackery app requires iOS 10.0 or later or Android 5.0 or later to work properly. Check the system requirements of the app and update your smartphone if necessary.
- The app is not authorized to access your location. The Jackery app needs to access your location to connect to the power station via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Check the app permissions on your smartphone and grant the location access if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can the Jackery Explorer 500 power my devices?
The running time of the Jackery Explorer 500 depends on the power consumption of your devices and the battery level of the power station. You can estimate the running time by using this formula:
Running time (hours) = Battery capacity (Wh) / Device power (W) x 0.85
For example, if you want to power a blender that consumes 300W, you can calculate the running time as follows:
Running time (hours) = 518Wh / 300W x 0.85 = 1.47 hours
Note that this is only an estimate and the actual running time may vary depending on various factors such as temperature, load, and battery degradation.
Can I use the Jackery Explorer 500 while charging it?
Yes, you can use the Jackery Explorer 500 while charging it from a wall outlet or a solar panel. This is called pass-through charging and it allows you to power your devices without draining the battery of the power station. However, pass-through charging may slow down the charging speed and shorten the battery life of the power station. Therefore, it is recommended to use this feature only when necessary and avoid overloading the power station.
Can I use the Jackery Explorer 500 in cold weather?
Yes, you can use the Jackery Explorer 500 in cold weather as long as the temperature is above -10°C/14°F. The power station has a cold-friendly feature that allows it to operate normally in low temperatures. However, you should be aware that cold weather may reduce the battery capacity and performance of the power station. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the power station warm and fully charged before using it in cold weather.
How do I maintain and store the Jackery Explorer 500?
To maintain and store the Jackery Explorer 500 properly, you should follow these tips:
- Keep the power station clean and dry. Do not expose it to water, dust, or corrosive substances. Use a soft cloth to wipe off any dirt or stains gently.
- Keep the power station away from heat sources, direct sunlight, or flammable materials. Do not place heavy objects on top of it or drop it from a height.
- Keep the power station charged at least once every three months. Do not leave it fully discharged for a long time as this may damage the battery.
- Store the power station in a cool and dry place with good ventilation. Do not store it in a humid or hot environment as this may affect its performance and safety.
Conclusion
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a medium but powerful portable power station that can meet your off-grid living and backup power needs. It has a fast charging speed, multiple output ports, and a quiet cooling system. However, like any other device, it may encounter some problems from time to time. In this guide, we have shown you some common issues and solutions for the Jackery Explorer 500. We hope this helps you troubleshoot your power station and enjoy its benefits.
If you have any questions or feedback about this guide, please feel free to contact us at support@portablepowerlife.com. We would love to hear from you and help you with your portable power needs.
Thank you for choosing PortablePowerLife.com as your trusted source of information and inspiration for portable power stations!
