1. Introduction
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a portable power station designed to provide reliable power for outdoor adventures, emergency backup, and home use. Featuring a 518Wh lithium-ion battery pack and multiple output ports, it offers a versatile and convenient power solution for various electronic devices and small appliances.
2. Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions carefully before operating the Jackery Explorer 500. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
- Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the unit.
- Do not place the unit near fire or expose it to heat.
- Do not use or store the unit in a bathroom or in an area exposed to rain or moisture.
- Use only the provided or approved accessories.
- Keep the unit away from children and pets.
- Do not drop, place heavy objects on, or allow strong impacts to the unit.
- Dispose of the product according to local regulations.
- California Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
3. Package Contents
Upon opening your Jackery Explorer 500 package, please verify that all the following items are included:
- 1x Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station (518Wh)
- 1x AC Adapter & AC Cable (2 parts)
- 1x Car Charger Cable
- 1x User Manual
4. Product Overview
Figure 4.1: Front view of the Jackery Explorer 500, showing the input, output ports, and display.
4.1. Components and Ports
- Input Port: For charging the power station via AC adapter, car charger, or solar panel.
- AC Outlet (110V/500W, 1000W Peak): For powering standard household appliances.
- USB-A Ports (3x): For charging USB-powered devices like smartphones and tablets.
- DC Ports (2x): For powering 12V DC devices.
- Car Port (1x): For powering 12V car appliances.
- Display Screen: Shows battery level, input/output wattage, and error indicators.
- Handle: Integrated solid handle for easy portability.
4.2. Dimensions
Figure 4.2: Dimensions of the Jackery Explorer 500, illustrating its compact size.
The Jackery Explorer 500 measures approximately 11.8 inches (L) x 7.6 inches (W) x 9.2 inches (H) and weighs 13.3 pounds, making it highly portable.
5. Setup
Before first use, it is recommended to fully charge your Jackery Explorer 500.
- Unpack: Carefully remove the power station and all accessories from the packaging.
- Initial Charge: Connect the AC adapter to the input port of the Explorer 500 and plug it into a standard wall outlet. The display will show the charging status.
- Full Charge: Allow the unit to charge until the battery indicator on the display shows 100%. This typically takes about 5.5 hours using the AC adapter.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Charging the Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 can be charged using three methods:
Figure 6.1: Charging options and approximate times for the Jackery Explorer 500.
- AC Wall Outlet: Connect the included AC adapter to the input port and a wall outlet. Full charge in approximately 5.5 hours.
- Car Charger: Use the included car charger cable to connect to your vehicle's 12V car port. Full charge in approximately 5.5 hours.
- Solar Panel (Optional): Connect a compatible solar panel (e.g., Jackery SolarSaga 100W) to the input port. Charging time varies based on sunlight intensity, typically around 7.5 hours for 0-80% with a 100W panel.
6.2. Powering Devices
The Explorer 500 features multiple output ports to power a variety of devices:
Figure 6.2: Examples of devices powered by the Jackery Explorer 500 and their approximate runtimes.
- AC Output: Press the "AC" button to turn on the AC outlet. Plug in your device (e.g., laptop, small appliance). The display will show the output wattage.
- USB Output: Press the "USB" button to activate the USB-A ports. Connect your USB devices.
- DC Output: Press the "DC" button to enable the DC and car ports. Connect your 12V DC devices.
The Explorer 500 supports pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the power station while simultaneously powering your devices.
6.3. Battery Management System
Figure 6.3: The internal Battery Management System (BMS) of the Jackery Explorer 500, designed to optimize battery life and safety.
The integrated Battery Management System (BMS) protects the unit from over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature, and short-circuiting, ensuring safe and efficient operation and extending the battery's lifespan.
7. Maintenance
- Storage: Store the Explorer 500 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. For long-term storage, charge the unit to 50-80% every 3-6 months to maintain battery health.
- Cleaning: Use a dry, soft cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Usage Environment: The unit is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Avoid exposing it to heavy rain or submerging it in water.
Figure 7.1: The Jackery Explorer 500 is built with a safely designed frame structure for durability.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Jackery Explorer 500, please refer to the following common troubleshooting tips. For more detailed assistance, please consult the official Jackery Troubleshooting Guide (PDF) available on the product support page or contact customer service.
- Unit Not Turning On: Ensure the battery is charged. If the battery is depleted, connect it to a power source (AC, car, or solar) and allow it to charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on.
- No Output from Ports: Ensure the specific output button (AC, USB, DC) for the port you are using is pressed and its indicator light is on. Check if the device you are trying to power exceeds the maximum output wattage of the port.
- Charging Slowly: Verify that the charging cable and adapter are securely connected. If using solar charging, ensure the solar panel is in direct sunlight and free from obstructions. Cloudy conditions will reduce charging efficiency.
- Overload Protection: If the unit shuts down unexpectedly, it may be due to an overload. Disconnect the device(s) and restart the power station. Ensure the total wattage of connected devices does not exceed the Explorer 500's rated output (500W continuous, 1000W peak).
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jackery |
| Model Name | Explorer 500 |
| Capacity | 518Wh (21.6V, 24Ah) |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| AC Output | 110V, 500W (1000W Peak) |
| USB-A Output | 3x 5V, 2.4A |
| DC Output | 2x 12V, 7A |
| Car Port Output | 1x 12V, 10A |
| Input (DC) | 12V-30V (100W Max) |
| Dimensions (LWH) | 11.8" x 7.6" x 9.2" |
| Weight | 13.3 lbs (6.04 kg) |
| Operating Temperature | 14-104°F (-10-40°C) |
| Recharge Time (AC) | Approx. 5.5 hours |
| Recharge Time (Car) | Approx. 5.5 hours |
| Recharge Time (SolarSaga 100W) | Approx. 7.5 hours (0-80%) |
10. Warranty & Support
The Jackery Explorer 500 comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
For warranty claims, technical support, or any inquiries, please contact Jackery customer service through their official website or the contact information provided in your product packaging.
You can also refer to the official Jackery Troubleshooting Guide (PDF) for additional assistance.
