Introduction
Goal Zero products are designed to keep you powered while you're doing what you love. Whether you're climbing in the Himalaya, living in your van while you travel the world, or camping in your backyard, Goal Zero will keep you powered. Welcome to the solar life.
Congratulations on your new Goal Zero YETI 400 Portable Power Station, a plug-and-play generator for emergencies, camping, or wherever you need power. With 400 watt-hours of power/energy, you can keep laptops, appliances, lights and more going for hours longer.
Important: Before reading through the rest of the manual, plug your YETI into the wall. You should store your YETI plugged in, so the battery is always healthy and full.
Getting Started
Get to Know Your YETI
The YETI 400 features several key components:
INPUT:
- Charging Port: Connects to power sources like solar panels or wall chargers.
- Charging Indicator Light: Illuminates when the unit is charging.
- Display: Shows battery level and power consumption information.
- Display Button: Used to cycle through display information.
- Individual Port Power Buttons: Buttons above each port to turn them on/off.
OUTPUT:
- AC Outlets (pure-sine wave): Two standard AC outlets for powering devices.
- Two USB Outputs: For charging USB-compatible devices.
- 12V Car Port: A standard 12V DC car socket.
- 12V 6mm Port: Another DC output port.
SIDE:
- Anderson Powerpole: For chaining multiple YETI units or connecting accessories.
- Chaining Port: Specifically for connecting YETI units together.
Unpacking Your YETI
Included in the box are:
- AC Wall Charger (2 pieces)
- Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
- Legacy-Nomad Adapter (4.7 to 8mm)
What it Powers
The YETI 400 can power various devices for extended periods:
- Light-a-Life (LAL): 100+ Hours
- Smartphone: 30+ Recharges
- Laptop: 5 Recharges
- TV: 3 Hours
Refer to page 12 for more details on device runtimes.
Charging Your YETI
CHARGE ME NOW: Before using or storing, plug your YETI into the wall until it is fully charged. If at any point you hear a beeping from your YETI, plug it into a power source, like an AC outlet or a solar panel, as soon as possible. This built-in warning indicator is to help prevent battery damage when the charge gets low. For more tips and tricks on keeping your battery healthy, see the BATTERY 101 section.
LCD Battery Display
The LCD Battery Display indicates the charge level of your YETI. It has 5 segments, approximating 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% capacity. As you use your YETI, segments disappear from the display, indicating the remaining charge. When charging, a battery segment blinks at a 1-second interval to show the current charge status. Once fully charged, all segments remain solid.
Charging from Solar
The YETI's charging port is located on the top-left corner of the faceplate and has a blue ring around it. This 8mm port is designed to work with Goal Zero solar panels and can accept up to 120W of solar input.
- Place your solar panel where it will get as much direct sunlight as possible.
- Insert the blue-ringed plug from the panel into the INPUT port on the front of the YETI. The blue LED light next to the INPUT port will illuminate, and the battery segments on the LCD BATTERY DISPLAY will blink, indicating charging.
- Some GOAL ZERO panels are chainable to provide more power and reduce solar charge times. The INPUT port can accept up to 120W of solar.
When connecting older versions of NOMAD and BOULDER Solar Panels, use the Legacy-Nomad Adapter Cable or the 8.0mm to 8.0mm Adapter Cable.
Diagram: Shows 2X NOMAD 20 Solar Panels charging a GOAL ZERO YETI 400, with a Laptop connected. Estimated solar charging time is 20 hours for full charge, or 3-5 recharges for a laptop.
Charging from the Wall
Using the included AC Wall Charger, plug your YETI into any wall outlet. The blue LED light next to the INPUT port will turn on, and battery segments in the BATTERY DISPLAY will blink, indicating charging. The YETI is fully charged when all battery segments stop blinking and remain solid. The YETI should recharge from the wall in about 5 hours.
Diagram: Shows the AC wall charger (2 pieces) and how to connect them.
Charging from your Car
To charge your YETI from a car or 12V source, you will need to purchase an 8.0 mm to 12V charger from GOALZERO.com. Contact Customer Solutions at 1-888-794-6250 for assistance.
Using Your YETI
What to Power from Your YETI
- USB: Smartphones, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, E-readers, Tablets, etc.
- 12V: Goal Zero Lights, Car adapters, etc.
- AC: Laptops, CPAP, Display Monitors, Appliances, TVs, etc.
How to Use Your YETI
- Press the power button located above each port you intend to use.
- The port is active when the green LED light on the button is illuminated.
- Note: When the AC port is not in use, turn it off to conserve power.
- Plug in your gear to power it anywhere life takes you.
- If possible, keep your YETI plugged into a power source when not in use.
Best-Use Strategy
When recharging gear, monitor the LCD Battery Display. Devices with high power requirements may drain the YETI quickly, potentially yielding less than the full 400Wh. Devices that draw power more slowly (like a tablet) will allow you to get closer to the full 400Wh capacity. If you experience shorter runtimes, check the device's power requirements (see TROUBLESHOOTING).
Cold Weather Usage
Cold temperatures (below freezing) can reduce the YETI's battery capacity. For sub-zero conditions, keep the YETI in an insulated cooler connected to a power source (like solar panels). The heat generated by the YETI within the cooler helps maintain optimal battery capacity.
LCD Display
The YETI's advanced LCD display provides information about power consumption.
- INPUT: Located on the left, shows watts entering the YETI from the charging source (wall, 12V charger, solar panel). Angle solar panels for maximum sunlight. If the power flow is too low to measure, it will display "LOW".
- BATTERY: The outline in the middle indicates the current charge level (5 segments).
- OUTPUT: Located on the right, shows power drawn by devices. This can be displayed in AMPS, VOLTS, WATTS, AMP HOURS (Ah), and WATT HOURS (Wh). Press and hold the DISPLAY button to cycle through options. AMPS, VOLTS, WATTS indicate runtime. Wh and Ah track lifetime usage; press and hold DISPLAY for 10 seconds to reset. Reset Wh/Ah after fully charging for efficient monitoring.
Yeti 400 Warnings:
- Battery Fail: Replace internal battery.
- Blown Fuse: Contact Goal Zero Solutions Center.
- Low Battery: Plug into a power source immediately.
- Temperature Warning (Too Hot): Unplug YETI and allow it to cool down.
- AC Inverter Fail: Device is drawing too much power. Unplug device, turn AC inverter off and on. Contact Goal Zero Solutions Center.
Pure-Sine Wave Inverter
The YETI features a built-in pure-sine wave inverter, providing clean power for your devices. For more information, see page 11.
Storage and Downtime Maintenance
Keeping the YETI connected to a power source (solar panel or wall outlet) between uses or during storage maintains battery health. If storage without a power source is necessary, fully charge the YETI every 3 months and store it in a cool, dry place. Failure to maintain the YETI can result in battery damage and void the warranty.
Chaining Your YETI
You can chain multiple YETI 400 units to extend runtime. To do so:
- Purchase an Anderson Chaining Cable from GOALZERO.com.
- Connect the cable to the Anderson PowerPole ports on the side of each YETI.
- Ensure both YETIs are fully charged BEFORE chaining.
Chaining additional batteries will increase charge times. Note: The YETI 400 is not chainable with the YETI 1250 due to different internal battery sizes. It can be chained with the discontinued EXTREME 350 Power Pack.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Charge Times | |
| Wall Charger (72W) | 5 Hrs |
| Car Charger (30W) | 13 Hrs |
| Goal Zero Nomad 20 | 40-80 Hrs |
| 2x Goal Zero Nomad 20's | 20-40 Hrs |
| Goal Zero Boulder 30 | 26-52 Hrs |
| Goal Zero Nomad 100 | 8-16 Hrs |
| Battery | |
| Cell Type | AGM Lead Acid |
| Pack Capacity | 396Wh (12V, 33Ah) |
| Lifecycles | Hundreds of cycles |
| Shelf-life | Keep plugged in or charge every 3 months |
| Fuses | None |
| Management System | Charging and low-battery protection built-in |
| Ports | |
| USB Port (output) | 5V, up to 2.1A (10.5W max), regulated |
| 6mm Port (output, 6mm, green, hexagon) | 12V, up to 10A (120W max) |
| 12V Car Port (output) | 12V, up to 10A (120W max) |
| 110V AC Unit Inverter (output, 60Hz, pure-sine wave) | 110V, 2.6A (300W continuous, 600W surge max) |
| 220V AC Unit Inverter (output, 50Hz, pure-sine wave) | 220V, 1.4A (300W continuous, 600W surge max) |
| Power Pole Chaining Port | 12V, up to 33A (400W max) |
| Charging Port (input, 8mm, blue, circle) | 14-29V, up to 10A (120W max) |
| General | |
| Chainable | Yes |
| Weight | 29 lbs (13.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 10.25 x 8 x 8 in (26 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm) |
| Operating Usage Temp. | 32-104 F (0-40 C) |
| Certs | BCCE |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of battery is in my YETI?
Your YETI uses a 12V, 33Ah sealed lead-acid battery (AGM), similar to car batteries. AGM batteries should be kept full at all times and last longer if not completely drained.
How do I know if my YETI is charged?
Check the LCD Battery Display. It shows charge level in 5 segments. Pressing the DISPLAY button turns it on. It's okay to use the YETI even when not fully charged.
My YETI is beeping... what does that mean?
Plug your YETI into a power source immediately. The beeping indicates the battery is low and needs charging.
Is the battery inside my YETI replaceable?
Yes, the YETI's battery is replaceable. Follow these steps: Remove top bolts, remove lid, remove battery terminal bolts, lift out old battery, insert new battery, reassemble. Dispose of the old battery properly at a local recycling center.
What do the different display options mean?
The LCD display shows INPUT (watts coming in) and OUTPUT (watts going out to devices). It can display AMPS, VOLTS, WATTS (for runtime estimation), AMP HOURS, and WATT HOURS (for lifetime usage). Reset Wh/Ah by holding the DISPLAY button for 10 seconds. Reset Wh/Ah after fully charging for efficient monitoring.
Can I power devices from the Anderson PowerPole ports on the side of the YETI?
No. These ports lack under-voltage protection and could damage the battery. They are for chaining YETIs or EXTREME 350s.
What does a pure-sine wave inverter mean?
A pure-sine wave inverter produces clean AC power, identical to wall power, making it compatible with most AC devices up to 400 watts.
How do I know if my device will work with the YETI?
Check your device's power requirement. It should be less than 300W for AC output. Also, check the YETI's output port specifications. The AC port has a 300W continuous limit; exceeding this will shut down the inverter.
How long will the YETI run my device?
The YETI 400 has a 400Wh capacity. Runtime depends on the device's wattage. For example, a 100W device will run for approximately 4 hours (400Wh / 100W = 4 hours). Check device wattage and YETI output port restrictions.
| Device | Power from Yeti 400 |
|---|---|
| Light-a-Life 12V Lantern (3Wh) | 130 Hrs |
| Smartphone (5-7Wh) | 30+ Recharges |
| Tablet (25-42Wh) | 10+ Recharges |
| DVD Player (20-25W) | 14-17 Hrs |
| Laptop (50W) | 2-17 Hrs |
| Radio/Stereo (40W) | 7 Hrs |
| Desktop Computer (100W) | 3-3.5 Hrs |
| Printer (90W) | 1.5 Hrs |
| 32" LCD TV (98-156W) | 2-3.5 Hrs |
Research your device's wattage consumption for accurate runtimes. Visit GOALZERO.com/learn.html for more tips.
Troubleshooting
If your devices are not recharging:
- Ensure the Output Port is turned on (green LED lit).
- Check the Battery Display; recharge if at 20% or below.
- Verify device compatibility: Check YETI Tech Specs for port capacity and device wattage requirements. Some devices may draw more power when in use; power them down for charging.
To reset the battery: Unplug all cables. Remove top bolts and lid. Remove battery terminal bolts. Disconnect wires, wait 10 seconds. Reconnect wires, reassemble YETI, and fully recharge.
For further assistance, contact Goal Zero Customer Solutions at 1-888-794-6250 or support@goalzero.com.
Education
Batteries 101
Goal Zero uses advanced battery technology. Key tips for battery health:
- Batteries need exercise: Use batteries regularly; don't let them sit unused.
- "Battery Memory" myth: Unlike older NiCd batteries, modern Lithium and Lead-Acid batteries (like in the YETI) do not require deep cycling (full discharge). Avoid deep cycling as it can cause harm.
- "Stadium Effect": Battery charging starts fast and slows down as it nears full capacity, similar to filling a stadium.
- Read the manual: Essential for understanding proper battery care for your specific device.
Solar 101
Goal Zero simplifies solar charging. Key points:
- Solar panels collect, not store, energy: The process is COLLECT – STORE – USE.
- Solar charge times vary: Manufacturer calculations are theoretical. Actual output is typically 50-75% of rated wattage on a sunny day.
- Works in overcast conditions: Panels utilize IR, UV, and visible light that penetrates clouds, though efficiency decreases.
- Avoid shade and windows: Maximize exposure to direct sunlight. Windows reduce efficiency.
- Proper alignment: Angling panels towards the sun significantly increases efficiency.
Warranty & Contact
Limited Warranty: Goal Zero warrants products against defects in workmanship and material under normal consumer use for the applicable warranty period (180 days for battery cells, 1 year for other products). Proof of purchase is required.
Remedy: Goal Zero will repair or replace defective products at their option.
Exclusions: Warranty does not apply to misuse, abuse, modification, accident damage, or use outside normal consumer use. Battery cells must be charged within 7 days of purchase and every 6 months thereafter.
How to Receive Service: Contact Goal Zero customer service by phone at (888) 794-6250 or email at support@goalzero.com. Follow their instructions for returns, including obtaining an RMA number.
Implied Warranties: Limited warranty replaces all other express warranties. State laws may vary regarding implied warranty duration.
Limitation of Liability: Goal Zero is not liable for consequential or incidental damages. Liability is limited to the purchase price of the product.
Goal Zero Headquarters: 675 West 14600 South, Bluffdale, UT 84065. Phone: 1-888-794-6250. Website: GOALZERO.COM.
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