In this guide
Power supply picks at a glance
Our current selection first. Output, runtime, and use cases follow further down.
1. Look at capacity and output together
Smartphone, encoder, router, modems, camera, and accessories need different voltages and power levels. A big power bank only helps if its ports can supply the USB-C PD profiles you need at the same time.
Measure consumption realistically
Test the complete setup with the camera running, the stream transmitting, the display at high brightness, and all modems active. A power bank's rated capacity is not fully usable: voltage conversion, cables, and heat cause losses.
Rough runtime: usable watt-hours ÷ average power draw in watts. Then plan at least 25 percent reserve.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Measure | Run the complete setup: camera, stream, modems, and display | Only then do you see how many watts really flow |
| 2. Use usable Wh | Don't calculate with the full manufacturer rating | Conversion, cables, and heat cost energy |
| 3. Calculate | Divide the usable watt-hours by the average watts | The result is the rough runtime in hours |
| 4. Subtract the reserve | Plan at least 25 percent reserve | It absorbs cold, longer streams, and surprises |
Worked example (assumed values, not a measurement): Say 80 Wh remain usable after the losses and your setup draws 10 W on average. That works out to 8 hours on paper. After a 25 percent reserve you're at about 6 hours, and that's the number you plan with. You can try your own values in the power runtime calculator.
2. Power stations and power banks: the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus as a compact everyday pick
IRL4YOU has used this compact power station successfully for about a year and a half, and we own two units. In the tested setup, power output carries on at the start and end of recharging. That's especially handy when you top up on the road, in a car or on a motorcycle.
- 99 Wh LiFePO4 battery for compact mobile setups
- up to 128 W output power and several USB ports
- proven in our own setup as a power reserve with few interruptions
- two units allow separate supply or a prepared swap
Jackery Explorer 300D
The Explorer 300D works as a larger energy store for long streaming sessions and setups with higher consumption. With 288 Wh of capacity, 300 W output, and two USB-C ports up to 140 W, it can supply several powerful components. For Starlink it's mainly interesting once you've measured its real power draw and the runtime you want.
- 288 Wh LiFePO4 battery and 300 W output power
- two powerful USB-C ports up to 140 W
- suited as a larger buffer for long IRL sessions
- can be recharged with a compatible solar panel
CUKTECH 65W Power Bank with 20,000 mAh
The CUKTECH power bank is a compact alternative for a smartphone, router, camera, or smaller encoder. It offers much less energy reserve than a power station, but stays lighter and easier to fit in a backpack. For new tests, IRL4YOU deliberately focuses on alternatives outside the Anker line.
- 20,000 mAh capacity and up to 65 W output power
- three ports for compact mobile setups
- digital display to check the charge level
- before use, match the total output and the USB-C PD profiles you need
3. USB-C chargers for mobile streaming
A suitable USB-C PD charger complements power banks and power stations. The smaller version, field-tested for over a year, works well for a smartphone, camera, microphones, and router. The more powerful version offers more headroom and is especially interesting if you want to charge larger drone batteries or several devices at once.
4. Choosing a power bank and USB-C PD
- check the output each device needs
- watch the total output when several ports are in use
- compare USB-C PD profiles and the power that's available continuously
- use pass-through charging only if it's explicitly supported and tested
- check the rules for carrying batteries before you travel
5. Cables and power distribution
Short, good-quality, properly specified cables reduce voltage drop and loose contacts. Connectors need strain relief and must not lever against devices while you walk. Label cables and ports so you can find a fault quickly on the road.
6. Heat and safe placement
Don't run batteries, smartphones, and modems tightly stacked or in completely closed bags. Keep airways clear, protect them from direct sun and moisture, and take temperature warnings seriously. Stop using batteries that are damaged, deformed, or unusually hot.
7. Reserve for long streams
- keep a separate emergency reserve for the smartphone
- store spare cables somewhere you can reach quickly
- note the battery levels before you start
- set warning thresholds and don't wait until one percent
- swap batteries only when you're standing still somewhere safe
8. Common questions about power supply
How many watt-hours do I need for an IRL stream?
That depends on how much your setup draws and how long you want to stream. Calculate: usable watt-hours divided by average watts, plus at least 25 percent reserve. Measure your setup under load beforehand. The manufacturer's rating isn't enough for that.
Is the mAh figure enough for comparing?
Only to a degree. Watt-hours tell you more because they factor in voltage. On power banks, mAh usually refers to the cell voltage, not the output voltage. When in doubt, use the Wh figure or convert.
Can I keep streaming while the power bank charges?
Only if the power bank explicitly supports pass-through charging and you've tested it with your setup. Some devices restart as soon as you plug or unplug the charging source. And pass-through operation is not automatically a certified UPS.
Power bank or power station, which fits better?
It depends on your setup. The power bank is lighter and fits better in a backpack, but has less reserve. The power station usually brings more capacity and output, but is bigger and heavier. Look at your consumption, stream length, and what you're willing to carry. You'll find more components under streaming hardware.
What do I do if the battery runs low on the road?
Set warning thresholds beforehand and don't wait until one percent. A separate emergency reserve for your smartphone and spare cables help. Only swap the battery when you're standing still somewhere safe. More steps are in the emergency plan and the IRL checklist.