[See also https://www.astronomy.me.uk/cubesat-is-a-box-design-development-as-of-15-june-2026]
15 June 2026: Purchased Lidl Ultimate speed power bank with compressor UPK 10 H5. Provides 5V and 12V outputs.
Tests at LRO have shown the power bank remains switched on for several hours when connected to UKRAA PicoMuon muon detector. It is therefore an appropriate power bank for my trip to Green Bank Observatory for the SARA East Conference (amateur radio astronomy conference) 30 July to 15 August, during which I hope to conduct an altitude muon detection experiment during the trans-atlantic flight.
If that experiment works, then I hope to present the results during the conference.
Specifications:
Here are the key specifications of the Ultimate Speed UPK 10 H5 (power bank with compressor/jump starter) based on the official manual data:
Electrical & Battery
- Model: UPK 10 H5
- Battery type: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄)
- Battery configuration: 4 × 3.2 V cells (≈ 12 V pack)
- Capacity: 14,000 mAh (3.2 V) ≈ 44.8 Wh
- USB-equivalent capacity: ~8,400 mAh at 5 V
- Charge cycles: up to ~2000 cycles
- Charging input: USB-C, 5 V / 2 A
- Charging time: up to ~8 hours
Jump Starter Function
- Operating voltage: 12 V vehicle systems
- Peak current: 400 A
- Starting current: 200 A
- Suitable engines:
- Petrol up to 3.5 L
- Diesel up to 2.2 L
Compressor
- Max pressure: 3.5 bar (≈ 50 psi)
- Air flow: 22 L/min
- Power consumption: ~90 W
- Max current draw: 10 A
- Duty cycle: max 7 minutes continuous use, then cool-down required
- Noise level: ~95 dB(A) max sound power
USB Power Bank Outputs
- USB-A: 5 V / 1 A
- USB-C output: 5 V / 2 A
- Function: cannot charge devices while itself is charging
Operating limits
- Device temperature range: 0 °C to 45 °C
- Charging temperature range: 0 °C to 35 °C
- LED operating range: down to −21 °C
Physical / general
- Integrated LED light
- Digital pressure gauge (not trade certified)
- Accessories: jump leads, USB cable, air hose, valve adapters