First, you’ll need to determine the amount of power your device requires. This may require some research on your end, a good internet search or examining the user guide for your device should suffice.
Second, you will need to check the capacity for the individual output ports. For example, the Goal Zero Yeti’s AC port is powered by an inverter that allows for 300W of power. This means if your device is pulling more than 300W for an extended period of time, the Goal Zero Yeti’s inverter will shut off. Another number to watch for is the surge rating of your device as compared to that of the port. The Goal Zero Yeti inverter has an advanced surge management system that will maximize its compatibility with various devices, but there will still be items that will surge at a higher rate, and for a longer time, than the Goal Zero Yeti can manage, in which case the port will turn itself off.
Finally, once you know your device is compatible, you’ll want to determine how long you’ll be able to power your gear from the Goal Zero Yeti. Here’s a quick and dirty lesson in power.
All Goal Zero power packs and solar generators have a number in their name, eg. Goal Zero Yeti 500X. These numbers refer to the Watt Hours (Wh), or the amount of energy that can be stored in each battery and how you’ll know if your gear is compatible with each Power Station. For example, a 200Wh Power Station should run a 100W light for 2 hours (200/100=2). If your gear falls within the 500Wh capacity of the Goal Zero Yeti, you’ll want to check the restrictions on each of the output
ports.