Power stations for use on smart trainers

[mecheng89]

Good morning, techy Hubbers!

Has anyone ever thought of using one of these "portable power stations" to power their smart trainer during load shedding? I must say, they look like an attractive solution, but man they are pricey.

 

[michaelbiker]

How many watts does your smart trainer consume? Make sure the power from the unit multiplied by the amount of time you plan to ride (in hours) is less than the unit produces and you should be fine. 
 

e.g. Kickr is around 60W. If your rides are 2-3 hours it needs be minimum 180W capacity. 
 

You’ll also need to factor in fan power consumption and computer / tv power if you are using those too.

[thebob]

I've got my trainer hooked up to a small UPS. It handles training in ERG mode no worries. Longest session was just over an hour and it still had plenty of juice left. Fan was running off a battery inverter trolley.

Edited July 24, 2023 by thebob

[mecheng89]

52 minutes ago, michaelbiker said:

How many watts does your smart trainer consume? Make sure the power from the unit multiplied by the amount of time you plan to ride (in hours) is less than the unit produces and you should be fine. 
 

e.g. Kickr is around 60W. If your rides are 2-3 hours it needs be minimum 180W capacity. 
 

You’ll also need to factor in fan power consumption and computer / tv power if you are using those too.

https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001699930-Can-a-DC-to-AC-Inverter-Power-a-Wahoo-Smart-Trainer-#:~:text=Any DC to AC power,KICKR CORE%2C or KICKR SNAP.

60W confirmed. Yes, computer, fan and TV must be considered, too. Laptop, fan, TV, in that order.

[mecheng89]

27 minutes ago, thebob said:

I've got my trainer hooked up to a small UPS. It handles training in ERG mode no worries. Longest session was just over an hour and it still had plenty of juice left. Fan was running off a battery inverter trolley.

Size UPS?

[thebob]

2 minutes ago, mecheng89 said:

Size UPS?

It's the one on the link below. I selected it cause it takes a 3 pin plug and because it was on a moer of a sale

FSP FP600 600VA/360W Line-Interactive UPS-BK | Buy Online in South Africa | takealot.com

Edited July 24, 2023 by thebob

[mecheng89]

8 minutes ago, thebob said:

It's the one on the link below. I selected it cause it takes a 3 pin plug and because it was on a moer of a sale

FSP FP600 600VA/360W Line-Interactive UPS-BK | Buy Online in South Africa | takealot.com

Thanks. The reviews are a bit of a turn-off.

[DieselnDust]

1 hour ago, michaelbiker said:

How many watts does your smart trainer consume? Make sure the power from the unit multiplied by the amount of time you plan to ride (in hours) is less than the unit produces and you should be fine. 
 

e.g. Kickr is around 60W. If your rides are 2-3 hours it needs be minimum 180W capacity. 
 

You’ll also need to factor in fan power consumption and computer / tv power if you are using those too.

It’s not just watts consumed but also start up current and current spikes during the workout. The power station battery capacity has to be able to deliver that current 

[Pieterlab1]

Check these guys out, I bought my power backup and eventually my whole solar setup through them and I am very satisfied.

www.powerprovider.co.za 

[Frosty]

I have a non-smart trainer (wheel on) available, that doesn’t run on electricity, and which is great for doing workouts in “self-control mode”.

If one gets too hot indoors, moving outside, in the wind, can work too; I did that during covid lockdown, even though I had solar, just to get the feel of “wind in the hair”. 

[Newbie321]

I've run my kicker core on those Router UPS's like this one before with no issues: Gizzu 8800mAh Mini UPS Dual DC | Buy Online in South Africa | takealot.com

[mecheng89]

57 minutes ago, Frosty said:

I have a non-smart trainer (wheel on) available, that doesn’t run on electricity, and which is great for doing workouts in “self-control mode”.

If one gets too hot indoors, moving outside, in the wind, can work too; I did that during covid lockdown, even though I had solar, just to get the feel of “wind in the hair”. 

I have no self-control 🤣

[DieselnDust]

30 minutes ago, Newbie321 said:

I've run my kicker core on those Router UPS's like this one before with no issues: Gizzu 8800mAh Mini UPS Dual DC | Buy Online in South Africa | takealot.com

How long did it take to kill the ups…?

[mecheng89]

32 minutes ago, Newbie321 said:

I've run my kicker core on those Router UPS's like this one before with no issues: Gizzu 8800mAh Mini UPS Dual DC | Buy Online in South Africa | takealot.com

The KICKR, according to their website, required 5A @ 120V AC. 

Little Gizzu is therefore underpowered.

DC1 Interface
Output Voltage: 5, 9, 12Vdc
Output Current: 5V, 9V, 12V/3A
DC2 Interface
Output Voltage: 5, 9, 12Vdc
Output Current: 5V, 9V, 12V/3A

This is extracted from the Takealot link you shared.

But, what do I know.

[mecheng89]

1 hour ago, Frosty said:

I have a non-smart trainer (wheel on) available, that doesn’t run on electricity, and which is great for doing workouts in “self-control mode”.

If one gets too hot indoors, moving outside, in the wind, can work too; I did that during covid lockdown, even though I had solar, just to get the feel of “wind in the hair”. 

 

[mecheng89]

KICKR CORE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Part Number: WFBKTR4

Dimensions (legs open): 20"L x 23"W x 19"H (51 cm x 59 cm x 49 cm)

Dimensions (legs closed): 9"L x 23"W x 21"H (22 cm x 59 cm x 54 cm)

Weight (Unboxed): 40 lbs (18.1 kg)

Rear Wheel Size: 24" RD / 24" MTB / 650c RD / 26" MTB / 700c RD / 650b MTB / 29" MTB

Hub Types: 130/135mm QR, 12x142, and 12x148 Thru Axle - Adapters Included

Drivetrain: Cassette not included. Requires Purchase and Installation of New 8/9/10/11 Speed SRAM/Shimano Cassette

KICKR CLIMB Compatible: Yes

KICKR HEADWIND Compatible: Yes

Cadence Sensor: Sold Separately

Front Wheel Block: Sold Separately

Resistance Type: Electromagnetic

Accuracy: + / - 2%

Connectivity: Bluetooth®, ANT+, ANT+ FEC

Wireless Software Updates: Yes

3rd Party Power Meter Support: Yes

Devices: iOS, Android, PC (Mac and Windows)

Max User Weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)

Power Requirements: 100-240V~1.5A 50-60 Hz

Flywheel Weight: 12 lbs (5.5kg)

Maximum Simulated Grade: 16%

Maximum Power Output: 1800 Watts (in my dreams)