Powerstation without connectivity or option to disable RF
Posted by madcook1@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 18 comments
I'm looking for a 1500-2000 Wh powerstation without any connectivity or with an option to completly disable RF. If SHTF, I don't want to fiddle around with an app, and I also don't want to radiate to people around me that I have a powerstation. Any recommendations?
Eredani@reddit
You can disable the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on every major brand. The apps are nice, but at least for the Bluetti systems, there is nothing that you can't do from the front panel.
It's smart to not depend on wireless tech in an emergency. But your 'radiating' concern is unfounded.
There_Are_No_Gods@reddit
I read this more as "broadcasting my preps undesirably", not "exposing people to harmful radiation".
That seems like a low risk issue generally, but not "unfounded", if that's the meaning.
Eredani@reddit
I don't think anyone is talking about harmful radiation.
Power stations can connect to Wi-Fi but the SSID is broadcast from the router, not the power station. This could certainly be detectable by neighbors... but again it's the Wi-Fi router, not the power station.
They also have a Bluetooth capability but this is not generally detectable outside the house.
This is why I stated the radiation concerns are unfounded.
Federal_Refrigerator@reddit
On Bluetooth, the device is discoverable by MAC address due to beacons it outputs, even if you don’t have a name attached because the device isn’t in discoverable mode the MAC is typically sufficient to make a educated guess as to what device it is.
On WiFi, stations are constantly outputting packets as well with their MAC and associated AP broadcast. A WiFi card operating in promiscuous mode(aka monitor mode) is able to receive, interpret, and log these packets, allowing individuals to additionally determine not only that the station exists and its MAC address which can similarly be used to make an educated guess as to the device it is representative of is, but also the access point it is connected to, allowing an individual to increase certainty as to the geographic location of the device via triangulation(which can be done with a single moving device with GPS and WiFi, an Android phone works for example).
I would not call the OPs concerns unfounded just like I would not call someone’s concern about putting a sign out front their home that says “I have a expensive power station inside here”, as the only difference is the minimal skill required to do such determination as compared to simply reading a signs, but the effort would be minimal: a OUI lookup tool, a stock Android phone running WiGLE, and any computer with a WiFi card that runs an ARM or x86 architecture(I.e. raspberry pi, a old laptop, etc.) or even substituting the computer with instead using a Android phone with custom ROM and kernel to enable monitor mode on a USB-OTG connected WiFi adapter. The only prerequisite to all of this is some google searches, owning or obtaining the hardware, and following step by step instructions online.
With that said, will there be a high likelihood? No, but there’s also not really a high likelihood your stove will catch fire if you leave it on while you sleep, but people get out of bed to check and turn them off anyways, don’t they?
There_Are_No_Gods@reddit
Wi-Fi indeed is usually just in broadcast mode during initial setup.
Bluetooth absolutely broadcasts the existence of these devices all the time in typical configurations, albeit with a fairly short range. The range is short, but still enough to be relevant to many. 30 feet of range could easily result in detecting these from many neighbors in apartments or from the front door of many a house.
Weak-Brilliant1738@reddit
Feels like you want to look into DIY if you don't want RF. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m-Cndz4aEY&t=266s is a fairly decent guide for a DIY powerstation.
madcook1@reddit (OP)
Thanks that looks great
shikkonin@reddit
That's a battery.
mediocre_remnants@reddit
I just got one from Harbor Frieght (Predator brand) and as far as I know, there's no bluetooth or wifi or apps. No WiFi/BT logos on it, no FCC ID for wireless communication.
But also... I built a solar power system for my off-grid cabin with just batteries, an inverter, a solar charger, and solar panels. It's pretty easy and all of the components are relatively cheap off-the-shelf.
whagon-wheel@reddit
I would just buy a battery and an inverter
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Almost all of them have a wireless off button. I honestly haven't seen one that doesn't.
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Did you mean some big ol lead acid batteries and an inverter?
Fit-Scientist-9837@reddit
good luck finding one without any radio these days
most newer units got bluetooth baked in deep, even when you think its "off"
maybe older models from few years back?
madcook1@reddit (OP)
yes it's really odd, why don't they add a small switch or an option in the menu? seems so simple, bluetti had this in some older ones, but they removed it.
Revolutionary-Half-3@reddit
Because there's no real reason for it in consumer products. Consumers like to be able to look at their phone or tablet for all the data on the power station's screen. Maybe there is a case for selecting BT/Wi-Fi/hotspot modes.
I'm having the opposite problem with a 5kw inverter/charger, I got the now discontinued version that uses a USB port for a wifi/BT dongle but didn't include one. As such, trying to talk to it for some of the settings not available on the screen is a huge pain.
hmac705@reddit
Build your own. Lots of guide out there.
madcook1@reddit (OP)
yes, that is defintely an option
qbg@reddit
DIY is always an option.