Maestro rechargeable battery packs

Mark Griffin

I am considering a Flexradio Maestro. I realize you can power it by A/C. But I also know that you can install a battery pack in the back of the unit. Does anyone have any recommendations on a battery pack that will fit in the Maestro? Not sure if it can be charged while in the Maestro or not. But I don't have any problems with taking it out of the unit to charge it.

Mark KB3Z

Mike-VA3MW

I do know this one fits

https://www.imogix.com/collections/hot-sellers/products/portable-cell-phone-battery-charger-universal-10400mah-for-iphone-ipad-samsung-htc

David Decoons, wo2x

Also Flex recommends charging the pack out of the Maestro. This is for safety reasons.

Not all battery packs are created equal with charging requirements and is one reason no internal charging was available. Also as I mentioned, safety. Think hoverboards and the fires started by charging those.

and last, when charging LiPo battery packs, do not leave them unattended just a precaution

73

Dave wo2x

Martin AA6E

Has anyone ever heard of a Maestro fire? :)

I normally operate via ext 12v supply and only install my mogix when full portability is required. It's about battery management more than safety.

It would be nice if Maestro had "full service" battery support. (Internal charger & battery charge indicator, switchable mains/battery operation, etc.) Some day...

73 Martin AA6E

WX7Y

All LiPO can catch fire, one thing to watch with the Maestro is that when the Battery begins to swell it will push on the back of the screen and cause black spots on the screen.

Neil D Friedman N3DF

New Maestros have not been available from Flex for roughly a year. Did you locate a used one? “A” or “B” model?

Mark Griffin

Neil,

I am thinking about ordering a new one. Online it says 4th quarter 2022. I assume there in a long waiting list.

Neil D Friedman N3DF

I suggest waiting until you receive the updated Maestro from Flex before buying a battery. It may have different requirements.

Mark Griffin

I just placed my order. Time to just wait and see how long it will take.

sparkyradar

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004835191673.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.54551802eRRlYl

I found this 40W / 20,000mAh battery on AliExpress. I bought it based on the physical dimensions, and it easily fits inside the Maestro B recess. Published dimensions are: 141mm long, 66mm wide, and 16mm thick.

I especially like that this battery-bank features USB-C charging - a personal mainstay since my Pixel 2 days (2017, 5yrs ago), and all my current Dell & Apple laptops, Kindles, etc. USB-C everywhere! The capacity-display is handy but I can only view it when this battery is outside the Maestro... when installed, the Maestro's built-in USB-A cable orientation forces me to turn the display inward.

For $25 Cdn, I bought 2x of these, and they work well for me. In case the URL above dies, here's a screenshot to help guide others:

sparkyradar

Summary: I got burned 😮☹️

My latest Aliepress 40Wh/20,000mAh battery seemed to charge fast. Very fast. Too fast.

And in-use, the Maestro ran it down quite quickly. Hmmmm.... out came the Big Hammer:

Yeah - tiny battery, couple of large metal plates to give it some "heft". Completely Fake.

sparkyradar

Here is another battery which seems to work (by this I mean it takes the expected 3hrs to charge, and has run my Maestro for at least 3hrs - at which point it was not fully depleted):

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07G34JZG2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

This battery-bank fits beautifully into the Maestro,with the middle USB-A port lining-up well with the internal cable. It's too bad the orientation forces the "gas-gauge" paw-print to face inward, where it cannot show me the remaining capacity.

There are a couple of excellent Off-Amazon reviews for this bank, which lend comfort after my AliExpress burn:

https://www.techgearlab.com/reviews/electronics/portable-charger/iniu-portable-charger-10000

https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-portable-chargers