GOALZERO Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- GOALZERO
Table of Contents
GOALZERO Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
CHARGE ME NOW
Before using or storing, plug your Goal Zero Yeti into the wall until it is
fully charged. Keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged in when not in use. For more
tips and tricks on keeping your battery healthy, see the BATTERIES 101
section.
Get To Know Your Gear
Charging Your Goal Zero Yeti
CHARGE ME NOW:
Before using or storing, plug your Goal Zero Yeti into the wall until it is
fully charged. Keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged in when not in use. For more
tips and tricks on keeping your battery healthy, see the BATTERY 101 section.
When charging your Goal Zero Yeti you will notice a battery segment blinking
in the display. This indicates the current charge status. Once your Goal Zero
Yeti is fully charged, all battery segments will be lit and remain solid. As
long as there is more power going into the Goal Zero Yeti than is being pulled
from the output ports, the display will also indicate an estimated time until
fully charged. This is an estimated time based on the power input and output
numbers at that time; it will gradually adjust to a shorter or longer time as
the average charge or discharge rates fluctuate.
Charging from Solar
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When solar recharging your Goal Zero Yeti Lithium, take note of the voltages
of the solar panels and do not exceed 22V. Individual solar panels, or solar
panels chained in series in excess of 22V cannot be used with the Goal Zero
Yeti Lithium and can cause serious damage to the unit. For help on chaining
solar panels, call our Customer Solutions Center at
888-794-6250.The Goal Zero Yeti’s
charging port is located on the top-left corner of the faceplate and has a
blue ring around it. This 8mm port is designed to work with Goal Zero solar
panels and is capable of taking in 120W of solar.
- Place your solar panel where it will get as much direct sunlight as possible.
- Insert the blue-ringed plug form the panel into the INPUT port on the front of the YETI. You will know the Yeti is charging when the blue LED light next to the INPUT port lights up, and the battery segments in the LCD BATTERY DISPLAY are blinking. The YETI is fully charged when all battery segments stop blinking and remain solid.
- Some GOAL ZERO panels are chainable to provide more power to your YETI and reduce solar charge times. The INPUT port is capable of taking in 120W of solar.
Charging from the Wall
Using the included AC Wall Charger, plug your Goal Zero Yeti into any wall
outlet. You will know the Goal Zero Yeti is charging when the blue LED light
next to the INPUT port turns on, and battery segments in the BATTERY DISPLAY
are blinking. The Goal Zero Yeti is fully charged when all battery segments
stop blinking and remain solid. The Goal Zero Yeti should recharge from the
wall in about 7 hours.
- The AC wall adapter comes in two pieces. Connect the two pieces by plugging the cable into the box.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The Goal Zero Yeti Lithium is not compatible recharging from a 12V source,
it can result in damage to the unit, cable, as well as your vehicle.
Using your Goal Zero Yeti
How to use your Goal Zero Yeti:
- Press the power button located above each port you will be using. **When not using certain ports, make sure to turn them off to conserve power.
- You’ll know the port is turned on when the green LED light on the button is illuminated.
- Plug in your gear for power anywhere life takes you.
- If possible, keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged into a power source when not in use.
- You can charge your Goal Zero Yeti, and run your gear at the same time.
Best-Use Strategy:
When charging gear with your Goal Zero Yeti, take note of the LCD Battery
Display. If you plug in devices that have a high power requirement (a large
refrigerator), the charge level of your Goal Zero Yeti can drop very quickly
and you may not get exactly 400Wh of energy. Also, especially when using the
AC power output, the Goal Zero Yeti will be converting the energy from the DC
power of the battery to the AC power needed by your device. Although your Goal
Zero Yeti has a highly efficient inverter, there is still some energy lost in
the conversion and you will not get the full rated capacity of the battery. If
you’re experiencing shorter runtimes, you may want to check the device’s power
requirements, see TROUBLESHOOTING for help.
Cold Weather Usage:
Cold temperatures (below freezing) can impact the Goal Zero Yeti’s battery
capacity. If you’ll be out living off-grid in sub-zero conditions, we
recommend keeping your Goal Zero Yeti in an insulated cooler, connected to a
power source (solar panels), and charging your gear. The natural heat
generated by the Goal Zero Yeti contained in an insulated cooler will keep
battery capacity at its highest.
LCD Display + Buttons
You can activate the display backlight by pressing the LIGHT button. The
built-in LCD display indicates four important things:
- INPUT shows the amount of power (watts) going into the Goal Zero Yeti while charging. If charging from solar, you’ll see the watts change as you reposition the panels into/out of the sunlight.
- LO will be displayed if power flow is below a measurable amount.
- OUTPUT shows the amount of power (watts) your devices are using while plugged into the Goal Zero Yeti.
- TIME TO EMPTY/FULL shows the amount of time before your Goal Zero Yeti is completely charged or empty, depending on if the net amount of power going into the Goal Zero Yeti is positive or negative.
- BATTERY LEVEL shows 5 segments, approximating 20% – 40% – 60% – 80%
- 100% capacity. As you use your Goal Zero Yeti, segments will disappear from the display, indicating the remaining charge. When charging your Goal Zero Yeti you will notice a battery segment blinking. This indicates the current charge status. Once your Goal Zero Yeti is fully charged, all battery segments will be lit and remain solid. As long as there is more power going into the Goal Zero Yeti than is being pulled from the output ports, the display will also indicate an estimated time until fully charged. This is an estimated time based on the power input and output numbers at that time; it will adjust to a shorter or longer time if the charge or discharge rates fluctuate. Note that when you first plug in a power source, whether it’s a solar panel or a wall charger, the Yeti may take a minute to detect and adjust its charge circuitry before it starts drawing power from the source.
- Pressing the UNIT button will scroll through different output and power consumption settings.
- Pressing and holding the UNIT button will reset the WATT HOUR output counter. Pressing the INFO button will alternate the screen between showing the detailed battery state of charge percentage and the Time to Empty/Full.
Storage and Downtime Maintenance
Having your Goal Zero Yeti connected to a power source, like a solar panel or wall plug, between adventures or while in storage keeps its battery healthy and topped off. This prolongs battery life and will ensure your Goal Zero Yeti is charged and ready to go all day, every day. If you can’t keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged into a power source during storage, fully-charge your Goal Zero Yeti every 3 months and store it in a cool, dry place. Failure to maintain your Goal Zero Yeti by following these steps can result in battery damage which will void the product warranty.
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of battery is in my Goal Zero Yeti?
Your Goal Zero Yeti uses custom-designed Lithium Ion. Here are some basic
facts about Lithium Ion batteries:
- Lithium Ion batteries can store and release a lot of energy in a short period of time. The batteries in your Goal Zero Yeti are in a protective enclosure with a sophisticated battery management and protection system controlling its terminals to the outside world.
- It is critical that your battery does not get wet as moisture and water can get into the battery cells behind the protection circuitry and bypass that protection.
How do I know if my Goal Zero Yeti is charged?
To check the charge level of your Goal Zero Yeti, refer to the LCD Battery
Display. When lit up, you’ll see a battery outline with 5 segments, indicating
the current charge level. It is OK to use your Goal Zero Yeti even when it’s
not fully charged.
Why is the light on the AC button blinking?
A blinking light on the AC button indicates that at the current load, the AC
inverter will be shutting off soon; you should also see RESERVE MODE blinking
on the display. Recharge your Goal Zero Yeti as soon as possible to continue
powering your device. Once the AC inverter has shut off, the Yeti will attempt
to reset itself three times. After three attempts, the AC inverter will remain
off until you physically reset it by pushing the AC button or by recharging
the battery a small amount.
Why is the light on the 12V button blinking?
A blinking light on the 12V button indicates the 12V car port has been shut
off to protect whatever you have plugged in; you should also see RESERVE MODE
blinking on the display. Recharge your Goal Zero Yeti as soon as possible to
continue powering your device.
How do I know if my device will work with the Goal Zero Yeti?
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, ex. Guide10 Plus Power Pack, Goal Zero Yeti 400. These numbers refer to the Watt Hours(Wh), or the amount of energy that can be stored in each recharger, and how you’ll know if your gear is compatible with each recharger. For example, a 200Wh recharger should run a 100W light for 2 hours (200/100=2). If your gear falls within the 400Wh capacity of the Goal Zero Yeti, you’ll want to check the restrictions on each of the output ports. Another factor in the math is how much power is being converted going from the Goal Zero Yeti battery to the device you are powering/charging. In some situations, like when running a 12V device, such as the LAL 350, directly off the 12V port, there will be no conversion and so no additional losses. In using the USB ports to charge a phone, you add a layer of conversion (12V battery in the Goal Zero Yeti is being converted to a 5V USB output), which introduces around 10% of losses. When using the inverter, there are two layers of conversion (12V to high voltage, DC to AC). The least efficient way of using the battery in the Goal Zero Yeti is to use an AC-DC adapter off the AC ports, as is the case if you use a phone wall charger to charge your phone, as it adds yet another layer of conversion in the wall adapter. So when you’re deciding on what to power from your new GOAL ZERO recharger, do some research into your device’s watt consumption. For more quick tips and learning tools, check out www.GoalZero.com/learn.html
Troubleshooting
If your devices are not recharging from your Goal Zero Yeti, follow these steps:
- Ensure the Output Port has been turned on. The green LED light on the power button should be lit up.
- If any of the lights have turned red, this indicates a trip. Push the button again to reset it. The light will turn green when it is successfully reset.
- Check the Battery Display. If it is at 20% or below, charge your Goal Zero Yeti.
- Check the LCD Display for warning icons:
- OVERLOAD: Power draw exceeds port’s maximum allowance. Indicated by red light in the port’s button. Temperature warning. Allow unit to cool.
- Verify your device is suitable for use with the Goal Zero Yeti:
- All of the Goal Zero Yeti output ports have their own max power capacity. Check the Goal Zero Yeti’s Tech Specs to ensure your device is compatible.
- If you are still experiencing trouble with your Goal Zero Yeti, please call our Customer Solutions Center at 1-888-794-6250 or by email at support@goalzero.com
Education
BATTERIES 101: GOAL ZERO utilizes the latest and greatest in battery technology to accompany you on all life’s adventures. From the versatile and lightweight Lithuim Ion, to the robust and powerful Lead Acid, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to keep your GOAL ZERO batteries working their best.
Batteries need exercise.
The best thing for any battery is to use it. Don’t leave the battery sitting
without being charged for extended periods of time. If you will be storing the
Goal Zero Yeti without a charger, make sure it’s fully charged before you put
it away.
The “Battery Memory” myth.
Thanks to old Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, there’s a myth running around
that you should completely drain your batteries before plugging them in for a
recharge, called “deep cycling”. Although true with NiCd batteries, the
typical batteries you’ll find in most of your gear today, including the
advanced lithium and lead-acid batteries used in your GOAL ZERO rechargers,
require no such draining. In fact, you should avoid deep cycling your
batteries – it does more harm than good in most cases.
The “Stadium Effect”.
The stadium effect occurs when recharging your batteries. You’ll notice your
battery quickly filling up in the beginning, then slowing down noticeably when
trying to charge up the last several percentages. Think of how quickly a
stadium fills up when the doors first open – there are hundreds of open seats
so it’s easy to find the one you want. Eventually there are only
a few open seats here and there and people have to maneuver around to find the
spot they want and filling those seats takes longer. The same theory applies
to recharging batteries. It’s easy for energy to flow in and take up empty
space in the beginning, and as time goes on and there is less space available,
it takes longer for the energy to fill in the holes.
Read the manual.
Yeah, it might be a long read, but the manual is the best place to find the
dos and don’ts for the battery in your specific device. Reading your manual
will ensure you’re taking steps to keep your batteries happy and healthy.
SOLAR 101:
GOAL ZERO makes it easy to recharge your gear from the sun – we didn’t invent
solar power, we perfected it. Some things to keep in mind when recharging your
gear with solar power:
Solar panels don’t store power from the sun, they collect it.
We teach you to COLLECT – STORE – USE, which is the best way to utilize solar
power to recharge your gear. COLLECT the sun’s energy with a solar panel.
STORE the power in a recharger. USE the recharger to power your gear, day or
night. If you’re really a diehard, you can plug your gear directly into the
junction box located on the back of our NOMAD Solar Panels to recharge from
the sun.
Not all solar charge times are created equal.
Most solar panel manufacturers calculate their recharge times with the
following equation: Device Watt Hours/Solar Panel Watts = Solar Recharge
Times. So theoretically, a 13 watt solar panel would recharge a 50 watt-hour
recharger in 3.84 hours (50/13 = 3.84) – and this is the number you could find
in marketing material for a solar panel. However, in order to standardize
results across all manufacturers, these tests are completed in laboratory
settings. The truth is, on a good, sunny day, you’ll receive about 50-75% of
your solar panel’s rated wattage, and this is how the engineers at GOAL ZERO
calculate the solar recharge times you see on our packaging.
Solar works, even in overcast conditions.
Solar panels utilize IR, UV, and visible rays from the sun that can penetrate
through clouds. Although the efficiency of the solar panel will decrease in
cloudy conditions, you’ll still be collecting valuable power from the sun.
Keep away from shade and windows.
Although you should seek out the shade on sunny days, your solar panels will
collect more power when fully exposed to the sunlight. Windows also have a
habit of decreasing efficiency. So keep those panels outside and in the bright
sunlight.
Proper alignment works wonders.
Keeping your solar panel angled toward the sun can dramatically increase solar
efficiency. Set it up and let Mother Nature do the rest.
Warranty & Contact
LIMITED WARRANTY
GOAL ZERO LLC warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this GOAL ZERO
product will be free from defects in workmanship and material under normal
consumer use during the applicable warranty period identified in Paragraph 2,
below, subject to the exclusions set forth in Paragraph 5, below. This
warranty statement sets forth GOAL ZERO’s total and exclusive warranty
obligation. We will not assume, nor authorize any person to assume for us, any
other liability in connection with the sales of our products.
WARRANTY PERIOD
The warranty period for GOAL ZERO battery cells (whether purchased on a stand-
alone basis or as part of another product) is 180 days. The warranty period
for all other GOAL ZERO products and components is one (1) year. In each case,
the warranty period is measured starting on the date of purchase by the
original consumer purchaser. The sales receipt from the first consumer
purchase, or other reasonable documentary proof, is required in order to
establish the start date of the warranty period. If you completed the online
GOAL ZERO Product Registration Form within 30 days after purchasing your
product, that registration can also establish the start date of the warranty
period (but warranty coverage is not conditioned upon such registration).
REMEDY
GOAL ZERO will repair or replace (at GOAL ZERO’s option and expense) any GOAL
ZERO product that fails to operate during the applicable warranty period due
to a defect in workmanship or material.LIMITED TO ORIGINAL CONSUMER BUYER The
warranty on GOAL ZERO’s products is limited to the original consumer purchaser
and is not transferable to any subsequent owner.
EXCLUSIONS
GOAL ZERO’s warranty does not apply to (i) any product that is misused,
abused, modified, damagedby accident, or used for anything other than normal
consumer use as authorized in GOAL ZERO’s then-current product literature, or
(ii) any product purchased through an online auction house. GOAL ZERO’s
warranty does not apply to any battery cell or product containing a battery
cell unless the battery cell
is fully charged by you within seven (7) days after you purchase the product
and at least once every 6 months thereafter.
HOW TO RECEIVE SERVICE
To obtain warranty service, you must contact our customer service team via
telephone at 888-794-6250, or via email
at support@goalzero.com. If our customer
service team determines that further assistance is required, they will give
you a Return Material Authorization (“RMA”) number and will provide you with
prepaid return shipping label that you can use to mail back your non-
functioning item(s). You must properly package the product, clearly marking
the RMA number on the package and including proof of your purchase date with
the product. We will process your return and send your repaired or replacement
product to you at our expense for product being shipped to locations in North
America. For product purchased or being shipped outside of North America,
please contact the local distributor from whom you purchased the product or
email support@goalzero.com to obtain further distributor information.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES
THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED HEREIN IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-
INFRINGEMENT, EXTEND BEYOND THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD IDENTIFIED IN
PARAGRAPH 2, ABOVE. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The foregoing provisions state GOAL ZERO’s entire liability, and your
exclusive remedy, for any breach of warranty, express or implied. IN NO EVENT
WILL GOAL ZERO BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING
FROM ANY USE OR MALFUNCTION OF ANY GOAL ZERO PRODUCT, OR FROM ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY, INCLUDING DAMAGE TO OTHER DEVICES. IN NO EVENT WILL GOAL ZERO’s
LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY) OR UNDER ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY,
EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE GOAL ZERO PRODUCT. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>