Table of Contents
- 1 Anker Solix F3800 Plus Review: Solving the Biggest Pain Points of the Original Power Station
- 1.1 Upgrade 1: Simultaneous AC Charging and Output Capabilities
- 1.2 Upgrade 2: Vastly Improved Solar Input Voltage Limits
- 1.3 Ecosystem Compatibility and Hardware Tweaks
- 1.4 Firmware Management and Remote Monitoring
- 1.5 Power Output Benchmarks and Heavy Load Testing
- 1.6 Conclusion: Is the F3800 Plus Worth the Upgrade?
- 1.7 You Might Also Like
- 1.8 FAQs
- 1.9 Share this:
- 1.10 Like this:
Anker Solix F3800 Plus Review: Solving the Biggest Pain Points of the Original Power Station
Anker F3800 PLUS Review – Remember the Anker Solix F3800? It packed a punch with its high-capacity power, but tripped over a couple of key flaws that left users frustrated. Like not being able to charge it with AC while pulling power out at the same time. Now the F3800 Plus steps in to fix those exact issues.
This new model takes what worked and boosts the weak spots. In this review, we’ll break down the upgrades that make it a smarter pick for home backup or off-grid setups. You’ll see how it handles simultaneous charging, beefs up solar input, and more. Stick around to learn if it’s time to upgrade your power game.
Upgrade 1: Simultaneous AC Charging and Output Capabilities
The F3800 Plus lets you charge from AC and use the AC output at once. No more waiting for one or the other. This change alone makes it way more practical for real-life power needs.
Gone are the days when plugging in to recharge shuts down your outlets. Now you can keep things running while the battery tops up. It’s a game-changer for outages or steady solar setups.
1. The Dedicated Generator Input Adapter for 240V Pass-Through
This adapter is built just for the F3800 Plus. It plugs into a generator for 240V charging. And it keeps the 240V outlet live the whole time. The label warns it’s not for the old F3800 model. That means no firmware hack will make it work there. When you hook it up, 120V outlets shut off to protect the system.
But the 240V stays on. Pull the charge, and everything flips back. It’s safe and straightforward for bigger loads like tools or dryers.
2. Workarounds for 120V Simultaneous Operation
For 120V needs, you can mix charging and output with some cables. Use an adapter string in your transfer switch. Just keep the total draw under 3,000 watts or 25 amps. This setup powers your devices while sipping 120V charge. Know your loads first. If you stay low, it works fine without the full adapter.
I tested it with a string of plugs. The unit charged and output without a hitch. Adapt to your setup, and you’ll avoid overloads.
3. EV Charging Mode: The One Exception to Simultaneous AC Use
One catch: EV mode blocks AC input. Double-tap the power button, and a car icon shows. That’s for direct car charging, no extras needed. In this mode, you can’t recharge from AC. Output still flows to your vehicle. It’s smart for quick EV boosts during blackouts.
Switch out of it, and AC pairing returns. This keeps things focused when you need pure EV power.
Upgrade 2: Vastly Improved Solar Input Voltage Limits
Solar was a sore spot on the original F3800. It’s 60V cap limited big array. The Plus jumps to 165V max, opening doors for more panels. This lets you wire setups more easily. No more forcing low volts on high-output gear. It’s perfect for backyard or roof solar.
Higher limits mean less hassle. You pull more power without rework. Solar users, this is your upgrade cue.
1. From 60V to 165V: Expanding Solar Compatibility
The old model topped at 60V. Hard to max 2,400 watts without strain. Now 165V handles series wiring on most panels. Take my two 48V backyard panels. The series hits about 100V, which the old unit couldn’t take. The Plus eats it up, no problem.
Long cable runs? The series cuts the voltage drop. Parallel amps up the heat and needs fat wires. Higher volts fix that for a full solar harvest.
2. Higher Wattage per Port and New Connector Standards
Each port now takes 1,600 watts. Two ports mean 3,200 watts total. That’s double the old max. They swapped XT60 for new adapters. These go from MC4 to a beefier plug. Higher voltages demand it for safety.
The unit ships with two. No hunting for cables. Plug in your array and charge faster.
3. Solar Wiring Demonstration: Series vs. Parallel Performance
I wired my panels in series for 90V. Pulled 830 watts easily. Switched to parallel at 48V, and it dropped to 623 watts. That’s a big gap. Just rewire, and you see the boost. The series shines for distance and efficiency.
If you’re building solar, go high voltage. It maxes input without waste. The Plus makes it simple.
- Series Connection
For a series connection, you can connect up to 4 solar panels to each solar input port. As an example, a compatible solar panel is the Anker SOLIX 405W Rigid Solar Panel.Each solar input port supports a maximum of 165V. Given that one solar panel operates at 31.18V, this equates to a theoretical limit of 5.29 panels (165V ÷ 31.18V). However, connecting 5 panels in series would exceed the 1,600W power limit, so a maximum of 4 panels is recommended.
- Parallel Connection
When connecting solar panels in parallel, the total current of two panels exceeds 17A per port, preventing efficient use of solar input power. Therefore, parallel connection is not recommended. Supports a 2 in series, 2 in parallel configuration. For example, review this image showing Anker SOLIX 400W Portable Solar Panels.
Ecosystem Compatibility and Hardware Tweaks
Old F3800 batteries work with the Plus. No need to ditch your expansions. Stack them for more capacity. The build feels solid. A 10-year life means it holds 80% charge after daily full cycles. Battery tech stays safe, no puffing or bangs.
Pair two units for 12kW via the Home Power Panel. It ties into your house smoothly. I skipped it, but heard it’s top-notch for backups.
1. Expansion Battery Compatibility and Warranty
Your old expansions plug right in. Upgrade without extra buys. I kept mine and added Power Seamless. Daily use for a year? No drop in output. It’s tough for home or camping.
Warranty covers five years. Mine got replaced fast on another Anchor unit. Support ships new gear in days.
2. Physical Changes and Home Integration Options
RV plug replaces NEMA 14-50 now. Grab an adapter if you miss the old one. It’s cheap and easy. For the whole home, the panel links units. Or use a manual switch like I did. My electrician wired key circuits.
Rooftop solar goes dark on grid loss. This setup lets me pick what runs. Plug in, flip switches, and power on.
3. Warranty and Customer Support Experience
Five years back, the unit. Issues? Email and get a swap quickly. My C1000 case proved it—two days flat. Support listens. They fix without fuss. Buy with peace of mind.
Firmware Management and Remote Monitoring
Updates happen in the app. Go to settings, hit upgrade. It checks the main unit and batteries. Takes minutes. Wi-Fi speeds it up. No cables needed.
Remote view tracks use and solar. Toggle AC from afar. Great for cabins or monitoring a home draw.
- Effortless Firmware Updates via the Solix App
Open settings, tap the option. See your version and any needs. Hit go, wait a bit. Batteries update too. Keeps everything current. I do it monthly for the best performance. Simple as phone tweaks. No tech skills required. - Actionable Tip: Leveraging Wi-Fi for Remote Control
Link to Wi-Fi for app magic. Watch watts in real time. Turn outlets on or off from your phone. Handy for vacation homes. Or check the generation during storms. It adds control without trips. I use it daily. Spots spike easily, like when lights blast on.
Power Output Benchmarks and Heavy Load Testing
This beast hits 6kW steady. I pushed it with the kitchen gear. Kettle, microwave, oven—all at once. Started at 1,670 watts with lights. Kettle bumped to 3,200. Oven at 400 degrees? 4,600 watts. Kettle again topped 6kW. It cut the power smart. Notification popped, hit restart—back online.
- Testing the 6kW Output Capacity
Ran the studio on a 20-amp circuit. Added shop vac, charger. Usage climbed fast. Kitchen test cooked dinner loads. Microwave hummed, oven baked. The app showed every jump. Sunset view mid-test? Bonus. Proves it runs daily life smoothly. - Overload Behavior and Reactivation Protocol
Exceed 6kW without a dual hub? Shutdown kicks in. Protects the unit. App alerts you. Press the power, and it resets. No damage, just a pause. I hit it with boiling water. Quick fix, power flowed again. Safe for heavy use. - Maneuverability: Weight and Handling
Around 130 pounds each. Handle helps, but don’t lift solo. I wouldn’t deadlift it. Roll it carefully. Garage spot works best. Sturdy build pays off.
Conclusion: Is the F3800 Plus Worth the Upgrade?
The F3800 Plus nails the old model’s flaws. Simultaneous AC charging and output make it reliable. No more downtime mid-use. Solar voltage boost to 165V unlocks better arrays. Series wiring pulls max watts, cuts losses. It’s a win for off-grid fans.
If you need high-capacity storage, grab the Plus. It delivers versatile power for homes or RVs. Check the link below to get yours and power up smart.
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FAQs
- Can I use F3800 and F3800 Plus with the Double Power Hub at the same time?
Yes. - Can I use F3800 and F3800 Plus with the Home Power Panel at the same time?
Yes. - Can Anker SOLIX F3800 and F3800 Plus be connected to Home Power Panel, Double Power Hub, and Transfer Switch simultaneously?
Yes. - When can a generator and F3800 Plus be used together?
You can use a generator and F3800 Plus in the following scenarios:
1. With 240V Generators- F3800 Plus Only
The generator connects to the F3800 Plus’s Home Power Panel port. Use the F3800 Plus’s L14-30R AC output port to deliver up to 6,000W (240V) or the TT-30R port for up to 3,000W (120V). - F3800 Plus + Transfer Switch/Inlet Box
The generator connects to the F3800 Plus’s Home Power Panel port. Use the F3800 Plus’s L14-30R AC output port to deliver up to 6,000W (240V). - F3800 Plus + Home Power Panel
Connect the generator to one of the Home Power Panel’s power station ports for up to 6,000W (240V) of generator power.
2. With 120V Generators
- F3800 Plus Only
Connect the generator to F3800 Plus’s Home Power Panel port. Use the F3800 Plus’s TT-30R AC output port to provide up to 3,000W (120V) max. This setup is an alternative to grid power. Note that the generator must output 120V pure sine wave power with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 5%. - F3800 Plus + Transfer Switch/Inlet Box
The generator connects to the F3800 Plus’s Home Power Panel port. Use the F3800 Plus’s TT-30R AC output port to deliver up to 3,000W (120V).
- F3800 Plus Only
- What should I do when using a solar panel to charge my power station?
Plug solar panels into one of Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station’s 2 solar input ports. Each one supports an 11-165V solar charger with a solar charging connection. The current supports 17A max.
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