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external digital scope battery for hunting

Powering Up: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best External Batteries for Digital Hunting Scopes in 2023

Introduction

What are Digital Hunting Scopes?

Digital hunting scopes, also known as digital night vision and thermal optics, are electronic devices used for hunting in the form of sight optics and monoculars. Unlike traditional glass scopes, digital scopes use a microprocessor to sample and process signals, providing more usability and advanced features such as waveform capture, storage, and display on a screen. This is a breakdown of the best external batteries for digital hunting scopes.

Why do Digital Hunting Scopes need External Batteries?

Digital scopes require a stable source of power to function properly. While most models come with a slot for removable batteries, they can be limiting in terms of use time. An external battery provides an alternative power source that enables users to operate their digital hunting scope on the go without worrying about running out of power too quickly or in cold conditions.

The Importance of Having a Reliable External Battery for Extended Use

A reliable external battery is crucial for prolonged usage of digital hunting scopes. Inaccurate or unreliable power sources can cause damage to the device, or frustration to the user when it doesn’t power the scope. A steady and consistent power supply ensures that the scope operates efficiently over extended periods without shutdowns or malfunctions.

Moreover, the battery’s capacity should match the user’s needs; otherwise, they may end up experiencing interruptions during usage since it drains faster than the expected output time. Therefore there is a need to choose an external battery that offers optimal performance at all times in different environments while considering other factors like durability, portability voltage compatibility amongst others

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the best external batteries available in the market today for digital scopes. We will also discuss some factors you may need to consider before making your purchase decision so you can pick out something that suits your needs perfectly.

High-level Overview of Best External Batteries for Digital Hunting Scopes

Digital hunting scopes are essential tools for both professional and amateur use for night hunting. They offer a higher level of accuracy and precision when compared to traditional glass scopes. However, they require a reliable external battery to function optimally, especially during extended usage periods.

There are numerous external batteries available for digital scopes, but not all of them are suitable. In this section, we will highlight the top three recommended brands/models based on their features, prices, and performance.

Top 3 Recommended Brands/Models

Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs

The Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs are our top choice for the best external battery for digital hunting scopes. These are the only battery packs that have an integrated picatinny rail mount for easy mounting rifles or scopes with picatinny rails. 

Here is a list of all the digital hunting scopes that can be powered by the Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs:

They are made from quality lithium battery packs with a high capacity of 10,000mAh rating. 

Anker 335 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)

The Anker 335 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K), 20W Portable Charger with USB-C Fast Charging is another great option with a high capacity of 20,000mAh. It has two output ports that allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Moreover, this charger has a built-in safety mechanism that protects your device from overcharging or short-circuiting. 

Anker Power Core 5000

The Anker Power Core 5000 is another great choice. This power bank boasts a medium capacity of 5,000mAh that can provide power to your digital hunting scope for hours on end. It also has a small footprint making it easy to carry and use on your rig without weighing you down.

It also has quick charge technology that enables it to charge faster than other power banks in its category. Additionally, it is lightweight and portable making it ideal if you’re always on the go.

Comparison of Features, Price & Performance

When choosing an external battery for your digital scope, it’s important to consider its features, price, and performance. In this section, we’ll compare our top three picks against each other. 

Battery Capacity: The Key to Extended Use

When choosing the best external battery for your digital scope, one of the most important factors to consider is the battery capacity. Battery capacity is essentially a measure of how much energy a battery can store.

The higher the capacity, the longer your digital scope’s battery will last. But how does this affect usage time?

Well, simply put, larger battery capacities allow you to use your digital scope for extended periods without having to stop and recharge. For instance, if you’re planning a weekend camping trip in the great outdoors and want to use your digital scope for birdwatching or stargazing at night, you’ll need an external battery with a high enough capacity to last for multiple nights without needing a recharge.

So what’s a well-recommended capacity based on your usage needs? It really depends on how long you plan on using your digital scope and how frequently you plan on recharging it.

We recommend choosing an external battery with a minimum of 10,000mAh (milliampere-hour) capacity for most applications. This should provide enough power for several hours of use before needing to be recharged.

 

 Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs have a capacity of 10,000mAh while Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger has a capacity of 20,000mAh. The lowest capacity on the list is that of Anker Power Core at 5,000mAh. If you need more extended usage periods or plan to charge other devices simultaneously with your digital scope, Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger is the best option. 

Charging Time

The charging time varies based on each power bank’s specifications and the charged device. However, both  Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs and Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger have quick charge technology that reduces their charging time significantly. 

Durability and Portability: A Match Made in Heaven

 

When choosing an external battery for your digital scope it’s important to consider both durability and portability. You want something that’s going to be able to withstand wear and tear out in the field while also being lightweight enough to carry around with ease.

There are several brands/models that stand out when it comes to durability and portability including  Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs, Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger, and Anker Power Core 5000 are just a few examples of high-quality external batteries that offer both of these features together. 

Another tip?

Look for external batteries with rubberized or silicone casings that provide extra protection against bumps and drops. This can make all the difference when you’re out in the field and need to rely on your battery to keep working no matter what.

All three power banks are portable and lightweight enough to carry around easily.  Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs are less than 1 pound with a hard plastic housing and an aluminum mount. Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger’s texturized exterior provides a good grip when held in hand. Anker Power Core 5000 batteries fit in your hand and also have a hard plastic frame.

Price

The pricing for our top three recommendations varies significantly depending on the brand/model selected. The cheapest of the three is Anker Power Core 5000 at below $20 while Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger costs around $50 – $60 based on where you purchase it from.  Both of those batteries need consideration of how they will be mounted or carried close to the scope.  The Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs cost around $90 shipped and are ready to go with mounts and cables for your digital hunting scope.

When deciding which external battery to buy for your digital scope needs, we recommend considering all relevant factors such as battery capacity and charging time as well as durability and portability features. Ultimately it comes down to personal preferences based on budget constraints and individual requirements.

 

Battery Type: Lithium-ion vs Nickel-metal hydride

When it comes to choosing between lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries for your external digital scope battery needs, there are some key differences that are worth noting. Lithium-ion batteries tend to have higher energy densities than nickel-metal hydride batteries. This means they can store more energy in less space which makes them more efficient overall.

They also tend to have longer lifespans and hold onto their charge better when not in use. On the other hand, nickel-metal hydride batteries are generally cheaper than lithium-ion batteries but have lower energy densities and shorter lifespans overall.

They also tend not to hold their charge as well when not in use. Ultimately, the choice between lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride comes down to your individual needs and budget.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, efficient, and high-performance battery, lithium-ion is the way to go. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need as much power, nickel-metal hydride is definitely worth considering.

Charging Time: How to Minimize It

No one likes waiting around for their batteries to charge. Luckily there are some things you can do to minimize the charging time of your external battery for digital scopes.

Firstly, consider sticking with a wall charger instead of using USB charging. Wall chargers deliver more power than USB ports so they’ll be able to charge your battery faster overall.

Another thing you can do is make sure you’re using an appropriate charger that matches your battery’s specifications. Using an incompatible charger can damage both your battery and device so it’s important to get this right!

Avoid charging your external battery in extreme temperatures as this can slow down the charging process and even damage the battery itself. Keep it at room temperature or slightly below if possible.

Rarely Known Small Details

Temperature Range

Have you ever noticed that your phone battery dies faster in cold weather? The same goes for external batteries used for digital scopes. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can affect battery performance and reduce battery life.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the temperature range of the external battery before making a purchase. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use an external battery within a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F).

Using an external battery outside this temperature range might cause damage to the battery and also reduce its lifespan. So if you’re planning on using your digital scope in extremely cold or hot conditions, make sure to choose an external battery that can withstand those temperatures.

Voltage Compatibility

Voltage compatibility is another important factor when selecting an external battery for your digital hunting scope. If the voltage output of the external battery doesn’t match that of your digital scope, it can damage both devices and render them unusable. Before buying an external battery, make sure to check your digital scope specifications for voltage requirements. 

Most digital scopes require a 5V DC input voltage. It’s best to select an external battery with a voltage output that matches these requirements.

Warranty and Customer Support

Despite choosing a high-quality brand/model of an external battery, issues may arise that require assistance from customer support or warranty coverage. It’s essential always to consider these aspects before purchasing any product. Some brands/models offer extended warranties while some offer limited warranties only covering specific parts or damages caused by malfunctions during normal use.

Furthermore, other factors such as customer support available through email or phone are important aspects when choosing a product. It’s recommended to choose brands/models with good customer support availability through email or phone as well as decent warranty coverage.

All 3 brands offer both. These brands are well known for their exceptional customer service and speedy response times in case of any issues.

Conclusion:

Temperature range, voltage compatibility, and warranty/customer support are three rarely known small details to consider when choosing an external battery for your digital scope. Selecting a high-quality brand/model with optimal temperature range and voltage compatibility can ensure long-term, reliable use of your digital scope.

Additionally, choosing a brand/model with excellent warranty coverage and customer support can provide peace of mind in case issues arise during usage. Always make sure to research before making a purchase to invest in the best product possible for your needs.

Recapitulation On The Importance Of Having A Reliable External Battery For Digital Hunting Scopes

Using an external battery is essential for the prolonged use of digital hunting scopes. The best batteries will provide long-lasting power, portability, and durability. Without an external battery, you risk running out of power in the middle of your observation or hunt, which can be frustrating and even dangerous.

In addition to providing extended power life, a reliable external battery also helps maintain optimal performance for your digital scope. A fully charged battery ensures that your scope operates at a peak performance level throughout the entire observation period.

Final Recommendation Based On User’s Ueeds

When deciding which external battery to choose for your digital scope, there are several factors to consider. These include capacity, type of battery, charging time, durability/portability, temperature range compatibility with your scope, and voltage compatibility. Based on these considerations and our research on the best brands/models available in the market today we recommend the  Perceptive Outdoor Gear External Battery Packs as our top pick.

These models have a high capacity and provide a long operation time for most digital hunting scopes before needing a recharge. They are  lightweight but durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, and come with everything needed to power a scope.

If you need something more affordable but still high quality then we recommend Anker 335 Power Bank 20000 mAh Portable Charger as another excellent option. This model has dual USB ports so it can charge multiple devices at once and its compact size makes it an easy-to-carry device.

Ultimately it’s important to select a model that fits your specific needs based on usage requirements. We encourage you to do some additional research before making any final purchase decisions; make sure that the selected device meets all your specifications including voltage compatibility with digital scope otherwise, you may experience issues with charging or even damage it!