Pulsar 1200W PG1202SA Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

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Pulsar 1200W PG1202SA Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Pulsar 1200W PG1202SA Portable Power Station: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

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Brand: Pulsar
Model: ‎PG1202SA
Weight: ‎37.5 pounds
Color: ‎Black/White
Power source: ‎gas-powered
Item weight: 37.5 Pounds
Country of origin: ‎China
Voltage: ‎120 Volts
Warranty description: ‎Backed by a 1 Year Limited Warranty
Special feature: Durable,Portable
Maximum engine power: ‎1200 Watts
Output wattage: 1200 Watts
Recommended uses: Residential, Camping
Fuel type: Gasoline
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Review and analysis

The Pulsar 1200W portable power station is designed for on-the-go power needs. This compact yet powerful device provides 1200 watts of continuous power and 2400 watts peak output, making it well-suited for small appliances, power tools, medical devices, and emergency preparedness.

Some of the key features of the Pulsar 1200W include a large 90Ah lead-acid battery bank, multiple AC and DC output ports, and a convenient carrying handle with rubber grip. The battery can be recharged by plugging into a wall outlet, using the 12V car charger, or connecting solar panels.

This portable power station is intended for uses such as camping, tailgating, working remotely, or as an emergency backup power source at home. It can power items like mini-fridges, CPAP machines, laptops, small TVs, power tools, medical devices, and more. The Pulsar 1200W provides portable AC power on-the-go when you don't have access to a wall outlet.

Power Output

The Pulsar 1200W is equipped with a robust power output capable of handling a wide range of devices and appliances. It has a 1200W continuous AC output and 1500W surge output provided by the pure sine wave inverter. This allows you to safely run sensitive electronics without worrying about power spikes or surges damaging your devices.

The inverter has a total of 4 AC outlets - two grounded 3-prong 120V outlets, one 12V cigarette lighter outlet, and one dual USB 5V 2.4A outlet. The 120V outlets let you plug in larger devices like power tools, small appliances, lights, fans, and more. The 12V DC outlet is great for charging car batteries or running 12V accessories. And the USB ports allow you to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered electronics. With 1200 watts of power capacity distributed across various outlet types, the Pulsar 1200W can easily handle multiple devices running simultaneously.

Battery Capacity

The Pulsar PG1202S is equipped with a 12V 33AH SLA battery, giving it a decent capacity for powering devices and appliances. With its 1200 watt AC power output, the 33AH battery can provide approximately 3-5 hours of power depending on usage. This battery capacity enables you to run small appliances like mini-fridges, CPAP machines, TVs, and laptops for a few hours before needing to recharge.

The 12V lead acid battery is sealed and maintenance-free, so there's no need to check fluid levels or add distilled water. It can be charged via the included 90W power adapter which takes around 8-10 hours for a full charge. The state of charge is shown on the digital display so you know when it needs charging. Overall, the 33AH battery offers a practical balance of capacity and portability.

Charging

The Pulsar PG1202SA can be charged via AC power, a car adapter, or solar panel (sold separately).

When using the AC adapter, the power station fully charges in around 4-5 hours. This provides the fastest and most convenient way to top up the battery when you have access to wall power.

The included 12V car adapter allows the PG1202SA to charge from your vehicle's cigarette lighter outlet while driving. This can be handy for keeping the power station powered up during road trips or outdoor excursions. Charging from a car takes longer at around 10-15 hours for a full charge.

For off-grid charging, Pulsar offers a compatible 50W folding solar panel (sold separately). With good sunlight exposure, the solar panel can fully recharge the power station in 15-20 hours. The solar charging capabilities make the PG1202SA a versatile power source for camping, boating, RVs, and other outdoor activities away from electrical outlets. Just note that solar charging times can vary substantially depending on the quality of sunlight.

Overall, the multiple charging options provide flexibility based on your setting and power needs. The car and solar charging give you portable power even when AC outlets are unavailable.

Portability

Despite its large 1200W power output, the Pulsar PG1202SA portable power station is designed for easy transport and mobility.

Weighing in at just 31 pounds, this is a fairly lightweight unit compared to other generators in this wattage range. The compact size, with dimensions of 13.5 x 7.5 x 10.5 inches, allows the PG1202SA to fit nicely into car trunks, RV compartments, camping gear, and more.

To further improve mobility, the power station has an integrated extending handle and wheel kit on one end. The wheels allow you to roll the unit around like wheeled luggage, while the handle provides a convenient grip point for lifting the generator in and out of vehicles. So you don't have to struggle with lifting the 31 pound bulk, making transport simple even for a single person.

Some reviewers do note that the handle feels a bit flimsy and could be more sturdy. But overall, most users find the portability features like the integrated handle and wheel kit to be useful additions that enhance the mobility of this compact yet powerful portable power station.

Features

The Pulsar PG1202S portable power station offers several useful features for powering devices on the go.

  • It has a bright LED light on the top which can be used for area lighting at night or in emergencies. The light has high, low, and SOS modes.

  • There are 3 standard USB ports and 1 USB-C port to charge mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The USB ports can charge devices even when the power station is turned off.

  • It has a clear digital display that shows the remaining battery percentage and power usage in watts so you know exactly how much power you have left.

  • The PG1202S also features 2 standard AC outlets (300W combined continuous power) so you can power small appliances and tools like CPAP machines, mini-fridges, power tools, and more.

  • There's an easy-carry handle and it's lightweight at only 11 lbs, making it highly portable for camping, RV trips, outdoor events, and emergency power needs.

Ease of Use

The Pulsar portable power station is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It features a basic control panel with power and display buttons, plus three 110V AC outlets and two USB ports.

Despite the straightforward controls, the PG1202SA includes a user manual to explain the functions and guide you through initial setup. The package also contains a 12V car charging cable, an AC wall charging cable, and a DC charging cable so you can power up the station through various sources right out of the box.

With its intuitive controls and included accessory cables, the Pulsar power station is ready for off-grid use as soon as it arrives. The simple operation allows anyone to start generating power in minutes without complicated instructions or features. Just plug in to charge it up, then connect devices to the AC outlets or USB ports to distribute clean, portable electricity when you need it.

Durability

The Pulsar PG1202S portable power station features a durable casing designed to protect the internal components from damage. The high-impact plastic housing and rubber corner guards help prevent cracks or dents if the unit is dropped.

According to the manufacturer, the expected lifespan for the PG1202S is approximately 500 charge cycles. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide several years of reliable off-grid power before needing to be replaced. Users mention the power station continuing to function properly after a few years of occasional use.

The integrated lead-acid battery is sealed and spill-proof. Pulsar claims the PG1202S can handle temperature fluctuations from -4 to 140°F, making it suitable for use in many environments. Overall, the sturdy construction and quality internal components result in a portable power station built to last.

Price

The Pulsar PG1202S portable power station comes at a very reasonable price point compared to similar models on the market. At around $250, it is significantly less expensive than competitors like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X which retails for $1800. The PG1202S provides excellent value for money given its 1200 watt power output and 252Wh battery capacity.

For a mid-range portable power station with enough juice to charge phones, tablets, small appliances and even some power tools, the Pulsar PG1202S hits a sweet spot between price and performance. It may lack some of the premium features like fast charging inputs of more expensive models. But for budget-focused consumers who want decent power and runtime without breaking the bank, the PG1202S is a great option at a very wallet-friendly price.

Overall, the Pulsar delivers substantial capability and versatility at a fraction of the cost of comparable units. Unless you need a high-end power station with large battery capacity and advanced features, the PG1202S gives you tremendous bang for your buck.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Portable and lightweight at only 23 lbs, making it easy to transport and move around
  • 1200 watt power output provides enough power to run most small appliances and electronics
  • Features 3 AC outlets and 2 USB ports for charging multiple devices
  • Includes a variety of useful features like LED light, 12V car outlet, and parallel connection ports
  • Can be charged via AC wall outlet, 12V car outlet, or solar panel (sold separately) for versatility
  • Provides up to 20 hours of continuous power from its 33Ah battery capacity
  • Intuitive control panel and power switch make it simple to operate
  • Durable and well-constructed with handle for easy carrying

Cons

  • Battery takes around 8 hours to fully recharge which is slower than some comparable models
  • Fans can get pretty loud when unit is operating at high power draw
  • LCD display is basic and lacks advanced usage metrics and input/output data
  • Only includes one 33Ah battery; additional spare batteries must be purchased separately
  • Does not allow daisy chaining multiple units to combine capacity
  • Price is moderately high compared to other similar 1200W power stations

More Information

Features of Pulsar 1,200W Carrying Handle, PG1202SA Gas-Powered Portable Generator, 1200W, Black/White
BrandPulsar
Model‎PG1202SA
Weight‎37.5 pounds
Color‎Black/White
Power source‎gas-powered
Item weight37.5 Pounds
Country of origin‎China
Voltage‎120 Volts
Warranty description‎Backed by a 1 Year Limited Warranty
Special featureDurable,Portable
Maximum engine power‎1200 Watts
Output wattage1200 Watts
Recommended usesResidential, Camping
Fuel typeGasoline

Comparison table

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Model‎PG1202SA‎MTC220‎DCCS620P1‎2031225322
BrandPulsarBLACK+DECKERDEWALTGreenworksGreenworks
Weight‎37.5 pounds‎9.9 pounds‎1 pounds‎10.36 pounds37.5 pounds
Color‎Black/White‎black‎Multi‎Black/GreenGreen
Power source‎gas-powered‎Battery Powered‎Battery Powered‎Battery PoweredBattery Powered
Item weight37.5 Pounds9.9 Pounds1 Pounds10.36 Pounds37.5 Pounds
Product dimensions-40.5"D x 15.25"W x 7.38"H25"L x 9"W x 9"H31"L x 9"W x 8.5"H50.79"D x 18.9"W x 38.98"H
Country of origin‎China‎China‎China‎ChinaChina
Voltage‎120 Volts‎20‎20‎40-
Battery capacity--‎4
Battery cell type--‎Lithium Ion‎Lithium Ion-
Warranty description‎Backed by a 1 Year Limited Warranty‎Blend‎3 year limited warranty/1 year free service contract/90 day money back guarantee‎4 yrs - tool warranty 2 yrs -battery warranty lifetime motor warranty-
Special featureDurable,Portable--
Maximum engine power‎1200 Watts
Output wattage1200 Watts
Material-‎Alloy Steel‎Blend‎Stainless SteelPlastic
Recommended usesResidential, Camping
Fuel typeGasoline

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