Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station | 270Wh

The Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station Puts 270Wh and Two Pure Sine Wave AC Outlets in a Case You Carry in One Hand

The Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station, which Dark Energy's manual calls a portable solar generator, has a 270Wh battery and a 300W pure sine wave inverter that handles peaks up to 600W. You get two 120V AC outlets, two USB-C and two USB-A outputs, a built-in light and an XT60 input for wall or solar charging. Dark Energy lists it at 6.39 lb (2.9 kg), lighter than the Recon 2000.

Dark Energy designs it for backup power, travel, outdoor use and job sites. It's built for the truck bed, the campsite and the work site, where you want phones, laptops, lights and small appliances running without hauling a large unit. If you camp, overland, work away from an outlet or want a small backup at home, it's sized for you.

Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station Features

300W Pure Sine Wave AC With a 600W Peak

Two 3-prong outlets deliver 120V pure sine wave power, rated at 2.5A, with a limit of 300W continuous and 600W peak. Startup surges can push some devices above their running wattage, so Dark Energy advises checking both running and peak demand before you plug in.

Four USB Ports for Phones and Laptops

The PD USB-C port delivers up to 60W at 5 to 20V, and a second USB-C port gives up to 15W. On the USB-A side, a QC 3.0 port reaches 18W and a standard port reaches 15W. Dark Energy notes that the bottom USB-A and USB-C ports share a 15W output limit.

Three Ways to Recharge

Plug the included 4 ft (1.2 m) XT60-to-AC cable into a wall outlet, connect a solar panel to the XT60 input, or use a USB-C PD charger on the charging USB-C port at up to 60W. For the fastest recharge, Dark Energy recommends using the USB-C input and the XT60 input at the same time.

Built-In 1,900 Lumen Light

One side of the case holds an LED light that Dark Energy lists at 1,900 lumens, with its own LED button on the front panel. It lights up a tailgate or a work area without a separate lantern.

IPX3 Weather Rating and a 1 Meter Drop Rating

Dark Energy rates the Recon 300 at IPX3, which it explains protects against rain and splashes only. It is not waterproof for immersion. Dark Energy also publishes a 1 meter drop rating. Orange bumpers sit on each corner, and hinged covers close over the ports. The drop rating is not a reason to drop the unit on purpose.

Four Latching Points to Secure It

The case has four latching points, which Dark Energy designed as a sure way to secure the Recon 300 to your ATV or truck.

Six Protections and Separate Output Switches

Dark Energy lists six built-in protection functions: short-circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, overload and over-temperature protection. The AC, USB and light sections each turn on with their own button, so you can switch off what you aren't using. The display shows battery level along with input and output watts.

Real-World Applications

Overland and truck bed trips. Latch the Recon 300 down in the bed or on an ATV and keep phones, laptops and lights charged between stops.

Campsites. Run lights and charge devices at camp, then top the battery back up with a Spectre 56W panel during the day.

Job sites. Charge phones and laptops and run small AC gear within the 300W limit where there's no outlet nearby.

Backup at home. Keep a charged Recon 300 ready during an outage to keep phones, laptops and lights going.

Practical Comparison

Recon 300 Versus a Typical Plastic Power Bank

A typical power bank charges phones over USB and stops there. The Recon 300 adds two pure sine wave AC outlets, a 60W PD USB-C port, a built-in light and 270Wh of capacity, in a case with an IPX3 rating, a 1 meter drop rating and four latching points.

Recon 300 Versus a Gas Generator

A gas generator runs on fuel you have to carry and store. The Recon 300 recharges from a wall outlet, a USB-C charger or a solar panel, and you can carry it in one hand. Its 300W continuous limit suits phones, laptops, lights and small appliances rather than heavy loads, so check your gear before you rely on it.

Buyer Guidance

Matching Your Gear to the Limits

Check the label or manual of each device you plan to run. Keep AC loads under 300W continuous and 600W peak, and remember that a device's startup surge can be higher than its running watts. If an AC device shuts off, disconnect it, confirm the load is within the limits and let the unit cool if it's hot.

Charging and Storage Tips

Charge the Recon 300 before you rely on it in the field. Use it between 14°F and 104°F (-10°C to 40°C), keep the vents clear and keep moisture out of the ports. Store it in a dry, ventilated spot between -40°F and 158°F (-40°C to 70°C).

This May Be A Good Fit If

• You want AC and USB power you can carry in one hand
• You charge phones and laptops on the road
• You want to recharge from a small solar panel
• You need a small backup for outages

Common Questions

Is the Recon 300 Waterproof?

No. Dark Energy rates it at IPX3, which covers rain and splashes only. Keep it out of standing water and heavy water exposure.

How Long Does It Take to Recharge?

Dark Energy lists a minimum AC charge time of as little as 2.5 hours under specified conditions. Actual time varies with the starting battery level, input conditions, cable quality, solar conditions and connected loads.

Which Solar Panel Works With It?

Dark Energy recommends the Spectre 56W. Any panel you connect must plug into the XT60 input and stay within 18 to 26V, 3A and 54W.

What Warranty Does It Have?

Dark Energy covers the Recon 300 with a 5-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. It covers manufacturer defects and performance issues not caused by misuse or external damage. Normal wear and tear and misuse are not covered.

What's Included

• 1 x Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station
• 1 x 4 ft XT60-to-AC Charging Cable
• 1 x User Manual Card

Portable AC Power That Goes Where You Go

The Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station gives you 270Wh, two pure sine wave AC outlets, four USB ports and a 1,900 lumen light in a 6.39 lb case with an IPX3 rating and four latching points. If you'd like help checking whether your devices fit its 300W limit, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.

Dark Energy Recon 300 Power Station Manual