Starlink Mini 12V Setup Proposal - Looking for Feedback and Suggestions

[kt_indiana_vanlife]

Intro
Hey everyone! This is my first time "vanlife-ing" it up. I have been trying to avoid bothering the online community, but I think the time has come. I might be in over my head when it comes to my electrical system. I'm very new to van life and electrical systems, but went ahead and bought myself a van last December. It has a custom build and custom electrical system with 2 home batteries. Everything is about 5 years old. Thank you in advance!

Problem Statement
I have been having some issues running my 12V heater, my Starlink mini (110V inverter), and my laptop (110V inverter). My battery seems to die insanely fast. Luckily it is getting warmer out and I won't be needing my heater for awhile. That leaves my starlink mini and laptops as my top concerns.

Attempt at a Solution
My friend, who also lives in a van, suggested I convert my Starlink mini to run off 12V. I was hoping this would be an easy conversion, but after I made the modifications I am feeling very uncertain about what I have done. I have yet to test out my Starlink on the system. I am afraid to fry it or something. I have learned a a lot but I would be great to get some feedback on my setup!

Inspiration Videos

Equipment Links

• Blue Sea 12 Circuit Fuse Box (Mine is from 2020)
• Round Toggle On/Off
• DC/DC 12V Step Up to 24V
• ChargeIt! Mini 200W Type-C PD Charger
• Startlink Mini USB-C Cable
• Other - 16awg wires, #8 Ring Terminal Connectors, Electrical Tape, and Crimp Connectors

Testing my Setup Results in the Following:

• The switch's light goes on and off when toggling it
• There is a red light with in the PD Charger that I assume indicates that it has power
• Charging a battery pack via one of the USB-C ports worked
• Charging a pair of wireless headphones did NOT seem to work
• Charging a USB-C lamp also did NOT seem to work

Have Not Tried

• Running my Starlink
• Charging my Dell Laptop

Questions

• Am I using the right fuse (15amps)?
• Am I using the right gauge wires? (16awg, but the 12V to 24V Step-Up came with 14awg, and I think the Starlink cord is 20awg?)
• The PD Charge that I am using does not have many reviews. Was a dupped? What should I use instead?
• The 12V to 24V Step-Up also does not have rave reviews. Is there a different brand I should use? What Wattage/Amperage should this need?
• Do you think it is safe to test my Starlink on this set up?

Proposal


Existing Setup

 

[bullfrog !]

Hi! What type of batteries are you using for “house” batteries? It is not unusual for lead acid or AGM batteries to not be capable of holding a charge if they have been regularly discharged below 50%. If they are the newer technology lithium batteries this shouldn’t be an issue. You need to determine your exact loads and usage as your description seems to indicate you have regularly discharged and ran electrical components below their required voltages which can damage them. Long runs of smaller gauge wire in DC circuits doesn’t help matters.

 

[rruff]

Testing my Setup Results in the Following:

• The switch's light goes on and off when toggling it
• There is a red light with in the PD Charger that I assume indicates that it has power
• Charging a battery pack via one of the USB-C ports worked
• Charging a pair of wireless headphones did NOT seem to work
• Charging a USB-C lamp also did NOT seem to work

You don't mention checking any voltages. Do you have a multimeter?

Great post BTW!

 

[abnorm]

WHY the Chargeit? That looks sketchy..........This should work the same................

https://www.amazon.com/Outlet-Charger-Charge-Socket-Suitable/dp/B0CWG4XNL4/ref=sr_1_3?

AND what is the 12V heat ?...............that's not easy