Power Issues with Starlink Mini and MacBook Pro on 2010 Eagle FWC Setup

[markturnip]

Apologies if this isn't the right place to ask, but I thought there might be another FWC owner with a similar setup...

I own a 2010 Eagle FWC with an upgraded 140AH LiFePO4 Lithium battery running through the factory-installed IOTA IDP-30.

I'm using a Starlink Mini (the latest version) over USB-C, and it runs perfectly fine.

However, when I charge my 16-inch MacBook Pro, it struggles to deliver enough power. The charging seems to turn on and off intermittently, and it doesn't manage to charge my computer at all.

I also run a Bushman caravan fridge, which averages about 1.0 Amp/hr. Occasionally, I use the 12v vent fan as well.

I’m charging my MacBook through this station: link.

I’ve been advised to use a sine wave inverter, but I’d rather not, as it seems inefficient to step up to 230/240v and then use a transformer to step it down to 15/20v.

Fridge details: link.

 

[markturnip]

Here's the battery I'm using: link

I'm assuming it can deliver enough current to run the Starlink and a laptop charger.

 

[markturnip]

May also be a better question to go ask over on Facebook: Starlink for RVers and other mobile users

 

[Jack]

Your KFB will not supply power for the Starlink Mini (3A) and the MacBook (8A) at the same time. For the MacBook, you have to use the USB-C port. The USB-A ports do not supply enough power for the MacBook. Do you still have a problem when charging just the MacBook on the USB-C port?

 

[Jon R]

The lack of response might be because folks are busy this weekend (holiday weekend in the US). However, it could be they don’t want to click your links. You might get some responses if you directly list the products you are using and provide relevant specs and settings you are using. I suspect others are like me and are hesitant to click on links posted by a recently joined member.

I am happy to try to help, though, as I’m sure others are.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

This is old history, but ... back when I used to carry an early digital camera, an 8mm tape video camera and a Toshiba Windows 95 laptop on my multi-night 4x4 camping trips. I used to keep each one's batteries charged using a portable jump starter box and a 12v>120v inverter and their respective 120v chargers. That box was a beast: big, heavy but powerful and I never had any issues in having juice for days on end and still enough capacity to help out jump starting a stranded stranger. Nowadays these tiny, powerful and palm size lithium jump starters are available and have all the popular USB outlets built in for modern devices and applications. They're good to have on board for your back country rescue if you have a dead battery one morning, and it can be used to charge/power your MacBook.

 

[markturnip]

No rush with responses!

@Jack occasional problems charging without the Starlink powered, especially if running my fan or fridge. I've also tried powering the MacBook over seperate USB-C adapter, granted may not be enough wattage.

I would have though 3A+8A=132W was okay for the 156W Charging Station?
So perhaps need to try two of these together.

I suppose I've been wondering if there could be an issue with my IOTA, but I'm happy to persevere!

 

[Jon R]

I suppose I've been wondering if there could be an issue with my IOTA, but I'm happy to persevere!

My Iota charger does not effectively charge my LiFePO4 battery. There have been a couple of threads about this in the past few months.

 

[Jack]

Each of your KFB ports have specific power capabilities, individually and in combination. Looking at the ports, the KFB can not reliably supply 3 A (36 W) and 8 A (96 W) at the same time

 

[superduty]

The battery is NOT the problem. The issue is exactly what @Jack explained.