MiniLink and 7-way plug powerUpdated 5 days ago

The AIR GEAR MiniLink is a device that uses power from a trailer's 7-way plug, to power a Starlink Mini. Here's how it works:

• On most trailers, two pins of the 7-way plug are connected directly to the trailer's onboard batteries.
• The MiniLink connects to the 7-way plug and taps into those powered pins (12 volt + and Ground)
• A DC boost converter raises the voltage to 30 volts.
  • This is important, because the Starlink Mini must have at least 12 volts consistently, or it may reboot. Rebooting causes your Internet connection to drop momentarily.
  • Long power cables can cause the voltage to drop below 12 volts.
  • The boost converter ensures that there's plenty of voltage to compensate for long power cables.
• The output side of the boost converter uses a waterproof DC5521 plug, which connects to the plug provided with the 50-foot extension cable of the Starlink Mini.

The MiniLink can only work when there's 12 volt power available at the 7-way plug.

In some trailers, a device may be installed that prevents power from the trailer's onboard batteries from reaching the 7-way plug. This device may be called:

• DC-DC converter
• DC-DC charger
• battery isolator
• Redarc charger

Any device that blocks 12 volt power from the trailer batteries to the 7-way plug, will prevent the MiniLink from working. Airstream Trade Wind trailers (for example) are known to have DC-DC chargers installed, and so the MiniLink can't be used with those trailers. Other trailers with DC-DC chargers installed between the trailer batteries and 7-way plug also cannot use MiniLink.