Caldigit TS4 Dock

[likegadgets]

I know some have reported their troubles with the TS4. After almost a week, I can report that I have not yet had a problem with my TS4. My MBP 16" M1 MAX has been running on clamshell mode for 6 days continuously without the need to reboot or a crash. I have several components connected as previously stated, using only one cable to one thunderbolt port. These are


* 2 Sandisk 2TB SSDs,
* 2 USB 3 mechanical Hard Drives
* Fujitsu USB Scanner
* Brother USB label printer
* external Bose speakers, connected to back port
* 1GB ethernet (with the suggested change to full duplex WITHOUTH the energy efficient option),
* Sony USB DVD writer
* Logitech 4K WEBCAM for HDR (Brio equivalent)
* APC power backup connected via USB
* Apple HDR 6K 32" Monitor - MAX supported at 5120x2880 @ 60hz (on T4 port on TS4)
* LG 5K Ultrafine 27" Monitor - MAX supported at 4096x2304 @ 60 (another T4 port on TS4) (for full 5K support needs to be connected alone without the HDR or on another T4 port on the MBP)

Some of the USB items connected to TS4 via an ANKER plain powered USB hub connected to one of the type A USB connectors in the back. So far the power delivery on clamshell mode has maintained the charge without issue - no need to use the magsafe Apple charger.

I know how frustrating it can be when a setup does not work. I also did not have issues with the TS3+ this TS4 replaces, while other users did. Sometimes is one component, or one piece of software that interferes and creates the issue. I wish it could run the LG5K at the full 5K simultaneous with the HDR at 6K with one cable, but the limitation is not the TS4, it is the way the LG5K accomplishes it's resolution utilizing 2 of the display ports (as joevt eloquently explained) and the limitation the M1 MAX has of 2 display ports per thunderbolt channel. I am fine using the LG5k at 4K until I replace it with either another XDR or the new rumored 27" if specs are to my linking.

I can recommend the TS4. I had a few pre-purchase support questions and CALDIGIT responded to them.

 

[Nepherte]

Quick question: Would the Apple Pro XDR Display run at full resolution (6K HDR 60Hz) if it were the only monitor attached to the TS4?

 

[likegadgets]

Quick question: Would the Apple Pro XDR Display run at full resolution (6K HDR 60Hz) if it were the only monitor attached to the TS4?

Yes - it is running here at 6K full resolution even with the 5K LG attached. It is only the LG that down-converts to 4K.

If I disconnect the LG5K it has no effect - the XDR continues at 6K @ 60Hz when it is the only monitor connected

 

[joevt]

Yes - it is running here at 6K full resolution even with the 5K LG attached. It is only the LG that down-converts to 4K.

If I disconnect the LG5K it has no effect - the XDR continues at 6K @ 60Hz when it is the only monitor connected

Maybe @Nepherte was confused because you said the XDR has "MAX supported at 5120x2880 @ 60hz". Did you mean "Looks like 5120x2880" which is a 5120x2880 HiDPI mode that is using a 10240x5760 framebuffer? The usual mode for the XDR is "Looks like 3008x1692" which is a HiDPI mode that uses the native sized 6016x3384 framebuffer.

 

[Quu]

For anyone who has this dock with an M1 Pro or Max machine and an external monitor may I ask a question please.

How long does it take to negotiate with your Mac when plugged in? - Like from the moment you plug the cable in how long until the Mac detects there is an external monitor and displays a signal on it?

 

[dstyp]

For anyone who has this dock with an M1 Pro or Max machine and an external monitor may I ask a question please.

How long does it take to negotiate with your Mac when plugged in? - Like from the moment you plug the cable in how long until the Mac detects there is an external monitor and displays a signal on it?

I have M1 Max. Takes a few seconds, maybe 5-6. I'm using an older (2018 or so) Dell Ultrasharp 27" 4K with displayport. Weirdly takes a bit longer to negotiate for M1 Max than it does for Macbook Air M1 I'm also using. The negotiation time is the same for TS3+ and TS4 in my experience so no difference there.

I know some have reported their troubles with the TS4. After almost a week, I can report that I have not yet had a problem with my TS4. My MBP 16" M1 MAX has been running on clamshell mode for 6 days continuously without the need to reboot or a crash. I have several components connected as previously stated, using only one cable to one thunderbolt port. These are


* 2 Sandisk 2TB SSDs,
* 2 USB 3 mechanical Hard Drives
* Fujitsu USB Scanner
* Brother USB label printer
* external Bose speakers, connected to back port
* 1GB ethernet (with the suggested change to full duplex WITHOUTH the energy efficient option),
* Sony USB DVD writer
* Logitech 4K WEBCAM for HDR (Brio equivalent)
* APC power backup connected via USB
* Apple HDR 6K 32" Monitor - MAX supported at 5120x2880 @ 60hz (on T4 port on TS4)
* LG 5K Ultrafine 27" Monitor - MAX supported at 4096x2304 @ 60 (another T4 port on TS4) (for full 5K support needs to be connected alone without the HDR or on another T4 port on the MBP)

Some of the USB items connected to TS4 via an ANKER plain powered USB hub connected to one of the type A USB connectors in the back. So far the power delivery on clamshell mode has maintained the charge without issue - no need to use the magsafe Apple charger.

I know how frustrating it can be when a setup does not work. I also did not have issues with the TS3+ this TS4 replaces, while other users did. Sometimes is one component, or one piece of software that interferes and creates the issue. I wish it could run the LG5K at the full 5K simultaneous with the HDR at 6K with one cable, but the limitation is not the TS4, it is the way the LG5K accomplishes it's resolution utilizing 2 of the display ports (as joevt eloquently explained) and the limitation the M1 MAX has of 2 display ports per thunderbolt channel. I am fine using the LG5k at 4K until I replace it with either another XDR or the new rumored 27" if specs are to my linking.

I can recommend the TS4. I had a few pre-purchase support questions and CALDIGIT responded to them.

Interesting to see that some users don't experience any problems. Concerning for those who have problems as it may be indicative of faulty units. I have kernel panics connected to sleep that many have reported. I activated Amphetamine to not allow sleep when connected to power so it's "solved" but not really a solution. Been in touch with support about this. They are "investigating" and have been in touch with Apple. They indicated that the newest macOS beta doesn't have problems. However I can't run betas because it's a professional use production environment.

I have also noted a coil whine from the PSU that I mentioned to support and they will send a new one. I'm no expert but I think it's unlikely this is the issue.

I have the following peripherals connected all the time with things switched out during the day like charging earphones and connecting hdds:

* Dell Monitor Displayport
* Ethernet
* iPhone X test unit (I work with app development)
* Oneplus Android test unit
* USB micro cable for charging devices sometimes
* USB 3-in-1 for charging to front (often something connected like airpods, iPad or so)
* TB4 to another laptop charging and sometimes used at the same time

Pretty basic setup.

 

[Quu]

I have M1 Max. Takes a few seconds, maybe 5-6. I'm using an older (2018 or so) Dell Ultrasharp 27" 4K with displayport. Weirdly takes a bit longer to negotiate for M1 Max than it does for Macbook Air M1 I'm also using. The negotiation time is the same for TS3+ and TS4 in my experience so no difference there.

Thank you. I'm seeing the same thing with my USB-C Pro dock which is similar to the TS3+ in that it's a Thunderbolt 3 dock with a Display Port output capable of 4K 60Hz.

I was curious about it because on my 16" Intel machine the negotiation time was extremely fast. Only like 2-3 seconds. But with my M1 Max it's like 2-3x longer. Some said to me maybe it's because my dock isn't Thunderbolt 4 like the Laptop is and it negotiates down to Thunderbolt 3 after trying a Thunderbolt 4 handshake so I was curious about whether the TS4 is faster.

Thank you for clarifying that it isn't. I assume based on this it's just how Apple has implemented things on their end.

 

[Nepherte]

Maybe @Nepherte was confused because you said the XDR has "MAX supported at 5120x2880 @ 60hz". Did you mean "Looks like 5120x2880" which is a 5120x2880 HiDPI mode that is using a 10240x5760 framebuffer? The usual mode for the XDR is "Looks like 3008x1692" which is a HiDPI mode that uses the native sized 6016x3384 framebuffer.

That's exactly what I am confused about. I am using the resolution 'Default for display', essentially the "What looks like 3008 x 1692". The pixel doubling is something I suspect is done not by the monitor, but on the connected device?

Yes - it is running here at 6K full resolution even with the 5K LG attached. It is only the LG that down-converts to 4K.

If I disconnect the LG5K it has no effect - the XDR continues at 6K @ 60Hz when it is the only monitor connected

Can you confirm the 6K (what looks like 3008x1692) works if used when it's the only monitor connected to the dock?

 

[joevt]

That's exactly what I am confused about. I am using the resolution 'Default for display', essentially the "What looks like 3008 x 1692". The pixel doubling is something I suspect is done not by the monitor, but on the connected device?

"Looks like 3008x1692" is not doing any pixel doubling or scaling step between the GPU and the display output. The drawing is done by macOS. It draws everything twice as tall and twice as wide as it would for a low resolution 3008x1692 mode (like it will use a 24 pt font instead of a 12 pt font). Since the framebuffer for the "Looks like 3008x1692" mode (3008x1692 HiDPI) is actually 6016x3384 and the output to the display is 6016x3384, then there is no scaling required from the GPU to produce the output signal. Since the display is also 6016x3384, there is no scaling required from the display to display the output signal.

The devices between the Mac and the display have no affect on the signal because they have enough bandwidth for the type of signal required to transmit the 6016x3384 pixels. The type of signal is HBR2 x4 with DSC. Thunderbolt can carry two of those signals. An LG UltraFine 5K requires two HBR2 x4 signals to achieve 5K 60Hz (it is a tiled display which means it uses one signal for the left half and the other signal for the right half of the display). Actually, the XDR uses slightly less bandwidth than a 4K 60Hz display (which also uses an HBR2 x4 signal) because of DSC.

 

[likegadgets]

That's exactly what I am confused about. I am using the resolution 'Default for display', essentially the "What looks like 3008 x 1692". The pixel doubling is something I suspect is done not by the monitor, but on the connected device?

Can you confirm the 6K (what looks like 3008x1692) works if used when it's the only monitor connected to the dock?

jovet explained it better above. According to SwitchXres this is what the XDR connected via the TS4 is reporting.

Hope that helps. My understanding and the TS4 Specs is that the TS4 would support the XDR at full spec (actually - the specs are that it would support TWO XDRs - but I do not yet have a 2nd one to test)

 

[Nepherte]

Thx, that definitely looks like it's working.

 

[Halbertus]

jovet explained it better above. According to SwitchXres this is what the XDR connected via the TS4 is reporting.

Hope that helps. My understanding and the TS4 Specs is that the TS4 would support the XDR at full spec (actually - the specs are that it would support TWO XDRs - but I do not yet have a 2nd one to test)

View attachment 1969685View attachment 1969684

2 x 6K Apple Pro Display XDR is working as intended.

 

[ikkysleepy]

I just wanted to chime in and say the TS4 is a Lemon. It does so much random things when it goes to sleep / deep sleep or if I accidentally touch the cable. Things like disconnecting my ethernet cable connection, dropping all my usb devices, showing only 1 monitor. I been using it for a month but every day I need to reboot multiple times a day to get all my devices working again. I asked for support from Caldigit but they said this was the first time they heard about it. There is something wrong for sure and it's very annoying and counter productive. I have my TS3+ and never had any of these problems. My system is up to date and I just need to let everyone know to please reconsider getting the TS4 if your laptop sleeps/deeps sleeps or you normally dock and undock often with lots of accessories.

 

[Falcon_64]

Got my TS4 yesterday, and it's a dud. Within a couple of hours, started getting panics during sleep mode and the disappearing network adapter at that time, too. Disabling sleep mode prevents that, but it's still mostly worthless to me.

I have a few USB SSD's (Samsung T5 & T7) that work well. I have 4 Thunderbolt drives that will mount when connected, but if I eject and physically disconnect them, they won't be detected again when I reconnect. Using a ProGrade TB card reader, I insert a CFExpress card, download files and eject then remove the first card. Second card is not recognized. I have to reboot the system to get it to see the drive or card again.

All of these devices work perfectly connected to the M1 Mac mini directly, and they also work fine using a TS3+. Submitted email to CalDigit support, have not even received a confirmation email yet (that's inexcusable - those are automated messages, doesn't take time away from staff).

For what it's worth, while waiting for the TS4, I ordered (and returned) the Elements Hub and had the same issue reconnecting TB drives. Also the same for OWC Thunderbolt Dock. even the OWC Thunderbolt Hub that I've had for years doesn't re-mount TB drives. For that reason I suspect that 1) every one of these devices use the same TB controller hardware, and/or 2) It may be an OS issue because I never used the OCW Hub until recently so for TB drives.

Going to check out the TS4 on my work laptop, 2020 Intel 13" MBPro. I'll give CalDigit a day or two and if I don't get some kind of acknowledgement I'll send the thing back.

 

[SteveOfTheStow]

I have a TS4 and have had great success with it, across two 2021 MBP14" M1 Pros and with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Windows PC (but not driving a display in this mode). Sad to hear that some people have had issues with theirs, and I hope CalDigit Support can help out or you can get a refund. For the price, no one should put up with a product that isn't working for them.

I did have one problem with mine - the power supply made an audible whine when under low or zero load. I contacted CalDigit and they said that a faulty batch of PSUs had made it out there, so they sent me a replacement and it's all good now. Just FYI in case anyone has the same problem - you'll know if you do.

 

[dstyp]

I have a TS4 and have had great success with it, across two 2021 MBP14" M1 Pros and with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Windows PC (but not driving a display in this mode). Sad to hear that some people have had issues with theirs, and I hope CalDigit Support can help out or you can get a refund. For the price, no one should put up with a product that isn't working for them.

I did have one problem with mine - the power supply made an audible whine when under low or zero load. I contacted CalDigit and they said that a faulty batch of PSUs had made it out there, so they sent me a replacement and it's all good now. Just FYI in case anyone has the same problem - you'll know if you do.

Interesting, thank for sharing. My PSU has the same issue and Caldigit will replace it but no mention of any faulty batches.

Have you not experienced any crashes related to sleep/wake with your M1 Pro(s)? And what macOS version are you using?

 

[SteveOfTheStow]

Interesting, thank for sharing. My PSU has the same issue and Caldigit will replace it but no mention of any faulty batches.

Have you not experienced any crashes related to sleep/wake with your M1 Pro(s)? And what macOS version are you using?

Honestly, zero crashes. An M1 Pro-MBP is attached to it most of the time, including overnight, and is often asleep. Running macOS 12.2.1. Connected with the included CalDigit TB4 0.8m cable.

Here's my setup. I'm running the following off of the dock:

- 4K@60Hz DisplayPort
- Various USB devices
- 3.5mm speaker audio from the rear

Looking at previous posters who have reported issues, I should say that I'm NOT currently using the Ethernet port, or the downstream TB ports, so I'm not saying mine might not have problems I haven't discovered yet; just that it works for what I need from it right now.

 

[dstyp]

Honestly, zero crashes. An M1 Pro-MBP is attached to it most of the time, including overnight, and is often asleep. Running macOS 12.2.1. Connected with the included CalDigit TB4 0.8m cable.

Here's my setup. I'm running the following off of the dock:

- 4K@60Hz DisplayPort
- Various USB devices
- 3.5mm speaker audio from the rear

Looking at previous posters who have reported issues, I should say that I'm NOT currently using the Ethernet port, or the downstream TB ports, so I'm not saying mine might not have problems I haven't discovered yet; just that it works for what I need from it right now.

Nice setup!

Light user case indeed but not too unlike mine although I do have ethernet and some more stuff.

I tried connecting my MBA M1 which doesn't have Amphetamine configured to work around the sleep/wakeup crash and I can't reproduce it with that machine and it seems stable so hopefully something that'll be fixed eventually.

 

[gugy]

I’m surprised by all the issues with the TS4 but on the other hand, I’m not. I purchased the Element Hub when I received my MBP MAX and two weeks laters all the USB-A ports died an I returned it and bought the OWC 11 port hub.
CalDigit seems legit but I keep hearing about issues. I guess most hubs encounter problems.
it would be great if Apple could enter in this game a provide a solid and stable solution but they won’t.

 

[rickeames]

Warning -- I have an XDR Pro Display running like this. MBP --> TS4 --> XDR

If running 12.3, the USB ports on the back of the XDR will cease to work if the computer goes to sleep. When you wake it back up, they are dead. If plugged directly into the Mac, not an issue, so I have had to skip using the back of the XDR ports right now until Caldigit can get it's $%^& together and get a fix out. So far, I'm not getting what I wanted out of the TS4 and may return it at this point as it's money I didn't need to spend.

 

[rickeames]

Warning -- I have an XDR Pro Display running like this. MBP --> TS4 --> XDR

If running 12.3, the USB ports on the back of the XDR will cease to work if the computer goes to sleep. When you wake it back up, they are dead. If plugged directly into the Mac, not an issue, so I have had to skip using the back of the XDR ports right now until Caldigit can get it's $%^& together and get a fix out. So far, I'm not getting what I wanted out of the TS4 and may return it at this point as it's money I didn't need to spend.

It’s actually worse than this. Upon wake from sleep, most of the ports on the ts4 are dead. ?‍♂️

 

[Falcon_64]

For what it's worth, while waiting for the TS4, I ordered (and returned) the Elements Hub and had the same issue reconnecting TB drives. Also the same for OWC Thunderbolt Dock. even the OWC Thunderbolt Hub that I've had for years doesn't re-mount TB drives. For that reason I suspect that 1) every one of these devices use the same TB controller hardware, and/or 2) It may be an OS issue because I never used the OCW Hub until recently so for TB drives.

Going to check out the TS4 on my work laptop, 2020 Intel 13" MBPro. I'll give CalDigit a day or two and if I don't get some kind of acknowledgement I'll send the thing back.

Quick update: My TS4 had the same problems with disappearing ports when I tested on the Intel MBP, no kernel panics though. Exact same result tested with a friends 14" M1 Pro. Regarding the OWC TB Hub that was having the same issues, the upgrade to 12.3 on the Mac mini and 14" resolved all the issues with that device. Looks like it's back to the TS3+ for good and the TS4 is going back.

 

[wonderbread57]

For those still looking to get their hands on the TS4 during this low-stock period, try periodically refreshing their Amazon listing. I just picked up one with an early April delivery date.

 

[Blengbong]

Hi guys, for those of you that had crashing issues during sleep/wake on their MBP M1 max, did the latest Monterey 12.3 update fixd it?

 

[sblundgren]

Hi guys, for those of you that had crashing issues during sleep/wake on their MBP M1 max, did the latest Monterey 12.3 update fixd it?

CalDigit thinks so:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1504533727552040988

, we'll see.

However as others have pointed out there is this issue with ports that stop functioning after sleep:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1504501738887286784

They recommend turning off auto sleep or reboot of the computer. I've had some luck unplugging the TS4 Dock for a few seconds and plugging it back in to restore the ports.