Caldigit TS4 Dock

[Falcon_64]

In my case, the kernel panics stopped after 12.3. Unfortunately, the ethernet adapter continued to disappear and drives continued to eject during sleep. Been waiting for my RMA authorization for two days now and not a word.

PS - Their Twitter feed would have you believe the disappearing ports and kernel panic issue is limited to the 14" & 16" MBP. I reported to them that I had the exact same problems on my M1 Mac mini and an Intel 13" MBP (2020).

 

[wonderbread57]

Does anyone with a M1 Max NOT have these issues (kernel panic, ejected drives, disappearing ethernet)?

 

[afay]

Does anyone with a M1 Max NOT have these issues (kernel panic, ejected drives, disappearing ethernet)?

Just got the TS4, work well for my Macbook Pro M1 max with Mac OS 12.3, but the 2.5G ethernet works well after set "full duplex".

But the power adapter has a problem - "Whistler", need to replace it.

 

[elvisizer]

no KPs on my 2 16" m1max's (I have one of my own and one from work). No issues with ethernet- it's set to full duplex/2.5 gbit.
Really the only problem I've had is my Thunderbolt 2 external drive (connected using an apple tb3 adapter) unmounts when my mac goes to sleep-- all USB devices, SD cards, my display on the displayport output, and ethernet have functioned normally. That's been consistent across both machines.

 

[Berries-A-Million]

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.

Caldigit is lying. They said the same to me but its all over the web and Twitter. They even admitted to having trouble and they blame Mac OS issues and not their product. I got a TS3 plus no issues too. I won't buy a TS4 unless they fix their issues. I just don't like a company that just will out right lie to their customers too.

 

[likegadgets]

Does anyone with a M1 Max NOT have these issues (kernel panic, ejected drives, disappearing ethernet)?

I have the M1 Max and have not had any problems with the TS4.

 

[Berries-A-Million]

I have the M1 Max and have not had any problems with the TS4.

Glad you aren't, but seems you are the odd ball of the bunch. Many on the internet are having issues with them.

I wasn't having issues with my TS3 Plus still today, now the light on it is flickering and had a panic crash. First time its done that since I've had it. Waiting for the RMA email from Caldigit to come in to get it replaced now.

 

[likegadgets]

Glad you aren't, but seems you are the odd ball of the bunch. Many on the internet are having issues with them.

I wasn't having issues with my TS3 Plus still today, now the light on it is flickering and had a panic crash. First time its done that since I've had it. Waiting for the RMA email from Caldigit to come in to get it replaced now.

Like I said in a previous posting, I acknowledge that several have reported having issues. Luckily my combination of devices and software seem to be working fine. I do not doubt for a moment the issues some are experiencing are real and frustrating. I was replying to an inquiry made that asked: "Does anyone with a M1 Max NOT have these issues (kernel panic, ejected drives, disappearing ethernet)?". I too have the TS3+ that I replaced with the TS4 and that one worked as well with the setup I have.

 

[Falcon_64]

Glad you aren't, but seems you are the odd ball of the bunch. Many on the internet are having issues with them.

I wasn't having issues with my TS3 Plus still today, now the light on it is flickering and had a panic crash. First time its done that since I've had it. Waiting for the RMA email from Caldigit to come in to get it replaced now.

I've been waiting for my RMA since the 16th. They are not responding to the email conversation with support, not answering the phone, and reaching out through chat gets nothing more than "we'll get back to you".

I've a $360 paperweight sitting on the table...worse customer support I've never seen. That's saying a lot - working in IT over the years, I've dealt with every major company and most minor ones, too. All CalDigit are doing at this point is ensuring that I never forget this experience.

 

[superuser777]

I made an account just to post this, maybe it helps somebody.

TS4 + M1 Max Mac, I had issues with the ethernet - not even recognized as a connection. It did not show up in network settings and none of the other interfaces had the "full duplex" option even listed. I had power cycled the router, switch, dock, computer and still nothing.

What solved it... unplugging and plugging the Thunderbolt 4 cable FROM THE DOCK. Yeah. (After plugging and unplugging all the other cables to no avail).

Then the connection appears as Thunderbolt Ethernet Slot <number> in the network preferences, then you can go into advanced and choose full-duplex as the previous posts suggested (thanks guys) and everything works like a charm.

 

[Falcon_64]

I made an account just to post this, maybe it helps somebody.

TS4 + M1 Max Mac, I had issues with the ethernet - not even recognized as a connection. It did not show up in network settings and none of the other interfaces had the "full duplex" option even listed. I had power cycled the router, switch, dock, computer and still nothing.

What solved it... unplugging and plugging the Thunderbolt 4 cable FROM THE DOCK. Yeah. (After plugging and unplugging all the other cables to no avail).

Then the connection appears as Thunderbolt Ethernet Slot <number> in the network preferences, then you can go into advanced and choose full-duplex as the previous posts suggested (thanks guys) and everything works like a charm.

Getting the ethernet adapter to appear is not the challenge. I could get my computers to see it by doing what you did consistently. The problem for me was that I had to do that multiple times each day - every time it woke from sleep, it was extremely likely that would have to go through all that again.

Meh, I shipped it back to CalDigit this afternoon. I've still got a working TS3+ and the OWC TB4 Hub should I need to add a few ports to the Mac Studio. Not using either at the moment though, trying to keep the desk clean.

Glad yours works, I do hope that your ethernet adapter survives multiple sleep/wake cycles!

 

[superuser777]

Getting the ethernet adapter to appear is not the challenge. I could get my computers to see it by doing what you did consistently. The problem for me was that I had to do that multiple times each day - every time it woke from sleep, it was extremely likely that would have to go through all that again.

Meh, I shipped it back to CalDigit this afternoon. I've still got a working TS3+ and the OWC TB4 Hub should I need to add a few ports to the Mac Studio. Not using either at the moment though, trying to keep the desk clean.

Glad yours works, I do hope that your ethernet adapter survives multiple sleep/wake cycles!

I just tried disconnecting and connecting the Mac + sleep cycling it and there were no issues - hope everything stays like that in the future.

Sorry to hear yours had malfunctions & I'm glad you returned it to them!

Edit: Spoke too soon. After updating the OS to 12.3, the network is lost when the mac sleeps automatically and it needs a restart (then it's fine). For now I have turned off sleep when on power adapter as per caldigit's latest notes on this developing issue.

 

[MikeNielsen]

I've seen the same problems with Caldigit TS4 and running an XDR Pro Display through it.

Ethernet connection is very unstable.
MacBook kernel panics several times a day, usually related to sleep.
Power brick is "whistling".

Every kernel panic seems to point to the Thunderbolt driver.

Support told me that they are aware of the problems, but the problem is the Apple drivers. They are informed me that Apple has said the fix will likely not be available until 12.4 or eve 12.5 ?

They did confirm they would replace the PSU, but that they are waiting on the manufacturer to provide a fixed version.

I've been very happy with my TS3 - I really hope they can get the TS4 fixed and stable. Right now, it's just a paper weight for me.

 

[superuser777]

I've seen the same problems with Caldigit TS4 and running an XDR Pro Display through it.

Ethernet connection is very unstable.
MacBook kernel panics several times a day, usually related to sleep.
Power brick is "whistling".

Every kernel panic seems to point to the Thunderbolt driver.

Support told me that they are aware of the problems, but the problem is the Apple drivers. They are informed me that Apple has said the fix will likely not be available until 12.4 or eve 12.5 ?

They did confirm they would replace the PSU, but that they are waiting on the manufacturer to provide a fixed version.

I've been very happy with my TS3 - I really hope they can get the TS4 fixed and stable. Right now, it's just a paper weight for me.

I checked and the power brick is whistling slightly for me as well, If I get really close to it. It's not hot. Should I be worried, is this dangerous?

 

[MikeNielsen]

I checked and the power brick is whistling slightly for me as well, If I get really close to it. It's not hot. Should I be worried, is this dangerous?

They didn't mention anything about it being dangerous, but they did say they would replace all affected PSUs. I would reach out to their support and make them aware.

 

[SteveOfTheStow]

Thunderbolt Dock Sleep Mode related issues (System Crash & Drives Disconnect) under macOS 12+ – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

A support article has been published detailing some issues with macOS 12. I tried to use Ethernet for the first time today on my dock and had a super frustrating time at first. My MBP couldn't even see the Ethernet port on the TS4, which was worrying. I went and dug out the box to find the MAC address sticker to check that my router (a Netgear Orbi) wasn't reporting the dock in the list of devices. I thought, after the whistling power supply, don't tell me that my dock is deficient, too.

But I found the link above and tried the reboot and reconnect workaround (+ the energy-efficiency workaround) and I got connectivity. It was a one-off, however, and I'm thankful that I don't need to rely on it for now and can use Wi-Fi, because it's clearly not an acceptable set of workarounds.

The blame game is hard because it does feel like it's Apple that's dropped the ball on this one - 12.3 has been a bit of a dud on various fronts by the sound of it.

 

[Blengbong]

I have the M1 Max and have not had any problems with the TS4.

What Mac OS version are you running?

 

[likegadgets]

What Mac OS version are you running?

Version: 12.3 (21E230)

 

[mackiemesser2]

FYI

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock Teardown

Caldigit’s latest dock has excellent power specs and a huge number of ports, but lacks a couple features.

dancharblog.wordpress.com

Can anybody answer a quick question?

Do I get I right that my TB3 ThinkPad is not able to use the two TB ports on the TS4 simultaneously?

My TB3 chain:

ThinkPad X1Y3 (JHL6540) > CalDigit TS3+ > HighPoint RocketStor 6661A (DSL6540 with Nvidia Quadro P1000) > Acasis FA-TB34 (JHL6340 TB3 enclosure + Samsung 970Pro 1TB).

All components were carefully selected but now I'm tempted to upgrade to TS4...

Also is anybody using the TS4 under Win here?

 

[joevt]

FYI

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock Teardown

Caldigit’s latest dock has excellent power specs and a huge number of ports, but lacks a couple features.

dancharblog.wordpress.com

Can anybody answer a quick question?

Do I get I right that my TB3 ThinkPad is not able to use the two TB ports on the TS4 simultaneously?

My TB3 chain:

ThinkPad X1Y3 (JHL6540) > CalDigit TS3+ > HighPoint RocketStor 6661A (DSL6540 with Nvidia Quadro P1000) > Acasis FA-TB34 (JHL6340 TB3 enclosure + Samsung 970Pro 1TB).

All components were carefully selected but now I'm tempted to upgrade to TS4...

Also is anybody using the TS4 under Win here?

CalDigit has notes about Thunderbolt 4 devices with Thunderbolt 3 PC's running Windows at https://www.caldigit.com/caldigit-t...hub-compatibility-and-limitations-on-windows/
You have Alpine Ridge JHL6540 so it probably has the single downstream Thunderbolt 4 port limit but the other ports can be used for USB and/or DisplayPort.

Sonnet and OWC don't claim any compatibility of Thunderbolt 4 devices with Thunderbolt 3 PC's running Windows.

 

[mackiemesser2]

CalDigit has notes about Thunderbolt 4 devices with Thunderbolt 3 PC's running Windows at https://www.caldigit.com/caldigit-t...hub-compatibility-and-limitations-on-windows/
You have Alpine Ridge JHL6540 so it probably has the single downstream Thunderbolt 4 port limit but the other ports can be used for USB and/or DisplayPort.

Sonnet and OWC don't claim any compatibility of Thunderbolt 4 devices with Thunderbolt 3 PC's running Windows.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction (I was hoping for you answering specifically )

Caldigit only talks about the Element Hub, but I guess this is universally true for TB4 Hubs/Docks.

So any TB4 hub (JHL8440 aka GoshenRidge in TS4) attached to an TB3 port will only provide a single TB3 daisy chain but no "Multi-port Accessory Architecture" function as in the TB4 promo pic below.

As TB4 is otherwise downward compatible to TB3 this is the single limit. This also means I cannot multiply my TB3 ports as the additional TB ports (outside of the daisy chain) of any (?) TB4 hub will fallback to USB-C.

Caldigit didn't mention the USB-C speed though... 10Gbps???

I'll take it these USB-C ports are then also data only and don't support USB-C-DP Alt Mode?

Edit:

Wait do they?

Intel® JHL8440 Thunderbolt™ 4 Controller - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® JHL8440 Thunderbolt™ 4 Controller quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

ark.intel.com

Caldigit states:

"Operates as USB-C Port with Display Capability"

Could I attach a USB-C Monitor like the ThinkVision M14t to the "downgraded" TB4 port of a TS4 then?

This would be a "dream setup".

 

[joevt]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction (I was hoping for you answering specifically )

Caldigit only talks about the Element Hub, but I guess this is universally true for TB4 Hubs/Docks.

So any TB4 hub (JHL8440 aka GoshenRidge in TS4) attached to an TB3 port will only provide a single TB3 daisy chain but no "Multi-port Accessory Architecture" function as in the TB4 promo pic below.

View attachment 1980876

As TB4 is otherwise downward compatible to TB3 this is the single limit. This also means I cannot multiply my TB3 ports as the additional TB ports (outside of the daisy chain) of any (?) TB4 hub will fallback to USB-C.

Caldigit didn't mention the USB-C speed though... 10Gbps???

I'll take it these USB-C ports are then also data only and don't support USB-C-DP Alt Mode?

Edit:

Wait do they?

Intel® JHL8440 Thunderbolt™ 4 Controller - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® JHL8440 Thunderbolt™ 4 Controller quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

ark.intel.com

Caldigit states:

"Operates as USB-C Port with Display Capability"

Could I attach a USB-C Monitor like the ThinkVision M14t to the "downgraded" TB4 port of a TS4 then?

This would be a "dream setup".

Software in macOS Big Sur and later allow all ports of a Thunderbolt 4 dock/hub to work even when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 Mac (and maybe Thunderbolt 2 Mac but I don't have a Thunderbolt 2 Mac to test - only Thunderbolt 1 and it would not see anything from a Thunderbolt 4 hub).

I believe CalDigit is saying that on a PC running Windows, the other two downstream Thunderbolt ports of a Thunderbolt 4 dock/hub cannot be used for Thunderbolt but can at least be used for USB (10 Gbps) or DisplayPort (HBR3 x4).
OWC and Sonnet don't claim any support for Thunderbolt 4 devices connected to Thunderbolt 3 PCs but I don't see why they would have different behaviour.
I have not done any Thunderbolt 4 testing with my Thunderbolt 3 Alpine Ridge PC. I might have to reinstall Windows to get the proper Thunderbolt drivers up and working.

 

[mackiemesser2]

Software in macOS Big Sur and later allow all ports of a Thunderbolt 4 dock/hub to work even when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 Mac (and maybe Thunderbolt 2 Mac but I don't have a Thunderbolt 2 Mac to test - only Thunderbolt 1 and it would not see anything from a Thunderbolt 4 hub).

I believe CalDigit is saying that on a PC running Windows, the other two downstream Thunderbolt ports of a Thunderbolt 4 dock/hub cannot be used for Thunderbolt but can at least be used for USB (10 Gbps) or DisplayPort (HBR3 x4).
OWC and Sonnet don't claim any support for Thunderbolt 4 devices connected to Thunderbolt 3 PCs but I don't see why they would have different behaviour.
I have not done any Thunderbolt 4 testing with my Thunderbolt 3 Alpine Ridge PC. I might have to reinstall Windows to get the proper Thunderbolt drivers up and working.

Then a TB3 driver update on PC could not fix this as you (afaik) earlier mentioned it's soley handled by firmware on TB3 PC (as opposed to software in the Mac), right?

Well I read Caldigit's statement like: "The other two downstream TB4 ports support USB-C *with* DP capability.

So not either USB-C *or* DP but both, right?

Would that mean the TB3 DP (4xHBR2 lanes on JHL6540 Alpine Ridge iirc) would end in one/all of these "downgraded" TB4 ports as an USB-C DP Alt mode?

Intel JHL8440 Goshen Ridge specs:

+ Thunderbolt™/USB4 peripheral support at 40G
+ Native USB Type-C interface capabilities: USB2, USB3 (10G), DP1.4 Alt-mode

+ Tunneling capabilities (32G PCIe, USB3(10G), 2 displays (up to DP1.4)
+ Other native interfaces: x1 PCIe 8GT/s, 1x USB3 (10G)

An additional USB-C DP 1.2 Alt mode port would be all I needed (from the TS4). USB-C data only would not be sufficient for that ThinkVision M14t.

Any TB3 to TB4 testing on your side would be much appreciated if you find the time...

thx so much!

 

[joevt]

Then a TB3 driver update on PC could not fix this as you (afaik) earlier mentioned it's soley handled by firmware on TB3 PC (as opposed to software in the Mac), right?

Well I don't know - if macOS can do it then why not Windows? Intel would just need to make some changes to bypass the firmware but maybe that's not as easy as it sounds.

CalDigit says you need specific drivers for it to work but I don't know if they mean those drivers are required or useful for Alpine Ridge host.

Well I read Caldigit's statement like: "The other two downstream TB4 ports support USB-C *with* DP capability.

So not either USB-C *or* DP but both, right?

I think the ports can do USB (for USB devices) or DisplayPort (for display devices) or both (for USB-C docks or USB-C displays).

Would that mean the TB3 DP (4xHBR2 lanes on JHL6540 Alpine Ridge iirc) would end in one/all of these "downgraded" TB4 ports as an USB-C DP Alt mode?

Yes, it means that DisplayPort tunnelling from the host JHL6540 (via DisplayPort In Adapters) to the Goshen Ridge's TB4 ports (via DisplayPort Out Adapters) works as usual. For USB functionality, PCIe tunnelling from the host JHL6540 (via PCIe Up Adapter) to the Goshen Ridge's USB controller works (the USB controller is connected to the Goshen Ridge PCIe Bridge which is connected to the Goshen Ridge PCIe Down Adapter). A USB hub connected to the USB controller's USB port controls all the downstream USB ports (four of them). In the case of the CalDigit Element Hub, One of the Downstream USB ports has another USB hub connected to control the downstream USB type A ports.

An additional USB-C DP 1.2 Alt mode port would be all I needed (from the TS4). USB-C data only would not be sufficient for that ThinkVision M14t.

It should be sufficient if CalDigit is correct about supporting the Element Hub from Alpine Ridge and the TS4 is similar (the only thing I could find about the TS4 and Thunderbolt 3 PCs is this statement "Windows PC Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 users can connect up to dual displays.")

 

[mackiemesser2]

It should be sufficient if CalDigit is correct about supporting the Element Hub from Alpine Ridge and the TS4 is similar (the only thing I could find about the TS4 and Thunderbolt 3 PCs is this statement "Windows PC Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 users can connect up to dual displays.")

I looked in the TS4 manual again seraching for TB3 specific infos and for dual display support it states:

"You can add up to two external monitors to the TS4 as long as your computer’s Thunderbolt
ports support dual displays."

That's true for TB3 and TB4.

Given the fact that JHL6540 indeed supports 2 displays (remember not all Alpine Ridge chips do so) the manual also states:

"How to connect Dual Displays to the TS4
Option 1
- Connect one monitor to the DisplayPort connector.
- Connect the second monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports via a
USB-C Video Adapter*.
Option 2
- Connect one monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports via a USB-C
Video Adapter*.
- Connect the second monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports via
a USB-C Video Adapter*.
Option 3
- Connect two USB-C or Thunderbolt monitors directly to two of the
Thunderbolt 4 ports."

Unlike 1 and 2 (where they're just talking about "With use of a USB-C Video Adapter connected to the Thunderbolt™ 4 port") Option 3 should be the clear statement that a USB-C monitor itself works (without adapters) if I'm not mistaken.

And (as already discussed) given the chipset is an JHL8440 for the Element Hub *and* the TS4 (see teardown link above) chances are good both will act identical.

And as a further conclusion: If a USB-C display is supported (=USB-C DP 1.2 Alt mode for JHL6540/ USB-C DP 1.4 for newer TB4) I assume that also data is transferred (USB-Monitor hubs as example)

Do you agree so far?

Anybody able to test the TS4's TB4 ports with attached USB Monitor on a TB3 Host?