Docking station changes what is displayed

[chubbles]

CalDigit TS3 Plus changes what is displayed​

Before I connect the docking station to my MacBook Pro the screen is showing my desktop and the Finder window. When I plug in the docking station they both disappear and the task bar shows Display Connected: Mirror Displays Extend Desktop. Extend desktop is highlighted. I have mirror displays unchecked in system preferences. When I unplug the docking station it goes back to the original screen. I would like the screen display to not change when the docking station is connected and to be able to turn off extend desktop so the computer will sleep when closed. Is that possible?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
chubbles

 

[Amethyst1]

So you want to close the MBP and use just an external display connected to the dock?

If so, close the MBP after connecting the dock and press a key on an external keyboard - it'll enter clamshell mode, disabling the internal display.

 

[chubbles]

Thanks Amethyst1 for your interest and reply.

My problem was that I couldn't show my Homescreen on the MacBook screen when connected to the docking station and not using the external screen, and the usual sleep that occurs when the laptop is closed wouldn't happen; thus the computer was ALWAYS awake when connected to the dock. (not secure) My previous dock did not require that the external screen be activated even though it was connected to the dock; thus I could choose when to mirror displays.

I have arrived at a work around. Leave the display setting in mirroring and use the sleep choice under the apple in top left corner or the sleep button I added to the right end of the task bar. At least this way the home screen shows on the computer screen.

Incidentally, I emailed my question to CalDigit the day before I posted here and still have not gotten any response. A sad situation for a $250 docking station!!

Thanks for your input,
chubbles

 

[chrfr]

My problem was that I couldn't show my Homescreen on the MacBook screen when connected to the docking station and not using the external screen, and the usual sleep that occurs when the laptop is closed wouldn't happen; thus the computer was ALWAYS awake when connected to the dock. (not secure) My previous dock did not require that the external screen be activated even though it was connected to the dock; thus I could choose when to mirror displays.

In my experience this is a feature that's triggered by the display type. When I have my Mac connected through a Caldigit TS3+ to a Dell display, when I turn off the Dell display, the computer will sleep when I close itr because the Dell no longer shows as an external display when it's switched off. When I use an LG display with the same computer and dock, the LG still acts as if it's connected even when switched off, so the Mac won't sleep when I close it. The behavior with these displays is identical even if they're connected directly to the Mac and there's no dock involved.
I would suggest enabling screen lock after a set time, that way the computer would require Touch ID (if equipped) or your password to unlock the screen regardless of whether or not the computer has actually gone to sleep.

 

[chubbles]

Thanks charr your comments are really helpful.

I only have a Sony tv as a monitor and in my large box of cables I don't happen to have the correct cables to connect the computer directly to the tv. Your comparison of the Dell and LG displays is extremely helpful. I never thought of the computer acting differently with different displays.

I'm getting more comfortable with my work around.

Thanks a ton,
chubbles