Super Sticky Thread for USB-C Docks, Cables and Accessories [MERGED]

[mbf82]

Hi,
This means you need to use an active converter to connect a Displayport monitor to the dock's HDMI output. I'm using this with a cheap Aukey multiport adapter, it works quite well (needs to be connected to a USB port).
I've just ordered a Plugable ud-ca1 dock, I'll try to post about it when I get it.

So I think that, at this point, the best solution for me is the OWC dock + a HDMI -> DP converter.
I won't use the second monitor initially and, if I decide I want it, I will get a separate USB-C -> DP adapter.

I wonder if this Ugreen HDMI -> DP converter works considering it's cheaper than most alternatives. Alternatively, the StartTech one that youbzh is suggesting looks good as well and not too expensive.

 

[Ericplan]

CalDigit USB-C Dock not responding after power cycle?

Since two weeks I own the CalDigit USB-C Dock (with original CalDigit TB cable) in combination with a late 2016 13" TB MBP.
The dock is only used to connect ethernet, a 27" Iiyama monitor via DP, a genuine Apple aluminium keyboard and a Logitech M215 wireless mouse (receiver plugged in keyboard).

I use the MBP mostly with closed lid, only using external keyboard, mouse and monitor. I used to let sleep the laptop and switch off power to monitor and laptop (if fully charged) when I stopped working on it. I did this on my old MBP for years without problems

But now, when I want to work again and I switch on power to the laptop, the keyboard and mouse remain unresponsive, what action I perform, but the monitor . Reconnect the dock , reconnect the USB-A keyboard cable, use another USB-A outlet on the dock, power cycle the dock, restart the laptop all with no result.

The only thing that works is disconnect MBP and dock, restart laptop, power cycle dock and reconnect thunderbolt cable.

This morning I upgraded to Sierra 10.12.2 but with no results or improvement. I mailed CalDigit support but they did not answer (yet).

Any ideas?

 

[carestudio]

CalDigit USB-C Dock not responding after power cycle?

Since two weeks I own the CalDigit USB-C Dock (with original CalDigit TB cable) in combination with a late 2016 13" TB MBP.
The dock is only used to connect ethernet, a 27" Iiyama monitor via DP, a genuine Apple aluminium keyboard and a Logitech M215 wireless mouse (receiver plugged in keyboard).

I use the MBP mostly with closed lid, only using external keyboard, mouse and monitor. I used to let sleep the laptop and switch off power to monitor and laptop (if fully charged) when I stopped working on it. I did this on my old MBP for years without problems

But now, when I want to work again and I switch on power to the laptop, the keyboard and mouse remain unresponsive, what action I perform, but the monitor . Reconnect the dock , reconnect the USB-A keyboard cable, use another USB-A outlet on the dock, power cycle the dock, restart the laptop all with no result.

The only thing that works is disconnect MBP and dock, restart laptop, power cycle dock and reconnect thunderbolt cable.

This morning I upgraded to Sierra 10.12.2 but with no results or improvement. I mailed CalDigit support but they did not answer (yet).

Any ideas?

Have you tried to reset the NVRAM
http://crazydiamondstar.blogspot.com/2016/08/usb-c-dock-best-baymax-for-macbook.html

11/26 Update: I was told by several MacBook Pro 2016, 15" Thunderbolt 3 users who have CalDigit USB-C docks that their external monitors did not work and freeze the macOS when they attempted to plug in monitor. They claimed they were told to try several things, one is to reset MBP's NVRAM, one is to update to macOS 10.12.2 beta. After all the updates and cleanups, MacBook Pro 15" and CalDigit USB-C dock now are happy campers. USB device and external monitors are functioning properly.

Several people said they must reset NVRAM in order to get the new OS and accessories worked properly.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/graphic-card-freaks-out-with-brand-new-mbp-2016.2015545/page-22
[doublepost=1481825172][/doublepost]

So I think that, at this point, the best solution for me is the OWC dock + a HDMI -> DP converter.
I won't use the second monitor initially and, if I decide I want it, I will get a separate USB-C -> DP adapter.

If you use Caldigit's one and only want one DP monitor from the Dock, you do not have to use any converter. They come with both HDMI and DP ports.

Likewise, you can use the first DP monitor to caldigit USB-c dock, and the second monitor can be HDMI, DP, VGA, DVI monitor and that will be plugged in to your MBP directly via a USB-c dongle. This should be the clean solution.

the best one is still thunderbolt 3 dock, one cable only.

 

[youbzh]

I will get a separate USB-C -> DP adapter.

Make sure you check the USB-C out port on the dock carries "alt video mode" signal, I know it's not the case for every dock on the market.

I wonder if this Ugreen HDMI -> DP converter works considering it's cheaper than most alternatives. Alternatively, the StartTech one that youbzh is suggesting looks good as well and not too expensive.

There's one review on the French Amazon website that says the Ugreen adapter works well. I can confirm the Startech adapter works well too. Make sure you have a short USB extension cable around to power the adapter, as the supplied cable is quite short (Startech actually provides an extension cable).

 

[Ericplan]

Have you tried to reset the NVRAM

Several people said they must reset NVRAM in order to get the new OS and accessories worked properly.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/graphic-card-freaks-out-with-brand-new-mbp-2016.2015545/page-22
[doublepost=1481825172][/doublepost]
[...]

Thanks for your help. I have reset the NVRAM yesterday but without result. But after some troubleshooting again I suspect the Logitech M215 transmitter to be the problem. I removed this mouse and transmitter from the system and replaced with an older BT Magic Mouse.

Now the system works as planned. Sleep MBP, power monitor and CalDigit down when ready. Power up monitor and Caldigit and press any key to wake the MBP, without opening the lid.

Have to test this for some time, but it looks promising.

 

[carestudio]

Thanks for your help. I have reset the NVRAM yesterday but without result. But after some troubleshooting again I suspect the Logitech M215 transmitter to be the problem. I removed this mouse and transmitter from the system and replaced with an older BT Magic Mouse.

Now the system works as planned. Sleep MBP, power monitor and CalDigit down when ready. Power up monitor and Caldigit and press any key to wake the MBP, without opening the lid.

Have to test this for some time, but it looks promising.

Good to know. My caldigit usb-c dock also works work very well, after all the OS updates and NVRAM reset. Like I said before, it is the only usb-c dock supporting Apple SuperDrive and also half price of thunderbolt 3 dock. Good buy for me anyway.

 

[kwandrews]

Good to know. My caldigit usb-c dock also works work very well, after all the OS updates and NVRAM reset. Like I said before, it is the only usb-c dock supporting Apple SuperDrive and also half price of thunderbolt 3 dock. Good buy for me anyway.

Yes, I looked at the Caldigit as well, but went with OWC and happy. I rarely, if ever, use the ASD anymore. I can just plug in direct if needed to the MBP. I think either of these options present a great value vs the upcoming OWC and Belkin TB3 docks which will run around $300.

 

[KrisGoodier]

Hi All! This appears to be the best thread for my question, I hope somebody can help with what 'should' be an easy question

I'm using a 15" MBP (Late 2016), and I have a dual monitor set-up in my office - they aren't 4k, but 1080p (BenQ VW2235H, if it helps).
I am looking for a HUB, or what seems to possibly be a HUB and additional dongle, that will allow me to use both monitors are separate displays (not mirrored).

From what I think I understand having read through most of the posts in this thread, there is currently no way as of yet to drive 2 separate displays without them being mirrored - however, the displays that were mentioned are 4k.

Can I use a HUB like the CalDigit to connect 1 monitor via HDMI, then connect a USB-C to HDMI (or alternatively from the DisplayPort port?) to the HUB for the 2nd monitor?
(Or, similar to the above but with the OWC Hub instead of the CalDigit)

The other option of course would be to just use the HUB from one USB-C port from my MBP, and use an adaptor (USB-C to HDMI) from one of the 3 remaining on my MBP)

Thanks in advance!
I hope theres a way around this, I'm sure there is, somehow...
Kris

 

[carestudio]

I'm using a 15" MBP (Late 2016), and I have a dual monitor set-up in my office - they aren't 4k, but 1080p (BenQ VW2235H, if it helps).
I am looking for a HUB, or what seems to possibly be a HUB and additional dongle, that will allow me to use both monitors are separate displays (not mirrored).

Can I use a HUB like the CalDigit to connect 1 monitor via HDMI, then connect a USB-C to HDMI (or alternatively from the DisplayPort port?) to the HUB for the 2nd monitor?
(Or, similar to the above but with the OWC Hub instead of the CalDigit)

No, none of USB-C dock could do two extended monitors if you are using OSX.

The other option of course would be to just use the HUB from one USB-C port from my MBP, and use an adaptor (USB-C to HDMI) from one of the 3 remaining on my MBP)

Kris

YES, that is the only inexpensive way, or you can use thunderbolt 3 dock and that will be $300 - 400ish.

 

[cerberusss]

The other option of course would be to just use the HUB from one USB-C port from my MBP, and use an adaptor (USB-C to HDMI) from one of the 3 remaining on my MBP)
I hope theres a way around this, I'm sure there is, somehow...

There is no way around this; USB-C over a hub doesn't have the bandwidth to drive two monitors, just like it doesn't have the bandwidth to drive a 4K monitor @ 60Hz.

You need a Thunderbolt dock for that, like the above poster said.

Personally I just hook up my monitor with a straight USB-C to DisplayPort cable. I can understand the need for a one-plug solution however I connect/disconnect twice per day... when I arrive at the office, and when I leave. What I do appreciate though, is the much cleaner desk when you use a single cable.

 

[Specwar762]

Read through a few pages and didn't see anything definitive.

I need a dongle that does Thunderbolt3/USB C, USB 3.0, HDMI, SD Card, and Ethernet as a bonus (not a requirement). I have a Space Grey MacBook Pro 13 non-touch bar.

I looked at the Juiced and HooToo options and see mixed reviews. Is there anything out there that's worth a crap? SD card reading is my main concern as I already have a single Apple branded USB - C to USB 3.0 adapter.

 

[lu0s3r322]

Read through a few pages and didn't see anything definitive.

I need a dongle that does Thunderbolt/USB C, USB 3.0, HDMI, SD Card, and Ethernet as a bonus (not a requirement). I have a Space Grey MacBook Pro 13 non-touch bar.

I looked at the Juiced and HooToo options and see mixed reviews. Is there anything out there that's worth a crap? SD card reading is my main concern as I already have a single Apple branded USB - C to USB 3.0 adapter.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hypershop/hyperdrivetm-compact-thunderbolt-3-usb-c-hub-for-m

 

[Specwar762]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hypershop/hyperdrivetm-compact-thunderbolt-3-usb-c-hub-for-m

I've never done a Kickstarter purchase before and would prefer something from an established brand tbh.

 

[digitalm3]

I've never done a Kickstarter purchase before and would prefer something from an established brand tbh.

They are pretty established, obviously still no guarantee but I like our chances
https://www.hypershop.com/

 

[dyn]

There is no way around this; USB-C over a hub doesn't have the bandwidth to drive two monitors, just like it doesn't have the bandwidth to drive a 4K monitor @ 60Hz.

You need to read up on what USB-C is. It's only hardware, just the connector and the cable. Since this is also used for Thunderbolt 3 that is capable of driving 2 4k displays @ 60Hz or 1 5k display, one can only conclude that USB-C most definitely has more than enough bandwidth to drive a 4k display @ 60Hz.

Do NOT mix up the USB protocol with the USB connector. One way of remembering: USB-C = USB-Connector.

You need a Thunderbolt dock for that, like the above poster said.

To be more precise: you need a Thunderbolt 3 dock for that or a non-Thunderbolt plus a Thunderbolt display when using a dock with an older Thunderbolt version. The older Thunderbolt docks can only drive 1 non-Thunderbolt display due to Thunderbolt 1/2 only having 1 DisplayPort stream. New with Thunderbolt 3 is a second DisplayPort stream (which allows for the second display).

 

[mbf82]

In the end I got a CalDigit USB-C dock.
I didn't get the OWC one as that plus a HDMI -> DP adapter was more expensive (the cheap one I previously found is now out of stock).

I got a system crash and reboot as soon as I connected it, but then it started working fine.

What I'm using is:
- DisplayPort
- Ethernet (this requires drivers)
- External USB
- Headphones (you need to select “USB Audio Codec” in the audio menu)
- Power

Everything seems fine, but I have to say that the CalDigit dock is ugly!

I have to say that the prices is not too bad considering that I paid £175 and that, just the charger + cable from Apple is £90.

 

[dyn]

That's why you hide docking stations if you can

 

[DarwinOSX]

You need to read up on what USB-C is. It's only hardware, just the connector and the cable. Since this is also used for Thunderbolt 3 that is capable of driving 2 4k displays @ 60Hz or 1 5k display, one can only conclude that USB-C most definitely has more than enough bandwidth to drive a 4k display @ 60Hz.

That's not really accurate. Both USB-C and TB 3 are hardware but also a data protocol and that data protocol must be used to work correctly with the hardware. In this case USB-C is just the connector where TB 3 is what really drives bandwidth for displays.
You should read up on it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#USB_Type-C
The data protocol often isn't followed isn't which is why there are so many variations on the cables that do different things.
Two TB 3 ports can drive two 5k displays like the LG display Apple is selling. So one TB 3 port can drive one 5k display at 60hz not just one 4k display.

 

[sidewinder]

USB-C is not a data protocol. It is an interface specification only. Multiple protocols run on top of it. Including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen2, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, etc.

Thunderbolt 3 describes an interface (UBS-C in Thunderbolt Alternate Mode) and a data protocol.

 

[dyn]

That's not really accurate. Both USB-C and TB 3 are hardware but also a data protocol and that data protocol must be used to work correctly with the hardware.

You couldn't be more wrong here. USB-C is only a cable and a connector. Don't try to disagree with the USB-IF, they invented it. USB-C is a universal connector/cable and therefor can be used for many different protocols such as DisplayPort, HDMI/DVI, Thunderbolt and USB.

You should read up on it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#USB_Type-C

1. before posting read your own links
2. link to the correct article: USB Type-C

What does the correct article say?

USB Type-C is a USB specification for a small 24-pin fully reversible-plug connector for USB devices and USB cabling.[1]

In plain English: it's a connector and a cable. Further down the article you'll see it can be used for many other protocols.

The data protocol often isn't followed isn't which is why there are so many variations on the cables that do different things.

That is not due to USB-C but due to Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt up until version 3 required active cables which means that these cables come with chips in the connectors. This is what makes the cables so expensive but also why it can work on these high speeds reliably. Intel as well as the cable and TB chip manufacturers have been trying to drive down the costs of both chips and cables. With Thunderbolt 2 we already had cables that were a bit less expensive but with Thunderbolt 3 we now can have very cheap cables because the chip can be omitted in its entirety. The downside to this is that the high speed can only be sustained over a very short length (max 0.5m). A cable that is a bit more expensive is able to sustain a high speed of 20Gbps over longer cable lengths; this one is comparable to Thunderbolt 2 stuff. Lastly there is the most expensive cable which can sustain the highest speed of 40Gbps over longer lengths (up to 2m on copper and 60m with fibre).

Two TB 3 ports can drive two 5k displays like the LG display Apple is selling. So one TB 3 port can drive one 5k display at 60hz not just one 4k display.

You didn't read it properly. Thunderbolt chips have 2 ports by default but can only drive 2 4k displays at 60Hz OR 1 5k display. If you want to drive 2 5k displays you need the 15" MBP because that one has a GPU that is capable of driving 2 5k displays and you need to connect one display on the right and the second one on the left side of the notebook. That's because there are 2 Thunderbolt chips in the MBPs with 4 TB3 ports (one on each side of the notebook). This has been clearly stated in the official Thunderbolt documentation and Thunderbolt website. Check out the links to those in this post.

If you must know, this is a technical limitation as current 5k displays require 2 DisplayPort streams which is what TB3 offers per controller. Connecting 2 of such displays would require twice as many streams as 1 controller can offer so you need 2 controllers in total.

 

[carestudio]

If you must know, this is a technical limitation as current 5k displays require 2 DisplayPort streams which is what TB3 offers per controller. Connecting 2 of such displays would require twice as many streams as 1 controller can offer so you need 2 controllers in total.

Nice to know about this. Very good information

 

[kylera]

I thought I might add another power bank to this thread. I don't own it yet, but I did order it and I'm expecting to get it early next month:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016HNALO...ords=battery+charge&qid=1484315437&kwr_id=146

I'm not trying to get any kind of bonus, but I don't know how to make the link cleaner, so here's the name of the product, word for word, according to the Amazon page:

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 Power Bank with Qualcomm Quick 2.0 and PowerPort+ 1 with Quick Charge 3.0 Wall Charger

 

[ReL1988]

Hi all,

Sorry for being kind of a jerk (good way to start a post huh? hahaha)
I tried reading the last several pages and wasn't able to find the right product for my new rMBP 13 (non touch bar).

I am looking for something similar to this one but i don't need so many ports (which leads to expensive price tag), i only need:

1. x2 USB3 ports
2. x1 Regular HDMI port
3. x1 USB-C (not a must since i have an extra one)

I am hoping this kind of product exists...
Thanks!

 

[Mike Boreham]

Hi all,

Sorry for being kind of a jerk (good way to start a post huh? hahaha)
I tried reading the last several pages and wasn't able to find the right product for my new rMBP 13 (non touch bar).

I am looking for something similar to this one but i don't need so many ports (which leads to expensive price tag), i only need:

1. x2 USB3 ports
2. x1 Regular HDMI port
3. x1 USB-C (not a must since i have an extra one)

I am hoping this kind of product exists...
Thanks!

I have tried three such products Hootoo Shuttle, Anker and Minix. The best of these was the Hootoo Shuttle. The limitation on all of them was the ability to move data between two drives connected to the hub. See this thread for more discussion of that aspect.
If you get the Hootoo beware that there is a cheaper identical looking version without the HDMI, which is what I have. I have never used HDMI. The other caveat is that my experience is with a 2016 12" MacBook, not a new MBP. Also notice in the reviews that the Hootoo logo is illuminated which bugs some people.
There are plenty of similar products which may be better or worse, I am just passing on my experience. It is a rapidly expanding market.
From my reading the definitive item is probably the large and expensive OWC USB-C dock, but I don't want to pop this into my briefcase all the time.

EDIT I think the OWC is the only one which has a spare USB-C port. The others have a USB-C port for supplying passthrough power to the computer and connected devices, but not for another device. Whatever you do don't get a hub which does not have passthrough power...there are a few.

 

[dyn]

Docks like the OWC one are meant to stay on a desk, they are not for portability. Multiport adapters like the Hootoo are the ones for portable use. They can also be used on a desk but they are not as useful as the desk-only ones.