On November 7, 2020, Apple officially announced the new M1 powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13-inch, and Mac Mini. These systems use the Apple-designed M1 CPU, meaning that for the first time in over a decade, you can buy a Mac with something other than an Intel processor.

Switching to a new chip with a new architecture can mean new performance possibilities. It can also mean new compatibility issues.

We wanted to know how our products would work with Apple’s new chip, so we picked up the new MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air and starting testing away. Thankfully our test results thus far have been overwhelmingly positive, and this is what we’ve found so far. We’ll update this list as we continue to test our products.

It’s important to note one big change: the M1-based Macs do not natively support dual displays over Thunderbolt, a big departure from previous Thunderbolt 3 Macs (but more on that topic soon).

Thunderbolt Devices

Thunderbolt 3 Docking Stations
Note: All M1 2020 MacBooks support a single external monitor when connected to Thunderbolt docking stations, even if that docking station has multiple video connectors. Intel-based Macs support between 2-4 displays over Thunderbolt.

• Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Display Dock with 96W Host Charging (TBT3-UDZ): Compatible – Single Display Only
• Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Display Docking Station (TBT3-UDC1): Compatible – Single Display Only
• Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Host Charging (TBT3-UDV): Compatible – Single Display Only

Thunderbolt 3 Storage

• Thunderbolt 3 512GB NVME Solid State Drive (TBT3-NVME512): Compatible
• Thunderbolt 3 1TB NVME Solid State Drive (TBT3-NVME1TB): Compatible
• Thunderbolt 3 2TB NVME Solid State Drive (TBT3-NVME2TB): Compatible

USB-C Docking Stations

Multi-Display USB-C Docking Stations with PD Charging
Note: These multi-display docks use a combination of USB-C Alternate Mode (native “Alt Mode” video output) and DisplayLink technology (requiring a driver to be installed). This combination of technologies serves as a workaround to the M1 platforms supporting a single external display. For additional information about DisplayLink and macOS, please see our post here.

• Triple Display Dock with 3x HDMI and 60W Charging – Horizontal (UD-3900PDZ): Compatible
• Triple Display Dock with 1x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, and 60W Charging – Vertical (UD-ULTC4K): Compatible
• Triple Display Dock with 2x HDMI, 1x DVI/VGA, and 60W Charging – Vertical (UD-ULTCDL): Requires disconnect/reconnect when system rebooted

Single-Display USB-C Docking Stations with PD Charging

• USB-C Mini Docking Station with 85W Charging(UD-CAM): Compatible
• USB-C Docking Station with 60W Charging(UD-CA1A): Compatible

USB-C Hubs, Video Cables, and Dongles

USB-C Hubs with Pass-through Charging

• 7-in-1 Multi-function Hub with HDMI(USBC-7IN1): Compatible
• 3-in-1 AV Adapter with HDMI(USBC-MD103): Compatible

Single-Display USB-C Dongles and Cables

• USB-C to DisplayPort Cable (USBC-DP): Compatible
• USB-C to HDMI Cable (USBC-HDMI-CABLE): Compatible
• USB-C to VGA Cable (USBC-VGA-CABLE): Compatible
• USB-C to DisplayPort Travel Dongle with Flat Cable (USBC-TDP): Compatible
• USB-C to HDMI Travel Dongle with Flat Cable (USBC-THDMI): Compatible
• USB-C to VGA Travel Dongle with Flat Cable (USBC-DVI): Compatible
• USB-C to DVI Dongle (USBC-T): Compatible
• USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Dongle (USBC-HDMI): Compatible
• USB-C to VGA Dongle (USBC-VGA): Compatible

Please comment below to share any additional compatibility information or with questions — thanks!

On Thursday, November 12th, 2020 Apple released the macOS 11 Big Sur operating system for supported Apple laptop and desktop systems. With this release we expect that many of our customers using a Mac in conjunction with our DisplayLink-based products (such as the UD-3900 and our other UD-series docking stations) will update to this new version.

Based on our internal testing, testing from DisplayLink, and user feedback, the newest DisplayLink drivers and Big Sur provide a positive user experience (though there are a couple of features like screen rotation and “clamshell mode” we hope to see enabled with future macOS and/or DisplayLink driver updates). We will continue to test and validate performance on Big Sur when we receive our new MacBooks based on the new “Apple Silicon” M1 CPU architecture in the coming weeks, and as always we deeply appreciate any user feedback as well.

As of this writing, there are two different versions of the macOS driver that have been released by DisplayLink (the separate company that makes the primary chip within our DisplayLink-based products, and who also develops the software driver).

A ‘legacy’ version which uses a kernel extension in order to provide its functionality, and a newer ‘DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity’ App which utilizes a new architecture that does not rely on a kernel extension to provide its functionality:

DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App version 1.2.0 –> Link
(compatible with macOS Catalina 10.15 and macOS 11 Big Sur)

This is the recommended version, however please see the comparison table below for important information

Installation instructions –> Link

Legacy kernel extension driver version 5.2.5 –> Link
(compatible with macOS Mojave 10.14 and macOS Catalina 10.15)

The legacy version is only recommended for those users running macOS Mojave 10.14 and macOS Catalina 10.15 and who are not planning to upgrade to a newer version of macOS. Please see the comparison table below for important information about certain limitations

Installation instructions –> Link

Driver comparison

The choice of which driver to use is ultimately determined by one’s OS version and individual specific requirements, since each version offers different capabilities and operating system compatibility. We have provided a comparison table below that highlights their differences in an effort to help our customers make an informed decision.

macOS DisplayLink Driver Type Comparison Table

Summary

Plugable’s DisplayLink-based products work well for most users and workflows on Macs with 10.14 and newer, with some limitations and difference noted in the table above. There are two different versions of the macOS DisplayLink driver, each with different functionality and operating system version compatibility. We want to provide background and context to our customers using our DisplayLink-based products with the Mac with regard to the different driver versions available and their respective capabilities.

If you are using a Plugable branded DisplayLink-based product with macOS and are having problems getting things working, please keep the Plugable product connected to your system (even though not working as expected) and send the output of our diagnostic utility PlugDebug –> http://plugable.com/support/plugdebug to us directly via support@plugable.com and we will do our best to try and help. Also, please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!

UPDATE 9/30/20: Covid19 continues to disrupt global supply chains and logistics, and we’ve encountered multiple delays that unfortunately have affected our intended launch schedule. In addition to continued international shipping delays for all goods, increased online shopping has caused massive delays with units checking in to Amazon and other distribution centers. (Products that used to be available within 5-7 days are now taking 2-4 weeks.) Factoring in these unpredictable delays as best we can, our anticipated launch window for North America is early November. The window for release in Europe is unclear, but we will update this post as we learn new information.

We’re of course disappointed by these delays, but also excited to be in the home stretch. Apologies for any frustrations, and thank you for your patience!

At CES 2020 we announced our flagship Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Docking Station, the TBT3-UDZ. This dock’s exclusive design allows users to connect up to 2 additional 4K displays using either HDMI or DP without the need of external adapters – the first Thunderbolt 3 docking station to offer this functionality.

The TBT3-UDZ is built upon the latest Intel Titan Ridge chipset, enabling the widest compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C laptops on the market. Its dual connectivity removes frustrations from having to pick a docking station for either type of laptop while delivering unrivaled performance.

After months of supply chain disruptions and finalizing product features we are excited to share some new updates!

Based on customer feedback, we’ve updated our design to include an extra USB-C 10Gbps port on the front of the dock for easy access. USB-C peripherals are more common now than ever before and we want to make sure that TBT3-UDZ allows you to connect all of your devices.

To ensure compliance with IEC power regulations, we’ve updated the dock to provide 96W to the host device. The small change to 96W will not negatively affect any laptop charging behavior and will allow customers to purchase the docking station worldwide. With Apple also releasing laptops with 96W chargers, such as the new 16” MacBook Pro, the TBT3-UDZ is the best docking station to pair with these devices for unrivaled performance.

The TBT3-UDZ has passed Thunderbolt 3 certification and is in its final stages before launch. We are expecting the dock to be available globally in September. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate the effects of the pandemic, while also working to bring you a top of the line Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C dock.

For more information on the TBT3-UDZ and to sign up to be notified when units are available, please visit our product page here.

If you have any questions at all, please comment below or email support@plugable.com anytime and we will be happy to help!

The Plugable TBT3-NVME512 512GB external NVMe SSD drive hits performance levels not possible before Thunderbolt 3. Connect the drive to a Thunderbolt 3 port to gain 512GB of extra storage with amazing speeds of up to 2400+ MB/sec read and 1800+ MB/sec write, all without the need for an external power connection. Great for content creators requiring blazing fast external storage, no-compromise gamers who want the fastest possible portable Steam library, or as a secondary/portable OS boot drive on supported host systems.

Intel Thunderbolt 3 technology offers blistering transfer speeds up to 40Gbps and is the perfect connection to take advantage of new storage technologies. Unlike traditional external storage solutions that are limited by the SATA III interface, NVMe technology allows solid state media to interface directly with your CPU via PCI Express, allowing vastly improved performance as well as lower latency and reduced CPU usage. With the TBT3-NVME512 external solid state drive, you can experience performance like never before, often as fast (or faster!) than your computer’s built-in storage, and roughly 5x faster than traditional SATA III solid state drives connected with USB 3.1 Gen 2.

Device Specifications

• Portable aluminum design
• Thunderbolt 3 interface with integrated 18cm/7″ 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 cable
• 512GB NVMe Solid State storage with PCIe Gen3 x4 link*
• Sequential transfer speeds of 2400+ MB/s read and 1800+ MB/s write**,***
• 36 month warranty or 800 TBW

*Formatted capacity and transfer speeds will vary depending on host system and workload. Systems with a PCIe x2 configuration for their Thunderbolt 3 controller will experience lower performance. In our testing, the maximum R/W results on an x2 system were ~1400MB/s R and 1200MB/s W.
**Linux systems may exhibit slower write performance around 1200+ MB/s write.
***Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) users must enable write caching in the Device Manager for maximum write speeds.

In the Box

1x Thunderbolt 3 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive with included captive 40Gbps TBT3 cable
1x Quick Start Guide

Hardware Requirements

Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 host systems. USB-C systems without Thunderbolt 3 and USB-A (USB 3.0 / 2.0) systems are not supported.

Operating System and Driver Details

• Supports macOS Sierra and later
• Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 7
• Thunderbolt 3 Linux support varies at this time
• As of our most recent testing (October 2019) Boot Camp Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) is supported.

System Compatibility

• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems (2019 through Late 2016 MacBook Pro, 2019-2018 MacBook Air, 2018-2017 iMac / iMac Pro, 2018 Mac Mini)
• Compatible with most Thunderbolt 3 Windows hosts
• Compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 Linux hosts varies

Setup Instructions

Plug the drive into a free Thunderbolt 3 port on your Mac / PC or Thunderbolt 3 docking station. Mac systems will automatically mount the drive with no additional setup needed.

On Windows systems, you’ll need to “Authenticate” Thunderbolt 3 devices before first use. Device authentication is somewhat intuitive, but a step-by-step guide can be found here:

Thunderbolt 3 Authentication on Windows

FAQs

Q: Do I need to format the drive before use?
A: The drive is pre-formatted in exFAT (cross-compatible with macOS and Windows) and should automatically be recognized without the need to initialize and format before use. If the drive has been reformatted after purchase with a file system not natively supported by your operating system, it may need to be mounted manually. Click here for instructions on reformatting drives if desired.

Q: What are the best practices to ensure compatibility with my Windows Thunderbolt 3 system?
A: Installing the latest Thunderbolt 3 and BIOS firmwares from your system manufacturer is strongly recommended. Some systems with outdated firmware may not be compatible with this (and other) Thunderbolt 3 devices. (Note: This only applies to Windows systems. Apple Thunderbolt 3 systems automatically receive firmware updates during macOS upgrades.)

Q: Are any host systems known to be incompatible at this time?
A: The only host platform with Thunderbolt 3 to be confirmed as incompatible at this point is the Dell Latitude 7275.

Q: Why does the drive show up with a 512GB capacity in macOS, but 476GB in Windows?
A: Mac and Windows report space differently. On Mac, space is calculated using decimal/Base 10, where 1 GB=1,000,000,000B (so 512,000,000,000/1,000,000,000=512GB). In Windows, space is calculated using binary/Base 2, where 1GB=1,073,741,824B (so 512,000,000,000/1,073,741,824=476GB). An useful analogy would be considering distance in miles vs. kilometers; the distance traveled is the same, but the number used to represent that distance is different.

Q: Is the TBT3-NVME512 compatible with Boot Camp?
A: As of our most recent testing (October 2019) Boot Camp Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) is supported.

Q: Will the drive perform at its maximum speed during all read/write operations?
A: Transfer speed is affected by many factors. While this Thunderbolt 3 NVMe drive is capable of sequential transfer speeds of 2400+ MB/s read and 1800+ MB/s write, results will vary depending on the program being used, OS, and workload.

Q: Some Thunderbolt 3 ports support a 2-lane PCI Express configuration (PCIe x2), and some support a 4-lane PCI Express implementation (PCIe x4). Will the drive perform differently based on the host system PCIe specifications?
A: This will depend on the specific workload. The maximum throughput of the drive be reduced in some scenarios on systems with a PCIe x2 implementation. In our testing, the maximum R/W results on an x2 system were ~1400MB/s R and 1200MB/s W.

Q: How can I tell if my system has x2 or x4 PCIe Thunderbolt 3 configuration?
A: Most system manufacturers list these details in their online system specifications. Dell has this information available for most of their popular hosts in a handy single document: here.

Q: Are there any benchmark results available showcasing the drive’s performance?
A: Yes! The screenshot below is from a 2019 MacBook Pro 15″ with a PCIe x4 implementation.

Troubleshooting

Problem: After connecting my drive, why is it not visible in my Operating System?
The TBT3-NVME512 must be connected to a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port. On systems which have a mix of Thunderbolt 3 and non-Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, please ensure the device is connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port.

Problem: In Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) my write speeds are far lower than advertised but my read speeds are OK.
With Windows 10 version 1809 the default removable storage settings are set to have write caching disabled in favor of quickly removing the drive vs needing to “safely remove”. This setting can be changed in the Device Manager. See here for instructions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4495263/windows-10-1809-change-in-default-removal-policy-for-external-media

Problem: I am unable to format this NVMe SSD in APFS
A solution was found here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8262732

• In Disk Utility, switch the View option to “Show All Devices”.
• Select the entry named “PCIe SSD Media”, with “TBT3_SSD” indented below it.
• Click on Erase.
• Change the Scheme to “GUID Partition Map”. The Format choices will then expand to include several APFS choices.
• Set the Format to “APFS”.
• Press Erase.

Model: TBT3-NVME512

Where to Buy

Plugable TBT3-NVME512 Thunderbolt™ 3 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive

MSRP $279.99

Select Market

** Update 12/3/2019 – With the latest update to the DisplayLink macOS driver, the ‘additional’ instructions provided by DisplayLink on their support site (to be executed within Recovery Mode) that were required in some instances should no longer be necessary, and as a result DisplayLink has removed the information from their website. We have kept the information within the blog post for historical reference, but have struck it through to indicate it is no longer required. **

On Monday, October 7th Apple released macOS Catalina 10.15 for supported laptop and desktop systems. As with any other major operating system update, there is also the possibility for existing peripherals and applications to not work as expected.

We speak to some of these issues in recent blog posts:

BIG CHANGES UNDER THE HOOD IN MACOS 10.15 CATALINA

PLUGABLE MICROSCOPE NOT WORKING AFTER MACOS 10.15 CATALINA? WE CAN HELP!

USB ETHERNET ADAPTER NOT WORKING AFTER MACOS CATALINA 10.15 UPDATE? WE CAN HELP!

In this post we want to speak to how macOS Catalina affects Plugable products that use DisplayLink USB video technology, which at present include the following products:

UD-6950 Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-6950
UD-5900 Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-5900
UD-3900 Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-3900
UD-3900H Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-3900h
UD-6950H Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-6950h
UD-ULTCDL Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-ultcdl
UD-ULTC4K Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-ultc4k
UD-PRO8 Docking Station – https://plugable.com/products/ud-pro8
USBC-6950-DP Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/usbc-6950-dp
USBC-6950-HDMI Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/usbc-6950-hdmi
USB3-6950-DP Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/usb3-6950-dp
USB3-6950-HDMI Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/usb3-6950-hdmi
UGA-4KDP Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/uga-4kdp
UGA-4KHDMI Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/uga-4khdmi
UGA-2KHDMI Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/uga-2khdmi
UGA-3000 Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/uga-3000
USB3-3900DHE Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/usb3-3900dhe
UGA-165 Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/uga-165
UGA-VGA-165 Display Adapter – https://plugable.com/products/usb-vga-165

In brief, our DisplayLink-based products can be made to work with an Apple Mac system running macOS but this is not something Plugable officially supports at this time and we do our best to call this out in our product listings.

While DisplayLink (the separate company that makes the chips used in our DisplayLink-based products and does the driver development –> https://www.displaylink.com/ ) have released driver versions that work with macOS that some have reported work with our products, this is not officially supported by Plugable.

With the recent release of macOS Catalina 10.15, Apple has made changes to the operating system that require an updated beta DisplayLink driver and a few special steps during the installation process in order for any DisplayLink-based device (Plugable brand or otherwise) to work properly.

As a courtesy we have provided detailed installation instructions (and a video walkthrough) for removing any existing DisplayLink drivers and installing an updated DisplayLink driver on a macOS Catalina 10.15 system here –> https://plugable.com/drivers/displaylink/mac/#install_catalina

* Please pay particular attention to the security processes shown in steps #11, #12 and #13 of the install guide. These need to be completed in order for the process to work.

** We have had reports that even after following the installation instructions the DisplayLink device is still not working. Should that prove to be the case, first ensure you have a full system backup using Time Machine as a precaution. Once the backup is verified, please follow the instructions provided by DisplayLink here –> https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1916602-macos-catalina-10-15-screen-recording-permission

In summation, while Plugable does not officially support using our DisplayLink-based products with macOS most likely things can be made to work. Customers updating from macOS Mojave 10.14 to macOS Catalina 10.15 may see their DisplayLink device stop working. Removing any existing DisplayLink drivers and installing an updated DisplayLink beta version driver may help, and we have provided a detailed procedure for doing so.

If you are using a Plugable branded DisplayLink-based product with macOS Catalina 10.15 and are still experiencing issues using the device after having followed all of the procedures referenced above, please keep everything connected (even though not working) and send the output of our diagnostic utility PlugDebug –> http://plugable.com/support/plugdebug to us directly via support@plugable.com and we will do our best to try and help.

**UPDATE 2: ASIX has provided a final release driver for use with macOS 10.15.3 (Catalina) only due to updated notarization requirements from Apple as of February 2, 2020. After thorough vetting and testing in coordination with ASIX, we have updated our download links to this 2.16.0 final release build from the previous 2.15.0 and 2.15.0-Beta 1 builds both on this blog post and our driver page for affected devices.

(Please note, these drivers and instructions are intended only for our Plugable manufactured adapters. If your adapter is from another manufacturer, we would suggest to reach out to that company directly for support.)

**UPDATE 1: ASIX has provided a final release driver for use with macOS 10.15 (Catalina) only. After thorough vetting and testing in coordination with ASIX, we have updated our download links to this 2.15.0 final release build from the previous Beta 1 build both on this blog post and our driver page for affected devices.
 

USB3-E1000 & USBC-E1000 AX88179 macOS 10.15 Catalina Drivers v2.16.0 Final Release – 01/30/2020
For use with macOS 10.15 only and with support for February 2020 Apple Notarization Requirements

Synopsis

The installation of macOS 10.15 Catalina will disable older drivers for some devices and devices which rely on these drivers will no longer function until a compatible driver is reinstalled. Most Plugable products are not affected by this, with the exception of our USB Ethernet adapters that use ASIX Gigabit Ethernet chips (models: USBC-E1000, USB3-E1000, and USB2-E1000).

For instructions on how to restore functionality of your ASIX-based Plugable Ethernet Adapter after updating to macOS 10.15 Catalina, you can jump right to our step-by-step instructions here:
ASIX driver installation guide for macOS Catalina

For those who’d like more detail about the underlying behavior, keep reading!

Background

macOS 10.15 (Catalina), is nearly here, and with it come some new Application and driver requirements. For additional details about the new DriverKit model and the transition to 64-bit application requirements, check out our other Catalina blog posts here and here.

While these are positive changes for the Mac ecosystem, the new driver requirements in Catalina will take time to get used to for some driver developers. In the short term some products will have a less user-friendly installation process as driver developers adapt to these changes. The vast majority of Plugable products that work in previous versions of macOS will continue to do so without incident in Catalina. However, USB Ethernet adapters (from Plugable and others) that use ASIX chips can pose the following challenges:

1. Drivers that worked for users in macOS 10.14 and earlier will no longer function after updating to macOS 10.15 Catalina until updated, compatible drivers are installed
2. Attempting to reinstall an older driver version will trigger a message stating: “The installation failed. The installer encountered an error that caused the installation to fail. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance.”
3. The updated macOS 10.15-compatible beta driver from ASIX has a persistent on-screen dialog box which makes the driver installation more challenging than usual

This message occurs when trying to install drivers incompatible with 10.15

Because of challenges with the beta ASIX driver installation process in 10.15, we will not be officially recommending our ASIX-based Gigabit Ethernet adapters on macOS Catalina until ASIX has developed an updated driver version with a less cumbersome installation process. Note that these challenges all pertain to software; the hardware remains compatible. This includes the following USB to Ethernet adapters models: USB3-E1000, USBC-E1000 and USB2-E1000. Apple is expected to release the final version of macOS Catalina, on or around Friday October 4, 2019.

Installation Instructions

Below are a download link and step-by-step instructions documenting driver installation and the macOS Gatekeeper approval process for our USB3-E1000 and USBC-E1000 adapters, which both use the ASIX AX88179 chipset in both written and video formats.

USB3-E1000 & USBC-E1000 AX88179 macOS 10.15 Catalina Drivers v2.15.0 Final Release – 11/19/2019
For use with macOS 10.15 only

(The process should be the same for the USB2-E1000 based on the AX88178 chip, though this adapter uses a different driver version, found here: USB2-E1000 AX88178 macOS Catalina Drivers v2.3.0)

Step 1: After downloading, open the folder downloaded and run the AX88179_178A_v2.15.0_beta1.pkg file

Step 2: This window will open for the installation process. Please continue through the process as guided by the installer.

Step 3: During this process, you will be asked to input your account password to allow the installation to continue, please do so and click “Install Software” to continue.

Step 4: You’ll be prompted with this message below stating that the extension cannot be loaded. Please note, clicking OK, won’t actually start the driver installation. When you click OK, the message will pop up continually.

Step 5: Click and drag this error dialog box out of the way, while keeping it on your monitor for later access (do not close this dialog box). Now, please go to the Apple Menu (on the toolbar at the top of your screen) > System Preferences. When System Preferences opens, visit Security & Privacy > General tab. Here, we see the extension signature listed but cannot allow it to install yet. Please click on the lock at the bottom as we need to allow the process for Gatekeeper.

Step 6: You’ll be prompted for your password, please enter it to unlock the option to Allow the extension to install

Step 7: After unlocking the options with your password, click the button to “Allow” the installation of the extension

Step 8: Now you have permission to open the package for installation. Please click, OK on the System Extension notification you moved out of the way which will close the window this time, and allow the installation to begin

Step 9: Now, the installation has begun

Step 10: Installation complete. Now that everything is finished, go ahead and click Restart

Step 11: You’ll be asked if you want to move the installer package into the trash. This is up to you, and won’t affect the installation process. Please note, once you pick an option your Mac will restart

Final Step: After installation and restarting you may wish to turn off your WiFi temporarily while you check the connection. Go into System Preferences > Network, and you should see the wired adapter with a green, connected status! (Please note, your network information will show up here)

FAQ

I have this adapter, and it no longer works after the Catalina update. What are my options?
Installing an updated version of the ASIX drivers will restore functionality. Click here for step-by-step instructions

Has Apple disabled support for ASIX-based network adapters?
No, Apple has not disabled support for these products. But the currently-available drivers from ASIX have an installation process which doesn’t meet our requirements for ease of use for our customers.

Are adapters from other brands affected by the Catalina update as well?
Yes, the latest macOS Catalina update will affect any adapters with ASIX chipsets as drivers are not included in macOS and require installation by all customers upgrading to Catalina

Will users who upgrade to Catalina with the older ASIX drivers installed get an error message?
Unfortunately, no, the drivers will silently fail to load and no error messages will be presented to any user of incompatible drivers.

What happens if I try to install older drives on Catalina now that I’ve updated?
The installation process will attempt to go through, but will ultimately fail with the following message: “The installation failed. The installer encountered an error that caused the installation to fail. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance.”

We do apologize for any inconvenience, and are here to help. If you have any additional questions, please let us know in the comments below, or reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com.

One of the biggest changes in macOS 10.15 (Catalina) is support for 32-bit legacy applications has been phased out. Catalina and future versions of macOS operating system support only 64-bit applications. (You can read more about this in our Catalina blog post and on Apple’s site if interested.)

As a result, if you’ve recently updated your macOS version to 10.15 (Catalina), you may have noticed that your 32-Bit applications no longer launch. The software we’ll be focusing on here is the 32-bit version of Plugable’s Digital Viewer, used by the Plugable USB2-MICRO-250X and USB2-MICRO-800X microscopes. The 32-bit version of Digital Viewer will show an error when attempting to run in Catalina, stating “Digital Viewer needs to be updated.”

Thankfully, we’ve been working on a solution! Just in time for Catalina, we’ve got an updated version of the Digital Viewer software which fully supports Apple’s 64-bit application requirements and includes several other usability improvements. Read below for step-by-step instructions on how to upgrade to this new version.

Please note, our Digital Viewer software and troubleshooting steps are intended only for use with the USB2-MICRO-250X and USB2-MICRO-800X microscopes that we manufacture. If your microscope was made by another manufacturer, we would suggest to reach out to that company directly for support.

Step-by-step instructions are presented below. For those seeking a quick summary: we suggest uninstalling the current 32-Bit version of Digital Viewer on your Mac and restarting. After uninstalling and restarting, download Plugable’s 64-bit Digital Viewer software here and install: Plugable Digital Viewer v3.3.30.pkg.

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Uninstall the current 32-Bit Version: Go to your Applications folder, click and drag the 32-Bit version of the Digital Viewer into your trash bin, and delete it

Step 2: Download the new 64-Bit Package Installer, launch, and click “Continue” to proceed

Step 3: Click “Install” to begin the installation

Step 4: Enter your password, and then click, “Install Software” to continue

Step 5: You should receive this message about successful installation. Go ahead and restart your Mac

Step 6: After restarting, open up the new Plugable Digital Viewer application, and make sure to set the, “USB Microscope” as the default device in the Settings. Click “Apply” to save this change.

Please feel free to comment below, or reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com

The two changes we expect to have the highest user impact offer benefits while also posing challenges for developers: the requirement that all applications must be 64-bit (and as a result, the loss of legacy 32-bit application compatibility), and the requirement that drivers must utilize the new, more secure, DriverKit framework. While these changes are all-around positive for the future of macOS from performance, security, and stability standpoints, they affect millions of lines of code across the planet, fundamentally changing the way that software and drivers must be created in order to work on macOS.

Transition to 64-bit application requirements has been in the works for quite some time, as the sunset for 32-bit app support has been in the works for over a year. Beginning with the release of macOS 10.13.4 High Sierra in March 2018, macOS has been presenting warnings to users of 32-bit apps, encouraging users to contact to application developers concerning the app’s future. We’ve encountered this frequently while supporting our USB microscopes, as the software we provide to go along with those products has been 32-bit right up to the Catalina deadline. And though warnings have been present for some time, the applications in question could still be run. After installing Catalina, when you attempt to launch a 32-bit application, users will see a warning that “{Application Name} needs to be updated”, and the app will simply no longer run.

The move away from 32-bit is a good one, but it does create some roadblocks. Newer, more efficient APIs such as Metal are 64-bit only, and 32-bit apps by nature can’t leverage as much memory space as a 64-bit app. On the downside, many legacy apps that no longer have active development teams behind will be stuck on older versions of macOS eternally, forcing users to choose between keeping their system out-of-date to retain compatibility, or upgrading their OS and potentially having to purchase new software. In the not-so-distant future, this could mean keeping an insecure operating system on hand just to retain compatibility with a crucial piece of software.

Users run applications on their systems constantly, so the above changes will be quite noticeable for affected users. Drivers — small pieces of special software which enable hardware devices to work — are something users consciously interact with much less frequently. With Catalina, Apple is now requiring that these drivers use a framework called DriverKit, which represents a huge shift in how drivers interact with the core of the operating system (known as the kernel). Drivers developed with DriverKit run in user space, rather than as kernel extensions (.kext), which offers immensely improved security and stability.

What this has meant for developers is that legacy “kext” drivers have had to be re-written, and that can bring some challenges. As it currently stands, many devices on the market with legacy drivers simply won’t function on Catalina until newer drivers are released. Our USBC-E1000 and USB3-E1000 are two such devices; the chipset manufacturer for this device has only produced a beta driver to meet the deadline for Catalina release, which is more challenging to install than typical drivers. (We’ve got a blog post coming shortly after this one with instructions on how to install this new beta drivers for affected users.)

These changes are likely to signal the end for many legacy applications and devices that no longer have active developers behind them. Devices that rely on kernel extensions, and applications that were never updated to 64-bit before desertion will be forced off of macOS with these changes. In many cases, this will raise some difficult decisions for users and organizations who rely on specialized legacy applications or hardware.

Please select your option below:

Compatibility Chart

The core factor that determines whether or not a host system will be compatible with the UD-CUBE is if the system has a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 / Gen 2 port that supports USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode). Alternatively, a system with a Thunderbolt 3 port should also be compatible. Alt Mode video support must be built-in to the USB-C port on the host system in order for the HDMI display to function properly through the dock, so if your system isn’t listed below, please check with your system manual to confirm this or contact us at support@plugable.com.

Important Note About Host Charging

The UD-CUBE docking station will not charge your connected host laptop. You will need to keep the original power adapter connected to the system in order charge it.

It may appear that the UD-CUBE is charging your computer, as you may see some charging indicator upon connecting your computer to the Cube. While the Cube does provide 15W of power back to the host system, this is not enough to keep the laptop charged under normal use. Please make sure to keep the original laptop power adapter connected for charging.

In the Box

• UD-CUBE Mini Dock
• 1x USB-C to USB-C cable (91 cm / 36 in)
• 1x Power Adapter (20W 5V/4A, UL60950-1)
• 1x Quick Start Guide

FAQ

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-CUBE USB-C Cube Docking Station

MSRP $124.99

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If you are a streaming veteran or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step guides for setting up and configuring your capture software NIX Capture Card, helping ensure a seamless experience capturing all the intense action. It’s never been easier to setup a capture device and start streaming.

The Plugable Performance NIX Capture Card works with popular software streaming solutions such as OBS, XSplit, and more. Whether you want to capture from your PC, XBox One, or PS4, you’re covered with robust, multi-platform support for a wide variety of HDMI sources. (The only sources you’ll want to avoid are Mac systems and HDCP copy protected content.) We also include both USB-C and USB-A (the “traditional” USB 3.0 connector most people are used to) cables to connect and capture to virtually any modern Windows, macOS, or Linux system.

NIX the latency and NIX the bloat. The NIX capture card’s HDMI pass-through port keeps you playing at your best without adding latency or requiring an external splitter. You’ll never need to stress about how your capture setup will affect your performance. With the lowest resource usage around, the Plugable Performance NIX Capture Card doesn’t waste precious memory capacity or CPU/GPU performance to capture your gaming footage. It uses drivers built-in to modern operating systems, and works with popular open streaming solutions without the need to install clunky proprietary bloatware.

The Plugable Performance NIX Capture Card is available immediately in the USA, with availability soon in Canada and the UK. For additional product information, visit the Plugable Performance NIX Streaming & Capture Card product page. And for additional details along with sneak peek at our new web platform, check out the NIX product page on the Plugable Performance site.

Questions? Please post in the comments below and we’ll be happy to help!

Where to Buy
For USA buyers, units are available immediately on Amazon.com

For buyers outside the USA in Canada and UK, units will be available in the coming weeks.

With this OS change, the total number of displays that can be connected to Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Macs is now significantly reduced. Users of our UD-ULTCDL and UD-ULTC4K docks can continue to drive a single monitor connected to the 4K “Alt Mode” HDMI output on their dock. See the table below for information on the total number of monitors your 10.13.4 MacBook supports, and details on which products can be connected to a free Thunderbolt 3 port on your system to connect additional display(s) in conjunction with the monitor connected to your UD-ULTCDL/ULTC4K docking station.

For a more comprehensive look at the display support on specific Mac platforms along with additional options that aren’t based on DisplayLink technology to help ‘get back’ some displays, see additional details below.

Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pros with AMD GPU

Apple systems that have Thunderbolt 3 ports and also have an internal AMD graphics adapter (GPU) have the most options available, as they can support a maximum of four external displays using a combination of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 devices. An important element to keep in mind is that the one functioning display connected to the dock is included in that total number.

The most simple (and least expensive) method to add two displays is to connect them directly to the Thunderbolt 3 ports of the system using a combination of any two of our USB-C video cables or adapters (one adapter for each display):

USB-C to DisplayPort cable -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-dp
USB-C to HDMI cable -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-hdmi-cable
USB-C to HDMI adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-hdmi
USB-C to DVI adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-dvi
USB-C to VGA adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-vga

A slightly more expensive solution (but a one that requires the use of one less Thunderbolt 3 port) is to add one of our Thunderbolt 3 Dual Display Adapters:

Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/tbt3-dp2x-83
Thunderbolt 3 Dual HDMI adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/tbt3-hdmi2x-83/

Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pros with Intel GPU

Apple systems that have Thunderbolt 3 ports and have only an internal Intel graphics adapter (GPU) are slightly more limited, as they can only support a maximum of two external displays using a combination of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 devices.

As mentioned earlier, the single video output of either dock that is still working counts against this total, so the only option is to add one additional display to the system using one of USB-C video cables or adapters:

USB-C to DisplayPort cable -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-dp
USB-C to HDMI cable -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-hdmi-cable
USB-C to HDMI adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-hdmi
USB-C to DVI adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-dvi
USB-C to VGA adapter -> https://plugable.com/products/usbc-vga

** Important note – Thunderbolt 3 Dual Display adapters cannot circumvent the total display limitations present in any MacBook Pro. The total maximum number of displays will always be in effect regardless of what types of adapters or cables are in use. **

USB-C 12” Retina MacBook (no Thunderbolt 3 support)

For MacBooks (without the ‘Pro’ designation), as the system only has a single USB-C port unfortunately there are no other options to connect additional displays beyond what is already working in the dock. Without the ability to use a DisplayLink-powered device, the MacBook can only connect to one external display.

While certainly less than ideal, depending on what Mac system you have there are options to use more than the one additional display currently afforded by the dock. While certainly not a solution for the original problem caused by the update, these other connection types can provide at least a partial workaround.

Legacy MacBooks with Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2

We have not officially supported our USB 3.0 generation docking stations and graphics adapters on Mac due to driver issues present in OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) and later. But we realize that even though we state “Mac not supported” on these products, some customers did go ahead and purchase them for use on Mac systems. For these MacBooks, a Mini DisplayPort adapter can be used for a single display. Alternatively, Thunderbolt 2 docking stations are available from other vendors.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below or contact us directly via support@plugable.com

Update: February 26th, 2019:
DisplayLink has released an updated driver for macOS Mojave 10.14 (DisplayLink driver version 5.1) that provides some important big fixes. While we are not changing our list of officially supported platforms at this time, the latest version is recommended for all users running macOS Mojave with DisplayLink-based devices.

Update: December 7th, 2018:
DisplayLink has released an updated driver for macOS Mojave 10.14 (DisplayLink driver version 5.0.1) that re-enables a maximum of four DisplayLink connected displays on Macs.

In addition, on December 5th, 2018 Apple released an update to macOS Mojave version 10.14.2 that resolves the problem we described previously of DisplayLink-attached displays not working as expected with MacBook Pro 2018 or MacBook Air 2018 models.

With the above fixes in place, for most users running macOS Mojave version 10.14.2 and DisplayLink driver 5.0.1, DisplayLink devices should again operate at the same capabilities that were present prior to the release of macOS High Sierra 10.13.4.

While Plugable is glad that this issue has been resolved, please be aware we are not changing our list of officially supported platforms at this time.

For users wishing to remain on macOS High Sierra, OS 10.13.3 will continue to offer the best experience. At this time, there is no indication that the fixes to macOS in 10.14.x will be backported to macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 through 10.13.6.

Update: September 28, 2018
On September 24th, Apple publicly released the next major version of macOS, version 10.14 (Mojave). On most Apple Macs running Mojave that have the latest release of DisplayLink’s software driver version 5.0 installed, DisplayLink functionality has been restored. However, there is a known issue with MacBook 2018 systems that prevent proper operation of DisplayLink-attached displays.

In our testing of both Mojave and the new driver we have found that overall things work well, however there are a few important limitations of which to be aware. In addition to the incompatible 2018 MacBook mentioned above, some users with other Mac models are reporting issues getting their displays to output as expected. This may be solved by uninstalling and reinstalling the driver, but a definitive cause is unclear at this time. Also, Mac systems now support a maximum of 3 DisplayLink displays (in previous versions of macOS, the limit was 4).

The loss of DisplayLink functionality in macOS 10.13.4 was incredibly disruptive for our customers, so please note that while these developments are promising, we are not changing our list of officially supported platforms at this time.

At this time, there are no updates for those running macOS High Sierra 10.13.4+ to re-enable full DisplayLink functionality. It is unknown if Apple will choose to restore this functionality to High Sierra, however it appears unlikely that they will do so. The DisplayLink driver version 4.3 is still available for 10.13.4+ users as a workaround.

For Mojave users who wish to install the DisplayLink version 5.0 drivers, we have a step-by-step guide to the process here -> https://plugable.com/drivers/displaylink/mac/

Update: September 12, 2018
Today Apple has confirmed the final public version of macOS 10.14 (Mojave) will be released on September 24th, 2018.

DisplayLink has posted an update on their support page (https://support.displaylink.com/forums/287786-displaylink-feature-suggestions/suggestions/33252664-macos-high-sierra-10-13-4-and-mojave-10-14-early) that confirms support for DisplayLink devices on most* systems running macOS 10.14 will be re-enabled with full functionality when used with the newly released DisplayLink version 5.0 Beta driver.

(*The Mid 2018 MacBook Pro may not support DisplayLink using the 5.0 Beta driver with the initial 10.14 macOS release, but a fix for this platform may be available in the future.)

Support for DisplayLink in macOS versions 10.13.4-10.13.6 and higher has not been restored by Apple, and it is unknown at this time if this will change in the future.

While we’ve had positive results testing our DisplayLink-based products in Mojave, please note that for now Plugable isn’t changing our list of officially supported platforms at this time.

Update: August 8, 2018
Apple has released a beta version of the next release of macOS (10.14, Mojave) which resolves compatibility issues with DisplayLink devices. When a system is updated to this pre-release version of macOS 10.14 and the DisplayLink Mac driver version 4.3 beta 5 is installed, full DisplayLink functionality is restored.

We hope these fixes remain in place, but at this time we do not know if these changes will be preserved in the final public release of Mojave due in Autumn of 2018. While user reports about Mojave have been generally positive, running a beta version of an operating system is not a solution for most people, because by their nature beta operating systems can have bugs that cause unexpected problems or even lost data. (For the brave souls who may be considering installing a beta OS, be sure you’ve got a verified, up-to-date backup of your system!)

So while Plugable does not recommend installing this beta OS for most users, we wanted to mention nonetheless that progress is being made.

Update: July 17, 2018
DisplayLink has indicated they are still making progress on this issue, but there remains no complete solution to the macOS DisplayLink issue available for users of macOS version 10.13.4, 10.13.5, 10.13.6 or public beta versions of the next release of macOS 10.14 Mojave.

DisplayLink has stated they are still committed to finding a long term fix to restore functionality, and has more information in their most recent update. However, they have not shared any additional details on the expected time frame for this solution.

As there are new developments, we will again update this post.

Update: May 1, 2018
DisplayLink released an update on this issue; click the link to read their full statement: “Our team has made some solid progress towards finding a solution which would restore extended display support in a future release of macOS. We are still unable to provide a time frame or a date for release of this solution.

Meanwhile, we have been developing a partial workaround solution which would add one extended USB display (up to 1080p) on macOS 10.13.4. We are aiming to release a preview version of this driver in around 7 to 10 days. The precise date depends on how the solution performs under deeper and wider testing, and how long it takes to resolve remaining issues. We expect the driver to enable one extended 1080p screen, and one cloned screen connected to a DisplayLink device. There may be some other functional limitations.”

Update: April 26, 2018
DisplayLink released an update on this issue; click the link to read their full statement: “DisplayLink has committed significant resources to finding a way to restore extended mode display support in a future release of macOS. We have made solid progress towards identifying a solution, however our team needs to complete more work before we can communicate a release plan for a driver that will restore extended mode displays.”

While this is potentially encouraging news, no further details or timeline are provided. (DisplayLink has not shared any additional details with Plugable at this point.)

Background

Recently we wrote that the beta version of the next release of macOS, version 10.13.4, would cause USB video adapters and USB docking stations based on DisplayLink technology to stop working. This only affects Mac users, it does not affect those running Windows or Chrome OS.

Apple released the final version of 10.13.4 in the evening of 3/29/2018 and unfortunately the problem has not been fixed. If a system is updated to the final public release of macOS 10.13.4, all graphics devices which aren’t directly controlled by the system’s graphics processor or AirPlay will stop working.

As a result we strongly recommend that any Plugable customer using a DisplayLink-based product not update to 10.13.4. For advanced users, reinstalling macOS 10.13.3 and the necessary DisplayLink drivers should restore functionality. However, this is a time-consuming, complex process that isn’t for everyone.

To disable automatic update to 10.13.4, uncheck the two highlighted boxes in the screenshot below. The boxes to uncheck (disable) are “Download updates in background” and “Install macOS updates” These are found in the “App Store” portion of “System Preferences” within macOS.

Once a Mac is on macOS 10.13.4 it is a technically difficult process to return the system to 10.13.3. Here are some options:

1. Revert to earlier version (Apple support)
2. Re-install from recovery environment (Apple Support)
3. Time Machine and other options

FAQ

Are docks from other brands affected by this OS update?
Yes, all brands of USB docking stations which use DisplayLink chips and drivers are affected. This includes Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Targus, Kensington, Anker, StarTech, etc. Regardless of brand, if the dock uses DisplayLink technology for graphics output, it will no longer function as expected after updating to macOS 10.13.4.

Has Apple permanently disabled DisplayLink Support?
Not that we know of, but they’ve not made any statements on timeframe or commitment to fix.

What is DisplayLink doing?
While the primary issue is out of DisplayLink’s hands, DisplayLink has released a beta driver version 4.3 that will allow DisplayLink-powered displays to function in what is known as ‘clone’ mode.

When using clone mode, the image from the primary display (either an internal laptop display or an external display connected to a built-in video output not using DisplayLink technology) is ‘cloned’ to the DisplayLink-powered display. This will happen transparently and there will be no ability to control this behavior via the ‘Displays’ preference pane. The resolution of the DisplayLink-powered displays will match that of the primary and will scale and/or letterbox as necessary.

The beta driver (version 4.3) can be downloaded from DisplayLink directly here -> http://www.displaylink.com/downloads/macos

Is there a way for users or organizations to request that Apple fix the issue?
For those with an Apple developer ID, DisplayLink suggests reporting the issue to Apple, referencing existing bug ID #37385102 to help raise the priority of the issue:
https://developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/

Is this a temporary or permanent situation?
We don’t know. We understand that the current situation will be extremely frustrating for our customers. We are taking every step we can with DisplayLink and Apple. We will update this blog post with updates as we have them.

Are there any other options to add additional displays to my 10.13.4 Mac?
It depends. Without the ability to use virtual graphics technologies like DisplayLink and others, Mac systems are limited to either the number of monitors natively supported by their system’s graphics adapter (“GPU”) or the number of display outputs on their system, whichever is lower. We’ve written a blog post with an overview of how many monitors are supported by each type of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Mac system and information on how that can be accomplished, along with additional details about options for legacy MacBooks with USB 3.0/USB-A and Thunderbolt 2 ports.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know in the comments below.

Say goodbye to the typical freebie mouse pads you’re familiar with that are thin, coarse, and prone to fraying around the edges. The Plugable Performance Mouse Pad features a natural rubber underside and a polyester hybrid surface that makes for a smooth and stable experience any mouse, and particularly gaming mice such as the Plugable Performance Mouse. The cotton thread stitching around the border adds to the durability and premium looks of the pad.

The pad is also water-resistant and machine washable to add to the life of the pad.

For more news on gaming-related products, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and social media accounts at http://performance.plugable.com/

As a thanks for following our efforts here at Plugable, we’re offering a limited number of 20% off discount codes, available below. Let us know what email address to send the Amazon.com discount code to, then just click button once and an email will be sent with your unique one-time-use coupon code. Thanks for your interest in Plugable products!

Get Your 20% Off Discount Code

Plugable MP-SCL Performance Mouse Pad

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Power up your productivity with the ability to add a single HDMI display up to 4K (4K@30Hz, lower resolutions at 60Hz) while simultaneously providing up to 85W of power to charge your system and expanding your connectivity with gigabit Ethernet, headphone/mic jack, and four USB 3.0 ports to connect your peripherals. All through a single USB-C cable!

The Plugable UD-CAM dramatically increases the functionality, usability, and flexibility of supported USB-C systems like the 2015 and later 12″ MacBook Retina with USB-C, Late 2016/2017 MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3, Dell XPS 13″ & 15″, Precision, and Latitude systems with Thunderbolt 3, the Microsoft Surface Book 2, Lenovo Yoga 720 13″, Google Pixelbook, and more.

The functionality of the UD-CAM Mini Dock is powered by two of USB 3.1’s most exciting new features: support for Alternate Modes and Power Delivery. Alternate Mode allows certain non-USB data and protocols (such as native video) to be sent over a USB-C cable, while Power Delivery enables you to power and charge a supported system without the need for a traditional proprietary OEM charger. Support for these features must also be built-in to the system being used, so please see the important additional compatibility details on the UD-CAM product page.

The UD-CAM is available immediately in the U.S. at the link below, with availability in other geographies due in the months ahead.

If you have any questions at all, we’re happy to help. Comment below or email support@plugable.com anytime.

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-CAM USB-C Mini Docking Station with 85W Power Delivery

MSRP $179.99

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The Plugable TBT3-NVME480 480GB external NVMe SSD drive hits performance levels not possible before Thunderbolt 3. Connect the drive to a Thunderbolt 3 port to gain 480GB of extra storage with amazing speeds of up to 2400+ MB/sec read and 1800+ MB/sec write, all without the need for an external power connection. Great for content creators requiring blazing fast external storage, no-compromise gamers who want the fastest possible portable Steam library, or as a secondary/portable OS boot drive on supported host systems.

Intel Thunderbolt 3 technology offers blistering transfer speeds up to 40Gbps and is the perfect connection to take advantage of new storage technologies. Unlike traditional external storage solutions that are limited by the SATA III interface, NVMe technology allows solid state media to interface directly with your CPU via PCI Express, allowing vastly improved performance as well as lower latency and reduced CPU usage. With the TBT3-NVME480 external solid state drive, you can experience performance like never before, often as fast (or faster!) than your computer’s built-in storage, and roughly 5x faster than traditional SATA III solid state drives connected with USB 3.1 Gen 2.

Device Specifications

• Portable aluminum design
• Thunderbolt 3 interface with integrated 18cm/7″ 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 cable
• 480GB NVMe Solid State storage with PCIe Gen3 x4 link*
• Sequential transfer speeds of 2400+ MB/s read and 1800+ MB/s write**,***
• 36 month warranty or 800 TBW
• TLC NAND flash. (Units purchased before August 2019 will contain the older MLC based media and will be slightly slower.)

*Formatted capacity and transfer speeds will vary depending on host system and workload. Systems with a PCIe x2 configuration for their Thunderbolt 3 controller will experience lower performance. In our testing, the maximum R/W results on an x2 system were ~1400MB/s R and 1200MB/s W.
**Linux systems may exhibit slower write performance around 1200+ MB/s write.
***Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) users must enable write caching in the Device Manager for maximum write speeds.

In the Box

1x Thunderbolt 3 480GB NVMe Solid State Drive with included captive 40Gbps TBT3 cable
1x Quick Start Guide

Hardware Requirements

Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 host systems. USB-C systems without Thunderbolt 3 and USB-A (USB 3.0 / 2.0) systems are not supported.

Operating System and Driver Details

• Supports macOS Sierra and later
• Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 7
• Thunderbolt 3 Linux support varies at this time
• As of our most recent testing (October 2019) Boot Camp Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) is supported.

System Compatibility

• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems (2019 through Late 2016 MacBook Pro, 2019-2018 MacBook Air, 2018-2017 iMac / iMac Pro, 2018 Mac Mini)
• Compatible with most Thunderbolt 3 Windows hosts
• Compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 Linux hosts varies

Setup Instructions

Plug the drive into a free Thunderbolt 3 port on your Mac / PC or Thunderbolt 3 docking station. Mac systems will automatically mount the drive with no additional setup needed.

On Windows systems, you’ll need to “Authenticate” Thunderbolt 3 devices before first use. Device authentication is somewhat intuitive, but a step-by-step guide can be found here:

Thunderbolt 3 Authentication on Windows

FAQs

Q: Do I need to format the drive before use?
A: The drive is pre-formatted in exFAT (cross-compatible with macOS and Windows) and should automatically be recognized without the need to initialize and format before use. If the drive has been reformatted after purchase with a file system not natively supported by your operating system, it may need to be mounted manually. Click here for instructions on reformatting drives if desired.

Q: What are the best practices to ensure compatibility with my Windows Thunderbolt 3 system?
A: Installing the latest Thunderbolt 3 and BIOS firmwares from your system manufacturer is strongly recommended. Some systems with outdated firmware may not be compatible with this (and other) Thunderbolt 3 devices. (Note: This only applies to Windows systems. Apple Thunderbolt 3 systems automatically receive firmware updates during macOS upgrades.)

Q: Are any host systems known to be incompatible at this time?
A: The only host platform with Thunderbolt 3 to be confirmed as incompatible at this point is the Dell Latitude 7275.

Q: Why does the drive show up with a 480GB capacity in macOS, but 447GB in Windows?
A: Mac and Windows report space differently. On Mac, space is calculated using decimal/Base 10, where 1 GB=1,000,000,000B (so 480,000,000,000/1,000,000,000=480GB). In Windows, space is calculated using binary/Base 2, where 1GB=1,073,741,824B (so 480,000,000,000/1,073,741,824=447GB). An useful analogy would be considering distance in miles vs. kilometers; the distance traveled is the same, but the number used to represent that distance is different.

Q: Is the TBT3-NVME480 compatible with Boot Camp?
A: As of our most recent testing (October 2019) Boot Camp Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) is supported.

Q: Will the drive perform at its maximum speed during all read/write operations?
A: Transfer speed is affected by many factors. While this Thunderbolt 3 NVMe drive is capable of sequential transfer speeds of 2400+ MB/s read and 1800+ MB/s write, results will vary depending on the program being used, OS, and workload.

Q: Some Thunderbolt 3 ports support a 2-lane PCI Express configuration (PCIe x2), and some support a 4-lane PCI Express implementation (PCIe x4). Will the drive perform differently based on the host system PCIe specifications?
A: This will depend on the specific workload. The maximum throughput of the drive be reduced in some scenarios on systems with a PCIe x2 implementation. In our testing, the maximum R/W results on an x2 system were ~1400MB/s R and 1200MB/s W.

Q: How can I tell if my system has x2 or x4 PCIe Thunderbolt 3 configuration?
A: Most system manufacturers list these details in their online system specifications. Dell has this information available for most of their popular hosts in a handy single document: here.

Q: Are there any benchmark results available showcasing the drive’s performance?
A: Yes! The screenshot below is from a 2019 MacBook Pro 15″ with a PCIe x4 implementation.

Troubleshooting

Problem: After connecting my drive, why is it not visible in my Operating System?
The TBT3-NVME480 must be connected to a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port. On systems which have a mix of Thunderbolt 3 and non-Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, please ensure the device is connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port.

Problem: In Windows 10 (version 1809 and up) my write speeds are far lower than advertised but my read speeds are OK.
With Windows 10 version 1809 the default removable storage settings are set to have write caching disabled in favor of quickly removing the drive vs needing to “safely remove”. This setting can be changed in the Device Manager. See here for instructions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4495263/windows-10-1809-change-in-default-removal-policy-for-external-media

Problem: I am unable to format this NVMe SSD in APFS
A solution was found here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8262732

• In Disk Utility, switch the View option to “Show All Devices”.
• Select the entry named “PCIe SSD Media”, with “TBT3_SSD” indented below it.
• Click on Erase.
• Change the Scheme to “GUID Partition Map”. The Format choices will then expand to include several APFS choices.
• Set the Format to “APFS”.
• Press Erase.

Model: TBT3-NVME480

Where to Buy

Plugable TBT3-NVME480 Thunderbolt™ 3 480GB NVMe Solid State Drive

Select Market

Product Description

The Plugable UD-CAM dramatically increases the functionality, usability, and flexibility of supported USB-C systems like the 2015 and later 12″ MacBook Retina with USB-C, late 2016/2017 MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3, Dell XPS, Precision, and Latitude systems with Thunderbolt 3, and the Microsoft Surface Book 2. Power up your productivity with the ability to add an external HDMI display while simultaneously providing up to 85W of power to charge your system and expanding your connectivity with Ethernet, audio input/output, and four USB ports to connect your peripherals. All through a single USB-C cable!

The functionality of the UD-CAM Mini Dock is powered by two of USB 3.1’s most exciting new features: support for Alternate Modes and Power Delivery. Alternate Mode allows certain non-USB data and protocols (such as native video) to be sent over a USB-C cable, while Power Delivery enables you to power and charge a supported system without the need for a traditional proprietary OEM charger. Support for these features must also be built-in to the system being used, so please see the important additional compatibility details in the sections below.

The extended charge and power availability with the UD-CAM (at a total of up to 85W available) ensures that your device will stay charged, powered, and ready to go for any intensive application usage!

Watch our demo video!

Supported Resolutions

Maximum possible resolution is 3840×2160@30Hz (4K@30Hz) as outlined in the HDMI 1.4 specification. 2560×1600, 1920×1080 (1080p) and lower resolutions will display at 60Hz.

Connectivity & Compatibility

The UD-CAM is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, and MacOS 10.12.6+ supported USB-C systems.

Compatibility Chart

General Guidance: Non-compatible Systems

1. USB-A PORTS: The UD-CAM relies upon new functionality introduced with USB 3.1 and as such is not compatible with USB 3.0/2.0 legacy systems.
2. ADAPTERS: It cannot be utilized with individual USB-C to USB-A based adapters or cables, as USB 3.0 does not support Power Delivery or VESA Alt-Mode via basic USB 3.0 ports.
3. PHONES: Most current phones and tablets with USB-C ports do not support Alternate Mode video output, and some do not support USB Power Delivery. Consult your device documentation or contact device manufacturer to confirm compatibility with these technologies.
4. USB-C RETROFITS: Aftermarket add-in USB USB 3.1 controllers with USB-C ports (such as those from ASMedia) generally cannot not support Alternate Mode video or host charging, because they lack a direct connection to the GPU and host power supply.

In the Box

Click here to expand section

UD-CAM Mini Docking Station with VESA Mount, 1m USB-C to USB-C cable, 100W (20V, 5A) power supply and quick start guide.

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-CAM USB-C Mini Docking Station with 85W Power Delivery

MSRP $179.99

Select Market

Mac users: For details about the current state of macOS compatibility with DisplayLink please see our blog post here.

UD-ULTC4K Port Layout – Click to Enlarge

USB 3.1 Type-C is set to revolutionize connectivity. We’ve designed our USB-C 4K Triple Display Docking Station to showcase what this new standard is capable of with flexibility and scalability in mind. More features, less compromise.

Utilizing cutting edge USB 3.1 technologies in conjunction with the latest features of our UD-6950 docking station, the Plugable UD-ULTC4K 4K Triple Display Docking Station provides up to three additional display outputs via a combination of USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) and DisplayLink USB graphics. The dock provides up to 60W of power via USB-C Power Delivery (“PD”) standard to charge your host computer while adding Gigabit Ethernet, audio input/output, and expanded USB device connectivity with 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a single USB 3.0 USB-C port. All through a single USB-C cable.

The UD-ULTC4K is the first device of its kind to combine these three powerful, unique, and complementary technologies to unleash the potential of your computer while offering three 4K capable outputs.

Device Specifications

The Plugable Ultimate USB-C Universal Docking Station features:

• USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connectivity to host system. Backwards compatibility with most Thunderbolt 3 host systems.
• One HDMI 1.4 (USB-C Alt Mode, powered from host system graphics chipset) 2K ( 1920×1200 ) @ 60Hz / 4K ( 3840×2160 ) @ 30Hz
• Two DisplayPort++ 1.2 @ 4K ( 3840×2160 ) @ 60Hz (powered by the DisplayLink DL-6950 USB graphics chipset in the dock)
• One Front USB 3.0 Type-C port (with 1.5A Power Delivery)
• One Front USB 3.0 Type-A port (with BC1.2, 1.5A charging support)
• Three Rear USB 3.0 Type-A ports (standard 900mA)
• Gigabit Ethernet (Full-duplex required)
• Audio In/Out (3.5mm TRS “headphone” jacks)
• 100W (20V, 5A) Power Adapter

Learn more

• Alternative Video Output Solutions for macOS 10.13.4 systems with UD-ULTCDL and UD-ULTC4K Docks
• Plugable Introduces Upgraded USB-C Triple Display Docking Station With 4K Support On All Three Outputs

In the Box

Plugable UD-ULTC4K dock with stand, 1m USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) USB-C to USB-C cable with e-marker IC, and 100W (20V, 5A) power adapter. Units purchased in Europe include both UK and EU compliant power supply (plugs).

Hardware Requirements

Operating System and Driver Details

System Compatibility

Fully Compatible Systems (Alt Mode, PD, and DisplayLink)

USB-C is a new standard with much versatility. As a result, compatibility information is complex. Some USB-C systems support Alt Mode video output, while others do not. Some can be powered and charged via USB-C PD, while others do not.

For a list of known systems see the below compatibility chart. Please note that compatibility may vary from our previous dock (the UD-ULTCDL) but that overall we anticipate compatibility will be the same between both models. For systems compatible with the UD-ULTCDL but that have not been tested with the UD-ULTC4K, results will be marked as “expected”. We will continually update this chart as new compatibility details are confirmed.

Partially Compatible Systems (Supporting Alt Mode, PD, or DisplayLink, but not all)

Many current USB-C systems which do support Alt Mode video output do not support charging via USB-C. Systems such as this will output video from the dock, but will still need their proprietary OEM chargers.

Conversely, while some USB-C phones and tablets may accept charging via PD, most do not support Alt Mode video output.

Incompatible Systems

• Not compatible with potential future ARM-based Windows RT/Surface RT systems.
• No Android phones or tablets currently support Alt Mode video output.
• ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers as they do not support Alt Mode video output.
• Cannot be mixed with non-DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and drivers (e.g. MCT, j5, or SMSC).

Legacy System Support (Non USB-C)

The UD-ULTC4K relies upon new functionality introduced with USB 3.1 and as such is not recommended with USB 3.0/2.0 legacy systems. If you have a legacy USB-A (3.0) system we would recommend our UD-3900, UD-5900, or UD-6950 instead.

If attached to a legacy USB 3.0 system using a USB 3.1 rated Type-C to Type-A adapter cable, the dock will have limited functionality and is why we market this dock as incompatible with legacy systems. Only the ports controlled by the DisplayLink chip (two video outputs, audio and Ethernet) will be functional; the Alt Mode video output and USB Power Delivery/Charging will not function on legacy systems.

Please take caution if purchasing a Type-C to Type-A adapter cable as many cables on the market do not follow proper USB Type-C Power Delivery signalling and could potentially cause damage to your system or dock!

Graphics Specifications and Performance

Docking Station Setup Instructions

Additional Information

FAQs

• Q: I have never used a laptop or desktop with more than one monitor before. Now that my Windows system has more than one display I am not sure how things are supposed to work or how to change them. Do you have any videos that can help?
  A: We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the concepts of multi-monitor setups, how to make changes to the way things behave and how to solve common problems. The direct links to the videos are:

  • Introduction to multiple displays in Windows
  • Common multi-monitor problem – spatial orientation
  • How to make a display the ‘Main’ display in Windows
  • Multi-monitor problem – spatial orientation part two
  • Introduction to display scaling in Windows
• Q: I don't see a power button on the docking station, can the dock turn on my laptop? What about waking my laptop from sleep mode?
  A: No, you must press the power button on your laptop. Waking the laptop from sleep mode varies per host system. Not all hosts are setup to wake from external USB devices.
• Q: Does the docking station support audio pass through to my display with built-in speaker?
  A: Yes, if your display has built in speakers and are connected to our dock via DisplayPort, audio should be sent to the display when the Plugable Audio device is set as the Default Playback Device within Windows’ Sound settings. If connected to the HDMI port, you should see your monitor model identified as an available playback device.
• Q: How do I play audio through the headphone jack on the dock or through my monitor attached to the dock?
  A: First check if the docking station is set to be your primary playback device in your sound setting’s control panel/system preferences. If you wish for audio to play through the headphone jack on the dock, select “Plugable Audio” as your preferred playback device in your operating system. If your HDMI monitor has speakers or its own headphone jack, you should see your monitor listed as a selectable playback device in your operating system.
• Q: What do the blue LED and the green LED on the Plugable UD-ULTC4K indicate?
  A: The blue LED indicates that the Plugable UD-ULTC4K is being powered by its power adapter. The green LED lights up and stays steady when a device is connected through any of the 5 USB ports on the dock. If no devices are connected to the USB ports on the Plugable UD-ULTC4K, the green LED only lights up for around five seconds when the dock itself is connected to the upstream system.
• Q: What's the difference in USB-C ports on the front and rear of the docking station?
  A: The USB-C port located on the back side of the docking station is designed to charge your host computer as well as connect the docking station to the host machine. The front facing USB-C port is for device connectivity only and is part of the built-in USB 3.0 hub on the front facing USB 3.0 (type-A) ports.
• Q: Can I use this USB-C docking station with an Intel Thunderbolt 3 capable system?
  A: Yes, here is a diagram to help understand the differences between the different USB generations and Thunderbolt 3:
• Q: Does the HDMI port support 4K resolution at 60Hz?
  A: No. The port complies with HDMI 1.4, and as such 3840×2160 is only achievable at 30Hz. 2560×1440 and all lower resolutions will display at 60Hz.
• Q: Can I hook up another USB-C Alt Mode video adapter to the USB-C port on the front of the dock?
  A: No, for a couple of reasons. USB-C systems only support one “Alternate Mode” output, and for a USB-C port to support this feature it must be physically wired to the graphics processor (GPU) in the host system. The one available Alt Mode connection from a host system is being used by the docking station to provide its HDMI output. Additionally, the USB-C port on the front of the dock is not wired in such a way to support this functionality.
• Q: Can I connect an HDMI, DVI or VGA monitor to this dock with an adapter?
  A: Yes, you may use Passive or Active adapters in order to convert the DP++ signal to HDMI, DVI or VGA. We have tested and can recommend our Plugable Passive DisplayPort adapters:

  • Plugable Passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter – Max resolution: 3840×2160@30Hz
  • Plugable Passive DisplayPort to DVI adapter – Max resolution: 1920×1200@60Hz
  • Plugable Passive DisplayPort to VGA adapter – Max resolution: 1920×1200@60Hz
• Q: I have a cable with a DisplayPort connector on one end and an HDMI connector on the other. Can I use this cable to connect an HDMI display to one of the DisplayPort outputs of the dock?
  A: The DisplayPort ports on our dock should be able to support a DisplayPort to HDMI cable or adapter. However, please ensure that the specific adapter or cable can support the desired resolution of the monitor.
• Q: Can I use the dock in conjunction with a KVM switch?
  A: No, Plugable does not recommend or support using our dock with a traditional KVM switch. If you simply need to share the dock between two systems, the dock can be manually disconnected from the first system and then manually connected to the second system.
• Q: Can I connect my Apple SuperDrive to the dock?
  A: Some devices such as the Apple SuperDrive look for Apple-specific signaling and will not work when connected through any USB hub. See Apple HT201788.
• Q: Can I game on this docking station? Is NVIDIA Surround or AMD Eyefinity supported?
  A: Gaming is possible over the 4K HDMI display output as that is tied directly into the host system’s GPU via USB-C Alternate Mode.Surround gaming is not possible as the DisplayPort++ display outputs are USB graphics devices – USB graphics devices, like the UD-ULTC4K, are “virtual” devices where much of the heavy lifting is done by the CPU, by hooking into the graphics stack. The DirectX APIs used by games assume direct hardware access (a PCIe graphics card or USB-C Alternate Mode). DisplayLink’s drivers attempt to emulate as much of the functionality as possible, which is why some 3D functionality (like that needed for desktop and apps) works.We don’t recommend running games with USB graphics, because this emulation cannot be perfect. And even without specific compatibility problems, performance will always be a challenge – the extra CPU work required for USB graphics will be a source of reduced frame rates and problems. Normal desktop and application use are fine because they don’t push the system as hard as 3D games do.Common problems experienced when trying to run a game on a USB graphics adapter include:

  • Games not launching
  • Games crashing
  • Screen flickering
  • Screen going black
• Q: What do the green and amber LEDs on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-ULTC4K indicate?
  A: The green link LED on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-ULTC4K is an indication that the Ethernet cable plugged into the port is live and it stays steady as long as the live cable is plugged in. The blinking amber activity LED is an indications that data is transferring through the port. Both these LEDs will not light up when:

  1. The drivers for the dock have not installed properly or is corrupted
  2. The Ethernet Cable plugged in is not live or is faulty
  3. The Ethernet cable is connected to a device that requires a half-duplex connection (see next question)
  4. The port has failed, please contact us at support@plugable.com as we’re always happy to help!

Troubleshooting

• Problem: I am only getting 4K@30Hz from the two DisplayPort connections. How can I get 4K@60Hz?
  Solution: There are several different reasons why a 4K display would be limited to 4K@30Hz. We would recommend first checking:

  1. Monitor specifications to ensure that it can support 4K@60Hz from the desired input port. DisplayPort input ports must be DP 1.2 specification.
  2. Ensure that the DisplayPort cable is DP 1.2 compliant.
  3. If both the system’s GPU and the monitor claim support for 4K@60Hz, please check the Windows Advanced display adapter settings to ensure that 60Hz is available and selected from the drop down list (example screenshot below). If 30Hz is not listed and you are connected to our adapter with a DP cable, please ensure that the monitor has DP 1.2 ports. Some 4K monitors do not automatically enable DP 1.2 automatically and it must be enabled within the menu settings. Please consult the monitor’s manual and check the monitor’s menu settings to see if there is an applicable DP 1.2 setting.
  4. Additionally, if adapting the DP output to HDMI, please ensure you are using an active adapter. Also when adapting to HDMI, some 4K TVs and monitors must enable an “HDMI 2.0,” an “HDMI UHD Color” or “Ultra HD/UHD Deep Color” (or similar) setting for 4K@60Hz to work via HDMI. Please consult the monitor’s manual and check the monitor’s menu settings to see if there is an applicable setting.
• Problem: I have confirmed my host machine is compatible with this docking station but one or more functions of the dock doesn't appear to be working.
  Solution: Resetting the docking station is a good step to take if one or more portions of the dock aren’t functioning:

  1. Disconnect docking station from host machine and power adapter
  2. Leave unplugged for 1 minute for power to dissipate
  3. Connect docking station initially into power only and confirm blue indicator light is on
  4. Connect docking station to host machine using USB-C cable and test for functionality
  5. If the above steps do not change the behavior, rebooting the host system may restore functionality

  If none of the indicator lights are lit or you are still are having problems, please contact us at support@plugable.com as we’re always happy to help!

• Problem: My docking station not charging my laptop?
  Solution: Verify if your system supports PD over USB-C and also identify which port has this functionality if multiple USB-C ports are available. Please note that some systems that charge over USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 may not support charging from universal docks and may only charge from approved chargers and devices from the system manufacturer.
• Problem: I installed the dock on my laptop and everything works well with the laptop lid open. However, when I close the laptop lid the monitors connected to the dock turn off and the laptop shuts down. How do I fix this?
  Solution: Windows has special power management settings that control what happens when the laptop lid is closed. If this happening, these settings need to be changed. Please right-click on the Start button and select ‘Power Options’ from the menu.From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on ‘Choose what closing the lid does’. ** Important note – if you are running the Creators Update (or newer) to Windows 10, you will have click on the ‘Additional power settings’ option to access this window **Make sure the setting for ‘When I close the lid’ under the ‘Plugged In’ column is set to ‘Do Nothing’. Click the ‘Save Changes’ button and restart the system, making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected, and test the behavior again.
• Problem: My laptop/tablet won't wake via docking station's attached keyboard or mouse. Is this expected behavior?
  Solution: This behavior is system specific. Many newer systems will not wake via an external keyboard or mouse. (This behavior can be confirmed by connecting a USB keyboard or mouse directly to a USB port on your system rather than the dock. If the system is unable to wake from a direct-attached USB device, it will not wake from a keyboard or mouse connected through the docking station.
• Problem: When I plug an Ethernet cable into the dock, none of the LEDs light up, and I do not get assigned a valid IP address. What could be causing this?
  Solution: The Ethernet controller in the docking station requires a full duplex connection. Half duplex connections are not supported.Often, the issue is caused by older Ethernet hubs and/or cabling that do not support full duplex connections.
• Problem: My wired (or wireless) mouse and/or keyboard are experiencing lag/latency (jumpy/jerky mouse pointer movement, missing key-presses, duplicate key-presses, etc) when connected to the dock.
  Solution: Dell released a patch that changes a Windows Registry entry related to the Intel Management Engine that is not Dell exclusive which has resolved these issues for several of our customers using a range of different host systems from different manufacturers. We recommend to try installing this patch if you have some of the aforementioned issues:
  https://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03471411M/13/Dell_Dock_USB_TYPE-C_PATCH_2K0JJ_A00_SETUP_ZPE.exe
• Problem: Why does my wireless mouse or keyboard appear sluggish or not work properly when used with the dock?
  Solution: Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the devices performance. The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the dock and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.Intel has a technical whitepaper on the behavior for those interested here:
  http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/io/universal-serial-bus/usb3-frequency-interference-paper.htmland we have written about the behavior in more detail here (please see the RF interference section):https://plugable.com/2017/03/17/troubleshooting-wi-fi-performance-and-wireless-keyboard-mouse-issues-on-usb-docking-stations/
• Problem: When I connect the dock to my system, my internal Wi-Fi adapter stops working or suffers from poor performance. Why is this happening?
  Solution There are several factors that can cause this to happen, along with several potential fixes. Please see our blog post on the topic for more information.
• Problem: When I have two displays with built-in speakers connected to the docks DisplayPorts the audio is sent to both displays. Is this expected and how do I resolve this?
  Solution: This is expected because DisplayLink has enabled this functionality to send audio to both connected displays. As a workaround, we recommend muting the display from which you do not want audio to be playing.
• Problem: I cannot use my Intel, Nvidia, or AMD/ATI graphics utility to manage the monitors connected to the dock. Why is this?
  Solution: The utilities provided by Intel, Nvidia and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers and they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to the dock. It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the displays connected to the dock (‘Display Settings’ on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ on Windows 8.1 and 7).
• Problem: While I can adjust the brightness of my internal laptop display or directly connected external display using the Windows Display Settings application, this option is grayed out and not available for the displays attached to the dock. Is something wrong?
  Solution: Windows does not have the ability to adjust the brightness of a USB-attached display, so the behavior is expected. We recommend making use of the display’s internal on-screen menu options to adjust the brightness.
• Problem Why does the “Display Color Calibration” tool in Windows seems to have no effect on the display(s) attached to my dock?
  Solution: The DisplayLink GPU does not support color calibration functionality. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
• Problem: I use an application to change the color of my display to make it easier to see but it doesn’t seem to affect the display I have connected to the dock. Why is this?
  Solution: As mentioned above, the DisplayLink driver does not currently support this type of color adjustment so applications like f.lux will not affect displays connected to the dock. DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in the dock and author of the driver) is working to add this functionality in the future. Please see this post on the DisplayLink website for more information and the current state of the project.
• Problem: When I right-click in the Chrome browser, the context menu opens on a different display than the application is on. What causes this?
  Solution: This behavior has been known to occur in rare instances, and is a known bug in the Chrome browser being tracked by the Chrome developers. Please see this Chromium Issue for the most recent updates.
• Problem: After a recent update, when I use Chrome on my Mac or Windows system with a USB graphics device, the window looks distorted. Is there a workaround?
  Solution: Some versions of Chrome have had regressions which cause graphical distortion when Chrome windows are in use on USB-attached monitors.Usually this issue is fixed promptly in the next Chrome release, but if it persists the best current workaround is to disable hardware acceleration in the Chrome settings. To do so: Click the Chrome menu header -> Preferences -> Settings -> Show advanced settings -> Scroll down to “System” -> Uncheck “Use hardware acceleration when available”.To help make Google aware of the issue so they can properly prioritize fixing it, affected users can report the regression to Google using the built-in bug reporter: Preferences -> About -> Report an issue
• Problem: After the Windows Anniversary or Creators Update, applications that make use of OpenGL (like SketchUp for example) are not working properly and/or produce an error message when launched while the dock is connected to my system. Why is this happening and how do I fix this?
  Solution: Microsoft and DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in our dock and author of the driver) have identified a bug within the Windows 10 Anniversary and Creators Update. With the Anniversary or Creators Update to Windows 10, Microsoft has now integrated support for the DisplayLink technology used in our docking station into Windows itself, and in certain cases applications which make use of OpenGL may not work as expected.For example, the SketchUp application requires the use of graphics adapter that supports a standard known as OpenGL -> http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/114278In some instances, Windows mistakenly directs the tasks intended for the system’s internal graphics adapter (which does support OpenGL) to the DisplayLink-based docking station. Our docking station is not a traditional graphics adapter in and of itself (it relies on the CPU and internal graphics adapter to work), and this results in the incorrect behavior or error message. DisplayLink speaks to this issue directly here -> http://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/942862-my-device-is-not-working-properly-on-windows-10-an (under the section ‘OPENGL 1.1 REPORTED INSTEAD OF 4.X’)Pending Microsoft fixing the issue within Windows itself, there are two possible workarounds. The first is to configure Windows to have the ‘Main’ display set to a display directly connected to your internal graphics adapter, whether that is an internal laptop display or another external display connected to one of the systems built-in video outputs (a quick guide to doing so is here -> https://youtu.be/7nnKztRZXsw).If that doesn’t prove a suitable workaround, booting the system without the dock connected, launching SketchUp (or any other OpenGL application), and then connecting the dock may also help.Please note that the HDMI port on this dock is unaffected by this as that output is driven directly from the host computer graphics chipset over USB-C Alternate Mode video.
• Problem: In macOS the 4K HDMI output supports DPI scaling (HiDPI display) - adjusting for larger text or more space but the DisplayPort outputs don't seem to, can I fix this?
  Solution: Unfortunately not at this time. The DisplayLink based video outputs do not support DPI scaling (HiDPI display) in macOS. If you need to increase element or text size you will need to lower the resolution instead.
• Problem: In macOS the Ethernet speed is slow.
  Solution: Unfortunately this is a known issue at this time that DisplayLink is working to address. You can find more info about it here. Our hope is that with a future driver update this will be resolved.

Model: UD-ULTC4K

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-ULTC4K USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station with DisplayLink USB Graphics

MSRP $279.99

Select Market

Features

• One HDMI output for mirroring or extending your desktop to an external monitor
• One USB-C port on the backside of the docking station with Power Delivery functionality to charge your host computer (not all USB-C computers are able to charge through their USB-C port; see additional compatibility details below)
• Five USB (Type-A) ports; three USB 3.0 ports on the front and two USB 2.0 ports on the rear
• One Gigabit Ethernet port
• Headphone and microphone ports
• Included stand is removable allowing for vertical or horizontal orientation

Product Description

The Plugable UD-CA1A dramatically increases the functionality, usability, and flexibility of supported USB-C systems like the 2017 and 2018 MacBook / MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13 & XPS 15 systems. Power up your productivity with the ability to add an external HDMI display while simultaneously providing up to 60W of power to charge your system and expanding your connectivity with Ethernet, audio input/output, and five USB ports to connect your peripherals. All through a single USB-C cable.

The functionality of the UD-CA1A dock is powered by two of USB 3.1’s most exciting new features: support for Alternate Modes and Power Delivery. Alternate Modes allow certain non-USB data and protocols (such as native video) to be sent over a USB-C cable, while Power Delivery enables you to power and charge a supported system without the need for a traditional proprietary OEM charger. Support for these features must also be built-in to the system being used, so please see the important additional compatibility details in the sections below.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Performance

Supported Resolutions

Fully Compatible Systems (Alt Mode & PD)

Partially Compatible Systems (Alt Mode or PD but not both)

Non-compatible Systems

Power and Charging

Operating System Compatibility

In the Box

Support

FAQ

Model: UD-CA1A

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-CA1A USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery / Charging

MSRP $139.99

Select Market

In macOS 10.13 High Sierra, when installing new software and extensions, Gatekeeper now requires users to manually approve any new third-party extension before the computer can load and make use of the extension that was installed. This is important as many devices rely on extensions to function properly, and in some circumstances it can look like the software to power a device was installed but the device still doesn’t work. When this happens, users will see the below message:

If you suspect Gatekeeper is preventing an extension from loading, follow the below steps:

1. Open System Preferences and navigate to the Security & Privacy section.
2. In the General tab, look for a message at the bottom of the window stating “System software from developer DEVELOPER NAME was blocked from loading”, like in the screenshot below:
   
   For Plugable products, the developer listed in the message should be “DisplayLink Corp” for DisplayLink powered products (such as docking stations that do not use Thunderbolt 3 technology) and “WEI LU SU” for Plugable ethernet adapters that use ASIX chipsets (as of the time of writing this, all Plugable USB network adapters use ASIX chipsets).
3. Click Allow, and from there macOS should now be able to properly load and use the extensions and software that were installed.
4. Test things out! In some instances, you may need to restart the computer for the extension to properly load. So if it doesn’t work immediately, reboot the computer and the extension should load correctly.

Once an extension from a developer has been allowed, this makes the developer a ‘trusted’ source. Meaning that future extensions that are installed from the same developer should not be prevented by Gatekeeper from loading and should not need to have these steps repeated. However, software and extensions from other developers will encounter this same issue and you will need to follow these same steps.

For additional information on Gatekeeper and the behavior described in this post, check out the below Apple and DisplayLink support documents!

Feel free to share your experiences with High Sierra in the comments below, and if you’re having issues installing driver extensions for any of your Plugable products, please email support@plugable.com and we’ll be happy to help!

macOS Compatibility

Unfortunately, due to changes in macOS 10.15 Catalina and support for third-party drivers, we are unable to continue support for macOS with our ASIX USB to Ethernet adapters (USB3-E1000, USBC-E1000, USB2-E1000, USB2-E100, USB2-OTGE100). Our USB3-HUB3ME and future USB to Ethernet adapters will use Realtek based chipsets that utilize drivers built into macOS.

OS X: About Gatekeeper

Technical Note TN2459: User Approved Kernel Extension Loading

macOS High Sierra: Video Functionality Not Enabled

Today we’d like to introduce the newest member of Plugable’s lineup of best-selling USB hubs, the USB3-HUB7C. The Plugable USB 3.0 7 Port hub with two BC 1.2 Fast Charging ports and 36W power works on PC, Mac, and Linux systems to enable connection of up to 7 additional USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 devices. Designed with performance and flexibility in mind, the 36W UL-listed power adapter ensures there’s plenty of juice for power users’ setups, allowing you to fast-charge two BC 1.2 phones or tablets while also connecting several other USB 3.0 devices.

In addition to the higher-wattage power adapter, the USB3-HUB7C also includes several new features and improvements we’ve gathered from customer feedback on our best-selling USB3-HUB7-81X hub: a matte finish, rubber feet to help keep things in place, smaller footprint, subtler port status LEDs, and a physical power switch to manually turn off the hub without unplugging its power.

The two outermost ports (1 & 7) on the USB3-HUB7C support the BC 1.2 standard which provide more charging power (up to 1.5A) for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, while also enabling these devices to simultaneously charge and sync via “Charging Downstream Port” (CDP) mode. These smart-charging ports can also provide a charge when the hub is only connected to it’s power adapter and no active connection to a host PC via “Dedicated Charging Port” (DCP) functionality.

The USB3-HUB7C is powered by the the VIA VL813 USB 3.0 hub chipset with firmware version 9015 for maximum compatibility with the vast majority of USB 3.0 hosts. It Supports Microsoft Windows 10 through XP, macOS/OS X, and Linux kernels 3.0 and later. There are a few unsupported devices and scenarios to be aware of which are common to virtually all hubs: Apple SuperDrive units and older Mac Pros with USB 3.0 PCI Express add-on cards are not compatible, and there may be compatibility issues with some early USB 3.0 host controller chipsets or firmware versions. And 2.4GHz wireless devices such as keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters operate on the same frequency as USB 3.0 signals, so these dongles are not suggested for use in USB 3.0 ports. Additional information regarding these and other edge-case compatibility issues can be found on the USB3-HUB7C product page.

If you have any questions at all, we’re happy to help. Comment below or email support@plugable.com anytime. Thank you!

As a thanks for following all our efforts here at Plugable, we’re offering a limited number of 20% off discount codes, available below. This limited discount will never be lower. Let us know what email address to send the Amazon.com discount code to, then just click button once and an email will be sent with your unique one-time-use coupon code. Thanks for your interest in Plugable products!

 

Features

• 7-port USB 3.0 self-powered hub and 2 BC 1.2 fast charger ports with robust 36W (12V, 3A) UL certified power adapter (100-240V 50/60Hz)
• Compatible with most Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS X, Linux (kernels 3.0 and later), and Unix systems
• Fully plug and play, no drivers required (individual devices / USB 3.0 host controller may require drivers), devices can be hot-plugged
• Featuring the VIA VL813 USB 3.0 hub chipset updated to firmware version 9015 for maximum compatibility with almost all USB 3.0 hosts.
• Professional matte black finish with all 7 ports on one side to minimize cable clutter and maximize accessibility
• USB over-current protection supporting up to 900mA per port (up to 1.5A for BC 1.2 devices)
• Supports USB 3.0 SuperSpeed transfer rates up to 5Gbps (640MBps – transfer rates are device and USB host controller dependent)
• Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed devices (rates up to 480Mbps), and USB 1.1 Full/Low Speed devices (rates 12/1.5 Mbps)

Product Description

The Plugable USB3-HUB7C expands USB connectivity by enabling up to seven USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1 devices to be added to any USB 3.0 or 2.0 capable desktop, laptop, or tablet computer. The hub supports USB 3.0 transfer rates up to 5Gbps (640MBps) to allow data to move quickly between devices, ideal for high-throughput devices such as USB external hard drives, flash drives, and USB graphics adapters. The USB3-HUB7C has two individual BC 1.2 ports for charging individual devices such as tablets, phones or other mobile devices.

Most computers have an average of only 4-6 USB ports. With so many devices we depend on daily, that’s just not enough. All seven ports are lined up front and center to allow easy insertion of devices with the power and host USB cable coming out the rear to reduce cable clutter.

USB has become more than a way of connecting devices to a computer with plug and play ease and high performance, it has also become the method of choice to power and charge a huge range of portable battery-powered devices like cell phones, tablets, USB battery packs, handheld game consoles, e-readers, e-cigarettes, cameras, smart watches, fitness trackers, bicycle lights, and many more.

Some of those mobile devices have adopted proprietary mechanisms to draw more power than USB was originally designed to allow which has caused confusion about charging but is now being solved by the USB-IF (USB Implementers’ Forum) Battery Charging (BC 1.2) standard.

Compatibility

The USB3-HUB7C is compatible with most Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS X, and Linux / Unix systems. On legacy Windows systems (XP, Vista & 7. It requires the latest manufacturer USB 3.0 host controller drivers and Windows Updates need to be installed to ensure compatibility. Apple Mac OS X and Linux / Unix systems require latest operating system updates for best compatibility.

The USB3-HUB7C is a USB 3.0 hub that does everything existing USB hubs do, while also supporting the BC 1.2 charging standard on its two edge ports (1 & 7). It’s a no-compromise solution for both gaining extra USB ports and for charging the newest generation of BC 1.2 compliant devices.

When a BC 1.2 compliant device is attached to one of the two edge ports it can charge at a faster rate (up to 1.5A vs 900mA of a standard port).

The USB3-HUB7C adds additional capabilities for keeping all of your various devices connected, charging, and ready for action!

What’s in the Box

Included with the USB3-HUB7C is a robust 12V 3A 36W UL certified power supply that fits US, Canadian, and Japanese AC wall outlets. In addition the power supply supports 100-240V at 50/60Hz. Also included is a 3foot/1m USB 3.0 A to B cable to connect the hub to the host computer.

USB Charging

Q: Is the AC power adapter required?
A: Yes. The hub is not capable of running in bus power mode (from the host PC).

Q: Can the hub charge and sync iPods/iPads and other smartphones?
A: Only Apple devices that use the Lightning connector support BC 1.2 charge and sync. Apple 30-pin dock connector devices that require special signaling such as the original iPad go into data only (sync) mode when attached to this hub. Most Android and Windows phones and tablets support charge and sync functionality.

Q: Does the power supply switch for different regions or is it tied to US voltage and frequency?
A: The switching power adapter with our 7-port hub supports inputs of 100-240V at 50/60 Hz. Output is at 12V 3A.

Q: Is this hub a good match for my Raspberry Pi?
A: Because the Raspberry Pi is a USB 2.0 device and can’t take advantage of USB 3.0 functionality as well as mixed results from users, we do not recommend this hub for use the Raspberry Pi. The hub we do recommend is our 7 port USB 2.0 hub

Here’s a link with more details: A USB Hub that Works Well with the Raspberry Pi.

Model: USB3-HUB7C

Where to Buy:

Plugable USB3-HUB7C USB 3.0 7-Port Hub with 2 BC 1.2 Charging Ports and 36W Power Adapter

MSRP $49.99

Select Market

Apple has taken a cleaner approach with all the Thunderbolt 3 systems they’ve launched so far — all Thunderbolt 3 ports can support two displays with no qualifications.

Today Plugable is excited to announce the availability of our newest product, our Thunderbolt™ 3 Dual Display HDMI Adapter (TBT3-HDMI2X-83) for all of these Thunderbolt 3 Apple Mac and select Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems.

This new model is compatible with any Apple Mac systems that have Thunderbolt 3 ports, such as the MacBook Pro Late 2016/2017 models and the 2017 iMac. The adapter allows for the connection of up to two 4K HDMI displays, each with 60Hz refresh rate (4096×2160 and lower resolutions supported) using standard HDMI 2.0 cables. The ability to support 2 displays over Thunderbolt 3 on Windows systems varies greatly between models, so please check out the compatibility list on our product page and don’t hesitate to email us with any compatibility questions.

This adapter acts as a conduit to your system’s internal graphics processor providing for the best possible performance. As such, it’s a great solution for content creation, gaming, and other workloads which require every last ounce of graphics performance. Note the adapter isn’t for older Thunderbolt 2 or earlier systems, or for non-Thunderbolt USB-C systems (like the Macbook 2015/2016). Just make sure your Mac has Thunderbolt 3!

This model is for HDMI compatible monitors only, not DisplayPort. If you need the new Mac compatible DisplayPort version of our adapter launched last week, please see its product page here.

If you have any questions at all, we’re happy to help. Comment below or email support@plugable.com anytime. Thank you!

As a thanks for following all our efforts here at Plugable, we’re offering a limited number of 20% off discount codes, available below. This limited discount will never be lower. Let us know what email address to send the Amazon.com discount code to, then just click button once and an email will be sent with your unique one-time-use coupon code. Thanks for going out of your way for Plugable products!

Where to Buy

Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dual HDMI Adapter (TBT3-HDMI2X-83) for Windows and Mac

Features

• Harness Thunderbolt™ 3’s 40 Gbps bandwidth to enable two additional HDMI displays with resolutions up to 4096×2160@60Hz
• Thunderbolt-attached displays offer best-in-class performance, without the additional system overhead of USB graphics adapters
• Adapter housing is made from sleek, lightweight aluminum allowing you to easily expand the graphical functionality of your Thunderbolt 3 laptop or tablet on the go.
• HDMI outputs can be converted to single-link DVI using purchased separately HDMI to DVI cable, up to 1920×1200 resolution. Dual-link DVI and conversion to VGA not supported
• For all Thunderbolt 3 Macs and select Windows systems with Thunderbolt 3
• Not all Windows Thunderbolt 3 systems support dual video output. See important details regarding system compatibility in the section below and at our Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility Page

Performance

Leveraging 40Gbps of bandwidth made possible by Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 technology, Plugable’s Dual HDMI Adapter enables content creators and power users to connect two additional displays with uncompromising graphics performance. Supports up to two additional independent 4K displays with 60Hz refresh rates and 30bpps color depth.

What’s in the Box

The Plugable TBT3-HDMI2X-83 comes with a robust, built-in 10″ (25cm) Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cable and quick-install guide.

Watch The Video Demonstration

Mac System Compatibility

The TBT3-HDMI-83 is compatible with all Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems, including the Late 2016 & Mid 2017 MacBook Pro series and 2017 iMacs with Thunderbolt 3.

Please note: Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pro systems with AMD graphics support up to 4 external displays. MacBook Pros with Intel graphics support a maximum of 2 external displays.

On Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems, setup is as simple as plugging your HDMI displays into the adapter and the adapter into an available Thunderbolt 3 port on your Mac.

Windows System Compatibility

To support 2 video outputs using the Dual Thunderbolt 3 Graphics Adapters for Mac and Windows, the host Thunderbolt 3-enabled system must meet the following requirements:

• Current Thunderbolt 3 host firmware (NVM)
• System manufacturer must have physically routed two DP lines to the Thunderbolt 3 port. All Dell and Apple Thunderbolt 3 systems we are aware of meet this requirement. Support from other manufacturers varies from model to model.
• Requires updated system UEFI BIOS, Thunderbolt 3 drivers, and graphics (GPU) drivers from the system manufacturer

Below is a list of tested systems with the latest known NVM firmware, BIOS version, and DP line information:

FAQ

Q: Will this adapter work with any Thunderbolt 3 system?
A: No! Please see the detailed Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility Guidance below for details

Q: Will this adapter work with a Mac?
A: Yes, the latest version of our adapter (denoted by the updated model/SKU TBT3-HDMI2X-83) is compatible with any Mac system that has a Thunderbolt 3 port. It cannot be used with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt 1 Mac system

Q: Can the HDMI outputs be converted to DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA?
A: HDMI outputs can be converted to single-link DVI using purchased separately HDMI to DVI cable, up to 1920×1200 resolution. Dual-link DVI and conversion to VGA or DisplayPort is not supported. If DisplayPort outputs are needed, our TBT3-DP2X-83 adapter with DisplayPort outputs is available (see below).

Q: Do HDMI 2.0 displays require special HDMI cables?
A: The higher throughput offered by HDMI 2.0 modes requires twice the bandwidth offered by the HDMI 1.4 specification. So while some HDMI 1.4 cables will work above their rated specifications, most will not. Symptoms of a problematic HDMI cable are displays loosing sync and digital noise/visual artifacts on the screen.

Q: Does the adapter support passing an audio signal over a HDMI connection?
A: Yes. The adapter does support carrying an audio signal via a HDMI cable to a display that has audio output capabilities.

Q: Does Plugable make an DisplayPort version of the Thunderbolt 3 Dual HDMI Adapter?
A: Yes! Information on the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Adapter can be found here.

General Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility Guidance

Overview and Drivers

In general, Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Stations and Thunderbolt 3 Dual Display Adapters do not require the installation of any drivers when used with macOS or Windows. When connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device, the host operating system should install all the necessary drivers automatically.

However, there are certain instances with Windows systems where additional driver installation may be necessary when using our Thunderbolt 3 docking stations (these are NOT required on macOS systems):

TBT3-UDV Docking Station:

Mac Thunderbolt 3 Systems – No drivers required.

Windows 10 – In general, no driver installations are required when using Windows 10. After initial connection if all functions of the dock are working as expected, then no additional action is required.

However, when the TBT3-UDV is used with certain eighth generation Intel processor-based Windows 10 systems an updated USB 3.0 driver may need to be installed to ensure the best performance of USB peripherals attached to the TBT3-UDV. We recommend installing the updated Asmedia USB 3.0 drivers here. For additional details, please see our TBT3-UDV product page.

Windows 7 – When using Windows 7 64-bit (32-bit systems are not supported), you will need to install a separate Intel Network Adapter driver and a driver for the Asmedia USB 3.0 Host Controller.

TBT3-UD1-83 Docking Station:

Windows 7 – When using Windows 7 64-bit (32-bit systems are not supported), you will need to install a separate Fresco USB 3.0 Host Controller driver and an Intel Network Adapter driver.

General Thunderbolt 3 Information

Before purchasing or using a new Thunderbolt 3 docking station or video adapter for use with your personal computer running Windows, you will want to make sure that your computer can support it and be aware of differences from basic USB devices:

Note: The following does not apply to Apple Thunderbolt 3 systems.

1. Many Thunderbolt 3 PCs require firmware and software updates before all adapters and docks will work.
2. Dual display support is optional for Thunderbolt 3 PCs. How many displays are supported over Thunderbolt 3 depends on how the USB-C port has been wired on the system motherboard (up to a max of two), and is not changeable in software or by the Thunderbolt 3 graphics device.
3. Support for PC charging (USB Power Delivery) on Thunderbolt 3 systems is optional. Many Thunderbolt 3-enabled PCs do not accept a charge over USB-C, and some PCs only will charge with their own branded power adapters.
4. Unlike USB devices, Thunderbolt 3 devices must be manually authenticated (approved) for use by the user before the system will recognize them.

Additional detail

– Host computers equipped with Thunderbolt 3 have the ability to install various updates including NVM (Thunderbolt 3 related Non-volatile memory) and PD (Power Delivery) firmware, UEFI BIOS, supplemental Thunderbolt 3 software utilities (for authentication) and various drivers to resolve potential issues and increase compatibility with new Thunderbolt 3 products as they are released.

– System manufacturers have substantial discretion in how they implement various technical elements and features. As a result, compatibility information is complex. As a result many currently available Thunderbolt 3 systems are not fully compatible with our Thunderbolt 3 dual graphics adapters (with do our best to maintain compatibility tables of the individual product pages). Some systems may only be equipped with a single DisplayPort (DP) Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) line to the Thunderbolt 3 port which limits the port to a single display output. Due to this limitation some systems won’t be able to take advantage of our dual port Thunderbolt 3 graphics adapters regardless of firmware/software updates. This is a physical hardware limitation.

– Many system manufacturers ship systems with older firmware and may or may not have updated versions available for download at this time. The latest Thunderbolt 3 firmware for a specific system cannot be downloaded from Intel directly, as it first it has to be customized by the original system manufacturer. Intel has a Thunderbolt updates page with some update information, but as of this writing the list if fairly small. Currently our TBT3-HDMI2X-83 and TBT3-DP2X-83 adapters require the host system to have a Thunderbolt 3 firmware update with NVM version 14 or higher in order to work properly. The latest UEFI BIOS update from your system manufacturer must be installed before updating the NVM firmware.

Operating System Compatibility

Thunderbolt 3 technology is supported by any operating system which has driver support for Thunderbolt 3. Currently, Plugable supports Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 (64-bit only) and macOS 10.13 or later. Although support for Thunderbolt 3 devices under Linux is steadily evolving, Plugable does not support Thunderbolt 3 devices within a Linux environment at this time.

General Thunderbolt 3 FAQ

Q: Can a Thunderbolt 3 dock or adapter work in any system with any USB-C (USB Type C) port?
A: No. Thunderbolt 3 docks and adapters will only work with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C computers and ports. Connecting to a USB-C port without Thunderbolt 3 capability will not work. Note that computers and docks may have a mix of Thunderbolt 3 and other USB-C ports that look very similar. Look for the Thunderbolt icon on both sides of the connection to ensure compatibility.

Q: How can I identify the NVM version on my system?
A: See “Identifying the NVM” section below.

Q: What if a newer compatible NVM is not available from my system manufacturer?
A: Unfortunately the only option is to contact your system manufacturer and ask when a newer version will be available, and to let them know that until it is, certain accessories you are looking to use will not work.

Q: How can I identify if my system has the necessary two DisplayPort lines to provide dual display output through the Thunderbolt 3 port?
A: Unfortunately in many cases this information is very hard to discern based on the manufacturers published specifications. If your system is not among those listed in our compatibility table above, please contact your system manufacturer for confirmation of how many DisplayPort lines are routed to your Thunderbolt 3 port.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dual display adapter and my monitor configuration changed by itself.
A: This may occur and is considered normal. You can change the main display back to your desired screen through the “Display settings” control panel.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dual display adapter and am only getting a single output.
A:  Depending on what Thunderbolt 3 equipped system you have, it may only support a single output because of the DP Alt Mode line configuration. See above “Known Host NVM Versions & DP Lines” to find out if your system has one or two lines.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dual display adapter for the first time and my system crashed (hard lock).
A: Check to see if your system is running the latest Thunderbolt 3 software, NVM, UEFI BIOS, and all other updates from your system manufacturer. If everything is updated, unplug the adapter, reboot the system, and then reconnect.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dual display adapter and am not getting any output to either display.
A: If your system has hybrid graphics (combination of built-in Intel GPU and AMD or NVIDIA discreet graphics) make sure the Intel GPU is set to be the primary GPU in the UEFI BIOS.

Authenticating a Newly Attached Device

When first connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device, the device must first be authenticated through Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 software. To do so you can use the below instructions as a guide:

After connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device the first thing that you should see (assuming that the system NVM, BIOS, drivers, etc are up to date and compatible) is an automatic notification above the system tray notifying you that a new device has been attached. You will want to click OK:

After clicking OK, you may get a Windows User Account Control (UAC) popup asking if you “want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?”. Click Yes:

After clicking yes you should see a windows like this appear which is where you will approve the Thunderbolt 3 device that was just attached:

Click on the drop down menu where it says “Do Not Connect” and select “Always Connect”. Then click OK:

To view and manage the approved devices you can find the program sitting in the system tray. You may need to click the caret (up arrow icon) to show all of the running programs then right click on the Thunderbolt icon it and select Manage Approved Devices:

You may again get a Windows UAC prompt, click yes. After clicking yes the below window will open and you can see any approved devices and remove them if you choose.

How do I check which version of Thunderbolt 3 software and NVM firmware I am running in Windows?

To determine what version of NVM firmware your system has, the first step is to ensure you have the latest Thunderbolt software version which varies depending on the system manufacturer. You should be able to download it from your system manufacturer’s website.

Once installed you can open the software by searching the start menu for Thunderbolt:

Once open you can find the program sitting in the system tray. You may need to click the caret (up arrow icon) to show all of the running programs then right click on the Thunderbolt icon it and select Settings:

Now you should see the settings window. Click on Details to find out all of the Thunderbolt software and controller information:

If you do not see a ‘Details’ button, the alternative way to access this information is by selecting the ‘About’ option from the application icon’s context menu, similar to this example:

If a Thunderbolt 3 device has been connected to the system the Thunderbolt software will show you information about the controller. Below you can see the details from our Dell XPS 13 9350 system:

Unfortunately if a Thunderbolt device has not yet been connected to the system, the information about the NVM firmware may not be available within the utility:

If we determine a means to obtain firmware information without needing to connect a Thunderbolt device, and we’ll update this information.

Support

If you have any questions feel free to contact our support team or comment below, we’re more than happy to help!

Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries

Apple has taken a cleaner approach with all the Thunderbolt 3 systems they’ve launched so far — all Thunderbolt 3 ports support two displays with no qualifications.

Today Plugable is excited to announce the availability of our newest product, our Thunderbolt™ 3 Dual DisplayPort Display Adapter (TBT3-DP2X-83) for all of these Thunderbolt 3 Apple Mac systems.

This new model is compatible with Apple Mac systems that have Thunderbolt 3 ports, such as the MacBook Pro Late 2016/2017 models and the 2017 iMac. The adapter allows for the connection of up to two 4K DisplayPort displays (4096×2160 and lower resolutions supported) using standard DisplayPort 1.2 cables. And, if you’re on the 5K bleeding edge, this adapter is one of the few solutions available to drive a single 5K display from your MacBook Pro 2016/2017. 5K displays bind two DisplayPort connections together to achieve 5K throughput.

This adapter acts as a conduit to your system’s internal graphics processor providing for the best possible performance. As such, it’s a great solution for content creation, gaming, and other workloads which require every last ounce of graphics performance. Note the adapter isn’t for older Thunderbolt 2 or earlier systems, or for non-Thunderbolt USB-C systems (like the Macbook 2015/2016). Just make sure your Mac has Thunderbolt 3!

This model is for DisplayPort compatible monitors only. It is *not* for HDMI monitors. In the coming weeks, we will be launching a separate HDMI version.

If you have any questions at all, we’re happy to help. Comment below or email support@plugable.com anytime. Thank you!

As a thanks for following all our efforts here at Plugable, we’re offering a limited number of 20% off discount codes, available below. This limited discount will never be lower. Let us know what email address to send the Amazon.com discount code to, then just click button once and an email will be sent with your unique one-time-use coupon code. Thanks for going out of your way for Plugable products!

Update 3/1/2019 To ensure the best performance of USB peripherals attached to the TBT3-UDV on Windows 10 systems, we recommend installing updated Asmedia USB 3.0 drivers here. For additional details, please see the FAQ below.

If any questions about the driver installation or other setup issues, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com and we will be happy to help!

Quick Links

Product Description
System Requirements
Compatibility Details
Compatible Systems
Unsupported Systems
Box Contents
Summary
TBT3-UDV Specific FAQ
General Thunderbolt 3 FAQ
Video Demonstration
Installing & “Authenticating” dock on Windows and Mac
Support

Product Description

Plugable’s TBT3-UDV Thunderbolt 3 Single Display Docking Station offers high-performance expansion of your Thunderbolt 3-enabled Mac or compatible Windows Thunderbolt 3 system while also providing up to 60W of power to charge the host. Connect a single display up to 4K 60Hz (4096×2160@60Hz) via the integrated DisplayPort output, or an HDMI display using the included Active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. Thunderbolt 3’s massive 40Gbps bandwidth enables you to run your high resolution display connected through the dock at the full native performance of your system’s graphics processor while also enabling access to your wired network and existing USB peripherals.

Supports connection to wired gigabit Ethernet networks using the integrated 1Gbps i210 Intel network adapter and 10Gbps peer-to-peer networking when directly connected to a second Thunderbolt 3-enabled system. Provides a combined analog audio input and output jack for connecting stereo headphones and microphone. Provides five extra USB 3.0 Type-A ports for device connectivity (one in front supporting BC 1.2 charging, four in back). Is positioned vertically to save space, and has a removable stand that also allows the unit to placed horizontally.

TBT3-UDV front and back views, click to enlarge

Thunderbolt 3 compatibility is complex, and some features like PCI-E bandwidth, support for 2 displays over Thunderbolt 3, and the necessary firmware updates for docking compatibility (BIOS and NVM) are system-specific. Apple and Dell Thunderbolt 3 systems are currently the best-performing, best-supported systems with this docking station.

For details on supported monitor configurations and what components are needed to add a second display, and non-Apple and Dell compatibility, please see additional details below. The dock can provide up to 60W of power to charge the host system, assuming the system supports being charged via its Thunderbolt 3 port. Windows systems require updated NVM firmware, system BIOS, and Thunderbolt/GPU drivers from the system manufacturer (Apple systems provide this automatically). The ability to add a second display depends on design decisions made by your system manufacturer and requires additional hardware, sold separately. Some Thunderbolt 3 systems support a maximum of 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth. The docking station will not function if attached to a non-Thunderbolt 3 capable USB-C port.

TBT3-UDV Rear Ports

TBT3-UDV Front Ports

System Requirements

Compatible with Apple Late 2016/Mid 2017/2018 MacBook Pro, 2018 MacBook Air and iMac Mid 2017 models and many Dell systems which have Thunderbolt 3. Other brands of Thunderbolt 3 systems may work, but not support all of the functionality offered by this dock. Please see important details regarding system compatibility, frequently asked questions and more in the sections below.

Compatibility Information

Thunderbolt 3 is a powerful new technology, and system manufacturers have substantial discretion in how they implement various technical elements and features. As a result, compatibility information is complex, and many currently available Thunderbolt 3 systems do not support all the features offered by this Thunderbolt 3 docking station.

Some systems support a second display using a USB-C Alt Mode adapter or cable, sold separately. To support a second display through the dock, the host Thunderbolt 3-enabled system must meet the following requirements:

• System manufacturer must have physically routed two DisplayPort lines to the Thunderbolt 3 port. Currently all Thunderbolt 3 systems from Apple and Dell meet this requirement.
• DisplayPort implementation from HP, Lenovo, MSI, Gigabyte, Acer, Razer, Clevo, Alienware and Intel varies.
• Requires updated system UEFI BIOS, Thunderbolt 3 drivers, Thunderbolt 3 NVM firmware and graphics (GPU) drivers from system manufacturer
• If you have a Thunderbolt 3 host system which supports two video outputs, a separate purchase of one of the following Plugable adapter models is required: USBC-DP, USBC-HDMI, USBC-DVI, USBC-VGA Please see the FAQ section below for more information.

For a list of known systems see the below compatibility chart:

Important Note Regarding Dell Thunderbolt 3 systems – While some Dell XPS and Precision models (such as the XPS 13 9360 and Precision 5510) include Thunderbolt 3 support by default, other models such as the XPS 12 9250, Precision 3520 and Latitude 7370 to name a few must have been configured with optional Thunderbolt 3 support at the time of manufacture and purchase. Dell has more details about the various models and how to tell if your system has Thunderbolt 3 in their Knowledge Base article here. Please check that your Dell system has Thunderbolt 3 support prior to making a purchase of our Thunderbolt 3 Docking station.

Other Thunderbolt 3 systems may be compatible, but have not been confirmed by Plugable. Please contact us directly at support@plugable.com for more information prior to purchase if your system is not listed above.

In the Box

Thunderbolt 3 TBT3-UDV docking station, 0.5 meter (20 inches) Thunderbolt 3 40Gbps cable, DisplayPort to HDMI active adapter, quick installation guide and UL certified 20V/6.75A (135W) power adapter (US AC Wall Outlet Plug, 100-240V 50/60Hz) Units sold in the UK or the EU will come with the appropriate power cord.

Package Contents

Summary

As with any new technology, as Thunderbolt 3 evolves there is always the possibility things may not work as expected or that things may behave inconsistently. When using our Thunderbolt 3 dock with a supported system and the latest publicly available Thunderbolt NVM firmware with a single connected display things work as expected during normal use and transitioning to and from the various power states (on, off, sleep, resume, hibernate).

However, when two displays are connected, the first via the internal DisplayPort output and the second via an optional USB-C HDMI, DVI or VGA adapter, the second display connected via the USB-C adapter may not always work as expected when resuming from sleep or hibernation. In almost all cases this behavior can be resolved by unplugging the USB-C adapter and then reconnecting, or rebooting the host system. This behavior is much less frequent when using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

TBT3-UDV Specific FAQ

Q: When I connect the dock to my Windows 10 system, I see a ‘Unknown USB Device’ error within Device Manager and/or the two USB 3.0 ports on the back of the dock (closest to the Ethernet port) do not always recognize any devices attached to them. How do I fix this?
A: When the TBT3-UDV is used with certain eighth generation Intel processor-based Windows 10 (version 1809) systems, there is a possibility that the two USB 3.0 ports on the back of the dock (closest to the Ethernet port) may not be recognized properly by the operating system. This problem is not present when the TBT3-UDV is used with an Apple Mac system running macOS, or with previous versions of Windows 10.

Should this occur, please install the updated Asmedia USB 3.0 Host controller driver from here and reboot the system. If that does not resolve the issue, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com and we will be happy to help.

Q: Does the TBT3-UDV charge/power my system?
A: Not all Thunderbolt 3 systems support charging via their Thunderbolt 3 port. But for systems that do support this, yes, the dock can provide up to 60W of power to charge the host system. In order to charge, the system must be connected to the Thunderbolt 3 port on the back of the dock labeled with the ‘Computer’ icon. If your system is able to be charged via Thunderbolt 3 and is not charging, please ensure you have the system connected to the proper port.

Q: How much power is provided via the two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the back of the dock?
A: The Thunderbolt 3 port labeled with the ‘Computer’ icon can provide up to 60W of power. The other Thunderbolt 3 port can provide up to 15W.

Q: I don’t like the vertical orientation of the dock, can I use it in a horizontal orientation?
A: Yes, the dock stand is removable without tools to allow the dock to be placed horizontally.

Q: What do the two lights on the front of the dock signify?
A: The solid green light indicates that the dock is receiving power from its power adapter. The solid blue light indicates an active connection to a Thunderbolt 3 host.

Q: My Mac system included a 87W power adapter, will the dock’s 60W output charge my system?
A: Yes, but at a slightly slower rate compared to the 87W power adapter

Q: Do any of the TBT3-UDV’s USB 3.0 ports offer any special charging capabilities? Can any of the USB ports provide power to charge devices when the dock is not connected to a host laptop?
A: Only the single front-mounted USB 3.0 port of the TBT3-UDV dock supports BC 1.2 charging. For example, a mobile phone that supports BC 1.2 charging will charge when connected to the front USB 3.0 port of the dock, even if the dock is not connected to a laptop. The remaining four USB 3.0 ports on the back of the dock will only provide standard USB power to USB devices (up to 900mA) when the dock is connected to a host laptop. They do not provide any special charging capabilities, and they will not provide power if the dock is not connected to a host laptop.

Q: Is the TBT3-UDV supported in Operating Systems running in a Boot Camp environment?
A: Not at this time.

Q: Is the Apple Super Drive supported?
A: The Apple Super Drive is not supported.

Q: When I connect the dock to my Apple Mac system, I receive a warning that states, “Cannot Use Thunderbolt Accessory: Connect accessory to a Thunderbolt port on this Mac.” How do I fix this?
A: This typically occurs because the cable being used to connect the dock to the system is not a Thunderbolt 3 cable, but rather a USB-C cable (the white cable included with MacBook Pro laptops for charging is a USB-C cable, not Thunderbolt 3). Please use only the Thunderbolt 3 cable we include in the box with the dock to connect it to your system. For additional information about this issue, please see this demonstration video -> https://youtu.be/YJKKOjFc6zE

Q: I connected the dock to my Apple Mac system and everything except the Ethernet port in the dock is working. I checked within the ‘System Report’ application (Apple Menu, About this Mac, System Report…) and there is no Ethernet device listed under the Hardware -> Ethernet Cards category. How do I fix this?
A: Typically this is caused by the system not correctly detecting the Ethernet device in the dock. In most cases, completely resetting the dock and ‘cold booting’ the system by following this procedure can help:

1. Disconnect the dock’s Thunderbolt 3 cable from both the dock and the system, and disconnect the dock’s power cable so it turns off completely.
2. Shutdown the Mac system completely (do NOT just restart).
3. Power on the Mac system and login.
4. Reconnect the power cable to the dock, and then reconnect the Thunderbolt 3 cable to both the dock and the system.
5. Test the previously non-working Ethernet port.

Q: I connected the dock to my Apple Mac system and everything except the Ethernet port in the dock is working. I checked within the ‘System Report’ application (Apple Menu, About this Mac, System Report…) and there is an Ethernet device listed under the Hardware -> Ethernet Cards category and the link and activity lights on the dock’s Ethernet port are lit, but my Ethernet connection is not working. I performed a reset of both the dock and my system as described above and it did not resolve the issue. How do I fix this?
A: The symptoms described above most often indicate that the Ethernet port device is being detected, however macOS is not automatically creating a new network service for the device. In most cases manually adding the service by following this procedure can help:

1. Click on ‘System Preferences’ (gear icon in the Dock).
2. Click on the ‘Network’ Application (globe icon).
3. In the bottom left-hand corner of the ‘Network’ application, click on the “+” (plus) sign to add a new service.
4. Click on the ‘Interface’ drop down and select ‘Thunderbolt Ethernet Slot 1’.
5. Leave the ‘Service Name’ populated with the default name and then click the ‘Create’ button.
6. Click the ‘Apply’ button in the lower right-hand corner of the application to apply the changes.
7. Wait a few moments to see if the Ethernet adapter in the dock starts working.

Q: I have been using the dock for a while on my Windows system and everything was working properly. Spontaneously, the USB ports, audio port or Ethernet port in the dock stopped working but my video outputs still work. Why is this?
A: In most cases, this type of behavior is caused by a failure of the dock to be properly Authenticated/Approved as a Thunderbolt 3 device (Apple systems do this automatically, and as such do not apply here). If not approved, the USB ports, Ethernet port and audio jack will not work (video outputs always work regardless of Approval status). In most cases, this is caused by the Intel Thunderbolt software that handles the authentication process not working properly. The best first step is to remove and reinstall the Intel Thunderbolt software to ensure it is in a good state and reset the dock, the procedure for doing so is here -> https://plugable.com/2018/05/18/thunderbolt-3-dock-not-working-windows-10-april-2018-update-can-help/

In rarer cases, this can be caused by an incorrect setting within the Thunderbolt options within the system’s BIOS. System manufacturers typically enable ‘User Authorization’ or ‘No security’ Thunderbolt options in the BIOS by default. As their names imply, the respective options indicate that a Thunderbolt device must be authorized in order to work, or no authorization is needed. If other options such as ‘DisplayPort Only’ (Dell terminology) or ‘DisplayPort and USB only’ (Lenovo terminology) are selected, no Thunderbolt 3 devices will work. These options turn the port into a USB-C only port. Please ensure that the BIOS options are set as intended using your system manual as a guide.

Q: Do I need to install any drivers to use the dock?
A: With macOS and Windows 10 and 8.1, the operating system will download and install the necessary drivers. When using Windows 7 64-bit (32-bit systems are not supported), you will need to install a separate Intel Network Adapter driver and a driver for the Asmedia USB 3.0 Host Controller.

Q: What type of USB host controller chipsets are in the dock, and how are these routed to the dock’s five USB ports?
A: The dock includes both a Fresco FL1100EX USB 3.0 Host Controller and an Asmedia ASM1042A USB 3.0 Host Controller. In terms of routing, when the dock is in the vertical position the two USB 3.0 ports on the top of the back of the dock and the single USB port on the front are connected to the Fresco controller. The lower two USB 3.0 ports are connected to the Asmedia controller.

Q: What type of audio chipset is built-in to the dock, and what are its specifications?
A: The TBT3-UDV has a CMedia CM6533 Audio chipset. For detailed specifications, please see the Cmedia website here

Q: Does this docking station pass object-based multi-channel audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X through the included DisplayPort to HDMI adapter?
A: The DisplayPort to HDMI active adapter is based on the Parade PS176 chip. This chip does not support bit-streaming/pass-through of Dolby or DTS. However, it does support up to 8 channel audio via LPCM output.

Q: I have my headphones/speakers connected to the analog audio output on the front of the dock, but I do not hear any sound. Why is this?
A: Please check to ensure that the default audio playback device is set to ‘Plugable TBT3-UDV Dock Audio’

Q: Why does my wireless mouse or keyboard appear sluggish or not work properly when used with the dock?
A: Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the device’s performance. The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the dock and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.

We have written about this in more detail in our blog post on the subject here. For even more information please see Intel’s whitepaper here.

Q: I connected a standard analog microphone (one without headphones) to the combination audio port on the front of the dock and it is not working. Why is this?
A: The TRRS combination audio input and output jack is not compatible with a standard analog microphone.

Q: Is Wake-on-LAN supported via the Ethernet adapter within the dock?
A: No, Wake-on-LAN is not supported.

Q: Can the dock be used in conjunction with KVM switches?
A: Using the dock in combination with a physical KVM switch is not supported, as we have found that their performance varies widely and cannot be guaranteed.

Q: Can I add a second display through the second Thunderbolt 3 port on the docking station?
A: As noted above, some Thunderbolt 3 systems support two displays, while others only support one. This behavior is entirely based on engineering decisions from your system manufactuer.

Q: I’ve confirmed my system supports two displays via Thunderbolt 3. What type of monitors are supported?
A: The docking station includes a pure DisplayPort output, which means you can connect a DisplayPort monitor via a DisplayPort cable. If you wish to connect an HDMI monitor, please use the included Active DisplayPort to HDMI converter which supports monitors up to 4K@60Hz refresh. If using a DVI or VGA monitor, separate Active DisplayPort to DVI or Active DisplayPort to VGA adapters can be used. ** Active adapters are required, passive adapters will not work **

Q: Does the docking station work on Linux?
A: The docking station does not currently support Linux.

Q: Which Plugable USB-C Alt Mode Adapters or DisplayPort adapters are compatible with the dock?
A: To convert the dock’s internal DisplayPort output to HDMI: Please use the included Active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter (maximum resolution of 4K@60Hz refresh). To convert the DisplayPort output to DVI or VGA, please purchase separately an Active DisplayPort to DVI or VGA adapter. The adapter MUST be of the Active type, Passive adapters will not work.

For systems which support a second display output through the docking station via USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 Alt Mode, please make a separate purchase of one of the following:

USB-C to DisplayPort (6′ cable): Plugable USBC-DP Alt Mode Adapter Cable
USB-C to HDMI (6′ cable): Plugable USBC-HDMI-CABLE Alt Mode Adapter Cable
USB-C to VGA (6′ cable): Plugable USBC-VGA-CABLE Alt Mode Adapter Cable

or

USB-C to HDMI (dongle): Plugable USBC-HDMI Adapter Dongle
USB-C to DVI (dongle): Plugable USBC-DVI Alt Mode Adapter Dongle
USB-C to VGA (dongle): Plugable USBC-VGA Alt Mode Adapter Dongle

Q: Does the docking station support Dual-Link DVI output?
A: No.

Q: Does the docking station support DisplayPort Multi-stream Transport (MST) setups?
A: DisplayPort MST setups are not supported.

Q: Can the dock be used with a Thunderbolt 2 system using a 3rd-party Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter?
A: Our dock requires a host system with a Thunderbolt 3 port built-in in order to work. Using a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter is not supported.

Q: Is there a recommended DisplayPort cable for use with this dock?
A: We suggest using DisplayPort cables which are certified for DP 1.2 operation, and shorter cables will generally produce the best results.

Q: How can I tell if my system supports 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3, or 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3?
A: Please check with your system manufacturer regarding Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth on your system.

Q: Do all the Thunderbolt 3 ports on my 2016/2017 MacBook Pro offer the same features and performance?
A: Per Apple’s documentation:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on all four ports.
• MacBook Pro (13-inch,2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) supports Thunderbolt 3 at full performance using the two left-hand ports. The two right-hand ports deliver Thunderbolt 3 functionality, but have reduced PCI Express bandwidth. Always plug higher-performance devices into the left-hand ports on MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) for maximum data throughput.
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on both ports.

Q. Are there any best practices in regard to connecting USB 1.1 devices to the dock?
A: For the most consistent performance, we recommend that USB 1.1 devices (such as keyboards are mice) be directly connected to the docking station’s integrated USB Type-A ports.

Q. My USB devices connected to the dock are not initially working as expected when the host system is booted from being completely off or when it is restarted, but do function properly once Windows is loaded. Why is this?
A: Thunderbolt 3 Windows host systems can have security settings with the System BIOS that affect if Thunderbolt 3 devices or USB devices attached via a Thunderbolt 3 device like our dock will work prior to Windows being loaded. While each manufacturer’s systems can be different, within the system’s BIOS there should be an option to enable ‘Thunderbolt Adapter Boot support’ which will allow the devices to work as expected prior to Windows loading. ** It is important to understand the security aspects of making this change, as this will preempt the security choices made within the Thunderbolt application within Windows **

General Thunderbolt 3 FAQ

Q: Can a Thunderbolt 3 dock or adapter work in any system with any USB-C (USB Type C) port?
A: No. Thunderbolt 3 docks and adapters will only work with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C computers and ports. Connecting to a USB-C port without Thunderbolt 3 capability will not work. Note that computers and docks may have a mix of Thunderbolt 3 and other USB-C ports that look very similar. Look for the Thunderbolt icon on both sides of the connection to ensure compatibility.

Q: How can I identify the NVM version on my system?
A: See “Identifying the NVM” section below.

Q: What if a newer compatible NVM is not available from my system manufacturer?
A: Unfortunately the only option is to contact your system manufacturer and ask when a newer version will be available, and to let them know that until it is, certain accessories you are looking to use will not work.

Q: How can I identify if my system has the necessary two DisplayPort lines to provide dual display output through the Thunderbolt 3 port?
A: Unfortunately in many cases this information is very hard to discern based on the manufacturers published specifications. If your system is not among those listed in our compatibility table above, please contact your system manufacturer for confirmation of how many DisplayPort lines are routed to your Thunderbolt 3 port.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter and my monitor configuration changed by itself.
A: This may occur and is considered normal. You can change the main display back to your desired screen through the “Display settings” control panel.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter with two attached monitors and am only getting a single output.
A:  Depending on what Thunderbolt 3 equipped system you have, it may only support a single output because of the DP Alt Mode line configuration.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter for the first time and my system crashed (hard lock).
A: Check to see if your system is running the latest Thunderbolt 3 software, NVM, UEFI BIOS, and all other updates from your system manufacturer. If everything is updated, unplug the adapter, reboot the system, and then reconnect.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter and am not getting any output to either display.
A: If your system has hybrid graphics (combination of built-in Intel GPU and AMD or NVIDIA discreet graphics) make sure the Intel GPU is set to be the primary GPU in the UEFI BIOS.

Watch Our Video Demo

Authenticating a Newly Attached Device

When first connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Windows system, the device must first be authenticated through Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 software (this is not necessary with Apple macOS systems). To do so you can use the below instructions as a guide:

After connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device the first thing that you should see (assuming that the system NVM, BIOS, drivers, etc are up to date and compatible) is an automatic notification above the system tray notifying you that a new device has been attached. You will want to click OK:

After clicking OK, you may get a Windows User Account Control (UAC) popup asking if you “want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?”. Click Yes:

After clicking yes you should see an application window appear where you will approve the Thunderbolt 3 device that was just attached:

Click on the drop down menu where it says “Do Not Connect” and select “Always Connect”. Then click OK:

To view and manage the approved devices you can find the program sitting in the system tray. You may need to click the caret (up arrow icon) to show all of the running programs then right click on the Thunderbolt icon it and select Manage Approved Devices:

You may again get a Windows UAC prompt, click yes. After clicking yes the below window will open and you can see any approved devices and remove them if you choose.

How do I check which version of Thunderbolt 3 software and NVM firmware I am running in Windows?

To determine what version of NVM firmware your system has, the first step is to ensure you have the latest Thunderbolt software version which varies depending on the system manufacturer. You should be able to download it from your system manufacturer’s website.

Once installed you can open the software by searching the start menu for Thunderbolt:

Once open you can find the program sitting in the system tray. You may need to click the caret (up arrow icon) to show all of the running programs then right click on the Thunderbolt icon it and select Settings:

Now you should see the settings window. Click on Details to find out all of the Thunderbolt software and controller information:

If a Thunderbolt 3 device has been connected to the system the Thunderbolt software will show you information about the controller. Below you can see the details from our Dell XPS 13 9350 system:

Unfortunately if a Thunderbolt device has not yet been connected to the system, the information about the NVM firmware may not be available within the utility:

Intel is working on an updated version of the Thunderbolt software that should provide the firmware information without needing to connect a Thunderbolt device, and we’ll be sure to update this post once it is available.

Support

If you have any questions feel free to contact our support team and we will be happy to help!

Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries

Where to Buy

Plugable TBT3-UDV Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock with Host Charging

MSRP $279.99

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Despite the 167 years or so since its inception, the market for inverted microscopes has not shared the same reduction in cost enjoyed by compound microscopes. With even low-end models of inverted microscopes selling for $1,000 or more, their practicality has been confined to laboratory use. After the success of our popular USB2-MICRO-250X microscope, we at Plugable felt it was our Promethean duty to pluck inverted microscope technology from the exclusive mountaintop of professional laboratories and make it accessible to the masses. With this vision in mind, we set out to develop a quality inverted microscope with 800x optical magnification at a price well within the reach of science-hungry kids and hobbyists, without sacrificing functionality.

We are very excited to announce the success of this mission by unveiling the latest addition to our microscope lineup: the USB2-MICRO-800X Inverted Digital/Optical USB Microscope.

We managed to pack a lot of features into this microscope, and despite being suitable for professional use, its straightforward design ensures a complete novice can become a master of the microscopic in a matter of minutes.

Trying to get a microscopic sample positioned in just the right spot can be frustrating, as attempts to reposition objects smaller than a millimeter by hand often results in overcorrection. The adjustment knobs on the USB2-MICRO-800X allow precise changes to the lateral and longitudinal position of the stage, so even the most unsteady-handed individual can bring their subject into view. Following this theme, the large focus knobs on either side of the microscope provide precise control over the position of the focal point, allowing a clear view of the individual layers of a sample.

To take full advantage of the inverted design, there are built-in LEDs above and below the stage. Transmit light through translucent samples using the top LED with single lens condenser, or reflect light off opaque subjects with the bottom LEDs. Press the light switch in to toggle between the top and bottom LEDs, or flip it left or right to quickly adjust the brightness level.

The stage features slide holder clips that can be rotated out of the way to provide more space for other types of samples. With slightly more than 5 cm (about 2 inches) of space between the stage and the top LED, this microscope provides plenty of room for creativity.
 
 
 
Connect the included USB cable to a host system to view subjects on a display with companion software. This makes it easy to take photos, record video, or capture time-lapse images. This microscope uses a USB Video Class (UVC) chipset that makes it compatible with any standard webcam viewer, and is supported with the following Operating Systems:

• Windows XP+
• macOS / OS X 10.4+
• Linux kernels 2.6.26+
• All Chrome OS devices
• Select Android devices

For a more traditional approach, extending the 800x optical eyepiece enables a direct view of the subject without the need for software. Installing 3 AA batteries (not included) allows you to unplug the detachable USB cable and leave your computer behind.

A versatile accessory kit is included complete with ready-to-view prepared slides, blank slides, cover slips, a dropper, tweezers, a petri dish, and a case. This provides everything needed to prepare smears, dry mount, wet mount, and culture samples.

With all of the possibilities allowed by this microscope set, it’s sure to magnify your passion for science and show you the world through a new lens. We’d love to hear about how you’ve used your microscope; please feel free to share your discoveries by posting a comment below. If you have any questions, please contact us at support@plugable.com, we’re glad to help!

Also, as a thank you to our customers, we’re offering a limited number of 20% off discount codes for the microscope. Click here to receive your discount code via email before they’re all gone!

Plugable USB2-MICRO-800X 800x Inverted Digital/Optical USB Microscope

MSRP $124.99

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6/23/2017 — Note: The click latency and polling rate have been improved with a new firmware release. Click here to download. Instructions are included with the files.

The firmware update can only be applied via a Windows system. If you need assistance updating the firmware, please contact us at support@plugable.com.

Introducing the Plugable Performance Mouse (USB-PM3360)

We’re proud to introduce our first gaming and productivity mouse, packed with high-end features at a reasonable price. Releasing initially at $39.95, the mouse includes must-have features found in products that cost nearly twice as much, without cutting corners on quality, and avoiding some of the more gimmicky features of other gaming mice.

Whether you’re considering your first gaming mouse, or if you are an experienced mouse enthusiast looking for what we offer compared to the competition, here’s a quick overview of the PM3360’s features.

• Plug and play with no control software needed to adjust settings.
• On-the-fly DPI adjustment to 400/800/1200/1600/3200 indicated by lighting color.
• Three-stage LED controls that can turn lighting off, lighting color that matches DPI level, and option for lighting at the base to use a ‘breathing’ effect.
• Ergonomic design for multiple grip styles.
• Smooth and durable PTFE mouse feet which work well on both hard and soft surfaces.
• Flexible braided cable for minimal resistance.

6/23/2017 — Note: The click latency and polling rate have been improved with a new firmware release. Click here to download. Instructions are included with the files.

If you want to know more about the advantages of these features, and why we opted for them, keep reading to learn more. Also, feel free to leave a comment with any questions and we’ll be happy to answer!

Making a mouse we want ourselves

There are countless options these days when it comes to the venerable computer mouse. Like a prospector sifting for gold, there’s a lot to filter through before finding the right one.

When making our first mouse, we sought to make a device we’d be proud of. We sought function and form over gimmicks, and keeping the cost affordable and competitive while still having top-notch build quality. When you look at the market for gaming mice there are whole range of options. From mice with crazy angles, blinding light patterns, wireless, wired, and force feedback, to dozens of buttons, insane DPI stats, and prices that help prop up the marketing for the mouse. We felt we could do better.

Form

While we hope to offer other ergonomic options in the future, we focused on right-handed grip styles to start with.

We opted for a medium-to-large body and a medium weight. While the size of the mouse is uncontroversial, it can be hard to keep the weight down while still feeling high in quality. The body of the mouse feels very solid, but offers a soft rubberized texture that adds a nice tactile feel that gives the whole mouse a nice premium feeling. Braiding the cable adds durability, has a nice texture to it that gives a more interesting look than plain black rubber while still being understated.

Function

While there are some obvious targets from a technical standpoint, such as the oft-advertised sensor used in the mouse, there were a lot of other functional concerns that went into the mouse.

For one, we wanted the mouse to be totally plug and play, including adjusting mouse settings. We wanted no need to install drivers or added software to control mouse functions. Computer taskbars are cluttered enough if you’re an avid gamer, between all the different publisher storefronts, voice chat applications, controls for other system components, and other applications. Including configuration options directly on the mouse also meant providing access to those settings would be exactly the same regardless of what system you used the mouse with.

The onboard controls are a single switch and the DPI button. The switch controls the lighting modes, including turning them off. However, when active the color of the lighting indicates the current DPI level which ranges from 400 to 3200.

The usual fare of a five-button mouse is present, and each click is supported by the industry-standard Omron Mechanical mouse switch. These are found in nearly every mouse on the market and we saw no reason to deviate from that after testing other options that were available. Their build quality is exceptional, they offer a consistent light click, and are rated for long-term use.

Performance

There are a lot of preferences when it comes to moving a cursor across a screen, or centering crosshairs on an opponent in a multiplayer match. Two highly-respected sensor manufacturers include Avago and PixArt, and for our mouse we selected the latest PixArt PMW3360.

While Avago used to be the sensor king, PixArt has acquired much of Avago’s top sensor technology. This sensor is capable of a detection resolution up to 12000 DPI, and won’t skip a beat even with movement up to 250 inches per second (ips) and acceleration up to 50g. This is far and above what almost any gamer will ever do with the mouse, but going above and beyond with the performance of the sensor felt like the right choice to satisfy any play style.

Price

One of our goals was to keep the mouse accessible on a wide range of budgets. It is a tough enough proposition for most people to make the leap from a mouse that was bundled with a prebuilt system, let alone take a chance on a new offering in the mouse arena. We avoided gimmicks and fringe features, and have opted for community engagement over expensive marketing through publications that have helped keep the price reasonable. With a a retail price of $39.95, we feel we’re offering a mouse that easily outclasses other products at its price point and still packs high end features offered by much pricier and more well-known mice on the market.

How do others feel about the mouse?

Reddit review by u/BigRedKiwi — “I like the shape of the mouse as I use a claw grip. The scroll wheel is one of the best I’ve ever used.”

Reddit review by u/EndingShadows — “It’s billed as a competitive e-sports mouse that can hang with the likes of Logitech and Razer for a fraction of the price. And honestly, I think it can.”

How do we feel about the mouse?

Click the green name button to show more

Andy’s Thoughts

• Grip Type — Palm
• Handedness — Right
• Hand Size — Medium
• DPI Preference With Another Mouse — 6,000 to 8,000
• MSRP of Previous Mouse — $79.99

David’s Thoughts

• Grip Type — Hybrid (Palm/Claw)
• Handedness — Right
• Hand Size — Large
• DPI Preference With Another Mouse — 1,600
• MSRP of Previous Mouse — $79.99

Conclusion

The new Plugable PM3360 optical mouse packs top-tier features in an inexpensive package. Forget gimmicks, forget gaudy over-the-top ‘gamer’ flare. This mouse is designed to be practical, functional, and offer excellent bang-for-the-buck features. Check it out on Amazon in the where to buy box below.

Plugable USB-PM3360 PM3360 Performance Mouse for Gaming and Precision Applications

MSRP $39.99

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Master the way you interface with your PC. The Plugable PM3360 is engineered for pixel-perfect accuracy with your mouse cursor in creative applications, or when quickly centering your crosshairs on a target in your favorite games. This light and nimble mouse feels great in the hand and tracks movement even with the quickest flick of the wrist.

Compatible with any device that can use a USB mouse including Windows and Linux PCs, Macs, the XIM4 mouse adapter for consoles, and much more.

Ergonomics

Sculpted for small or large hands, this mouse feels natural and contoured for a variety of grip styles. For users accustomed to lower sensitivity settings, lifting the mouse from the pad is complemented by a 104-gram overall weight and soft-touch rubberized grips that accent the sides.

Sensor

The PixArt PMW3360 sensor used in the PM3360 tracks even the finest movements of the mouse across your preferred gaming surface thanks to a 12000 DPI-capable sensor. With a perfect tracking rate of 250 inches per second and capacity to detect up to 50g acceleration there is no movement this mouse can’t follow.

DPI Controls and Indicator Lights

Whether you want to shine brightly, or go dark, the PM3360 uses bright and vivid color to show its current DPI setting. Lighting can be turned off entirely, or pulsed in a ‘breathing’ pattern.

• 3200 DPI (Purple)
• 1600 DPI (White)
• 1200 DPI (Blue)
• 800 DPI (Green)
• 400 DPI (Red)

Mechanical Switch Design

Position is only part of the equation. A responsive click that tells you the mouse buttons are pressed, and be able to do so repeatedly and consistently is vital to connect you to actions on-screen. The PM3360 uses Omron Mechanical switches with light yet tactile click at the point of actuation. The switch is balanced to prevent accidental clicks, but still clicks exactly when you want it, exactly the number of times you want it to.

Response Time

Position reports from the mouse are provided to your PC a thousand times per second (1000Hz), providing accurate and critical data from the sensor directly into your application or game in relative real time.

Plug-and-Play

No drivers, no bloat, and just the right amount of control. With on-board controls for lighting effects and DPI settings adjustments, you can tune the mouse to suit your preferences without ever accessing another application or taskbar icon.

Plugable USB-PM3360 PM3360 Performance Mouse for Gaming and Precision Applications

MSRP $39.99

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Specifications

FAQ & Manual

6/23/2017 — Note: The click latency and polling rate have been improved with a new firmware release. Click here to download. Instructions are included with the files.

The dock supports a single DisplayPort or HDMI Display (with included adapter). The dock does not charge the host computer. It does power itself and attached downstream USB devices.

The first in our series of Thunderbolt 3 docking stations, when connected to a compatible macOS or Windows Thunderbolt 3 system the TBT3-UD1-83 provides the ability to connect a single 4K display via its DisplayPort++ output (passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter included for HDMI displays). This connection functions as a direct line to the host system’s internal graphics adapter and provides for the same level of performance as a direct connection.

The TBT3-UD1-83 also provides a wired Intel gigabit Ethernet connection using an i210 chipset, analog audio input and outputs, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port and one ‘downstream’ Thunderbolt 3 port that can be used to daisy chain up to five additional Thunderbolt 3 devices or provide for a 10Gbps network connection to another Thunderbolt 3 host using an additional Thunderbolt 3 cable (purchased separately).

The downstream Thunderbolt 3 port can alternatively be used to attach a second 4K display using a USB-C video adapter, such as our USBC-DP cable, USBC-HDMI adapter (purchased separately).

Plugable TBT3-UD1-83 Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station

Watch Our Video Demo

A few important notes: Our TBT3-UD1-83 docking station does not provide the ability to charge the host system. Those who require the ability to charge should wait for our upcoming TBT3-UDV docking station (more information on that upcoming product here) which does allow up to 60W of power to charge the host system.

All manufacturers can design their Thunderbolt 3 systems differently, and certain design decisions can affect compatibility with our dock and/or its ability to support two external displays. We have found that the Apple MacBook Pro late 2016 systems with Thunderbolt 3 and all Dell Windows Thunderbolt 3 systems work well with our dock and can support two displays, and we will be maintaining a compatibility list for other host system manufacturers on our product page.

Dell systems will require the most up to date system BIOS and Thunderbolt 3 NVM firmware to ensure things work as expected (the required NVM version number can vary depending on the host system) while Apple systems perform these updates automatically.

In certain cases 4K monitors connected to the dock may be limited to 4K@30Hz refresh rates, please see the FAQ section of our product page for more information.

Plugable was founded on the concept of turning the PC ‘inside out’ by providing USB docking stations to add functionality, and we are proud to offer our first docking station product that takes full advantage of the 40Gps bandwidth provided by Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 technology. Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

And just for those that have subscribed to our new posts (subscription form in sidebar) or come to plugable.com to check us out, we have a limited number of docks available at 20% off (savings of almost $40 USD). Request your code here.

Plugable TBT3-UD1-83 Thunderbolt™ 3 Docking Station

MSRP $209.99

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Watch the Product Video

Quick Links

Product Description
System Requirements
Compatibility Details
Compatible Systems
Unsupported Systems
Box Contents
Summary
TBT3-UD1-83 Specific FAQ
General Thunderbolt 3 FAQ
Video Demonstration
Installing & “Authenticating” dock on Windows and Mac
Support

Product Description

Plugable’s TBT3-UD1-83 Thunderbolt 3 Single Display Docking Station offers high-performance expansion of your Thunderbolt 3-enabled Mac or Dell system. Connect a single display up to 4K 60Hz (4096×2160@60Hz) via the integrated DisplayPort++ port. Thunderbolt 3’s massive 40Gbps bandwidth enables you to run your high resolution display connected through the dock at the full native performance of your system’s graphics processor while also enabling access to your wired network and existing USB peripherals.

Supports connection to wired gigabit Ethernet networks using the integrated 1.0 Gbps i210 Intel network adapter and 10Gbps peer-to-peer networking when directly connected to a second Thunderbolt 3-enabled computer. Provides analog audio input and output jacks for connecting stereo headphones and microphone. Provides two extra USB 3.0 Type-A ports and one USB-C 3.1 Gen1 port for device connectivity (Front USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt devices or VESA DisplayPort Alternate Mode video output)

Thunderbolt 3 compatibility is complex, and some features like PCI-E bandwidth, support for 2 displays over Thunderbolt 3, and the necessary firmware updates for docking compatibility (BIOS and NVM) are system-specific. Apple and Dell Thunderbolt 3 systems are currently the best-performing, best-supported systems with this docking station.

For details on supported monitor configurations and what components are needed to add a second display, and non-Apple and Dell compatibility, please see additional details below. Dock does not charge the host system; you will still need to connect the power adapter from your system manufacturer. Requires updated NVM firmware, system BIOS, and Thunderbolt/GPU drivers from your system vendor. Ability to add a second display depends on design decisions made by your system manufacturer and requires additional hardware, sold separately. Some Thunderbolt 3 systems support a maximum of 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth. Docking station will not function if attached to a non-Thunderbolt 3 capable USB-C port.

System Requirements

Compatible with Apple Late 2016 MacBook Pro series and Dell systems which have Thunderbolt 3. Other brands of Thunderbolt 3 systems may work, but not support all of the functionality offered by this dock. Please see important details regarding system compatibility, frequently asked questions and more in the sections below.

Compatibility Information

Thunderbolt 3 is a powerful new technology, and system manufacturers have substantial discretion in how they implement various technical elements and features. As a result, compatibility information is complex, and many currently available Thunderbolt 3 systems do not support all the features offered by this Thunderbolt 3 docking station.

Some systems support a second display using a USB-C Alt Mode adapter, sold separately. To support a second display through the dock, the host Thunderbolt 3-enabled system must meet the following requirements:

• System manufacturer must have physically routed two DisplayPort lines to the Thunderbolt 3 port. Currently all Thunderbolt 3 systems from Apple and Dell meet this requirement.
• DisplayPort implimentation from HP, Lenovo, MSI, Gigabyte, Acer, Razer, Clevo, and Intel varies.
• Requires updated system UEFI BIOS, Thunderbolt 3 drivers, and graphics (GPU) drivers from system manufacturer
• If you have a Thunderbolt 3 host system which supports two video outputs, a separate purchase of one of the following Plugable adapter models is required: USBC-DP, USBC-HDMI, USBC-DVI, USBC-VGA Please see the FAQ section below for more information.

Compatible Systems:

• Apple MacBook Pro Late 2016, Mid 2017 and Mid 2018 models with Thunderbolt 3 (13″ & 15″, with and without Touch Bar. MBP systems without an AMD GPU support a maximum of 2 external displays)
• Apple 21.5″ and 27″ iMac Mid 2017 with Thunderbolt 3
• Dell XPS 12 9250
• Dell XPS 13 9350, 9360, 9365
• Dell XPS 15 9550, 9560
• Dell Latitude 7275, 7370
• Dell Precision 15 3510, 3520, 5510, 5520, 7510, 7520
• Dell Precision 17 7710, 7720

Important Note Regarding Dell Thunderbolt 3 systems – While some Dell XPS and Precision models (such as the XPS 13 9360 and Precision 5510) include Thunderbolt 3 support by default, other models such as the XPS 12 9250, Precision 3520 and Latitude 7370 to name a few must have been configured with optional Thunderbolt 3 support at the time of manufacture and purchase. Dell has more details about the various models and how to tell if your system has Thunderbolt 3 in their Knowledge Base article here. Please check that your Dell system has Thunderbolt 3 support prior to making a purchase of our Thunderbolt 3 Docking station.

Unsupported Systems:

• Lenovo Thinkpad P50 & P70
• Dell Alienware 15 R2
• Razer Blade Stealth
• Porsche Design BOOK ONE

Other Thunderbolt 3 systems may be compatible, but have not been confirmed by Plugable. Please contact us directly at support@plugable.com for more information prior to purchase if your system is not listed above.

In the Box

Thunderbolt 3 TBT3-UD1-83 docking station, 0.5 meter (20 inches) Thunderbolt 3 40Gbps cable, DisplayPort to HDMI passive adapter, quick installation guide and UL certified 12V/6A (72W) power adapter (US AC Wall Outlet Plug, 100-240V 50/60Hz) Units sold in the UK or the EU will come with the appropriate power cord.

Summary

As with any new technology, as Thunderbolt 3 evolves there is always the possibility things may not work as expected or that things may behave inconsistently. When using our Thunderbolt 3 dock with a supported system and the latest publicly available Thunderbolt NVM firmware with a single connected display things work as expected during normal use and transitioning to and from the various power states (on, off, sleep, resume, hibernate).

However, when two displays are connected, the first via the internal DisplayPort output and the second via an optional USB-C HDMI, DVI or VGA adapter, the second display connected via the USB-C adapter may not always work as expected when resuming from sleep or hibernation. In almost all cases this behavior can be resolved by unplugging the USB-C adapter and then reconnecting, or rebooting the host system. This behavior is much less frequent when using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

TBT3-UD1-83 Specific FAQ

Q: Does the TBT3-UD1-83 charge/power my system?
A: No, it will not charge the host system. You will need to connect the power adapter from your manufacturer. Our upcoming TBT3-UDV Thunderbolt 3 docking station will offer system charging capabilities.

Q: If the TBT3-UD1-83 will not charge my system, why do I see a charging indicator on my system’s battery icon when docked?
A: If your system supports charging over USB-C, you may see an indication that your system is charging when docked. This is because all Thunderbolt 3 ports can provide a minimum of 15W of USB Power Delivery. This is not enough to charge your system while it is in use, even if the system indicates it is charging.

Q: Do I need to install any drivers to use the dock?
A: With macOS and Windows 10 and 8.1, the operating system will download and install the necessary drivers. When using Windows 7 64-bit, you will need to install a separate Fresco USB 3.0 Host Controller driver and an Intel Network Adapter driver.

Q: When I connect the dock to my Apple Mac system, I receive a warning that states, “Cannot Use Thunderbolt Accessory: Connect accessory to a Thunderbolt port on this Mac.” How do I fix this?
A: This typically occurs because the cable being used to connect the dock to the system is not a Thunderbolt 3 cable, but rather a USB-C cable (the white cable included with MacBook Pro laptops for charging is a USB-C cable, not Thunderbolt 3). Please use only the Thunderbolt 3 cable we include in the box with the dock to connect it to your system. For additional information about this issue, please see this demonstration video -> https://youtu.be/YJKKOjFc6zE

Q: I have my headphones or speakers connected to the audio output of the dock, but I do not hear any sound coming through. How do I fix this?
A: Both Windows and macOS have the ability to select a default device for sound output. If audio output via the dock is not working, please ensure that the ‘USB audio CODEC’ device (which represents the dock’s audio output) is set as the default audio playback device. From within macOS this can be done via the Sound application within System Preferences. From within Windows this can be done by following these steps:

1. Right-click on the speaker icon in the Task Tray in lower right-hand corner of the desktop (by the clock).
2. From the menu that appears, select the ‘Playback devices’ option.
3. From the ‘Sound’ window that opens, right-click on the entry that says ‘Speakers USB audio CODEC’ and select ‘Set as default device’.

Q: What type of audio chipset is built-in to the dock, and what are its specifications?
A: The TBT3-UD1-83 dock has a Texas Instruments PCM2912A audio chipset. For detailed specifications, please see the Texas Instruments website here.

Q: Can I add a second display through the second Thunderbolt 3 port on the docking station?
A: As noted above, some Thunderbolt 3 systems support two displays, while others only support one. This behavior is entirely based on engineering decisions from your system manufactuer.

Q: I’ve confirmed my system supports two displays via Thunderbolt 3. What type of monitors are supported?
A: The docking station includes a DisplayPort++ output, which means you can connect a DisplayPort monitor via a DisplayPort cable. If you wish to connect an HDMI monitor, please use the included passive DisplayPort to HDMI converter which supports monitors up to 4K@30Hz refresh. If using a DVI or VGA monitor, separate DisplayPort to DVI or DisplayPort to VGA adapters can be used.

Q: Does the docking station work on Linux?
A: The docking station does not currently support Linux.

Q: Is Wake-on-LAN supported via the Ethernet adapter within the dock?
A: No, Wake-on-LAN is not supported.

Q: Which Plugable USB-C Alt Mode Adapters or DisplayPort adapters are compatible with the dock?
A: To convert the dock’s internal DisplayPort output to HDMI: Please use the included passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter (maximum resolution of 4K@30Hz refresh)
To convert the DisplayPort output to DVI: Plugable DPM-DVIF Passive Adapter
To convert the DisplayPort output to VGA: Plugable DPM-VGAF Adapter

For systems which support a second display output through the docking station via USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 Alt Mode, please make a separate purchase of one of the following:
USB-C to DisplayPort (6′ cable): Plugable USBC-DP Alt Mode Adapter Cable
USB-C to HDMI (6′ cable): Plugable USBC-HDMI-CABLE Alt Mode Adapter Cable
USB-C to VGA (6′ cable): Plugable USBC-VGA-CABLE Alt Mode Adapter Cable

USB-C to HDMI (dongle): Plugable USBC-HDMI Adapter Dongle
USB-C to DVI (dongle): Plugable USBC-DVI Alt Mode Adapter Dongle
USB-C to VGA (dongle): Plugable USBC-VGA Alt Mode Adapter Dongle

Q: Does the docking station support Dual-Link DVI output?
A: No.

Q: Does the docking station support DisplayPort MST (also known as DisplayPort daisy-chaining) video connections?
A: No, MST setups are not supported.

Q: Are there any compatibility issues between specific monitors and the TBT3-UD1-83 dock?
A: Certain monitors may be incompatible or limited to 4K at a 30Hz refresh rate when connected through the dock’s native DisplayPort output (this is an interoperability issue between the monitor display hardware and a chip in the dock; this issue is not limited to Plugable Thunderbolt 3 docking stations).

The following monitor models are known to be impacted:

• Asus PB287Q, PQ321Q
• Dell P2417H, P2715Q, P2415Q, UP3216Q
• LG 31MU97C-B, LG 24UD58-B, LG 27UD58-B, LG 27UD68-P
• Philips 288P6LJEB
• Sharp PN-K321
• Viewsonic VX2475Smhl-4K, VX43804K
• Samsung U28E590D

This can be worked around in some cases by changing the monitor’s internal settings to use “DP 1.1”, which will limit the display to 4K@30Hz. The included passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter can also be used, which will also limit resolution to 4K@30Hz. Alternatively, the display can be connected using a Plugable USB-C to DP or USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect the display (rather than the DisplayPort on the dock), which may allow 4K@60Hz functionality on affected displays.

Q: Is there a recommended DisplayPort cable for use with this dock?
A: We suggest using DisplayPort cables which are certified for DP 1.2 operation, and shorter cables will generally produce the best results.

Q: How can I tell if my system supports 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3, or 20Gbps Thunderbolt 3?
A: Please check with your system manufacturer regarding Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth on your system.

Q: Do all the Thunderbolt 3 ports on my 2016 MacBook Pro offer the same features and performance?
A: Per Apple’s documentation:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on all four ports.
• MacBook Pro (13-inch,2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) supports Thunderbolt 3 at full performance using the two left-hand ports. The two right-hand ports deliver Thunderbolt 3 functionality, but have reduced PCI Express bandwidth. Always plug higher-performance devices into the left-hand ports on MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) for maximum data throughput.
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on both ports.

Q. Are there any best practices in regard to connecting USB 1.1 devices to the dock?
A: For the most consistent performance, we recommend that USB 1.1 devices (such as keyboards are mice) be directly connected to the docking station’s integrated USB Type-A ports.

Q. My USB devices connected to the dock are not initially working as expected when the host system is booted from being completely off or when it is restarted, but do function properly once Windows is loaded. Why is this?
A: Thunderbolt 3 Windows host systems can have security settings with the System BIOS that affect if Thunderbolt 3 devices or USB devices attached via a Thunderbolt 3 device like our dock will work prior to Windows being loaded. While each manufacturer’s systems can be different, within the system’s BIOS there should be an option to enable ‘Thunderbolt Adapter Boot support’ which will allow the devices to work as expected prior to Windows loading. ** It is important to understand the security aspects of making this change, as this will preempt the security choices made within the Thunderbolt application within Windows **

General Thunderbolt 3 FAQ

Q: Can a Thunderbolt 3 dock or adapter work in any system with any USB-C (USB Type C) port?
A: No. Thunderbolt 3 docks and adapters will only work with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C computers and ports. Connecting to a USB-C port without Thunderbolt 3 capability will not work. Note that computers and docks may have a mix of Thunderbolt 3 and other USB-C ports that look very similar. Look for the Thunderbolt icon on both sides of the connection to ensure compatibility.

Q: How can I identify the NVM version on my system?
A: See “Identifying the NVM” section below.

Q: What if a newer compatible NVM is not available from my system manufacturer?
A: Unfortunately the only option is to contact your system manufacturer and ask when a newer version will be available, and to let them know that until it is, certain accessories you are looking to use will not work.

Q: How can I identify if my system has the necessary two DisplayPort lines to provide dual display output through the Thunderbolt 3 port?
A: Unfortunately in many cases this information is very hard to discern based on the manufacturers published specifications. If your system is not among those listed in our compatibility table above, please contact your system manufacturer for confirmation of how many DisplayPort lines are routed to your Thunderbolt 3 port.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter and my monitor configuration changed by itself.
A: This may occur and is considered normal. You can change the main display back to your desired screen through the “Display settings” control panel.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter with two attached monitors and am only getting a single output.
A:  Depending on what Thunderbolt 3 equipped system you have, it may only support a single output because of the DP Alt Mode line configuration.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter for the first time and my system crashed (hard lock).
A: Check to see if your system is running the latest Thunderbolt 3 software, NVM, UEFI BIOS, and all other updates from your system manufacturer. If everything is updated, unplug the adapter, reboot the system, and then reconnect.

Q: I connected my Thunderbolt 3 dock or dual display adapter and am not getting any output to either display.
A: If your system has hybrid graphics (combination of built-in Intel GPU and AMD or NVIDIA discreet graphics) make sure the Intel GPU is set to be the primary GPU in the UEFI BIOS.

Watch Our Video Demo

Authenticating a Newly Attached Device

When first connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Windows system, the device must first be authenticated through Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 software (this is not necessary with Apple macOS systems). To do so you can use the below instructions as a guide:

After connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device the first thing that you should see (assuming that the system NVM, BIOS, drivers, etc are up to date and compatible) is an automatic notification above the system tray notifying you that a new device has been attached. You will want to click OK:

After clicking OK, you may get a Windows User Account Control (UAC) popup asking if you “want to allow this app to make changes to your PC?”. Click Yes:

After clicking yes you should see a windows like this appear which is where you will approve the Thunderbolt 3 device that was just attached:

Click on the drop down menu where it says “Do Not Connect” and select “Always Connect”. Then click OK:

To view and manage the approved devices you can find the program sitting in the system tray. You may need to click the caret (up arrow icon) to show all of the running programs then right click on the Thunderbolt icon it and select Manage Approved Devices:

You may again get a Windows UAC prompt, click yes. After clicking yes the below window will open and you can see any approved devices and remove them if you choose.

How do I check which version of Thunderbolt 3 software and NVM firmware I am running in Windows?

To determine what version of NVM firmware your system has, the first step is to ensure you have the latest Thunderbolt software version which varies depending on the system manufacturer. You should be able to download it from your system manufacturer’s website.

Once installed you can open the software by searching the start menu for Thunderbolt:

Once open you can find the program sitting in the system tray. You may need to click the caret (up arrow icon) to show all of the running programs then right click on the Thunderbolt icon it and select Settings:

Now you should see the settings window. Click on Details to find out all of the Thunderbolt software and controller information:

If a Thunderbolt 3 device has been connected to the system the Thunderbolt software will show you information about the controller. Below you can see the details from our Dell XPS 13 9350 system:

Unfortunately if a Thunderbolt device has not yet been connected to the system, the information about the NVM firmware may not be available within the utility:

Intel is working on an updated version of the Thunderbolt software that should provide the firmware information without needing to connect a Thunderbolt device, and we’ll be sure to update this post once it is available.

Support

If you have any questions feel free to contact our support team and we be happy to help!

Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries

Where to Buy

Plugable TBT3-UD1-83 Thunderbolt™ 3 Docking Station

MSRP $209.99

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Product Description

The Plugable VGA to HDMI Active Adapter provides a link to the computers of yesteryear. When older computers only provide a VGA output for displays, this adapter offers a means to connect those older machines to a more modern, HDMI capable monitor or television. Our adapter serves as a simple, active solution to connecting your older computers to newer displays. It also features audio transmission and supplies power through its attached USB 2.0 cable.

Features

Compatibility

Our VGAM-HDMIF adapter is compatible with host systems that provide VGA output and displays that support HDMI input. It is not a bi-directional cable, which means it can only work in one direction: from a VGA capable computer to a monitor or television that provides an HDMI input. This adapter is capable of a maximum resolution and refresh rate of 1920×1080@60Hz.

In the Bag

Plugable VGA to HDMI Active Adapter (10.25 in/26 cm)

FAQ

Q: Is there a suggested order for which end of the cable should be connected first?
A: For best results, plug in the HDMI cable into your display prior to plugging in the VGA end into your output device.

Q: Does the cable allow for both HDMI to VGA and VGA to HDMI?
A: No, the Plugable active VGA to HDMI Active Adapter only connects in one direction: from a VGA output to an HDMI input. If you need to connect a VGA display to an HDMI enabled host system, then you can use our HDMI to VGA Converter Cable to connect those devices.

Q: What is the length of this adapter?
A: This adapter is approximately 10.25 in. (26 cm.) in length.

Q: Why doesn’t my desktop display when I connect my monitor to my system using this adapter?
A: There are a few things to double-check if your monitor is not displaying upon connecting our adapter. First, make sure that the VGA connector is connected securely to a VGA input port. Also, ensure that the input setting within the monitor’s menu is set to the HDMI input. Some monitors may not automatically detect and change to the input port that is being used.

Q: I can’t hear any audio from my PC through my HDMI display. How do I get the audio to playback through my HDMI display’s speakers?
A: It’s sometimes necessary to manually set your display as the “Default Playback Device” within your operating system’s audio settings in order to play audio over the connected display’s speakers. This web page has a quick guide that shows where that setting is found, and the process is essentially the same for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. For MacOS instructions, please follow this link.

Q: I want to use a resolution that’s higher than 1920 by 1080. Why isn’t that option available for the display connected to this adapter?
A: Our adapter is not capable of outputting resolutions higher than 1080p (1920 x 1080).

Q: Does your adapter support audio to my monitor/TV?
A: Yes! Our adapter is able to support the transfer of video and audio. Please ensure that the USB connector attached to the adapter is plugged into a working USB port to enable audio transmission. You may also need to confirm whether or not the display has built-in speakers by checking with the manufacturer. Sometimes it’s also necessary to set the specific display as the “Default Playback Device” within the operating system’s audio settings in order to play audio over the connected display’s speakers. This web page has a quick guide that shows where that setting is found, and the process is essentially the same for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10.

Where to Buy

Plugable VGAM-HDMIF VGA to HDMI Active Adapter with Audio

MSRP $24.99

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How To: Set up a New Hard Drive or SSD
How To: Recover Existing Hard Drive or SSD Data

Product Description

The Plugable USBC-SATA-E USB 3.1 Gen 2 SATA 2.5″ Portable Drive Enclosure turns 2.5″ internal SSDs and HDDs into a portable external drive with a rugged black airbrushed aluminum case.

It offers the same USB-C connectivity and USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance as our USBC-SATA-V vertical dock and USBC-SATA24 USB-C to SATA adapter cable which are all built on the powerful ASMedia 1351 chipset. Thanks to USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance up to 10Gbps (1,250MB/s), we are now able to break USB 3.0 5Gbps (625MB/s) speed limitations and fully utilize SATA III 6Gbps (750MB/s) of available bandwidth.

The USBC-SATA-E USB 3.1 Gen 2 SATA 2.5″ Portable Drive Enclosure is powered by your USB or Thunderbolt 3 port – that means no additional power adapter is required! The enclosure is plug-and-play ready for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The enclosure is an airbrushed black aluminum case to keep your drives safe with a toolless sliding plastic door for easy access. The case includes a recessed LED that shows drive activity and an optional adhesive foam spacer to make sure your drives are snugly seated.

The enclosure comes with two premium shielded 12″ (30cm) USB cables for both USB-C and USB 3.0 ports. Both cables support the USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard.

Note that this enclosure does not support drives that require more than 5V power draw or that are thicker than 11mm – instead we recommend the USBC-SATA-V for those drives.

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

Support

Feel free to contact us directly at support@plugable.com if you have any questions. Whether you’ve purchased the USBC-SATA-E and need support or you’re considering a purchase and would like help understanding this disk dock’s features, we’re here to help.

In The Box

• 1x Plugable USB 3.1 Gen 2 SATA 2.5″ Portable Drive Enclosure USBC-SATA-E
• x1 12″ (30cm) USB-C to USB-C cable
• x1 12″ (30cm) USB-C to USB-A cable
• x1 adhesive foam spacer
• x1 quick start guide
• Note: Hard drive(s) not included

FAQ

Q: The dock comes with two USB cables. Which USB cable is best for me?
A: Use the USB-C to USB-C cable if your computer has a USB-C port, or use the USB-C to USB-A cable for legacy USB 3.0/2.0/1.0 ports. Both cables support the latest USB 3.1 Gen 2 performance when connected to a Gen 2 compatible host system.

Q: What hard drives are compatible?
A: SATA I, II, and III 2.5” SSD and HDD hard drives are supported up to 5V power draw and 11mm thickness. This product is ideal for high performance SSDs like Samsung 850 Pro. Note: some 2.5″ enterprise drives and all 3.5″ desktop drives are NOT supported as they require 12V power draw or are too thick to fit in the case. PATA, IDE, and SAS hard drives are not compatible. 

Q: Does a 6Gbps SATA III interface and 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 bandwidth make my drive faster than it was with USB 3.0 enclosures?
A: It depends. For some high-end SSDs, yes, and for most other drives, no. If the drive wasn’t able to operate at its full potential because of a previous USB 3.0 bandwidth limitations, then the extra bandwidth of USB 3.1 Gen 2 may help increase throughput. But if your drive wasn’t hitting a performance bottleneck because of USB 3.0, then it won’t benefit from better performance with USB 3.1 Gen 2.

So while some high-performance SSDs will perform better with the additional USB 3.1 Gen 2 bandwidth, lower-throughput disks such as mechanical hard drives won’t be any faster since their performance wasn’t limited by USB 3.0’s 5Gbps bandwidth.


Q: How should I insert and remove drives?
A: To insert, slide open the enclosure’s plastic door, align the hard drive’s SATA port with the SATA connector inside of the enclosure, then gently slide the drive in until it is firmly seated. There is no locking mechanism, so the drive can be removed by gently sliding it out of the dock. Replace the sliding plastic door when finished.

Q: What does the LED mean?
A: There is a recessed LED on the SATA connector that displays power and data transfer activity. When the light is blinking, the drive is being accessed.

Q: How do I power down the hard drive?
A: The Plugable USBC-SATA-E will turn off automatically upon sleep or shutdown of your computer and will respect any OS Power State settings for drive sleep under 10 minutes. The adapter’s firmware will also intelligently spin down any inserted hard drive after 10 minutes of disk inactivity, even if your computer is in use. You can also physically disconnect the adapter cable from your computer when you are finished transferring data. Be sure that any data transfer tasks are completed before removing the cable – interrupting a data transfer can cause file loss or disk failure!

Troubleshooting

Q: My hard drive is not detected!
A: Make sure the hard drive’s SATA connector is firmly seated on the enclosure’s SATA port. Some drives must be manually mounted or formatted for first time use – see this blog post for instructions to mount or format a hard drive disk for first time use.

Q: My drive is detected in Disk Management/Disk Utility, however I get an error about needing to initialize the volume even though there is already data on my drive.
A: Your hard drive’s file format may be incompatible with your operating system. We suggest backing up existing data on the drive first. See this blog post on how to recover existing data.

Once your data is backed up, you can proceed to reformat your hard drive (see link in previous question) and migrate the data back onto your hard drive.

Q: Do I need to update my firmware?
A: This enclosure already comes with the latest firmware updates available. There are no other firmware versions at this time.

Q: My hard drive and/or cable gets very hot to the touch during use.
A: Don’t worry, this is normal! Many customers are not aware that hard drives will run very warm, especially during heavy usage tasks like system backups or cloning a disk.

Internal hard drive temperatures can reach up to 35-55C (95-130F) under heavy usage, but should not exceed 60C (140 F). If excessive temperatures occur, some hard drives may trip an over temperature alert or shut off automatically for safety.

For further technical details, Google has published a detailed white paper that concludes “Failures do not increase when the average temperature increases. In fact, there is a clear trend showing that lower temperatures are associated with higher failure rates. Only at very high temperatures is there a slight reversal of this trend…”

The USBC-SATA-E is passively cooled through heat dissipation. It is normal for the SATA connector end to feel warm to the touch during use. The enclosure features air ventilation holes on the other end for mechanical 2.5″ drives.

Model: USBC-SATA-E

Where to Buy

Plugable USBC-SATA-E USB 3.1 Gen 2 SATA 2.5″ Portable Drive Enclosure

Select Market

The Plugable Bluetooth Collar Headset delivers excellent sound quality and a wealth of features in a compact, comfortable package. Enjoy listening to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your mobile device with Bluetooth wireless technology while traveling, commuting, or engaging in any range of active tasks.

With a built-in Mic, HD voice support, and passive noise-cancelling, you can take and make phone calls and engage with your smartphone’s voice assistant (Siri & Google Assistant) without ever touching your smartphone.

This headset is self-powered using a high capacity lithium-ion battery which provides 12+ hours of typical usage from a single charge, and over 200 hours in low-power standby. Charge once from any USB port and pair with your favorite audio source to start streaming your entire collection throughout the day.

Watch Our Video

Features

• Excellent audio quality, comfort and features including 5 audio equalization presets, dynamic bass boost, passive noise cancelling, and HD voice for calls. Bluetooth technology enables quick, simple pairing and playback from your smart phone, tablet, music players, and more. Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, & Linux devices that support Bluetooth 2.0 & either the HSP, A2DP, AVRCP, or aptX Bluetooth profiles.
• Silicone neckband collar with spring steel core provides a comfortable, flexible, body-contoured fit. Perfect choice for working out, lounging, and everything in between.
• 12+ hours of typical usage from a single charge, and over 200 hours in low-power standby. With the built-in 170mAh lithium-ion battery, a single charge from any USB port provides all-day audio bliss.
• Latest Bluetooth 4.1 CSR8645 chip with aptX codec technology sets a new standard for wireless stereo audio quality on supported devices (aptX supported on some Android devices; not supported on iOS).
• Vibrating alert lets you know when calls come in and keep your phone in your pocket.

Personalized Audio
The headset features integrated audio equalization so you can fine-tune your listening experience. The 5 equalization profiles can be easily managed directly from the headset controls, no app or software required.

Audible voice prompts are tied to many headset functions including pairing/connection status and battery level notifications.

The listening experience is further enhanced using aptX codec technology with compatible devices, which delivers CD-like quality audio over a Bluetooth connection.

Comfortable & Durable
Constructed using soft and flexible silicone with a durable spring steel core, the neckband on the Plugable Bluetooth Collar Headset provides a comfortable, body-contoured fit that will keep its shape through the years.

The lightweight 40 gram design situates 99% of the weight around your neck, and provides plenty of power for extended usage while never getting in the way. Earbuds can be quickly and easily affixed to the collar magnetically when not in use.

Includes 3 sets of earphone tips to maximize comfort and minimize ear-fatigue.

Stay in control using built-in buttons for all headset features including:

• Accept/Reject Calls
• Play/Pause Music
• Change EQ Profiles
• Volume Up/Down
• Next/Previous Track
• Power On/Off
• Activate Voice Assistant

Charge from any USB port once for all-day audio bliss. With the built-in 170mAh lithium-ion battery, you never have to worry about recharging in the middle of a session.

The CSR8645 chip is the latest Stereo ROM solution with aptX codec technology that sets a new standard for wireless stereo audio quality and compatibility.

With features like integrated Bluetooth 4.1, audio equalization, dynamic bass boost, and iOS battery status monitoring, you can be sure that the latest and greatest tech is built-in to your new headset.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

Q: How do I turn the BT-HSFLEX on and off?
A: The switch on the inside of the left side is used for power on/off. It will automatically reconnect to most paired devices when turned on.

Q: How do I pair my device with the headset?
A: Turn on the headset using the power switch. Press the Phone Button (MFB) for 3 seconds, until you hear ‘Pairing’ through the earbuds. Pairing mode will last 30 seconds. Go to your Bluetooth settings, search for available devices, and look for “Plugable BT-HSFLEX”. When the name appears, pair the devices.

Q: My device is asking for a code, what do I enter?
A: On older devices below Bluetooth version 2.1, you must enter the passcode “0000”.

Q: How do I use the buttons on the headset?

General
Volume Control: Click the volume button “Volume+” to increase the volume and click the volume button “Volume-” to decrease the volume
Voice Command: Single press the ‘Call’ button (left button)
Battery Status: Audio announcement – press ‘Previous’ and ‘Next’ at the same time
EQ setting change: Press the ‘Play/pause’ button for 3 seconds, EQ setting will change to the next setting (see FAQ below)
Music
Music Play: Single press the ‘Play/pause’ button (right button)
Music Pause: While playing music, click the ‘Play/pause’ button once to pause, click again to continue play
Next/Previous Track: While playing music , press the ‘Next’ button (outside right side) to get the next song, press the ‘Previous’ to get the previous song.
Calls
Answer a call: Click the ‘Call’ button once to talk
End a call: During the call, click ‘Call’ button
Reject a call: Press and hold the ‘Call’ button for 2 seconds
Call Mute: Press and hold ‘Volume+’ and ‘Volume-‘ at the same time for 1 second. To un-Mute, press and hold the buttons again.
Call waiting: While on a call, press the ‘Call’ button for 1 second to switch to a new incoming call. Press ‘Call’ for 1 second to switch between calls.
Re-dial last number: Press and hold the ‘Call’ button for 2 seconds

Q: How do I find out how much battery my headset has left?
A: In iOS, headset battery status will be displayed on the top status bar. This feature is not available for other operating systems. You can also hear the battery status (full, medium, low) by pressing the ‘Previous’ and ‘Next’ buttons at the same time.

Q: How long will the battery last on a single charge?
A: Battery life varies depending usage and volume. Typical performance is up to 15 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby time.

Q: Can I use the headset with my computer?
A: The headset will work if your computer supports Bluetooth 2.0 or higher and the necessary audio profiles.

Q: How many devices can I pair with the headset?
A: The headset can remember pairs with up to two devices. Any more than this and one of the devices will have to be unpaired.

Q: What does the LED indicate?
Pairing mode: LED alternately flashes red/blue
Standby mode(no connected device): Blue LED flashes twice every 3 seconds
Standby mode(connected device): Blue LED flashes twice every 3 seconds
Low battery: Red LED flashes twice every 3 seconds until fully discharged
Charging: Solid red LED
Charging complete: Solid blue LED

Q: What are the EQ settings and their order? What is the frequency response for each?
A: The EQ settings cycle in the following order when ‘Play/pause’ is pressed for three seconds: Classical，PoP，Dance，Jazz，Rock (then back to Classical, etc).

Q: The device is paired, but I saw an error when the pair initiated. Is something wrong?
A: The headset should still work fine, this is a bug with the Bluetooth UI on Android that appears occasionally.

Where to Buy

Plugable BT-HSFLEX Bluetooth® Wireless Flexible Neckband Headset

MSRP $14.99

Select Market

—-
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.

Our new 2016 MacBook Pro arrived Monday 10/31 at which point we dived into testing with our USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 products. We’ll continue to provide updates regarding compatibility in this post, on the relevant product pages on our site, and on our Amazon listings.

Feel free to comment below if you have any particular questions that are unclear from Apple’s announcement, and we’ll do our best to get answers.

Ongoing Compatibility Test Results as of 3/28/17

USB-C Docking Stations
USB-C Single Display Docking Station with Charging (UD-CA1): Some MacBook Pro owners are reporting video sync issues when outputting video and charging simultaneously through this dock, and we are disclaiming compatibility until issues are better understood. Please see product page at the above link for additional details. (If you’re an owner of the UD-CA1 and experiencing compatibility issues with your MBP, please contact support@plugable.com and we’ll be glad to help.)

USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging (UD-ULTCDL): Some MacBook Pro owners are reporting video sync issues when outputting video and charging simultaneously through this dock, and we are disclaiming compatibility until issues are better understood. Please see product page at the above link for additional details.

Additionally, there are issues with macOS Sierra and DisplayLink functionality which might result in a sub-optimal user experience. Please read our blog post on the topic and contact us with any questions prior to purchase.

USB-C Alt Mode Display Adapters
USB-C to DisplayPort (USBC-DP): Compatible
USB-C to DVI (USBC-DVI): Compatible (note: macOS requires HDCP-compliant DVI monitor, even when not viewing copy-protected content)
USB-C to VGA (USBC-VGA): Compatible
USB-C to HDMI (USBC-HDMI): Compatible

USB-C Hubs and Accessories
USB-C Flash Card Reader (USBC-FLASH3): Compatible
USB-C Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (USBC-E1000): Compatible
USB-C 3 Port Hub (USBC-HUB3P): Not Compatible

USB-C Cables
USB-C to USB-A Adapter Cable (USBC-AF3): Compatible
USB-C to USB-C USB 3.1 Gen2 USB-IF Certified Cable (USBC-C100): Compatible
Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Cables (40Gb .5m; 20Gb 1m; 20Gb 2m): Compatible

Thunderbolt 3 Devices
TBT3-DP2X: Incompatible
TBT3-HDMI2X: Incompatible

For additional details please see the following post: macOS 10.13 High Sierra Significantly Improves DisplayLink Performance & Stability

Please note: High Sierra (10.13) is not compatible with previous DisplayLink Mac driver versions (3.x and 2.x). Please remove any previous DisplayLink driver versions via the DisplayLink uninstaller in your Applications folder prior to installing version 4.0.

DisplayLink Mac Driver Version 4.0

On September 20, 2016, Apple released a new operating system, macOS Sierra (10.12), and as with all other operating system upgrades while there can be exciting new features, there is also the potential for new issues with existing hardware and software.

Update 3/29/17: With the release of Sierra 10.12.4, behavior continues to improve; the blank internal screen at logon bug appears to be fixed or minimized.

The remaining issues being tracked by DisplayLink are (with Apple’s Bug ID noted where applicable):

• Corrupted window title bar and widgets. To work around, select System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Display -> Reduce transparency (27244226)
• Screen corruption in Finder when “Displays have separate Spaces” is disabled in the Mission Control system preference. (29825934)
• The window server can crash logging our the user when minimizing applications, for example iTunes (23182216)
• A few applications can show corruption and/or missing contents while updating windows contents. Examples are Maps, iBooks and the Dock (15319693, 19090583)
• Corruption around window borders for Carbon applications, for example Microsoft Office 2011 (18552488)
• Black menu bar on DisplayLink screens while mirroring (17703682)
• Apple menu icon misplaced on DisplayLink screens

DisplayLink is still requesting that users file bug reports with Apple to aid in prioritizing these issues. We’re continuing to track the remaining issues and hope Apple chooses to resolve them quickly.

If you’re a Plugable user experiencing issues with Sierra and wish to be contacted when we have additional information, please send an email to support@plugable.com and we’ll be glad to provide updates as things develop.

Update 12/22/16: With the final release of Sierra 10.12.2, two key fixes from the Beta releases have now carried over to full release: Mission Control and other full-screen transitions should no longer trigger a Window Server crash/spontaneous log-out, and windows should no longer appear black when moved to a DisplayLink-attached display.

Update 11/21/16: The second Beta of 10.12.2 (build 16C41b) improves behavior even further and appears to fix two key outstanding bugs: Mission Control no longer crashes when DisplayLink is present, and the temporary corruption of window contents (“black window”) on DisplayLink-attached displays is significantly reduced.

Update 11/11/16: The first Beta of macOS 10.12.2 appears to offer improved behavior. Early results indicate spontaneous logouts during full-screen transitions have been eliminated or drastically reduced. We are hopeful this improved behavior will persist as new Beta versions are released in the coming weeks. The key remaining issue observed in 10.12.2 Beta 1 is some windows turn black when dragged to a DisplayLink-attached displays. Clicking or interacting with the window or application generally resolves the behavior.

Update 10/26/16: The final release of 10.12.1 appears to have fixed many of the performance-related regressions and graphical glitches found in earlier versions of Sierra. Issues are still present, however, involving full-screen transitions used by various applications such as Mission Control, Itunes, hot corners, and others.

Update 10/21/16: After Beta 2, things regressed again. In Beta 5, there are reports of DisplayLink displays not working at all. See DisplayLink’s Mac Forum for more details.

Update 9/30/16: Apple’s pre-release update to Sierra (“10.12.1 Beta 2”) improves many of the problematic Sierra behavior outlined below. Please see Workarounds at the bottom of the page for instructions on how to enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program.

Background

With regard to Plugable’s DisplayLink-based USB video adapters and docking stations there’s been a long history of Mac OS upgrades starting with OS X 10.9 causing undesirable behavior, and we have written extensively about these issues over the years:
Multiple Monitor Issues with OS X 10.9/Mavericks
Plugable products on 10.10/Yosemite
Notes on DisplayLink’s previous Mac beta driver

Due to these issues, from OS X 10.9 onward we actually stopped recommending our DisplayLink-based products on Mac for most users. (Though with a few very specific exceptions for certain products such as the UD-ULTCDL Triple Display Docking Station where the lower performance of the second and third displays is less impactful given the uncompromised native-GPU performance of the primary/Alt Mode HDMI output.)

Even still, many Mac users felt the benefits of multiple monitors outweighed the various issues related to USB graphics on OS X, and subsequent DisplayLink driver updates had resolved most of the key outstanding bugs while continuing to improve performance. All told, the state of DisplayLink on Mac had improved dramatically over the past year.

Sierra Regressions

With the latest macOS Sierra (10.12) and the accompanying Sierra-compatible release of DisplayLink’s driver version 3.0 for Mac we are sad to say that the trend of new macOS versions posing challenges for DisplayLink users continues unabated, and unfortunately there appear to be significant regressions as many bugs previously fixed by DisplayLink have returned.

DisplayLink has detailed release notes with the current known issues and limitations and have also provided a knowledgebase article with more information here. Some of the most significant known issues documented by DisplayLink:

• Incomplete rendering of window contents in some applications, for example Safari and App Store
• Black contents in applications windows when moved to a DisplayLink screen




• Blank internal screen at login with password when USB screens are connected
• Graphical corruption and/or missing windows contents in some applications and window borders
• The window server can crash logging our the user when minimizing applications, for example iTunes or Mission Control

DisplayLink has stated that in order to help improve things bringing these issues to Apple’s attention is required and is actively encouraging any users affected by these issues to open bug reports with Apple (details are in the knowledge-base article above) so Apple can appropriately prioritize the resolution of these issues.

Until such time as the above key issues can be addressed, we suggest Plugable customers using DisplayLink-based products to not upgrade to macOS Sierra at this time if possible. Please feel free to comment below or email us at support@plugable.com with any additional questions or feedback.

Workarounds

Option 1, rolling back to 10.11: For those who have already installed Sierra and wish to roll-back to El Capitan, imore has published a guide covering the (unfortunately somewhat lengthy and complex) process.

To work around corrupted window title bar and widgets: select System Preferences -> Accessibility -> Display -> Reduce transparency.

To work around screen corruption in Finder: Enable “Displays have separate Spaces” in the Mission Control system preference.

• Allows any speaker or stereo system with an AUX input to receive Bluetooth wireless audio
• Stream audio without a physical connection from your iOS, Android, Windows, or Linux device including iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and many others
• Works with home stereo systems, PC speakers, and A/V receivers
• Plugs directly into an AC outlet so no external power adapter is required
• Includes a 1A USB charging port that can power mobile devices when batteries run low

Make Any Speaker Wireless
Simply plug the Bluetooth Audio Receiver into a wall outlet and attach the 3.5mm audio cable to your favorite speaker to enable wireless streaming. Works with nearly any device with an AUX audio input including PC speakers, home stereo systems, and even A/V receivers. Will require an adapter for RCA inputs.

Stream Music with Bluetooth
Bluetooth wireless technology is a convenient way to stream music without a physical connection between devices. Just pair your mobile device or home computer to the Bluetooth Audio Receiver and stream music from your favorite music app or music library.

Compact and Self-Powered
With no external power supply, the Bluetooth Audio Receiver easily plugs into a standard wall outlet to reduce clutter and simplify cabling. The device itself takes up the same amount of space as a standard phone charger so there’s no need to worry about interference with other AC outlets.

Charges Mobile Devices
In addition to music streaming, the Bluetooth Audio Receiver also includes a 1A (5W) USB charging port. This port can power your mobile device when batteries run low, or power a USB speaker so no extra power adapter is needed.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

Q: How do I pair my device with the Bluetooth Audio Receiver?
A: Plug the BT-ARC1A into a powered AC outlet. Go to your Bluetooth settings, search for available devices, and look for “Plugable ARC1A”. When the name appears, pair the devices.  If you have an older (prior to Bluetooth 2.1) device, a PIN code may be requested; enter 0000 if so. Pairing mode will last 2 minutes, or until paired.

Q: How do I pair another device?
A: Unplug the BT-ARC1A from AC power and plug it back in. See the answer above to pair the new device.

Q: Can I use the Bluetooth Audio Receiver with my computer?
A: This Bluetooth receiver will work if your computer supports Bluetooth 2.0 or higher and the A2DP audio profile.

Q: What do the LEDs indicate?
A:

• Pairing mode — Blue LED flashes continuously
• Standby mode(no connected device) — Blue LED flashes once every 2 seconds
• Standby mode(connected device) — Blue LED flashes twice every four seconds

Where to Buy

—
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.

Plugable BT-ARC1A Bluetooth® Wireless Stereo Audio Receiver with USB Charging

MSRP $19.99

Select Market

Bluetooth wireless technology was conceived in this era when a group of visionary engineers realized that using wires to connect devices to those new wireless mobile phones would limit their usability and adoption. They wanted something that didn’t exist: a wireless connection that was low power and inexpensive, yet robust enough for the variety of uses they had envisioned. In particular, they understood that both data and audio connections were being enabled by the cellular networks that provided these mobile phone connections.

The rest is history. The initial Bluetooth specification came out in 2000 and new hardware quickly followed. The audio headset became the killer device for Bluetooth, becoming so successful that the term Bluetooth became the term popularly used for a wireless headset (“where did I leave my Bluetooth?”)

As often happens with technology, as the platforms expanded so did the use cases. The headset implementation worked well for its initial intended purpose but wasn’t good enough in some scenarios, particularly for higher quality speakers and stereo headsets. To address these new scenarios, different and more advanced encoding methods were being developed and support for these and quality stereo was needed (see Codecs below). These were introduced starting with an enhanced audio channel and eventually a high quality Advanced Audio Profile as discussed below.

The Bluetooth 4.0 specification introduced a lower power, lower data rate technology called Bluetooth low energy (BLE) as discussed in our earlier blog post about Bluetooth wireless technology. While audio is starting to see some applications using BLE, the rest of the discussion for this post will focus on Classic Bluetooth technology, also called BR/EDR (for Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate).

Unfortunately, previous versions of devices and software persist in the marketplace, including headsets, phones, cars and computers. This blog post will also unravel the various versions and implementations to help us all understand what to expect from Bluetooth audio devices.

Bluetooth wireless audio

To help understand how Bluetooth audio works, a brief explanation of how sound is represented in the diigitally will be helpful.

How digital sound works
Sound is transferred physically through the air as waves of pressure. Your ear turns these pressure waves into electrical signals that are passed to your brain and you hear the sound.

An analogous method is used in the electronic world to convert audio: sound is converted from pressure waves into electrical signals by a microphone. These signals are electrical waveforms that can be used to alter recording materials such as vinyl records or analog tape. For use in computers and digital electronics like smartphones, these continuous electrical signals are converted to numeric representation by sampling and digitization.

The audio electronic signal is measured (digitized) at very fast time intervals (samples). Each sample is a number representing the amplitude of the signal at the moment the sample is taken. The sequence of samples created in this way forms a digital representation of the sound. This representation can be recorded, transmitted and manipulated by computers using digital signal processing, improving the quality and reducing the amount of data.

Audio digital signal properties
There are several important factors of a digital audio signal, but perhaps the three most important are sampling rate, sample size (number of bits), and compression. These ultimately determine the quality of the digital audio that will be turned back into sound and amount of data required to store or transmit that signal.

Sampling rate
You have probably seen graphical representations of the frequencies in sound. The sampling rate determines what frequencies are possible to record and playback. The faster the sampling rate, the higher the frequencies that can be captured. Typically, the full range of hearing can be reproduced using the frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 KHz. Sound must be sampled at least double the highest frequency present that needs to be reproduced, so you’ll often see sampling rates of 44.1k (twice 20 kHz plus a little extra) samples/second for good music quality.

Acceptable and understandable voice reproduction can be accomplished with significantly lower sampling rates since voice is understandable with just 20 Hz to 4 KHz or sampling of at least 8K samples/second.

Sample size
Numbers are represented in digital communications using bits, and the number of bits per sample determines the number of steps between the softest sounds and loudest sounds that can be recorded, also called the “dynamic range.” For sound, this dynamic range is expressed in decibels or dB. The average human ear can differentiate approximately 90dB of range from the softest sounds to the loudest. Eight bits gives 48dB of range while 16 bits gives 96 dB of range and is therefore the size often used for sampling digital audio.

Compression and Audio codecs
High sampling rates and many bits reproduce the best audio, but they also result in a large amount of data representing that sound.   Digital signal processing is used to compress the data so that it can be stored and transmitted more quickly and using less memory and power.

Compression techniques use algorithms that model sound and compute the difference between the model and the signals, and record only the that difference between the model and the signal. Different models and techniques offer different quality reproduction. Some models worke well for intelligibility of voice while others work better for music.

There are two parts to the sound reproduction, ‘coding’ or using an algorithm and model to reduce the data, and ‘decoding’ which uses algorithms to recover the original signal. Together, these are called CODECs or CODing, DECoding algorithms. An example is the MP3 CODEC that is often used for music distribution. It is also available for use with the Bluetooth A2DP profile discussed later in this article.

Because Bluetooth has strict limitations on bandwidth, MP3 files are often transferred using another CODEC, depending on the requirements and limitations of the particular use and profile.

Data Links
Classic Bluetooth has two types of data channels: Synchronous Communication Oriented links (SCO) for audio, and Asynchronous Communications Links (ACL) for data. Bluetooth BR/EDR technology supports a maximum of 3 SCO links or 7 ACL links or a combination of the two.

This article will focus on the SCO link, but the ACL link can also be used for audio data transfer similarly to VOIP. However, it lacks the guaranteed real-time data provided by the SCO link.

The SCO link guarantees regularly-timed data packets transmitted in reserved time slots no matter how Bluetooth links are used. There is some level of error detection and correction, but there is no retransmission of data and if there are any data drops, those drops can affect the audio. Therefore, the CODEC in use needs to be tolerant of small data losses.

The limitations of the SCO (lack of retransmission and limited CODECs) were addressed in Bluetooth 1.2 with enhanced SCO (eSCO). eSCO allows for retransmission, higher bitrates (up to 288 kb/second as opposed to 64 kb/second) and supports a greater number of higher quality CODECs that use more bandwidth.

In practice, you won’t hear about the SCO or eSCO. Instead devices will just use the best possible link available. For the most part, that will be SCO for headsets and eSCO for stereo audio.

Bluetooth audio profiles

A Bluetooth profile is a set of capabilities provided to support a particular task. Bluetooth audio has developed over time to support additional use cases as they have evolved: from the Headset profile for use with mobile phones to the Hands-Free profile for cars and finally to the Advanced Audio profile for stereo headsets and speakers.

Roles
Although audio is bi-directional, each Bluetooth audio profile has two sides that are not interchangeable since one needs to be in control.

The two roles are called the Audio Gateway (AG), and Headset (HS) or Hands-Free (HF). The AG is typically a phone or computer that is connected to a remote data source. It controls the HS that acts as the remote microphone and speaker and includes commands to answer, hang up, ring, and control the volume.

The two non-interchangeable roles mean that two headsets cannot create a connection like walkie-talkies. Two smartphones could create a local audio connection, but one would have to act like a device and use the HS or HF role instead of acting like a normal AG.

Headset Profile – HSP
The Headset Profile uses the SCO channel and either a CVSD or PCM CODEC that has been tuned to support simple telephone quality voice data. Google these CODECs for more information if you’re interested. They are fascinating to understand, but well outside the scope of this post.

Hands-Free Profile – HFP
The Hands-Free Profile also uses the SCO channel but adds some additional quality by using logarithmic sampling algorithms. It also adds capabilities including last-number redial, call waiting and voice dialing. Most headsets today support HFP as well as HSP, which allows backwards compatibility with older phones and cars.

Both the HSP and HFP are widely used in the standard Bluetooth headsets such as the Plugable Bluetooth Headset BT-HS40B.

Advanced Audio Distribution Profile – A2DP
A2DP uses the eSCO link to provide better quality mono and stereo audio reproduction. It streams high quality audio data in one direction only.

It uses higher quality provided by error correction with retransmission and also provides better quality CODECS such as MP3, AAC, and user-defined CODECs. The main example of a user-defined CODEC in the general market is CSR’s (now Qualcomm’s) aptX®. Note that aptX is not supported on Apple’s products. It is not supported by the Plugable BT-HS40B.

A2DP defines roles a bit differently as Sink (SK) and Source (SC). A music player is a SC and a set of headphones is a SK. Similarly, a microphone is a SC and a recorder is a SK. Some A2DP devices are flexible and can support both roles, although not simultaneously.

Many A2DP-supporting devices also implement HF and HSP for use with bi-directional audio for phone calls and legacy devices. Note that only one of those profiles can be active at a time for each link.

A2DP is used extensively for music listening and for speakers. It uses the improved eSCO channel and better codecs allow for transmission of stereo audio data up to the quality of MP3 sources.

Many Bluetooth stereo headsets also support A2DP for listening to music when they’re not being used for phone calls or as a voice assistant. Only one profile (HFP, HSP, A2DP) can be used at one time. Audio sources like phones work together with headsets to use the appropriate profile depending on the use.

Which profile to use and when

Bluetooth audio provides several use models due to history and technology development. So how and when do you use which profile?

Often this decision is transparent. A phone to a headset will usually choose the best profile supported by the device for phone calls (HFP or HSP). A set of speakers will use the A2DP profile since it will sound much better.

Your car audio system may ask which to use, or allow you to pair twice. If it does, you should go through both processes. This is because the car can be an A2DP SK or it can be a HFP HF device, depending on whether you’re listening to tunes or hands-free talking while driving.

We hope this helps understand the differences between your Bluetooth audio devices and will help you make the best decisions for your audio needs going forward.

Watch the Product Video

Features

Our DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort passive display adapters enable you to connect HDMI, DVI and VGA monitors, TVs, and projectors to your laptop, desktop, or tablet PC with a Dual-Mode (DP++) capable DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt output. Passive adapters (also known as “level-shifters” or “Type 1” adapters) rely on the DisplayPort of the host system to provide the necessary signaling in to support HDMI, DVI or VGA displays.

Six different adapters are available to cover the vast majority of potential combinations (DisplayPort to HDMI, DVI & VGA, and Mini DisplayPort versions of same) providing a low-cost solution to use your existing HDMI, DVI, or VGA displays with your DisplayPort-enabled system. Please see below comparison chart for additional adapter specifications:

DPM-HDMIF & MDPM-HDMIF	DPM-DVIF & MDPM-DVIF	DPM-VGAF & MDPM-VGAF
Converts DP++/Thunderbolt to HDMI	Converts DP++/Thunderbolt to DVI	Converts DP++/Thunderbolt to VGA
“Supports up to 3840×2160@30Hz (4K), 2560×1440 and below @60Hz”	Supports up to 1920×1200@60Hz	Supports up to 1920×1200@60Hz
Supports video and audio over HDMI	Supports video only over DVI	Supports video only over VGA
	Does not convert to dual-link DVI

Compatibility

Plugable’s passive DisplayPort adapters are compatible with graphics cards and systems with a Dual-Mode DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort (DP++) output and should work well with most compatible host systems regardless of operating system. Please note that the host system will require functional graphics drivers as normal.

Available resolution options will be determined by the specifications and abilities of your computer/graphics adapter and attached display. (I.e; if the graphics adapter in your system is only capable of outputting a maximum of 1080P to an external display, the Plugable active adapters will not allow you to exceed this limitation, regardless of the specifications of the attached monitor.)

Apple Notes: While our mDP adapters work with Apple Thunderbolt ports, the maximum supported resolution will depend on the model of Mac and monitor in use. Please be aware that with an update to OSX Mavericks, Apple disabled 4K video output on the vast majority of Mac models – even models which previously were able to output 4K. Only Macs with “official” 4K support from Apple will be capable of 4K output using the HDMI version of this adapter, while most will be limited to 1080P output.

What’s in the Bag

Plugable Passive DisplayPort Adapter

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between an active and passive DisplayPort adapter?
A: DisplayPort is a very interesting standard. It has a function known as “Dual-Mode” or “DisplayPort++/DP++” which allows other signal types to be passed through the DisplayPort connector, including TMDS which is the signaling required by HDMI and DVI displays. Passive adapters rely entirely upon the “Dual-Mode” DisplayPort functionality in conjunction with a voltage boost (DisplayPort natively has a 3.3V output, where HDMI requires 5V). When outputting a TMDS (DVI/HDMI) signal through Dual-Mode, most DisplayPort sources as well as the inexpensive passive adapters on the market are limited to a 165MHz clock rate. This limited clock rate generally limits the maximum resolution to 1920×1200 and reduces the maximum available color-depth to preserve the limited bandwidth.

Some mid-range DP -> HDMI adapters such as the Plugable MDPM-HDMIF are capable of operating at up to 300MHz, but ultimately they are still reliant upon the Dual-Mode functionality of the host to transmit the TMDS signal required for HDMI/DVI displays.

Q: How can I tell if the DisplayPort output on my system is Dual-Mode/DP++ compatible?
A: In some cases, the port will have a “DP++” logo next to it designating this functionality. Unfortunately, however this is not universally implemented. When in doubt, check the technical specifications and documentation for your system and/or graphics card.

Q: Are these adapters compatible with the Plugable TBT3-DP2X Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Graphics Adapter?
A: No, the DisplayPort outputs on the TBT3-DP2x are not DP++ ports; and as such they do not carry the necessary signaling for passive adapters to work.

Q: Can I use these adapters to add a second or third display to my system?
A: Many graphics cards allow you to use passive adapters for the first two outputs, but require active adapters for displays beyond two. To confirm, check the technical specifications and documentation for your system and/or graphics card.

Q: Do the Plugable DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort passive adapters support AMD Eyefinity or NVIDIA Surround?
A: No, these technologies require active adapters.

Q: Are these adapters compatible with the Microsoft Surface Docking Stations?
A: No, the Surface Docking Stations require active DisplayPort adapters.

Q: How do these new passive adapters fits into Plugable’s full line of DisplayPort conversion adapters?

DisplayPort (DP) Requires active adapters	Dual-Mode DisplayPort (DP++) Less expensive passive adapters also supported
HDMI DP-HDMI DVI VGA	HDMI DPM-HDMIF DVI DPM-DVIF VGA DPM-VGAF
HDMI MDP-HDMI DVI VGA	HDMI MDPM-HDMIF DVI MDPM-DVIF VGA MDPM-VGAF
HDMI USBC-HDMI DVI VGA USBC-VGA	HDMI USBC-HDMI DVI VGA USBC-VGA

Models: DPM-DVIF, DPM-HDMIF, DPM-VGAF, MDPM-DVIF, MDPM-HDMIF, and MDPM-VGAF

Where to Buy:

Plugable DPM-DVIF DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt Passive Adapters

MSRP $14.99

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Plugable DPM-HDMIF DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt Passive Adapters

MSRP $14.99

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Plugable DPM-VGAF DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt Passive Adapters

MSRP $14.99

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Plugable MDPM-DVIF DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt Passive Adapters

MSRP $14.99

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Plugable MDPM-HDMIF DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt Passive Adapters

MSRP $14.99

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Plugable MDPM-VGAF DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt Passive Adapters

MSRP $14.99

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Support for voice control of devices is ubiquitous these days. It came to popularity with Siri when the iPhone 4S was unveiled along with iOS 5. Now all of the big players have their own voice assistant from Google Now to Cortana. Amazon is even building an ecosystem around their voice assistant, Alexa, for use in their Echo and Fire TV devices.

None of these solutions are perfect, but they’re all headed in a very good direction. Images of Tom Cruise in Minority Report controlling his entire home with only his voice comes to mind, or great scenes of various members of the USS Enterprise D interacting with the ship’s library computer. These images show naturally interacting with immensely complex technology using relatively simple voice commands, and in some forms this has become reality. Considering that voice recognition is still very much in it’s infancy, the future looks bright!

With mobile devices, the experience can be a little frustrating. This happens because the microphone built into mobile devices are often meant to have a face pressed right up next to them, so the device can’t hear the person speaking, or can’t hear them clearly. Our new Voice Assistant Headset utilizes Bluetooth® wireless technology and a directional microphone to wirelessly send voice commands to mobile devices. This eliminates the voice clarity issue, enables control of these devices without even having to touch them, and allows for hands-free telephony.

On a device running a vanilla version of Android, for instance, you can simply double touch the multi-function button on the headset and say “Ok Google, navigate home”. The voice assistant will then access your home address (providing you’ve set one up in Google Maps) and provide turn-by-turn directions, all streamed on the fly through the headset’s earpiece. No more browsing through app pages to find the maps application then typing in an address while distractedly driving.

This is just one small scenario, and many more very useful commands are possible. Check out Siri, Google Now, and Cortana for more info.

Take a look at our new Plugable BT-HS40B Voice Assistant Headset detail page for more details.

Bluetooth hands-free calling and a voice assistant at your beck and call — the future is exciting, and it’s here now. The product is shipping today to customers in the USA, with other global markets to follow shortly.

Any questions? We’re happy to help! Just post below or email support@plugable.com anytime. Thanks for going out of your way for Plugble products!

Where to Buy

Plugable BT-HS40B Bluetooth® Headset with One-Button Voice Assistant Access

Select Market

The Plugable UD-CA1 is the first universal docking station for Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS with Alternate Mode HDMI video output and 60 Watts of Power Delivery (PD) — available now for $129. It is the perfect compliment to your laptop that supports the new USB-C connector and its optional high-end power and graphics capabilities.

This docking station is the entry point to Plugable’s new USB-C and Thunderbolt™ 3 based docking station family. It provides a one-stop, powered solution for connecting essential peripherals as well as an extra 4K (3840×2160@30Hz) display. On supported systems, the Plugable UD-CA1 has a fully plug and play experience with no extra drivers or authentication steps needed. As long as the host system supports VESA (DisplayPort) Alternate mode, the display is driven by the system’s main graphics processor and existing driver. Support has been tested on Windows 10/8.1, Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan, Chrome OS, and even modern Linux distributions. Any future operating system with built-in support for multiple monitors should work, on laptops with the necessary USB-C hardware support.

The Plugable UD-CA1 utilizes the “VESA DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C” (“Alt Mode”) which has a direct pipeline to the host graphics processor (GPU) in your system. The connected monitor will perform as a natively attached display. Video and photo editing, gaming, and other resource-intensive tasks are possible assuming that the system’s GPU capabilities are sufficient for the application being used.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode generates a native DisplayPort signal which is then converted inside the docking station to HDMI 1.4 to accommodate widely available HDMI monitors and TVs.

Note that these features require hardware support in both the host system and the device. Not all USB-C computers are compatible. Many current USB-C systems which do support Alt Mode video output do not support charging via USB-C. Systems such as this will output video from the dock, but will still need their proprietary OEM chargers.

Conversely, while some USB-C phones and tablets may accept charging via PD, most do not support Alt Mode video output.

As of today, good use-case examples are the MacBook Retina 12″ 2015 / 2016, Alpine Ridge based Thunderbolt 3 motherboards, and Dell XPS 9350 / 9550.

Any questions? We’d be happy to help! Feel free to comment below.

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-CA1 USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery / Charging

Select Market

Product Description

Update: 10/31/2017: We are pleased to announce that our UD-CA1A dock has been released and has addressed ongoing compatibility issues with the 2016 / 2017 MacBook Pro systems. If you are a customer who currently has one of our UD-CA1 docks and purchased from Plugable Technologies please contact our support staff at support@plugable.com and we’ll be happy to help!

Update: 3/2/17: We are investigating some reports of USB-C connectivity issues with the 2016 MacBook Pro models and HP Spectre x360. Until these issues are better understood, we are removing Late 2016 MBP systems and HP Spectre x360 systems from our compatibility list. Please note the 12″ Retina MacBook series does not appear to exhibit this behavior and remain on our compatibility list. If you are an owner of a UD-CA1 and a Late 2016 MBP or HP Spectre x360, please contact support@plugable.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Winner of PCMag.com Editors’ Choice, the Plugable UD-CA1 dramatically increases the functionality, usability, and flexibility of supported USB-C systems like the 2015 & 2016 12″ Retina MacBooks and Dell XPS 13 & XPS 15 systems. Power up your productivity with the ability to add an external HDMI display while simultaneously providing up to 60W of power to charge your system and expanding your connectivity with Ethernet, audio input/output, and five USB ports to connect your peripherals. All through a single USB-C cable.

The functionality of the UD-CA1 dock is powered by two of USB 3.1’s most exciting new features: support for Alternate Modes and Power Delivery. Alternate Modes allow certain non-USB data and protocols (such as native video) to be sent over a USB-C cable, while Power Delivery enables you to power and charge a supported system without the need for a traditional proprietary OEM charger. Support for these features must also be built-in to the system being used, so please see the important additional compatibility details in the sections below.

Watch the Video Demo

Connectivity & Compatibility

The UD-CA1 is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, Mac OS X 10.11+, and Chrome OS on supported USB-C systems, and features:

• One HDMI output for mirroring or extending your desktop to an external monitor
• One USB-C port on the backside of the docking station with Power Delivery functionality to charge your host computer (not all USB-C computers are able to charge through their USB-C port; see additional compatibility details below)
• One USB-C port on the front side of the docking station for USB-C peripheral connectivity (no charging support)
• One Ethernet port
• Headphone and microphone ports (both jacks need to be TRS)
• Four USB (Type-A) ports; two USB 3.0 ports on the front and two USB 2.0 ports on the rear
• Included stand is removable allowing for vertical or horizontal orientation

Performance

The UD-CA1 utilizes the “VESA DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C” (“Alt Mode”) which has a direct pipeline to the host graphics processor (GPU) in your system and the connected monitor will perform as a natively attached display. Video and photo editing, gaming, and other resource-intensive tasks are possible assuming that the system’s GPU capabilities are sufficient for the application being used.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode generates a native DisplayPort signal which is then converted to HDMI 1.4 to accommodate widely available HDMI monitors.

Supported Resolutions

Maximum possible resolution is 3840×2160@30Hz (4Kp30) as outlined in the HDMI 1.4 specification. 2560×1600, 1920×1080 (1080p) and lower resolutions will display at 60Hz.

Fully Compatible Systems (Alt Mode & PD)

USB-C is a new standard with much versatility. As a result, compatibility information is complex. Some USB-C systems support Alt Mode video output, while others do not. Some can be powered and charged via USB-C PD, while others do not.

Some of the best examples of systems which currently support both Alt Mode and PD are some USB-C MacBooks (MacBook Retina 12″ 2015 & 2016) and Dell XPS 13″ 9350 / 15″ 9550.

Partially Compatible Systems (Alt Mode or PD but not both)

Many current USB-C systems which do support Alt Mode video output do not support charging via USB-C. Systems such as this will output video from the dock, but will still need their proprietary OEM chargers.

Conversely, while some USB-C phones and tablets may accept charging via PD, most do not support Alt Mode video output.

Non-compatible Systems

Update: 3/2/17: We are investigating some reports of USB-C connectivity issues with the 2016 MacBook Pro models and HP Spectre x360. Until these issues are better understood, we are removing Late 2016 MBP systems and HP Spectre x360 systems from our compatibility list. Please note the 12″ Retina MacBook series does not appear to exhibit this behavior and remain on our compatibility list. If you are an owner of a UD-CA1 and a Late 2016 MBP or HP Spectre x360, please contact support@plugable.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Some HP systems do not support Power Delivery and Alt mode from non-HP peripherals. (HP systems with Intel 6th-generation “Skylake” processors generally are not compatible)

The UD-CA1 relies upon new functionality introduced with USB 3.1 and as such is not compatible with USB 3.0/2.0 legacy systems.

Most current phones and tablets with USB-C ports do not support Alternate Mode video output, and some do not support USB Power Delivery. Consult your device documentation or contact device manufacturer to confirm compatibility with these technologies.

No Android phones or tablets currently support Alt Mode video output.

ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers do not support Alternate Mode video at this time.

Compatibility Chart

Power and Charging

The UD-CA1’s power supply can charge hosts with up to 60 Watts of power. As mentioned above, many systems which support video output over USB-C will not charge via USB-C. For these systems, the charger from your system manufacturer will be required.

Operating System Compatibility

Plug and Play installation on any USB-C Windows, Mac, or Linux host which fully supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and/or USB Power Delivery.

In the Box

UD-CA1 docking station with optional stand, 18″/50cm USB-C cable, 80W (20V, 4A) power supply and quick start guide.

Support

Feel free to contact us directly at support@plugable.com if you have any questions. Whether you’ve purchased the UD-CA1 and need support or you’re considering a purchase and would like help understanding this docking station’s features, we’re here to help.

FAQ

Q: I’m having issues with my UD-CA1 maintaining a connection to my Late 2016 MacBook Pro. Are there any solutions?
A: We are currently investigating this behavior reported by some users. Until the behavior is better understood, we are disclaiming the Late 2016 MBP models as incompatible. If you are experiencing this issue, please contact support@plugable.com to help us collect data on this issue.

As a temporary workaround, connecting the UD-CA1 to your system for HDMI and USB output while also plugging the Apple USB-C charger into one of the MacBook’s other USB-C ports has resolved the issue for many users.

Q: I’m having issues with my UD-CA1 maintaining a connection to my HP Spectre x360. Are there any solutions?
A: We are currently investigating this behavior reported by some users and it is similar to the behavior witnessed on Late 2016 MacBook Pro Touch Bar systems. Until the behavior is better understood, we are disclaiming the HP Spectre x360 models as incompatible. If you are experiencing this issue, please contact support@plugable.com to help us collect data on this issue.

As a temporary workaround, connecting the UD-CA1 to your system for HDMI and USB output while also plugging the HP power supply into one of the Spectre’s other USB-C ports has resolved the issue for many users.

Q: I’m having issues with the Ethernet port on my UD-CA1 not functioning as expected on a Mac host system. Is there anything I can try for troubleshooting?
A: Most users experience normal network functionality using the existing drivers already built-in to macOS. However, users who are encountering any unexpected network issues can download and install an updated Realtek driver here.

Q: Why is my docking station not charging my laptop?
A: Verify if your system supports PD over USB-C and also identify which port has this functionality if multiple USB-C ports are available. The compatibility table on this page lists known compatible systems. The green indicator light on the front side of the docking station also verifies if the docking station recognizes the host laptop and if it is charging.

Q: I’ve plugged in an HDMI monitor, but it’s not displaying anything. Why not?
A: Most, but not all, USB-C systems support at least a single display output via DisplayPort over USB-C (which is then converted to HDMI in the dock). However, this functionality is an optional feature of the USB-C spec, so not all computers or phones do. The compatibility table on this page lists known compatible systems. If yours should be a compatible system, contact us at support@plugable.com and we’ll be happy to help figure out what’s wrong.

Q: I have confirmed my host machine is compatible with this docking station but one or more functions of the dock doesn’t appear to be working.
A: Resetting the docking station is a good step to take if one or more portions of the dock aren’t functioning:

1. Disconnect docking station from host machine and power adapter
2. Leave unplugged for 1 minute for power to dissipate
3. Connect docking station initially into power only and confirm blue indicator light is on
4. Connect docking station to host machine using USB-C cable and test for functionality
5. If the above steps do not change the behavior, rebooting the host system may restore functionality

If none of the indicator lights are lit or you are still are having problems, please contact us at support@plugable.com.

Q: What’s the difference in USB-C ports on the front and rear of the docking station?
A: The USB-C port located on the back side of the docking station is designed to charge your host computer as well as connect the docking station to the host machine. The front facing USB-C port is for device connectivity only and is part of the built-in USB 3.0 hub on the front facing USB 3.0 (type-A) ports.

Q: Can I charge my phone or tablet from the dock?
A: Possibly, the two USB 3.0 ports and the USB-C port are compliant with the USB-IF BC1.2 standard. Not all devices support BC1.2 and devices decide if and how quickly they will charge, and often look for special signalling before doing so. Standard USB 2.0 devices can draw up to 500mA while USB 3.0 devices can draw up to 900mA. Some devices that support the USB-IF BC1.2 standard can draw more at up to 1.5A. When the host computer is off, in sleep mode, or disconnected, these ports can emulate proprietary charging methods like the Apple 2.4A signal for iPhones and iPads.

Q: Can I hook up another USB-C Alt Mode video adapter to the USB-C port on the front of the dock?
A: No, for a couple of reasons. USB-C systems only support one “Alternate Mode” output, and for a USB-C port to support this feature it must be physically wired to the graphics processor (GPU) in the host system. The one available Alt Mode connection from a host system is being used by the docking station to provide its HDMI output. Additionally, the USB-C port on the front of the dock is not wired in such a way to support this functionality.

Q: Does the UD-CA1 support DisplayPort monitors?
A: No. While we appreciate DisplayPort technology, we chose to implement HDMI for compatibility with the widest number of monitors. Please note that DisplayPort to HDMI cables (as with any cable involving protocol/signal conversion) are not bidirectional adapters. Such cables will not allow an HDMI output port (such as those on the dock) to function with a DisplayPort input on a monitor.

Q: Does the HDMI port support 4K resolution at 60Hz?
A: No. The port complies with HDMI 1.4, and as such 3840×2160 is only achievable at 30Hz. 2560×1440 and all lower resolutions will display at 60Hz.

Q: My laptop/tablet won’t wake via docking station’s attached keyboard or mouse. Is this expected behavior?
A: This behavior is system specific. Many newer systems will not wake via an external keyboard or mouse. (This behavior can be confirmed by connecting a USB keyboard or mouse directly to a USB port on your system rather than the dock. If the system is unable to wake from a direct-attached USB device, it will not wake from a keyboard or mouse connected through the docking station.

Q: How do I play audio through the headphone jack on the dock or though my monitor attached to the dock?
A: First check if the docking station is set to be your primary playback device in your sound setting’s control panel/system preferences. If you wish for audio to play through the headphone jack on the dock, select “USB Advanced Audio” as your preferred playback device in your operating system. If your HDMI monitor has speakers or its own headphone jack, you should see your monitor listed as a selectable playback device in your operating system.

Q: Can I connect my Apple SuperDrive to the dock?
A: Some devices such as the Apple SuperDrive look for Apple-specific signaling and will not work when connected through any USB hub. See Apple HT201788.

Q: Can I use this USB-C docking station with an Intel Thunderbolt 3 capable system?
A: Yes, here is a diagram to help understand the differences between the different USB generations and Thunderbolt 3:

Model: UD-CA1

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-CA1 USB-C Docking Station with Power Delivery / Charging

Select Market

Features

• Simultaneous charging and data for supported USB-C systems (see below “Compatibility”)
• Single USB-C input for USB-C Power Delivery charger, uses VIA VL100 for USB PD negotiation
• Three USB-A 3.0 ports for connecting USB accessories
• Slim aluminum design perfect for travel
• Built-in 6 inch USB-C cable with aluminum shell
• Features single VIA VL813 USB 3.0 hub chipset with the latest v9001 firmware for maximum compatibility and performance with most USB 3.0 & 3.1 host controllers
• Supports USB 3.0 SuperSpeed transfer rates up to 5Gbps (640MBps – transfer rates are device and USB host controller dependent)
• Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed devices (rates up to 480Mbps), and USB 1.1 Full/Low Speed devices (rates 12/1.5 Mbps)

Product Description

Watch the Product Video

Charging

Compatibility

Plugable has verified the following host systems/devices work with the USBC-HUB3P for simultaneous charging and data using the host’s included USB-C charger:

• Apple 12″ MacBook Retina 2015
• Google Chromebook Pixel [2] 2015
• Google Pixel C Tablet
• LG G5
• Nokia Lumia 950
• Most 13″ HP Spectre X360 systems (late 2016+)

Special cases:

• Dell XPS 13 9350
  (Dell does not ship the XPS 13 with a USB-C charger, the XPS 13 will charge through the USBC-HUB3P with a 3rd party power adapter like Google’s 60W USB-C charger)
• Razer Blade Stealth 2015
  (Razer’s included USB-C charger is incompatible. The Razer Blade Stealth will charge through the USBC-HUB3P with a 3rd party power adapter like Google’s 60W USB-C charger)

Incompatible systems:

• Apple MacBook Pro Late 2016 (issues with USB 2.0 devices not being recognized)
• Apple 12″ MacBook Retina 2016 (issues with USB 3.0 devices not being recognized)
• Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-592G
  (Cannot charge from USB-C port, only charges from DC barrel)
• Dell XPS 15 9550
• Dell Venue 8 Pro 5855
• Google Pixel / Pixel XL Phone
  (Updates to Android seem to have broken compatibility)
• Lenovo P50
  (Does not support PD charging)
• HP Elite X2 1012 G1
  (Charging pass-through works but USB connectivity does not)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S 12″
  (Charging pass-through works but USB connectivity does not)
•  Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 12.5

Alternative use scenarios:

The HUB3P will work with any USB-C host as a standard 3-port hub even if charging pass-through is not supported. As an example the hub works with the Google Nexus 5X Android phone for connecting multiple USB devices at the same time. We used the HUB3P in combination with a flash drive for data storage/transfer and our USB3-E1000 for Ethernet access. Please note if a charger is connected to the hub, the hub will not communicate with the phone for data transfer. This is because the phone can only charge or transfer data, it cannot support simultaneous charge and sync.

To use the hub with a Nexus 5X or similar phone, when connecting the hub a new option will appear in the notification drop down menu in Android. Touch the “USB for charging” and then select “Power supply” (see below images for reference). The hub will now work for connecting devices such as memory card readers, flash drives, keyboard/mouse, etc. Please note that some flash drives and memory cards depending on how they are formatted may not be visible by Android.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a firmware update for my hub?
A: The USBC-HUB3P ships with the latest firmware, so no update is needed. Future firmware updates will be posted on our USB Hub Firmware Updates page.

Q: Is an AC power adapter required?
A: No. This hub can be powered completely from the host computer USB port if a USB-C power adapter is not available. In that mode, the hub is drawing power from the host computer, not charging it.

Q: What does the blue light mean?
A: The blue light indicates the hub is receiving power from either the host computer’s USB port or from an attached USB-C power adapter. The blue light should be on, if it’s not there’s something wrong — contact us at support@plugable.com for assistance.

Q: Does the hub support Linux?
A: As long as your device’s hardware supports it, this device supports modern versions of Linux.

Q: Can I connect my Apple SuperDrive to the hub?
A: Some devices such as the Apple SuperDrive look for Apple-specific signaling and will not work when connected through any USB hub. See Apple HT201788.

Q: Why does my wireless mouse or keyboard appear sluggish or not work properly when used with the hub?
A: Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the devices performance. The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the hub and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.

Intel has a technical whitepaper on the behavior for those interested here:
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/io/universal-serial-bus/usb3-frequency-interference-paper.html

Support

Feel free to contact us directly at support@plugable.com if you have any questions. Whether you’ve purchased the USBC-HUB3P and need support or you’re considering a purchase and would like help understanding compatibility, we’re here to help.

In the Box

Model: USBC-HUB3P

Where to Buy

Plugable USBC-HUB3P USB-C 3-Port Hub with Pass-Through Charging

Select Market

Product Description

The Plugable USBC-DP adapter cable enables DisplayPort displays to be connected to a computer via a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port which supports “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” (“Alt Mode”) such as the Thunderbolt 3-enabled MacBook Pro series (2016, 2017, 2018), 2016/2017 iMac, 12″ Retina MacBook 2015/2016/2017, Dell XPS 9350/9360/9370/9550/9560/9570 and many more.

Alt Mode adapters allow you to add an additional display output easily and inexpensively on supported systems. Since “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” is a direct pipeline to your graphics processor via special functionality introduced in USB 3.1, there is no performance penalty to using the adapter; the attached display should be just as responsive and functional as if it were connected to a video port directly attached to your system’s motherboard.

Watch the Product Video

Features

• Enables you to connect a DisplayPort compatible display to a USB-C port using a single cable
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Supports resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz
• Cable is fully Plug and Play; no special driver installation or additional power source required (though please note that system will require functional graphics drivers and USB drivers for Alt Mode to function properly)
• Complies with the VESA “DisplayPort Alternate Mode on USB Type-C Connector” Standard
• Overall Length: 6ft/1.8m

Compatibility

Compatible with host computers (PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, some tablets and phones) which support USB-C “DisplayPort Alternate Mode”, including many systems based on Intel “Alpine Ridge” and later chipsets. No driver is required on supported systems, as the extra display output is wired directly to the host’s main graphics processor and uses that existing driver.

Most current USB 3.1-enabled tablets and phones do not support “Alternate Mode” video output functionality. Please see additional compatibility information below.

FAQ

Q: Sometimes when I plug the adapter into my Pixel, I do not get display output. Why is this, and is there a solution?
A: Currently, several USB-C devices (including Google’s own DP and HDMI adapters) do not detect upon connection 100% of the time. This is thought to be a firmware issue with the USB 3.1 “switching” chip in the Pixel (which is responsible for allowing a USB-C connectors to be reversible). Currently, the best solution is to try flipping the USB connector and reinserting the adapter.

Q: Can this adapter support DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) daisy chaining?
A: The cable is capable of passing Multi-Stream data. However, As new USB Type-C systems are released, DisplayPort MST daisy chaining is dependent upon the host system. Some Dell based MST setups may require certain setup steps to successfully configure MST daisy-chaining. Please reference the article here with Dell support and a step-by-step guide for MST configuration (fourth post in the thread). MST is not supported on MacBook/MacBook Pro systems.

Q: My system has multiple USB-C and/or Thunderbolt 3 ports. Can I add multiple Alt Mode adapters for multiple displays?
A: If your system supports multiple Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C Alt Mode outputs, then you will be able to use multiple adapters on one system. However, there are some Thunderbolt 3/USB-C Alt Mode systems that limit the video output to one port.

Q: Why doesn’t my desktop display when I connect my monitor to my system using this adapter?
A: There are a few things to double-check if your monitor is not displaying upon connecting our adapter. First, make sure that the DisplayPort connector is connected securely to a DisplayPort input port. Some monitors have both a DisplayPort input and DisplayPort output ports. Also, ensure that the input setting within the monitor’s menu is set to the DisplayPort source input. Some monitors may not automatically detect and change to the input port that is being used.

Q: Does your adapter support audio to my monitor/TV?
A: Yes! Our adapter is able to support the transfer of video and audio over DisplayPort. Please ensure that the monitor has a full-sized DisplayPort input port and built-in speakers by checking with the manufacturer. You may also need to set the specific display as the Default Playback Device within the Windows Sound settings in order to play audio over the connected display’s speakers.

Included

6ft/1.8m USB-C to DisplayPort adapter cable

Model: USBC-DP

Where to Buy

Plugable USBC-DP USB 3.1 Type-C to DisplayPort Adapter Cable

MSRP $24.99

Select Market

Mac users: For details about the current state of macOS compatibility with DisplayLink please see our blog post here.

UD-ULTCDL Port Layout – Click to Enlarge

For those who have been asking for a charging dock with DisplayPort connectivity or additional 4K support, check out our UD-ULTC4K 4K Triple Display Docking Station. For more info click here.

USB 3.1 Type-C is set to revolutionize connectivity. We’ve designed our USB-C Triple Display Docking Station to showcase what this new standard is capable of with flexibility and scalability in mind. More features, less compromise.

Utilizing cutting edge USB 3.1 technologies in conjunction with the tried and tested features of our best-selling UD-3900 docking station, the Plugable UD-ULTCDL Triple Display Docking Station provides up to three additional display outputs via a combination of USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) and DisplayLink USB graphics. The dock provides up to 60W of power via USB-C Power Delivery (“PD”) standard to charge your host computer while adding Gigabit Ethernet, audio input/output, and expanded USB device connectivity with 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a single USB 3.0 USB-C port. All through a single USB-C cable.

The UD-ULTCDL (nicknamed our “Ultimate” docking station) is the first device of its kind to combine these three powerful, unique, and complementary technologies to unleash the potential of your computer.

Device Specifications

The Plugable Ultimate USB-C Universal Docking Station features:

• USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) connectivity to host system. Backwards compatibility with most Thunderbolt 3 host systems.
• One HDMI 1.4 (USB-C Alt Mode, powered from host system graphics chipset) 2K ( 1920×1200 ) @ 60Hz / 4K ( 3840×2160 ) @ 30Hz
• One DVI/VGA (DisplayLink-based) 2K ( 1920×1200 ) @ 60Hz
• One HDMI 1.4 (DisplayLink-based) 2K ( 1920×1200 ) @ 60Hz
• One Front USB 3.0 Type-C port (with 1.5A Power Delivery)
• One Front USB 3.0 Type-A port (with BC1.2, 1.5A charging support)
• Three Rear USB 3.0 Type-A ports (standard 900mA)
• Gigabit Ethernet (Full-duplex required)
• Audio In/Out (3.5mm TRS “headphone” jacks)
• 65W (20V, 3.25A) Power Adapter

In the Box

Plugable UD-ULTCDL dock with stand, 1m USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) USB-C to USB-C cable with e-marker IC, and 65W (20V, 3.25A) power adapter. Units purchased in Europe include both UK and EU compliant power supply (plugs).

Hardware Requirements

Operating System and Driver Details

System Compatibility

Fully Compatible Systems (Alt Mode, PD, and DisplayLink)

USB-C is a new standard with much versatility. As a result, compatibility information is complex. Some USB-C systems support Alt Mode video output, while others do not. Some can be powered and charged via USB-C PD, while others do not.

For a list of known systems see the below compatibility chart:

Partially Compatible Systems (Supporting Alt Mode, PD, or DisplayLink, but not all)

Many current USB-C systems which do support Alt Mode video output do not support charging via USB-C. Systems such as this will output video from the dock, but will still need their proprietary OEM chargers.

Conversely, while some USB-C phones and tablets may accept charging via PD, most do not support Alt Mode video output.

Incompatible Systems

• Not compatible with potential future ARM-based Windows RT/Surface RT systems.
• No Android phones or tablets currently support Alt Mode video output.
• ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers as they do not support Alt Mode video output.
• Cannot be mixed with non-DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and drivers (e.g. MCT, j5, or SMSC).

Legacy System Support (Non USB-C)

The UD-ULTCDL relies upon new functionality introduced with USB 3.1 and as such is not recommended with USB 3.0/2.0 legacy systems. If you have a legacy USB-A (3.0) system we would recommend our UD-3900, UD-5900, or UD-6950 instead.

If attached to a legacy USB 3.0 system using a USB 3.1 rated Type-C to Type-A adapter cable, the dock will have limited functionality and is why we market this dock as incompatible with legacy systems. Only the ports controlled by the DisplayLink chip (two video outputs, audio and Ethernet) will be functional; the Alt Mode video output and USB Power Delivery/Charging will not function on legacy systems.

Please take caution if purchasing a Type-C to Type-A adapter cable as many cables on the market do not follow proper USB Type-C Power Delivery signalling and could potentially cause damage to your system or dock!

Graphics Specifications and Performance

Docking Station Setup Instructions

Additional Information

FAQs

• Q: I have never used a laptop or desktop with more than one monitor before. Now that my Windows system has more than one display I am not sure how things are supposed to work or how to change them. Do you have any videos that can help?
  A: We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the concepts of multi-monitor setups, how to make changes to the way things behave and how to solve common problems. The direct links to the videos are:

  • Introduction to multiple displays in Windows
  • Common multi-monitor problem – spatial orientation
  • How to make a display the ‘Main’ display in Windows
  • Multi-monitor problem – spatial orientation part two
  • Introduction to display scaling in Windows
• Q: I don't see a power button on the docking station, can the dock turn on my laptop? What about waking my laptop from sleep mode?
  A: No, you must press the power button on your laptop. Waking the laptop from sleep mode varies per host system. Not all hosts are setup to wake from external USB devices.
• Q: Does the docking station support audio pass through to my display with built-in speaker?
  A: Yes, if your display has built in speakers and are connected to our dock via “2K” HDMI, audio should be sent to the display when the Plugable Audio device is set as the Default Playback Device within Windows’ Sound settings. If connected to the “4K” HDMI port, you should see your monitor model identified as an available playback device.
• Q: How do I play audio through the headphone jack on the dock or through my monitor attached to the dock?
  A: First check if the docking station is set to be your primary playback device in your sound setting’s control panel/system preferences. If you wish for audio to play through the headphone jack on the dock, select “Plugable Audio” as your preferred playback device in your operating system. If your HDMI monitor has speakers or its own headphone jack, you should see your monitor listed as a selectable playback device in your operating system.
• Q: What do the blue LED and the green LED on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL indicate?
  A: The blue LED indicates that the Plugable UD-ULTCDL is being powered by its power adapter. The green LED lights up and stays steady when a device is connected through any of the 5 USB ports on the dock. If no devices are connected to the USB ports on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL, the green LED only lights up for around five seconds when the dock itself is connected to the upstream system.
• Q: What's the difference in USB-C ports on the front and rear of the docking station?
  A: The USB-C port located on the back side of the docking station is designed to charge your host computer as well as connect the docking station to the host machine. The front facing USB-C port is for device connectivity only and is part of the built-in USB 3.0 hub on the front facing USB 3.0 (type-A) ports.
• Q: Can I use this USB-C docking station with an Intel Thunderbolt 3 capable system?
  A: Yes, here is a diagram to help understand the differences between the different USB generations and Thunderbolt 3:
• Q: Does the Alt Mode HDMI port support 4K resolution at 60Hz?
  A: No. The port complies with HDMI 1.4, and as such 3840×2160 is only achievable at 30Hz. 2560×1440 and all lower resolutions will display at 60Hz.
• Q: Can I hook up another USB-C Alt Mode video adapter to the USB-C port on the front of the dock?
  A: No, for a couple of reasons. USB-C systems only support one “Alternate Mode” output, and for a USB-C port to support this feature it must be physically wired to the graphics processor (GPU) in the host system. The one available Alt Mode connection from a host system is being used by the docking station to provide its HDMI output. Additionally, the USB-C port on the front of the dock is not wired in such a way to support this functionality.
• Q: Can I connect a DisplayPort monitor to this dock with an adapter?
  A: No, converting HDMI or DVI output to DisplayPort would require an expensive and complex active adapter (with a built in signal converter chipset). While technically possible, we do not support this configuration. Please note passive HDMI/DVI to DisplayPort adapters/cables will not function with this dock. If you need DisplayPort for your monitors, please take a look at our UD-ULTC4K docking station.
• Q: Can I use the dock in conjunction with a KVM switch?
  A: No, Plugable does not recommend or support using our dock with a traditional KVM switch. If you simply need to share the dock between two systems, the dock can be manually disconnected from the first system and then manually connected to the second system.
• Q: Can I connect my Apple SuperDrive to the dock?
  A: Some devices such as the Apple SuperDrive look for Apple-specific signaling and will not work when connected through any USB hub. See Apple HT201788.
• Q: Can I game on this docking station? Is NVIDIA Surround or AMD Eyefinity supported?
  A: Gaming is possible over the 4K HDMI display output as that is tied directly into the host system’s GPU via USB-C Alternate Mode.Surround gaming is not possible as the “2K” HDMI and DVI display outputs are USB graphics devices – USB graphics devices, like the UD-ULTCDL, are “virtual” devices where much of the heavy lifting is done by the CPU, by hooking into the graphics stack. The DirectX APIs used by games assume direct hardware access (a PCIe graphics card or USB-C Alternate Mode). DisplayLink’s drivers attempt to emulate as much of the functionality as possible, which is why some 3D functionality (like that needed for desktop and apps) works.We don’t recommend running games with USB graphics, because this emulation cannot be perfect. And even without specific compatibility problems, performance will always be a challenge – the extra CPU work required for USB graphics will be a source of reduced frame rates and problems. Normal desktop and application use are fine because they don’t push the system as hard as 3D games do.Common problems experienced when trying to run a game on a USB graphics adapter include:

  • Games not launching
  • Games crashing
  • Screen flickering
  • Screen going black
• Q: What do the green and amber LEDs on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL indicate?
  A: The green link LED on the Ethernet port on the Plugable UD-ULTCDL is an indication that the Ethernet cable plugged into the port is live and it stays steady as long as the live cable is plugged in. The blinking amber activity LED is an indications that data is transferring through the port. Both these LEDs will not light up when:

  1. The drivers for the dock have not installed properly or is corrupted
  2. The Ethernet Cable plugged in is not live or is faulty
  3. The Ethernet cable is connected to a device that requires a half-duplex connection (see next question)
  4. The port has failed, please contact us at support@plugable.com as we’re always happy to help!

Troubleshooting

• Problem: I have confirmed my host machine is compatible with this docking station but one or more functions of the dock doesn't appear to be working.
  Solution: Resetting the docking station is a good step to take if one or more portions of the dock aren’t functioning:

  1. Disconnect docking station from host machine and power adapter
  2. Leave unplugged for 1 minute for power to dissipate
  3. Connect docking station initially into power only and confirm blue indicator light is on
  4. Connect docking station to host machine using USB-C cable and test for functionality
  5. If the above steps do not change the behavior, rebooting the host system may restore functionality

  If none of the indicator lights are lit or you are still are having problems, please contact us at support@plugable.com as we’re always happy to help!

• Problem: My docking station not charging my laptop?
  Solution: Verify if your system supports PD over USB-C and also identify which port has this functionality if multiple USB-C ports are available. Please note that some systems that charge over USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 may not support charging from universal docks and may only charge from approved chargers and devices from the system manufacturer.
• Problem: I installed the dock on my laptop and everything works well with the laptop lid open. However, when I close the laptop lid the monitors connected to the dock turn off and the laptop shuts down. How do I fix this?
  Solution: Windows has special power management settings that control what happens when the laptop lid is closed. If this happening, these settings need to be changed. Please right-click on the Start button and select ‘Power Options’ from the menu.From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on ‘Choose what closing the lid does’. ** Important note – if you are running the Creators Update (or newer) to Windows 10, you will have click on the ‘Additional power settings’ option to access this window **Make sure the setting for ‘When I close the lid’ under the ‘Plugged In’ column is set to ‘Do Nothing’. Click the ‘Save Changes’ button and restart the system, making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected, and test the behavior again.
• Problem: My laptop/tablet won't wake via docking station's attached keyboard or mouse. Is this expected behavior?
  Solution: This behavior is system specific. Many newer systems will not wake via an external keyboard or mouse. (This behavior can be confirmed by connecting a USB keyboard or mouse directly to a USB port on your system rather than the dock. If the system is unable to wake from a direct-attached USB device, it will not wake from a keyboard or mouse connected through the docking station.
• Problem: When I plug an Ethernet cable into the dock, none of the LEDs light up, and I do not get assigned a valid IP address. What could be causing this?
  Solution: The Ethernet controller in the docking station requires a full duplex connection. Half duplex connections are not supported.Often, the issue is caused by older Ethernet hubs and/or cabling that do not support full duplex connections.
• Problem: My wired (or wireless) mouse and/or keyboard are experiencing lag/latency (jumpy/jerky mouse pointer movement, missing key-presses, duplicate key-presses, etc) when connected to the dock.
  Solution: Dell released a patch that changes a Windows Registry entry related to the Intel Management Engine that is not Dell exclusive which has resolved these issues for several of our customers using a range of different host systems from different manufacturers. We recommend to try installing this patch if you have some of the aforementioned issues:
  https://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03471411M/13/Dell_Dock_USB_TYPE-C_PATCH_2K0JJ_A00_SETUP_ZPE.exe
• Problem: Why does my wireless mouse or keyboard appear sluggish or not work properly when used with the dock?
  Solution: Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the devices performance. The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the dock and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.Intel has a technical whitepaper on the behavior for those interested here:
  http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/io/universal-serial-bus/usb3-frequency-interference-paper.htmland we have written about the behavior in more detail here (please see the RF interference section):https://plugable.com/2017/03/17/troubleshooting-wi-fi-performance-and-wireless-keyboard-mouse-issues-on-usb-docking-stations/
• Problem: When I connect the dock to my system, my internal Wi-Fi adapter stops working or suffers from poor performance. Why is this happening?
  Solution There are several factors that can cause this to happen, along with several potential fixes. Please see our blog post on the topic for more information.
• Problem: I cannot use my Intel, Nvidia, or AMD/ATI graphics utility to manage the monitors connected to the dock. Why is this?
  Solution: The utilities provided by Intel, Nvidia and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers and they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to the dock. It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the displays connected to the dock (‘Display Settings’ on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ on Windows 8.1 and 7).
• Problem: While I can adjust the brightness of my internal laptop display or directly connected external display using the Windows Display Settings application, this option is grayed out and not available for the displays attached to the dock. Is something wrong?
  Solution: Windows does not have the ability to adjust the brightness of a USB-attached display, so the behavior is expected. We recommend making use of the display’s internal on-screen menu options to adjust the brightness.
• Problem Why does the “Display Color Calibration” tool in Windows seems to have no effect on the display(s) attached to my dock?
  Solution: The DisplayLink GPU does not support color calibration functionality. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
• Problem: I use an application to change the color of my display to make it easier to see but it doesn’t seem to affect the display I have connected to the dock. Why is this?
  Solution: As mentioned above, the DisplayLink driver does not currently support this type of color adjustment so applications like f.lux will not affect displays connected to the dock. DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in the dock and author of the driver) is working to add this functionality in the future. Please see this post on the DisplayLink website for more information and the current state of the project.
• Problem: When I right-click in the Chrome browser, the context menu opens on a different display than the application is on. What causes this?
  Solution: This behavior has been known to occur in rare instances, and is a known bug in the Chrome browser being tracked by the Chrome developers. Please see this Chromium Issue for the most recent updates.
• Problem: After a recent update, when I use Chrome on my Mac or Windows system with a USB graphics device, the window looks distorted. Is there a workaround?
  Solution: Some versions of Chrome have had regressions which cause graphical distortion when Chrome windows are in use on USB-attached monitors.Usually this issue is fixed promptly in the next Chrome release, but if it persists the best current workaround is to disable hardware acceleration in the Chrome settings. To do so: Click the Chrome menu header -> Preferences -> Settings -> Show advanced settings -> Scroll down to “System” -> Uncheck “Use hardware acceleration when available”.To help make Google aware of the issue so they can properly prioritize fixing it, affected users can report the regression to Google using the built-in bug reporter: Preferences -> About -> Report an issue
• Problem: After the Windows Anniversary or Creators Update, applications that make use of OpenGL (like SketchUp for example) are not working properly and/or produce an error message when launched while the dock is connected to my system. Why is this happening and how do I fix this?
  Solution: Microsoft and DisplayLink (the maker of the chip in our dock and author of the driver) have identified a bug within the Windows 10 Anniversary and Creators Update. With the Anniversary or Creators Update to Windows 10, Microsoft has now integrated support for the DisplayLink technology used in our docking station into Windows itself, and in certain cases applications which make use of OpenGL may not work as expected.For example, the SketchUp application requires the use of graphics adapter that supports a standard known as OpenGL -> http://help.sketchup.com/en/article/114278In some instances, Windows mistakenly directs the tasks intended for the system’s internal graphics adapter (which does support OpenGL) to the DisplayLink-based docking station. Our docking station is not a traditional graphics adapter in and of itself (it relies on the CPU and internal graphics adapter to work), and this results in the incorrect behavior or error message. DisplayLink speaks to this issue directly here -> http://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/942862-my-device-is-not-working-properly-on-windows-10-an (under the section ‘OPENGL 1.1 REPORTED INSTEAD OF 4.X’)Pending Microsoft fixing the issue within Windows itself, there are two possible workarounds. The first is to configure Windows to have the ‘Main’ display set to a display directly connected to your internal graphics adapter, whether that is an internal laptop display or another external display connected to one of the systems built-in video outputs (a quick guide to doing so is here -> https://youtu.be/7nnKztRZXsw).If that doesn’t prove a suitable workaround, booting the system without the dock connected, launching SketchUp (or any other OpenGL application), and then connecting the dock may also help.Please note that the HDMI port on this dock is unaffected by this as that output is driven directly from the host computer graphics chipset over USB-C Alternate Mode video.
• Problem: In macOS the 4K output supports DPI scaling (HiDPI display) - adjusting for larger text or more space but the 2K and DVI outputs don't seem to, can I fix this?
  Solution: Unfortunately not at this time. The DisplayLink based video outputs do not support DPI scaling (HiDPI display) in macOS. If you need to increase element or text size you will need to lower the resolution instead.
• Problem: In macOS the Ethernet speed is slow.
  Solution: Unfortunately this is a known issue at this time that DisplayLink is working to address. You can find more info about it here. Our hope is that with a future driver update this will be resolved.

Model: UD-ULTCDL

Where to Buy

Plugable UD-ULTCDL USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support Power Delivery

MSRP $249.99

Select Market

Plugable Bluetooth devices

Bluetooth is a key technology for mobile devices and the IoT. It is ubiquitous, useful and cool. Throughout its development it has continued to expand in its ability to enable new and sometimes unique applications in mobile and low power connectivity.

In this white paper below, we give a bit of background in wireless and Bluetooth technology, and discuss the newer Bluetooth Low Energy version (also called Bluetooth Smart) of the standard. Enjoy!

Click here to read the white paper

The image below shows the back of our UD-3900 USB docking station. Let’s use it as an example.

Video outputs of the UD-3900 USB docking station

I’ve labeled the UD-3900’s two video outputs. One is a HDMI; the other is DVI. When designing this dock we put a lot of thought into these outputs, wanting to give our customers as many options as possible for connecting different displays. We arrived at these two because many types of cables can be attached. Let’s look at a few examples.

The most commonly used cables are standard DVI and HDMI cables (photos below). “Standard” means the cable has the same connector on each end. These cables should always work with the dock as long as the cable itself is not faulty. When troubleshooting a display problem, the first step is to check that the cables are connected securely and if possible swap them with ones that are known to be good.

Standard DVI to DVI cable

Standard HDMI to HDMI cable

There are other options besides standard HDMI and DVI cables. A DVI to VGA adapter is included with the UD-3900 that can connect the dock to an older monitor with VGA inputs using a standard VGA to VGA cable.

DVI to VGA adapter, two shown so both connectors can be seen

Although not included with the docking station, you can also use an HDMI to DVI cable to connect a DVI display. Although we don’t make a cable like that ourselves, many of our customers have successfully used one like this: www.amzn.com/B00K7HECTQ/

A nice thing about this type of cable is that it is bidirectional, which means it can work in both directions. It can go from the HDMI port on the dock to the DVI input of a display or from the DVI port on the dock to a HDMI display. If needed, you can also use Plugable’s optional HDMI-VGA cable (http://www.plugable.com/products/hdmi-vga) to connect the HDMI port to a VGA display.

So what does this all mean? Out of the box, our UD-3900 dock can connect three types of displays: HDMI, VGA or DVI, and by using various cable and adapters you can
adapt these outputs to your particular setup. You can have two HDMI displays, two DVI displays, two VGA or any combination of those.

Now that we have seen what does work, how about some examples of what does NOT work?

I mentioned earlier that you can convert the HDMI output to DVI and vice-versa, but there is an important point to note: HDMI output can carry an audio signal, but DVI output cannot. Why does this matter? If you convert the HDMI output of the dock to DVI you will lose the audio. By the same token, if you convert the DVI output to HDMI, it cannot carry audio as that information was not present to begin with.

There is a common misconception about converting HDMI to DisplayPort. Although there are simple cables with an HDMI connector on one end and a DisplayPort connector on the other, they will not work with Plugable docking stations. This is because they are usually passive cables that only convert DisplayPort output to HDMI and not the other direction. Differences between the two standards only allow for this unidirectional conversion.

Although somewhat complex, I hope this information will help untangle the many cabling possibilities when using our products. Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

Update 7/7/2015: The 2.4 code set has gone final and is no longer classified as beta! The background info in this post is still relevant, though the links will now take you to the current 2.4 release rather than the “Beta 1” release.

We regularly receive inquires from Mac users who are looking for updates regarding the compatibility of our DisplayLink-based USB docking stations and graphics adapters with Mac OS X. Progress has been slow, and there hasn’t been much substantive news to report in quite some time — until today.

Some brief background for those unfamiliar with the situation: With the release of OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) almost a year and a half ago, we were disappointed to find that we could no longer recommend our DisplayLink-based docking stations and USB graphics adapters to Mac users running OS X 10.9 due to various issues introduced with the OS update. The regressions affected DisplayLink and other external display solutions (e.g. Thunderbolt to HDMI and DVI adapters; using iPads as extra displays). The 10.10 (Yosemite) update did not improve the behavior for DisplayLink devices.

Each new DisplayLink driver revision since the release of Mavericks has contained incremental improvements, though working around some of the key OS/API issues at the driver level has been a slow process.

DisplayLink has released their Version 2.4 Beta 1 Version 2.5 beta 2 driver for the Mac OS, and this release is the latest to make significant progress on some of the core issues that have been consistently present since the release of OS X 10.9.

The following are some of the most notable fixes in this release:

• Display layout and positioning are now preserved after system reboot and sleep/wake
• Portrait/landscape rotation orientation is correctly applied
• Hot-plugging or unplugging a DisplayLink adapter is much less likely to cause undesirable system behavior
• WindowServer crashing (which causes a spontaneous log-out from the OS) has been reduced
• CPU utilization of DisplayLinkManager has been reduced in some scenarios
• Constant OpenGL error logging in Console experienced by some users should be resolved

As excited as we are regarding the improvements above, caution is warranted as well. DisplayLink has had to work around existing OS X issues in this new driver release, which could make support fragile as OS X updates come out.

Some of the known-issues that still persist with this new driver are:

• Some users will experience intermittent graphical corruption/distortion
• WindowServer crashes/spontaneous log-out issues are still present in some scenarios
• Higher than expected CPU utilization from DisplayLinkManager/WindowServer in some scenarios

Because this is a beta driver and because of the remaining Mac external display issues, we still can’t recommend our USB graphics products for use on Mac. But we’re quite glad to see this progress.

Download DisplayLink’s version 2.4 Beta 1 version 2.5 beta2 driver for Mac OS here.

Comments are welcome below, though we also recommend posting your experiences in the DisplayLink Mac Forum so that DisplayLink has visibility to as much user feedback as possible.

There has been a lot of buzz around upgrading to 10.10 and afterward having network related problems. This post will focus on our USB3-HUB3ME, USB3-E1000, USB2-E1000 and USB2-E100 Ethernet adapters, but we encourage you to apply the concept of this content to troubleshoot other brands or similar network related issues.

First, it is a good idea to check if you have any possibility of connecting to your network via WiFi. If you cannot connect to any network via WiFi or Ethernet adapter, you might want to carefully consider this Apple forum thread which addresses this problem. If this is not your problem and is isolated to your Ethernet adapter only, the latter set of instructions is for you.

For OSX/BSD/Unix/Linux it is best practice to remove non core kernel modules/drivers/extensions before performing a major upgrade and to reinstall the latest revision after this has been accomplished. We will take a similar approach to fix this issue.

Again, these instructions are for a seemingly non working Ethernet adapter (USB3-HUB3ME, USB3-E1000, USB2-E1000, USB2-E100) after upgrading from 10.9 “Mavericks” to 10.10 “Yosemite”.

1. Disconnect Ethernet adapter
2. Take a look at “System Information” > “Software” > “Extensions” and look for an instance labeled “AX88179_798A” (for the USB3-E1000 and USB3-HUB3ME), “AX88178” (for the USB2-E1000) or “AX88772” (for the USB2-E100) and select it for you to be able to look at the “Location” path (as an example, the AX88179_79A instance has the following path: /Library/Extensions/AX88179_178A.kext)
3. Open your Terminal and run the following command:

   sudo kextunload /pathof/thextension/NAME_OF_THE_KEXT_FILE.kext

   (note this is the path shown in system information in step 2). Now you have unloaded this extension.

4. Reboot
5. Download the newest driver from here and install
6. Connect the Ethernet adapter and test