1. Introduction
The Kensington SD3500v USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station is designed to expand the connectivity and display capabilities of your MacBook, Windows laptop, or Surface tablet. It converts a single USB port into multiple connections, providing access to various peripherals and up to two 1080p HD video monitors.
2. What's in the Box
- Kensington SD3500V USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station
- Power Cord
- DVI-to-VGA Adapter
- DVI-to-HDMI Adapter
- USB-A to USB-B Cable
3. Product Overview
The Kensington SD3500V docking station features a vertical design with various ports for enhanced connectivity. Below are images illustrating the device and its key features.

Figure 1: Front and Rear View of the Kensington SD3500V Docking Station. The front features two USB 3.0 ports and 3.5mm audio/mic jacks. The rear includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, DVI-I, HDMI, USB-A host connection, and DC power input.

Figure 2: The docking station supports dual Full HD monitors with resolutions up to 2048x1152 @ 60Hz. A single monitor can achieve up to 2560x1600 @ 60Hz.

Figure 3: The SD3500V is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, supporting various laptops and 2-in-1 tablets.

Figure 4: Included DVI-to-VGA and DVI-to-HDMI adapters ensure broad compatibility with various monitor types.
4. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to set up your Kensington SD3500V docking station:
- Install DisplayLink Drivers: For MacBooks and Windows 7/8, download and install the latest DisplayLink drivers from the official DisplayLink website. Windows 10 typically works without additional driver downloads if the latest updates are installed.
- Connect Power: Plug the power adapter into the DC Power Input port on the back of the docking station, then connect it to a power outlet.
- Connect Monitors: Connect your external monitors to the DVI-I and HDMI ports on the back of the docking station. Use the provided DVI-to-VGA or DVI-to-HDMI adapters if necessary for your monitor type. The docking station supports dual displays up to 2048x1152@60Hz.
- Connect Peripherals: Plug your USB devices (keyboard, mouse, printer, external hard drives) into the available USB ports. Use the two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports on the front for devices requiring higher data transfer speeds (up to 5Gbps) and phone charging. The four USB 2.0 ports on the back are suitable for peripherals like keyboards and mice.
- Connect Ethernet: For a more reliable network connection, plug an Ethernet cable into the Gigabit Ethernet port on the back of the docking station.
- Connect to Laptop: Use the included USB-A cable to connect the docking station to a USB 3.0 port on your laptop. Ensure you use a USB 3.0 port (often blue or marked with 'SS') for optimal performance.
- Audio Connections: Connect your headphones or speakers to the 3.5mm audio output jack on the front. If you use a microphone, connect it to the 3.5mm mic input jack.
For visual guidance on setting up your docking station, refer to the videos below:
How to Use a USB 3.0 Dock - Kensington SD3500v
This video provides a detailed overview of the Kensington SD3500v USB 3.0 Dock, including its features, included accessories, and port explanations. It demonstrates how to connect various peripherals and monitors to the dock.
Kensington Dual Display Universal Docking Station Overview
A concise overview of the Kensington Dual Display Universal Docking Station, highlighting its key features and benefits for expanding your workspace.
How to allow DisplayLink/Synaptics driver in macOS 13/14
This video guides macOS users through the process of granting DisplayLink Manager permission to record screen and audio for proper functionality, especially relevant for macOS 13/14.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the docking station is set up, you can manage your display and peripheral settings through your computer's operating system.
- Dual Display Configuration: The docking station supports extending or duplicating your desktop across two external monitors. Access your display settings (e.g., right-click on desktop > Display settings on Windows) to arrange your monitors and set resolutions.
- Resolution Support: Enjoy dual display resolution via DisplayLink of up to 2048x1152@60Hz, including 1080P video via HDMI and DVI. Single display resolution can reach up to 2560x1600@60Hz (including QHD 2560x1440) via HDMI.
- USB Connectivity: Utilize the 2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer (up to 5Gbps) and phone charging. The 4 USB 2.0 ports are ideal for standard peripherals.
- Audio: The external headphone and microphone jacks provide audio 2.0 for enhanced sound quality, allowing you to connect your audio devices directly to the dock.
- Network: The Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet port offers a stable and fast wired network connection.
6. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your docking station:
- Keep the device clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Avoid exposing the docking station to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the device to prevent overheating.
- Regularly check for and install updated DisplayLink drivers for your operating system to maintain compatibility and performance.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your docking station, try the following:
- No Display: Ensure all display cables are securely connected to both the monitors and the docking station. Verify that the DisplayLink drivers are correctly installed and updated. Check your computer's display settings to ensure the external monitors are detected and configured.
- No Power to Peripherals: Confirm the docking station's power adapter is securely connected and plugged into a working outlet.
- USB Devices Not Working: Try connecting the USB device to a different port on the docking station or directly to your computer to isolate the issue. Ensure the docking station is connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer for optimal performance.
- Network Connectivity Issues: Check the Ethernet cable connection. Ensure your computer's network settings are configured correctly for a wired connection.
- Audio Problems: Verify that your audio devices are correctly plugged into the appropriate jacks on the docking station. Check your computer's audio output settings to ensure the docking station's audio output is selected.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches (or 10"L x 7"W x 3"H) |
| Item Weight | 12.8 ounces (or 0.8 Pounds) |
| Model Number | SD3500V |
| Brand | Kensington |
| Color | Black |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Compatible Devices | MacBooks, Surface Book 1/2/3, Surface Laptop 1/2/3, Surface Pro 4/5/6/7/8, Windows laptops |
| Total USB Ports | 6 (2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0) |
| Total HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Video Output | 1x HDMI, 1x DVI-I (with DVI-to-VGA and DVI-to-HDMI adapters included) |
| Max Resolution (Dual Display) | 2048x1152@60Hz |
| Max Resolution (Single Display) | 2560x1600@60Hz (via HDMI) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit (10/100/1000) |
| Audio | External headphone and microphone jacks (Audio 2.0) |
| Power | Power supply included (does not supply power to laptop) |
9. Warranty and Support
The Kensington SD3500V USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station includes 2-year coverage and lifetime Kensington technical support. For further assistance, please visit the official Kensington support website or contact their customer service.





