1. Product Overview
The Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station is a versatile 13-in-1 hub designed to expand the connectivity of your laptop. It provides a comprehensive solution for connecting multiple peripherals, external displays, and charging various devices through a single Thunderbolt 3 connection to your host computer.
Key features include:
- Incredible Expansion: Equipped with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, SD/microSD card slots, and a 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Unparalleled Charging Options: Supports up to 85W charging via the Thunderbolt upstream port for laptops, 18W via a USB-C Power Delivery port for phones/tablets, and 7.5W via a front USB-A 3.0 port for smaller devices.
- Dual Display Support: The Thunderbolt 3 port supports 5K@60Hz, while the HDMI port supports 4K@60Hz. Connect to both simultaneously for crystal-clear streaming or mirroring across two displays in 4K@60Hz.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Experience data transfers up to 40 Gbps via Thunderbolt 3.
Figure 1: Front and rear view of the Anker 577 Docking Station highlighting all 13 ports and their specifications.
2. Setup Guide
2.1. What's in the Box
- Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station (13-in-1, Thunderbolt 3)
- 180W Power Adapter
- Thunderbolt 3 Cable (2.3 ft)
- Welcome Guide
Video 1: Unboxing the Anker 577 Docking Station, showing the contents including the dock, power adapter, and Thunderbolt 3 cable.
2.2. Initial Connection
- Connect the 180W Power Adapter to the DC-IN port on the rear of the Anker 577 Docking Station.
- Connect one end of the included Thunderbolt 3 cable to the upstream Thunderbolt 3 port (indicated by a laptop symbol) on the rear of the docking station.
- Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port on your laptop.
- The docking station is plug-and-play; no drivers are typically required for basic functionality.
Video 2: Demonstrating the connection of the Anker 577 Docking Station to a MacBook, highlighting the various ports and their functions.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. Port Functionality
The Anker 577 Docking Station offers a wide array of ports for various needs:
- Front Ports:
- SD 4.0 Card Slot (UHS-II, 312 MB/s)
- MicroSD 4.0 Card Slot (UHS-II, 312 MB/s)
- USB-C Data Port (10 Gbps, 5V/0.9A)
- USB-C Power Delivery Port (10 Gbps, 18W for phones/tablets)
- 3.5mm AUX Audio In & Out
- USB-A 3.0 Port (5 Gbps, 7.5W for small devices)
- Rear Ports:
- Thunderbolt 3 Upstream Port (85W Max Laptop Charging, 40 Gbps data)
- Thunderbolt 3 Downstream Port (15W, 40 Gbps, daisy chain up to 5 devices)
- HDMI 2.0 Port (4K@60Hz)
- 3x USB-A 3.0 Data Ports (5 Gbps, data only, no charging)
- Gigabit Ethernet Port (1 Gbps)
- DC-IN (for 180W Power Adapter)
Figure 2: The Anker 577 Docking Station simultaneously charging a laptop at 85W and a smartphone at 18W, demonstrating its multi-device charging capability.
3.2. Display Configuration
The dock supports dual external displays. Connect one monitor via the HDMI port and the second monitor via the downstream Thunderbolt 3 port (using a compatible USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort adapter, if needed).
- Single Monitor: Up to 5K@60Hz via Thunderbolt 3 or 4K@60Hz via HDMI.
- Dual Monitors: Up to 4K@60Hz on both displays simultaneously.
Compatibility Note: MacBooks with the Apple M1 chip only support single monitor display. Intel-based MacBooks, Apple M1 Max/Pro MacBooks, and Apple M2 MacBooks support dual monitor display with extended desktop when using a USB-C to HDMI video adapter (not included).
Figure 3: A laptop connected to the Anker 577 Docking Station, which in turn is connected to two external monitors, showcasing its dual display capability.
Video 3: A demonstration of the Anker 577 Docking Station's connectivity, showing various devices and monitors connected to a laptop through the dock.
4. Troubleshooting
4.1. Common Issues and Solutions
- Screen Drop, Black Screen, or Flickering:
- Initial flickering after connection is normal and should resolve in a few seconds.
- If persistent, try lowering the display resolution.
- If issues occur after waking your laptop, restart the dock.
- If the laptop or dock has been running for a long time, restart the dock.
- Dock Not Reconnecting Automatically:
- If the dock doesn't automatically reconnect after waking or restarting your laptop, try disconnecting and reconnecting the Thunderbolt 3 cable or restarting the dock.
- Dock Feels Warm:
- It is normal for the dock's temperature to increase during high-speed charging or data transfer. Heat is dissipated through the aluminum exterior.
- To prevent excessive heat, ensure no objects are placed on top of or covering the dock during use.
- Using a Different USB-C Cable:
- It is recommended to use the included Thunderbolt 3 cable. If a replacement is needed, ensure it is also a Thunderbolt 3 cable for full compatibility and performance.
- Driver Installation:
- No drivers are required for the Anker 577 Docking Station.
5. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A8396 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.96 x 3.5 x 1.65 inches (125.8 x 88.5 x 41.9 mm) |
| Item Weight | 1.08 pounds (490 g) |
| Color | Silver |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB |
| Total USB Ports | 6 (2x USB-C, 4x USB-A) |
| Total HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Wattage (Laptop Charging) | 85W (Thunderbolt 3 Upstream) |
| Wattage (Phone/Tablet Charging) | 18W (USB-C PD), 15W (Thunderbolt 3 Downstream) |
| Display Output | 1x 5K@60Hz (Thunderbolt 3) or 1x 4K@60Hz (HDMI) or 2x 4K@60Hz (Thunderbolt 3 + HDMI) |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3) |
| Compatibility | Windows laptops or non-M1 MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3/4. Not compatible with M1 MacBooks, Linux, or Chrome OS. |
6. Warranty and Support
The Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station comes with an 18-month warranty and dedicated customer service. For support, please refer to the contact information provided in your Welcome Guide or visit the official Anker support website.
