Anker 577 Docking Station (13-in-1, Thunderbolt 3) Instruction Manual

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

2.2. Initial Connection

1. Connect the 180W Power Adapter to the DC-IN port on the rear of the Anker 577 Docking Station.
2. 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.
3. Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt 3 cable to a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port on your laptop.
4. The docking station is plug-and-play; no drivers are typically required for basic functionality.

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.

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

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.