CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub User Manual

Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub:

1. Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Ensure you have the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub, the power adapter, and the USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 adapter. Inspect all items for any signs of damage.

2. Power Connection

1. Connect the power adapter to the DC In port on the back of the CalDigit Element Hub.
2. Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet. The hub requires 19V 7.89A DC input.

Image: Top-down view of the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub, showing the four USB-A ports on one side and the four Thunderbolt 4 ports and DC power input on the other. Various cables are depicted, illustrating connection types.

3. Connecting to Your Computer

1. Use a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable (not included, typically comes with your computer or hub) to connect one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the hub to a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB4 port on your computer.
2. Ensure the connection is secure. The hub will provide up to 60W of power delivery to charge your connected laptop or tablet.

4. Connecting Peripherals and Displays

• USB Devices: Connect your USB accessories (keyboards, mice, external SSDs/HDDs) to the four USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gb/s ports.
• Thunderbolt Devices: Connect additional Thunderbolt devices, such as external GPUs or high-speed storage, to the remaining Thunderbolt 4 ports.
• Displays:
  • For display connectivity, use the included USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 adapter. Connect the USB-C end of the adapter to one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the hub.
  • Connect a DisplayPort cable from the adapter to your monitor.
  • The hub supports a single display up to 8K resolution or dual 4K 60Hz displays. Ensure your computer and monitors support these resolutions.

Image: Detailed view of the CalDigit USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 adapter, showing its dimensions. The adapter has a USB-C connector on one end and a DisplayPort connector on the other, with a short cable connecting them.

Operating Instructions

Once the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is set up, it operates automatically. Here are some key operational aspects:

Display Connectivity

The Element Hub, in conjunction with the USB-C to DisplayPort adapter, allows for flexible display configurations:

• Single Display: Connect a single monitor up to 8K resolution.
• Dual Displays: Connect two 4K monitors at 60Hz. Note that dual 4K 60Hz monitors require a Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 host computer. Some Windows PC manufacturers may limit Thunderbolt 3 ports to a single external monitor. Apple M1 based laptops only support a single display through their Thunderbolt 3 port.

Image: A setup showing a laptop connected to the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub, which in turn is connected to two external 4K monitors. This illustrates the dual display capability of the hub.

Power Delivery

The hub provides up to 60W of power delivery to your connected host computer (laptop or tablet) through the Thunderbolt 4 connection. This allows you to charge your device while using the hub, reducing cable clutter.

Thunderbolt Daisy-Chain

You can expand your connectivity further by daisy-chaining additional Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 devices through the available Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports on the hub. This allows for a more complex and integrated workflow.

Image: A visual representation of Thunderbolt daisy-chaining, showing a laptop connected to the CalDigit Element Hub, which is then connected to another Thunderbolt device. This demonstrates how to expand your Thunderbolt workflow.

High-Speed Data Transfer

The Thunderbolt 4 ports offer 40Gb/s bandwidth, ideal for high-speed NVMe SSDs and other demanding peripherals. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports provide 10Gb/s for standard USB accessories and storage devices.

Image: A close-up view of the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub connected to a laptop and an external SSD, highlighting its capability to connect blazing fast SSDs with up to 3,000MB/s performance.

Compatibility

The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is designed for broad compatibility, working with a range of devices including iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th Gen), and Windows tablets, in addition to laptops. Users on tablets may experience reduced functionality compared to full desktop operating systems.

Image: An illustration showing the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub connected to an iPad Pro, demonstrating its compatibility with iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th Gen), and Windows Tablet devices. The image emphasizes display, charge, and connect functionalities.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the exterior of the hub. Do not use liquid cleaners, aerosols, or solvents.
• Ventilation: Ensure the hub is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the hub in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Cable Management: Organize cables neatly to prevent strain on ports and accidental disconnections. The hub features a reversible design for optimum cable management.

Image: A top-down view of the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub, showing the various ports labeled for Thunderbolt 4/USB4 and USB-A 3.2 Gen2, along with the DC power input. The image also highlights the reversible design feature for cable management.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• No Power/Indicator Light Off:
  • Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the hub and a working wall outlet.
  • Verify the power outlet is functional.
• Devices Not Recognized:
  • Check all cable connections between the hub, your computer, and the peripheral devices.
  • Try connecting the device directly to your computer to confirm it is functional.
  • Restart your computer and the hub.
  • Ensure your computer's operating system and Thunderbolt drivers are up to date.
• Display Issues (No Signal, Flickering, Incorrect Resolution):
  • Confirm the USB-C to DisplayPort adapter is correctly connected to both the hub and the monitor.
  • Try a different DisplayPort cable.
  • Ensure your monitor is set to the correct input source.
  • Check your computer's display settings to ensure the correct resolution and refresh rate are selected.
  • Verify your computer and monitors support the desired display configuration (e.g., dual 4K 60Hz).
• Slow Data Transfer Speeds:
  • Ensure you are using the correct ports for high-speed devices (Thunderbolt 4 ports for NVMe SSDs).
  • Check the specifications of your connected devices and cables to ensure they support the expected speeds.

For further assistance, please visit the official CalDigit support website or contact their customer service.

Specifications

Detailed specifications for the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub:

Image: A visual summary of the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub's compact size and key features, including 8 ports, 4x Thunderbolt 4/USB4, 4x USB-A 10Gb/s, 8K Display support, and Dual 4K 60Hz Displays.

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official CalDigit website. You can find the most up-to-date resources, FAQs, and contact options there.

Official CalDigit Store: CalDigit Store on Amazon

Always refer to the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers, firmware updates, and support documentation to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.