HODO USB C Docking Station HD055 User Manual

1. Introduction

This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the HODO USB C Docking Station, Model HD055. This 14-in-1 multiport adapter is designed to expand the connectivity of your USB-C enabled laptop, offering a wide range of ports for enhanced productivity and convenience. Please read this manual carefully before using the device to ensure proper operation and to maximize its capabilities.

2. Product Overview

The HODO HD055 docking station transforms a single USB-C port into 14 versatile ports, supporting dual 4K HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, USB Power Delivery, multiple USB data ports, and an SD/TF card reader. It is a plug-and-play device, requiring no driver installation.

2.1 Key Features

• 14-in-1 Connectivity: Extends one USB-C port to 2x HDMI (4K), 1x VGA, 1x Ethernet, 1x USB-C PD Charging (up to 100W), 1x USB-C Data (5Gbps), 3x USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps), 2x USB-A 2.0 (480Mbps), 1x SD/TF (104MB/s), and 1x Audio Mic 3.5mm.
• Dual/Triple Monitor Support: Facilitates dual 4K HDMI or triple monitor (HDMI + HDMI + VGA) display setups for Windows operating systems.
• Fast Data Transfer: USB 3.0 and USB-C data ports offer speeds up to 5Gbps for quick file transfers.
• Gigabit Ethernet: Provides stable wired network connection up to 1000Mbps.
• Power Delivery: Supports up to 100W power charging for your laptop while connected to peripherals.
• Plug and Play: No drivers or software required for installation.

2.2 Port Layout

Below is a diagram illustrating the various ports available on the HODO HD055 docking station.

Figure 1: HODO HD055 Docking Station with labeled ports including 2x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI, 3x USB 3.0, SD/TF card slots, USB-C data, PD 100W, Ethernet, VGA, and Audio & Mic 3.5mm.

Figure 2: The HODO HD055 docking station shown with various cables and peripherals connected, demonstrating its multi-port capabilities.

3. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your HODO USB C Docking Station:

1. Verify Laptop USB-C Port: Ensure your laptop's USB-C port is a full-featured USB-C port, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 port. This is crucial for supporting video output and power delivery. Ports that only support data transfer or charging will not enable all functions of the docking station.


Figure 3: Visual guide to identify compatible USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 3/4, Data+DisplayPort Alt, Data+PD DisplayPort Alt) versus incompatible ones (Only Data Transfer, Only Charging, Only Data+Power Delivery).

2. Connect Docking Station to Laptop: Plug the integrated USB-C cable from the docking station into the compatible USB-C port on your laptop.
3. Connect Power Adapter (Optional but Recommended): For stable operation and laptop charging, connect your laptop's original power adapter or a compatible USB-C PD charger (up to 100W) to the "PD 100W" USB-C port on the docking station.
4. Connect Peripherals:
   • Monitors: Connect your HDMI and/or VGA monitors to the corresponding ports on the docking station.
   • USB Devices: Plug in your USB devices (keyboard, mouse, external hard drives, USB flash drives) into the USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 ports.
   • Ethernet Cable: For a wired network connection, connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ45 port.
   • SD/TF Cards: Insert your SD or TF cards into the designated slots.
   • Audio Devices: Connect headphones or speakers to the 3.5mm Audio Mic port.
5. System Recognition: Your operating system should automatically detect and configure the connected devices. No additional drivers are typically required.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Multiple Display Modes

The HODO HD055 supports various display configurations depending on your operating system.

4.1.1 Windows Operating Systems (DP1.4)

For Windows laptops, the docking station supports Extended Mode, Mirror Mode, and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) display configurations.

Figure 4: Illustration of Extended Mode and Mirror Mode for both Windows and macOS. Note that macOS does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST).

Figure 5: Maximum resolution capabilities for Windows laptops in Dual Display (HDMI1 4K@30Hz, HDMI2 1080P@60Hz, HDMI1/2 1080P@60Hz, VGA 1080P@60Hz) and Triple Monitors (VGA 1080P@60Hz, HDMI2 1080P@60Hz, HDMI1 1080P@60Hz).

Figure 6: Detailed representation of MST Display, Extend Mode, and Mirror Mode configurations for Windows laptops using HDMI1, HDMI2, and VGA ports.

To configure display settings in Windows:

• Right-click on your desktop and select "Display settings".
• Under "Multiple displays", choose your desired mode (Extend these displays, Duplicate these displays, Show only on 1/2/3).
• Arrange your displays as needed.

4.1.2 macOS Operating Systems

macOS supports Non-Mirror (Extended) and Mirror Mode. Please note that macOS does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST), meaning all external monitors in extended mode will display the same content, different from the laptop's primary display.

Figure 7: Detailed representation of Non-Mirror Mode and Mirror Mode for macOS, highlighting that MST is not supported.

To configure display settings in macOS:

• Go to "System Settings" (or "System Preferences") > "Displays".
• Select "Arrangement" to configure extended or mirrored displays.

4.2 Data Transfer

The docking station provides multiple USB ports and card readers for efficient data transfer.

• USB 3.0 Ports (3x): Transfer data at speeds up to 5Gbps. Ideal for external hard drives, SSDs, and high-speed USB flash drives.
• USB 2.0 Ports (2x): Transfer data at speeds up to 480Mbps. Suitable for keyboards, mice, and other low-bandwidth peripherals.
• USB-C Data Port (1x): Offers 5Gbps data transfer for USB-C compatible devices.
• SD/TF Card Reader: Supports data transfer up to 104MB/s for SD and TF (MicroSD) cards.

Figure 8: The docking station connected to a laptop, demonstrating the use of USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfer with a USB flash drive and a wireless mouse receiver.

Figure 9: Visual representation of data transfer speeds: USB 3.0 at 5Gbps, USB 2.0 at 480Mbps, and TF/SD at 104MB/s.

4.3 Power Delivery (PD)

The dedicated USB-C PD charging port supports up to 100W power input, allowing you to charge your laptop while using the docking station and its connected peripherals. The actual power output to the laptop will be slightly less due to power consumption by the docking station itself (e.g., 87W output for 100W input).

Figure 10: The docking station receiving 100W power input from a wall adapter and delivering 87W output to the connected laptop, while also facilitating 5Gbps data transfer.

Figure 11: Icons representing 5Gbps Data Speed and 100W Power Delivery capabilities of the docking station.

4.4 Gigabit Ethernet

Connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ45 port for a stable and high-speed wired network connection up to 1000Mbps. This provides a reliable alternative to Wi-Fi, especially in environments with unstable wireless signals.

Figure 12: The docking station connected to a laptop with an Ethernet cable plugged into the Gigabit Ethernet port, indicating stable wired network conditions.

Figure 13: Visual representation of the 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet speed provided by the docking station.

4.5 Audio Port

The 3.5mm Audio Mic port allows you to connect wired headphones, earphones, or speakers, providing audio output and microphone input capabilities through the docking station.

5. Compatibility

The HODO HD055 docking station is compatible with laptops featuring a full-featured USB-C port, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 port. This includes, but is not limited to, the following models:

• Dell XPS 17 Laptop 9730/9710, XPS 16 Laptop 9640, XPS 15 Laptop 9530/9550/9560
• Dell Latitude 9450 2-in-1, 9440 2-in-1, 9430, 9330 2-in-1
• HP EliteBook 1040 G10 14 inch, 1040 G9 14inch, 860 G10 16 inch, 860 G9 16inch
• Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 6 (16″ Intel), 14 Gen 6 (14″ Intel), 14 Gen 4 (14″ Intel) Laptop
• Compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.

Note: For optimal performance, especially with multiple displays, ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode).

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using your HODO USB C Docking Station, please refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

HODO is committed to providing high-quality products and customer satisfaction. If you experience any issues with your USB C Docking Station, please contact our customer service team.

• Customer Service: We provide 24-hour customer service to assist you with any inquiries or problems.
• Contact Information: Please refer to the contact details provided with your product packaging or visit the official HODO store on Amazon for support options.
• Warranty: Specific warranty terms and conditions may apply. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For more information and product updates, visit the HODO Store on Amazon.