HODO USB C Docking Station Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the HODO Grey 9 IN 1 USB C Docking Station. This versatile adapter is designed to expand the connectivity of your USB-C enabled laptop, providing multiple display outputs, high-speed data transfer ports, and power delivery capabilities. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and maintenance of your new docking station to ensure optimal performance.

Image: The HODO 9-in-1 USB C Docking Station, showcasing its compact grey design and various connected cables for different ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and USB.

2. Key Features

• 9-in-1 Connectivity: This docking station offers a comprehensive set of ports including Dual HDMI 4K (1*60Hz & 1*30Hz), 1*8K@30Hz / 4K@144Hz DisplayPort, 1*1080P VGA, 1*5Gbps USB 3.0, 2*USB 2.0, 1*USB C Port for data, and a PD Port (max 100W) for charging.

  Image: A detailed diagram illustrating the various ports of the 9-in-1 USB C Hub, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-A 3.0, USB-A 2.0, and VGA, with their respective specifications.
• High-Resolution Display Outputs:
  • Single Display: HDMI can reach 8K@30Hz or 4K@144Hz.
  • Dual and Triple Display: Supports up to 4K Dual/Triple Display videos (for laptops with DP 1.4 DSC).
  • Quadruple Display: Dual HDMI, DP, and VGA all support 1080P@60Hz.

  Note: On MacOS, external monitors will display the same screen in both mirror and extended modes. If the VGA port is connected, it will affect the resolution of all displays, limiting them to 1080P only.

  

  Image: A visual comparison demonstrating 8K@30Hz/4K@144Hz clarity on a monitor, highlighting the high-resolution capabilities for laptops with DP 1.4 DSC.

  

  Image: A setup showing a laptop connected to two external 4K monitors, illustrating the dual 4K display capability for Windows laptops with DP 1.4 DSC.
• 100W USB C Power Delivery (PD) Charging: Supports up to 100W input and 87W (safe) output to your laptop.

  Note: Ensure your laptop's USB C port supports power delivery protocol. Use at least a 65W power adapter (not included) for charging. A lower wattage may cause system warnings. Power cord and power adapter are not included.

  

  Image: A diagram showing the HODO docking station connected to a laptop and a power adapter, illustrating the 100W power input and 85W output for pass-through charging.

• 5Gbps USB 3.0 Super Fast Data Transfer: Includes 1*USB 3.0 port (5Gbps) and 2*USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps), plus 1*USB C port for data. Allows for rapid file transfers and connection of peripherals like keyboards and mice without lag.

  Image: A visual representation of the USB 3.0 port's 5Gbps data transfer speed compared to 480Mbps, showing files being uploaded from a laptop via the docking station.
• Intelligent Detection Lights: Features a white "Working detection" light indicating proper connection and a blue "Compatibility detection" light to confirm if the laptop's USB-C port supports video output.

  Image: A close-up of the HODO docking station connected to a monitor, highlighting the working detection (white) and compatibility detection (blue) lights.

3. Setup Guide

The HODO 9 IN 1 Docking Station is designed for plug-and-play functionality, requiring no driver installation for most operating systems.

1. Connect to Laptop: Plug the USB-C cable from the docking station into a full-featured USB Type-C port on your laptop. Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports Display, Charging, and Data Transfer protocols.
2. Connect Displays: Connect your external monitors to the desired video output ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA) on the docking station using appropriate cables.
3. Connect Peripherals: Plug in your USB devices (keyboard, mouse, external drives) into the available USB 3.0, USB 2.0, or USB C data ports.
4. Power Delivery (Optional): If your laptop requires charging, connect your laptop's power adapter (minimum 65W, not included) to the PD Port on the docking station.
5. Verify Connection: Check the "Working detection" (white) and "Compatibility detection" (blue) lights on the docking station to ensure proper connection and video output support.

4. Operating Instructions

Display Modes (Windows)

For Windows systems, the docking station supports various display configurations:

• Mirror Mode: Duplicate your laptop's screen across all connected external monitors.
• Extend Mode: Extend your desktop across multiple external monitors, allowing for increased workspace.
• Quad Display: Achieve up to four external displays at 1080P@60Hz (Dual HDMI, DP, and VGA) for comprehensive multi-tasking.

Image: A visual guide to Mirror Mode, Extend Mode, and Quad Display configurations for Windows operating systems, showing various resolution outputs.

Display Modes (MacOS)

Due to MacOS system limitations, external monitors will display the same screen, whether in mirror mode or extended mode. MacOS does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for extended displays across multiple external monitors.

Image: A visual representation of display modes for MacOS, indicating that non-mirror mode will still show the same content on all external displays due to MST limitations.

Power Delivery

The PD port allows you to charge your laptop through the docking station. Connect your laptop's original power adapter to the PD port. The docking station can deliver up to 87W of power to your laptop while simultaneously supporting data and video functions.

5. Compatibility

This USB C Docking Station is specifically designed for laptops with a full-featured USB Type-C port that supports Display, Charging, and Data Transfer protocols (Thunderbolt 3/4, USB-C 3.1 Gen1/Gen2 with DP, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1/Gen2 with DP).

Image: A guide illustrating different USB-C port icons and their functionalities (Thunderbolt Full Function, With DP Alt Mode, Data+Displayport alt vs. Data Transfer Only, Charging Only), advising users to check their laptop's port before purchase.

Compatible Devices (Partial List):

• Dell: XPS 12 2-IN-1 9250, XPS 13/15/17, Latitude series (e.g., 3540, 3440, 3420, 3520), Alienware Gaming Laptops (x14, x15, x16, x17 R2, m16, m18).
• HP: Spectre Laptop 13-af001TU, Spectre x360, Elite x2 1012, Elitebook Folio G1, ZBook 15 G3, Envy series (e.g., 16-h1047nr, x360 13-bd0080ng), EliteBook 855 G8, EliteBook G7, EliteBook 860 G10/G9.
• Lenovo: Thinkpad, Yoga, Legion Slim 5/9, ThinkBook 14/16, Lenovo T14/T15.
• Microsoft Surface: Surface Pro 7/8, Surface Go 4/3, Surface Laptop 5/4, Surface Laptop Studio 2/2+.
• Apple: MacBook Pro/Air (2018-2023), iMac/iMac mini (2018-2023), iPad/Pro (2018-Newest).
• Other: Samsung Galaxy, Acer, ASUS (select models).

Image: A chart indicating compatibility with various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, and Android.

6. Specifications

7. Troubleshooting

• No Display/Incorrect Resolution:
  • Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports video output (DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt).
  • Check all cable connections between the docking station, laptop, and monitors.
  • If experiencing issues with higher resolutions, reconnect the hub and lower the display resolution within your computer's settings to a level supported by your graphics card's bandwidth.
  • Remember that MacOS does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST), meaning all external monitors will mirror each other.
  • Connecting the VGA port will limit all displays to 1080P.
• Charging Issues:
  • Verify your laptop's USB-C port supports Power Delivery.
  • Use a power adapter of at least 65W (100W recommended for optimal performance) connected to the PD port.
  • Ensure the power adapter and cable are functioning correctly.
• USB Devices Not Working:
  • Ensure the docking station is properly powered (if applicable).
  • Try connecting the USB device directly to your laptop to confirm functionality.
  • Some high-power USB devices may require direct connection to the laptop or an external power source.

8. Maintenance

• Keep the docking station in a dry environment and away from extreme temperatures.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.
• Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the device during prolonged use to prevent overheating.

9. Warranty and Support

HODO is committed to providing high-quality products and customer satisfaction. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your HODO USB C Docking Station, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team.

Protection Plans:

• 3-Year Protection Plan: Available for purchase.
• 4-Year Protection Plan: Available for purchase.
• Complete Protect: Monthly plan covering eligible past and future purchases.

For direct assistance, please reach out to us. We aim to resolve any problems within 24 hours.

You can also visit the official HODO Store for more information and products: HODO Store on Amazon