HODO USB C Docking Station

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the HODO USB C Docking Station. This versatile 9-in-1 hub 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 docking station to ensure optimal performance.

2. Key Features

• 9-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with 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 Data Port, and a PD Port (max 100W).
• Multi-Display Support: Supports up to Quad Display for Windows systems. For single display, HDMI can reach 8K@30Hz or 4K@144Hz. For dual and triple displays, it can output up to 4K videos (for laptops with DP 1.4 DSC). Quadruple display supports 1080P@60Hz across all outputs.
• Power Delivery (PD 100W): Supports up to 100W input and 87W safe output to charge your laptop. A 65W or higher power adapter (not included) is recommended for stable charging.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: Features one USB 3.0 port with speeds up to 5Gbps for rapid file transfers, and two USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps) for connecting peripherals like keyboards and mice without lag.
• Wide Compatibility: Designed for laptops with full-featured USB Type-C ports (supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode, charging, and data transfer protocols), including Dell XPS, Latitude, Lenovo Thinkpad, Yoga, HP Elitebook, Envy, Surface Pro, and MacBook Pro/Air.

3. Package Contents

Please ensure all items are present and in good condition:

• HODO USB C Docking Station (Black 9 IN 1 Model)
• Instruction Manual

4. Setup Guide

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

1. Verify Laptop Compatibility:

   Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) and Power Delivery. Not all USB-C ports are full-featured. Refer to your laptop's specifications or the diagrams below.

   

   Figure 4.1: Check your laptop's USB-C port functionality.

   

   Figure 4.2: Examples of compatible devices and operating systems.

   

   Figure 4.3: Examples of incompatible devices.

2. Connect the Docking Station to your Laptop:

   Plug the integrated USB-C cable from the docking station into a full-featured USB-C port on your laptop.

   

   Figure 4.4: Overview of the HODO USB C Docking Station and its ports.

3. Connect External Displays:

   Connect your monitors to the docking station using the available HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), and VGA ports. The docking station supports various display configurations as detailed in the 'Operating Instructions' section.

   

   Figure 4.5: Detailed view of the 9-in-1 Multi Display USB C Hub ports.

4. Connect USB Peripherals:

   Plug your USB devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, external hard drives, USB flash drives) into the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports on the docking station.

   

   Figure 4.6: High-speed data transfer via USB 3.0 ports.

5. Connect Power Adapter (Optional but Recommended):

   For stable performance and laptop charging, connect your laptop's power adapter (at least 65W, not included) to the PD (Power Delivery) USB-C port on the docking station. This allows pass-through charging to your laptop.

   

   Figure 4.7: PD 100W Pass-through Charging setup.

6. Observe Detection Lights:

   The docking station features two detection lights: a white 'Working Detection Lamp' indicating proper connection to the laptop, and a blue 'Screen Detection Light' indicating video output support from your laptop's USB-C port.

   

   Figure 4.8: Understanding the detection lights.

5. Operating Instructions

The HODO USB C Docking Station supports various display modes depending on your operating system and laptop's DisplayPort (DP) version.

5.1 Windows Multi-Display Modes

For Windows systems, the docking station supports Mirror Mode, Extend Mode, and Quad Display. Optimal performance for 4K resolutions requires a laptop with DP 1.4 DSC (Display Stream Compression).

Figure 5.1: Multiple Display Modes for Windows.

Figure 5.2: Dual 4K Display setup for Windows.

Figure 5.3: Quad Display setup for Windows.

Figure 5.4: Windows Single Display Resolution Options.

Figure 5.5: Windows Dual Display Resolution Options.

Figure 5.6: Windows Triple Display Resolution Options.

Figure 5.7: Windows Quad Display Resolution Options.

5.2 macOS Multi-Display Modes

Due to limitations in macOS, Multi-Stream Transport (MST) is not supported. External monitors will display the same screen (mirror mode) or extend from the laptop's display, but not as independent extended displays beyond the first external monitor.

Figure 5.8: Multiple Display Modes for macOS.

Figure 5.9: macOS Quad Display Resolution Options.

5.3 Important Note on Resolution Support

While this hub supports higher resolutions, the actual output resolution is determined by your computer's graphics card bandwidth. If your graphics card's bandwidth is insufficient for the hub's advertised resolution and you attempt to set the display to that higher resolution, you may experience system freezes or an unresponsive cursor. Should this occur, reconnect the hub and lower the display resolution within your computer's settings to a level supported by your graphics card's bandwidth.

Figure 5.10: Resolution Support Warning.

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HODO USB C Docking Station, please follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface of the docking station. Avoid using liquid cleaners or aerosols, as they may damage the device.
• Storage: Store the docking station in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts. Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the docking station, as this will void the warranty and may cause damage.
• Cable Care: Do not bend or pull the integrated USB-C cable excessively. Ensure cables are not tangled or pinched.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your HODO USB C Docking Station, please refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Display Output:
  • Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
  • Check all cable connections (USB-C to laptop, HDMI/DP/VGA to monitors).
  • Verify that the 'Screen Detection Light' on the docking station is blue.
  • Try restarting your laptop and reconnecting the docking station.
  • Update your laptop's graphics drivers.
• Intermittent Display/Connection:
  • Ensure a stable power supply to the docking station, especially when using multiple displays or power-hungry devices. A 100W power supply is recommended.
  • Check for loose connections.
  • Reduce the number of connected peripherals or displays to see if the issue resolves.
• Laptop Not Charging:
  • Ensure your laptop's USB-C port supports Power Delivery.
  • Verify that your power adapter (not included) is connected to the PD port on the docking station and provides sufficient wattage (at least 65W, 100W recommended).
• USB Devices Not Recognized:
  • Ensure the docking station is properly connected to your laptop (white 'Working Detection Lamp' should be on).
  • Try connecting the USB device to a different port on the docking station.
  • Ensure the device drivers are installed on your laptop.

Figure 7.1: Additional troubleshooting tips and notes.

If you experience any issues not covered here, or if the problem persists, please reach out to HODO customer support for assistance.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the contact details provided with your product packaging or visit the official HODO website. HODO is committed to providing excellent customer service and will assist with any operational problems or questions you may have.

Contact information for support is typically available on the manufacturer's website or through the retailer where the product was purchased.