UGREEN Revodok Max 2131 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station User Manual

1. Product Overview

1.1 Interface Layout (Front/Rear Panels)

The docking station features a variety of ports on its front and rear panels.

Front Panel Ports:

• DC Input (1): Connects to the provided power adapter.
• Thunderbolt 5 Downstream Port (2): Connects to your laptop using the provided Thunderbolt 5 cable. Provides charging for your laptop at up to 140W PD.
• USB-A 3.0 Port x2 (4): Each port provides a data transfer speed of up to 5Gbps.
• Ethernet Port (5): Connects to an Ethernet network with speeds up to 2.5Gbps.
• USB-A/USB-C 3.2 Port x3 (6): Each port provides a data transfer speed of up to 10Gbps.
• TF Card Reader (7): Inserts compatible memory cards (TF). Provides data transfer speeds of up to 312MB/s, compatible with SD 4.0 / 3.0, UHS-II / UHS-I, SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SD, and Micro SDH.
• SD Card Reader (8): Inserts compatible memory cards (SD).
• Audio Jack (9): Connects headphones or devices with a 3.5 mm AUX connector.
• Power Button (10): Press once to power on/off.
• Indicator (11):
  • Green Light On: Docking station is powered but not connected to any host device.
  • Blue Light On: Docking station is successfully connected to a host device.
  • Light Off: Docking station is powered off.
  • Green Light Flashing: Abnormal power supply.
  • Blue Light Flashing: CC protocol communication failure.

Rear Panel Ports:

• Thunderbolt 5 Downstream Port x3 (3, 4): Connect external hard drives or monitors that support Thunderbolt / USB-C DP Alt Mode, with a maximum resolution of up to 8K. Note: To achieve maximum resolution, the connected device must support 8K. Charge your devices at up to 15W. Support data transfer via Thunderbolt 5 / 4 (over USB-C) and USB-C ports for USB 3 / USB 4. Support video streaming via Thunderbolt 5 / 4 (over USB-C) and USB-C DP Alt Mode.

1.2 Input & Output Specifications

2. Video Output Modes

Note: The images below are for reference only. You can customize the settings on the laptop for different output modes.

2.1 For Windows OS

1. Via Thunderbolt 5 laptops:

• Mode 1: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (A), Display 2 (A), Display 3 (A).
• Mode 2: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (B), Display 2 (B), Display 3 (B).
• Mode 3: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (B), Display 2 (C), Display 3 (D).

2. Via Thunderbolt 4 & USB 4 laptops:

• Mode 1: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (A), Display 2 (A).
• Mode 2: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (B), Display 2 (B).
• Mode 3: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (B), Display 2 (C).

3. Via USB-C DP Alt Mode laptops:

• Mode 1: Laptop (A) connected to Display (A).
• Mode 2: Laptop (A) connected to Display (B).

2.2 For macOS

1. For M4 Standard/Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M1 Pro/Max, Intel chip with thunderbolt 3 with macOS 15 or later:

• Mode 1: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (A), Display 2 (A).
• Mode 2: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (B), Display 2 (B).
• Mode 3: Laptop (A) connected to Display 1 (B), Display 2 (C).

2. For M1 / M2 / M3 Standard with macOS 15 or later:

• Mode 1: Laptop (A) connected to Display (A).
• Mode 2: Laptop (A) connected to Display (B).

2.3 Summary

3. Video Resolution and Refresh Rates

1. The table below shows the maximum supported specifications for this docking station. Actual display output may vary depending on the host devices and connected cables.

2. MacBooks connected to this docking station need to be running macOS 15 or above.

3. Some specific USB 4 laptops do not support to connect dual monitors via the docking station.

4. "/" means the devices are not supported.

5. When using USB-C to DP or USB-C to HDMI cables, ensure the cables' maximum supported resolution and refresh rates are ≥ the target output resolution and refresh rate. UGREEN adapter/cable is recommended.

6. Outputting dual 8K@60Hz displays or triple 4K@120Hz displays may impose significant load on the host computer's resources. This could potentially result in slow performance or unexpected system restarts.

3.1 High-Resolution Settings

3.2 High-Refresh Rate Settings

4. Using the Docking Station

1. Connect the DC plug of the power adapter to the docking station's DC port, and plug the AC plug of the power adapter into a power outlet. The indicator on the docking station will then turn green, confirming power supply is active.
2. Connect your laptop to the Thunderbolt 5 upstream port on the docking station using the provided Thunderbolt 5 cable. The indicator will turn blue, confirming the docking station has connected to host devices.
3. Connect other devices and enjoy.

5. Specifications & Safety Warnings

5.1 Specifications

5.2 Safety Warnings

• Keep the Docking Station away from liquids and moisture. Exposure to liquids can result in damages, electric shock and fire hazard.
• Always unplug the device from the electrical outlet if there is a risk of lightning or if it will be unused for an extended period-of-time. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, or fire.
• Protect your device from excessive exposure to dust during use or storage. Dust can build up inside the device, increasing the risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, or fire.
• Please do not block or cover the heat sink on the device. It helps to keep the device cool during operation.
• Please do not attempt to repair or open the device yourself. Doing so can result in personal injury, damage the device, and will void the warranty. If you have any issues, please contact UGREEN Technical Support if necessary.
• For data safety, please do not directly disconnect the storage device from this product. Before disconnecting, please safely remove the external device from the computer.
• If not in use for prolonged periods, please carefully store the product to avoid dust and humidity.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Cannot Connect to The Laptop or Stops Working Intermittently

1. Software Version Compatibility:
   • Compatible with Windows 10 (23H2 or newer) and macOS 15.0 or later. Linux systems are not supported.
   • Before use, it is recommended to update the following drivers for your laptop: system BIOS, graphics driver, Thunderbolt driver & firmware, and Ethernet driver. Note: Outdated BIOS or drivers may cause the system to fail to recognize the docking station or affect its performance. Visit each hardware manufacturer's support page to obtain the latest drivers.
2. Compatibility Issues:
   • Ensure your laptop is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or USB4. Windows systems with Thunderbolt 3 are not supported.
   • The following tested incompatible products:
     • Lenovo Xiaoxin Pro16 IAH7 2022
     • Lenovo X1 (i7-1185G7)
     • Xiaomi 15PRO Laptop
     • Huawei MateBook 14 2023
     • DELL XPS 15 Book (i5-9300H)
     • Dell Latitude 7740
     • HP Elitebook 840 G6 (Intel i5-8365U)
     • Huawei MateBook X Pro 2024
     • ASUS ZenBook Flips (i7-1165G7)
3. Cable Requirements: Use the included Thunderbolt 5 cable with the docking station. Using uncertified or incompatible cables may cause product malfunctions.
4. Power Supply Issues:
   • Use the provided power adapter with the docking station. Non-original adapters are not recommended.
   • Check that the power switch on the product is set to ON, and try pressing it multiple times.
5. Interface Troubleshooting:
   • Try connecting the docking station to another Thunderbolt/USB4 USB-C port (if available) on your Laptop. If the other port works, the original host port may have physical damage or internal failure.
   • If all steps above fail: Contact the docking station manufacturer's technical support and provide your computer model, OS version, and troubleshooting steps taken.

6.2 Cannot Connect to a Monitor or Dual/Triple Monitors

1. Please follow 6.1 steps to make sure the dock is working.
2. Please refer to 2.3 summary in this manual to check the video output capability of the laptop and confirm that the device supports dual/triple-screen output.
3. Try a different display cable or monitor, ensuring the monitor's USB-C port supports video input if using a Thunderbolt port for screen mirroring, and verify the monitor is on the correct input.
4. Disconnect the dock from your computer and all connected devices for at least 5 minutes, then reconnect after rebooting your laptop to test if the issue is fixed.

6.3 Ethernet Port does not Support 2.5Gbps Internet Speed

Note: The Ethernet port of our docking station shares bandwidth with the USB interface(s) via the common USB bus. If the USB interface is engaged in high-speed data transfer, it may cause temporary network speed degradation due to bandwidth contention on the USB bus. This is a normal operational behavior in USB-based docking solutions when multiple high-bandwidth functions are used concurrently.

1. Verify Ethernet Cable: Ensure you're using a CAT6 or higher Ethernet cable (CAT5e may not support 2.5Gbps). Test with a known working 2.5Gbps-compatible cable.
2. Router/Switch Support: Confirm your router/switch port supports 2.5Gbps (check manufacturer specs). Plug the dock directly into the router's 2.5Gbps port (if available).
3. Check Network Adapter Settings:
   • Windows: Press Win + X > Select Device Manager > Expand Network adapters. Right-click the dock's Ethernet adapter > Select Properties. Click the Advanced tab > In the “Property” list, select Speed & Duplex. Ensure the value is set to Auto Negotiation or manually select 2.5 Gbps Full Duplex (if available). Restart your computer and test again.
   • macOS: Go to System Settings > Network > Select the dock's Ethernet connection. Click Advanced > Go to the Hardware tab. Under "Configure”, select Manually > Set “Speed” to 2.5 Gbps and “Duplex” to Full. If "2.5 Gbps” isn't an option, reset to Automatic and ensure the router supports auto-negotiation for 2.5Gbps. Restart your Mac and test.
4. Update Drivers/Firmware: Please confirm drivers/firmware are up to date.
5. Test in Isolated Environment:
   • Bypass the Dock: Connect your computer directly to the router with the same Ethernet cable. Test speeds.
   • Disable Other Devices: Temporarily disconnect all other devices from the router to eliminate bandwidth congestion.
   • Turn Off VPN/Proxy: These can limit throughput; disable them temporarily for testing.

6.4 USB-A or USB-C port Stops Working or Functions Intermittently

1. Unplug the docking station from your laptop and all attached devices for a minimum of 5 minutes. After restarting your laptop, reconnect all components to determine if the issue has been resolved.
2. Verify whether peripheral devices operate correctly when directly connected to the laptop without the docking station.
3. Attempt using a different functional USB A or USB-C device to assess whether the port itself is defective.
4. If possible, test the dock with an alternative laptop to ascertain whether the problem persists.

6.5 SD Port or Micro SD Port is not Working

1. Unplug the docking station from your laptop and all attached devices for a minimum of 5 minutes. After restarting your laptop, reconnect all components to determine if the issue has been resolved.
2. Make sure the card is fully inserted into the port.
3. Try using a different SD card.
4. If possible, test the dock with an alternative laptop to ascertain whether the problem persists.

6.6 Audio Port is not Working

1. Unplug the docking station from your laptop and all attached devices for a minimum of 5 minutes. After restarting your laptop, reconnect all components to determine if the issue has been resolved.
2. Go to system settings to select the right audio output.
3. If possible, test the dock with an alternative laptop to ascertain whether the problem persists.
4. Try using a different pair of headphones.

7. FAQ

7.1 Compatibility Related

Q1: Does this dock work with Thunderbolt 4 or 3 laptops? How do I check compatibility?
A: This dock does not support Thunderbolt 3 laptops but is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or USB4 laptops. Please note, some USB4 laptops may not support dual monitors with our docking station. For MacBooks, please make sure that the macOS is 15 or later.

Q2: Can I use any USB-C to USB-C cable to replace the included Thunderbolt 5 cable?
A: No, please use the included Thunderbolt 5 cable or certified Thunderbolt 5 cables only. Using uncertified or incompatible cables may cause functionality issues.

Q3: Is it normal for a pop up screen to appear on my MacBook asking to allow the docking station(accessory) to connect?
A: This is a new security feature in MacBook laptops containing Apple silicon and macOS 13 or later. When using the Thunderbolt connection for the first time with your MacBook, please select "Allow" so that your MacBook can recognize the docking station and enable its charging, data transmission, and video streaming features.

Q4: Can I connect an external GPU to this docking station on my Silicon chip MacBook?
A: NO Apple Silicon-based Macs (including M1, M2, M3, and M4 models) lack support for external graphics processing units (eGPUs). This limitation is enforced at the system level by Apple: macOS will neither recognize nor utilize an eGPU, even if connected via an external docking station.

7.2 Display Related

Q5: Can I connect a monitor to the front USB-C ports?
A: No, the front USB C ports are for 20W charging and data transfer, such as for phones, hard drives, webcams, and printers, and do not support video output. Only the rear Thunderbolt downstream ports can connect to monitors.

Q6: Can I use a USB-C to HDMI or DP adapter/cable on the Thunderbolt downstream ports to connect a second HDMI or DP monitor?
A: Sure. When using USB-C to DP or USB-C to HDMI adapter/cable, ensure the its maximum supported resolution and refresh rates are ≥ the target output resolution and refresh rate. UGREEN adapter/cable is recommended.

Q7: Why isn't the resolution of my monitor reaching the desired specifications after connecting to the dock?
A: Key factors affecting performance include:

• Monitor DSC Enablement: Monitors must have Display Stream Compression (DSC) activated to support high resolutions (e.g., 8K). In multi-display setups, disabled DSC on any monitor may overload bandwidth, preventing other displays from reaching target resolutions.
• Host System Requirements: Ensure compatibility with Thunderbolt 5/4 or USB4 for adequate bandwidth. Enable DSC on both the monitor and host (consult manufacturer guides). Verify Thunderbolt/USB4 support, especially for multi-display use, to avoid resolution issues.

Q8: When activating HDR, why does my laptop screen shutter or refuse to turn on after connecting a Thunderbolt/DP cord and selecting 8K/30Hz or 4K/60Hz?
A: Since memory on a laptop graphics card is limited, lag may exist in the event high graphic quality takes up too much memory. If you meet such an issue, we suggest you turn off the HDR to release occupied memory.

Q9: The monitor displays correctly after a black screen when plugging and unplugging the dock, is it normal?
A: Yes. The monitor will display images after the EDID reading. This usually takes about 10s.

Q10: How to deal with a black screen and display flickering when connecting to an external monitor?
A: Please follow the steps below:

1. Please unplug and plug the Thunderbolt ports, and ensure there is an interval of more than 3 seconds.
2. Please try to lower the resolution and refresh rate.
3. Try another Thunderbolt cable.
4. Restart the laptop.

7.3 Charging Related

Q11: Why does my phone or pad displays "Not Charging" or "Low Charging Power" when connected to the front USB-C port, even though the power supply is up to 20W?
A: Here are some possible reasons.

1. Incompatible or Damaged Cables: A 20W PD setup (≥3A current) requires a USB-C E-Marker cable (certified to communicate max current/voltage). Non-E-Marker cables default to 5V/3A (15W) or lower.
2. Charging Protocol Mismatch: If the front port only supports USB 2.0 charging (5V/2.4A=12W) but your device expects USB PD (e.g., iPad Pro requiring 9V/2.22A for 20W), it will fail to negotiate higher power.
3. Device-Side Limitations: Your phone/tablet may restrict charging due to:
   • Battery Temperature: Cold batteries (≤5°C) or overheated batteries (>45°C) throttle charging to protect cells.
   • High Power Consumption: If the device is under heavy use (e.g., gaming, 4K video playback), it may draw more power than the port provides, causing "Not Charging" (net power = 0).
   • Battery Health: A degraded battery (cycle count >500) may reject fast charging to prolong lifespan.

Q12: Why does my laptop display a "Low Power Charging" notification even though it is advertised to support 140W charging?
A: Here are some possible reasons.

1. Cable Compatibility: Use a USB-C E-Marker cable (rated for 5A current). Standard USB-C cables (≤3A) cannot support 140W.
2. Check Laptop PD Version: Verify your laptop's USB-C port supports charging and that it is compatible with the Power Delivery 3.1 (PD 3.1) protocol. Some laptops use proprietary charging protocols, which are fully compatible only with their original adapters, and thus, may show a low-power notification when using third-party docks.
3. Thermal Throttling: Overheating in the dock or laptop can reduce charging power.
4. Firmware/Software Mismatches: Outdated firmware or power management settings disrupt PD negotiation:
   • Windows: Update Chipset Drivers: Install the latest Intel/AMD chipset drivers. Power Plan Settings: Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Select "High Performance".
   • macOS: SMC Reset: For Intel Macs, shut down > Press Shift+Control+Option+Power button > Wait 10 seconds. System Firmware Update: Ensure macOS is updated to the latest version.

7.4 Safety Related

Q13: Is it normal for my docking station to get warm or hot?
A: As is the case with most electronic devices, the increased warmth is expected and does not represent a safety issue under normal operation, particularly if in use for extended periods of time. To accommodate the increase in temperature, the docking station is equipped with a bulit-in silicone pad to keep the temperature range within 32°F ~ 104°F(0°C ~ 40°C) while in an environment temperature of around 25°C/77°F.

8. Technical Support

If you run into any issues while using the dock, please contact UGREEN Technical Support. Please contact us at any time by following these steps:

1. Go to "Your Orders".
2. Next to the relevant order, click "Problem with order".
3. Click "Contact Seller" and send your message to us.