USB-C dock

[xmixahlx]

So... trying to collect accessories before my ANSI PBP arrives... do we know what usb-c docks are working? (with any kernel, stock or manjaro, etc.)

Looking at options for usb-c to hdmi only, or a usb-c dock with: power delivery, gigabit ethernet, hdmi, usb 3.0.

Examples:

Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFW2G3K/
Cable Matters USB-C Dock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0K0DL2/

HDMI is the immediate need.

Thanks.

[tophneal]

So... trying to collect accessories before my ANSI PBP arrives... do we know what usb-c docks are working? (with any kernel, stock or manjaro, etc.)

Looking at options for usb-c to hdmi only, or a usb-c dock with: power delivery, gigabit ethernet, hdmi, usb 3.0.

Examples:

Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFW2G3K/
Cable Matters USB-C Dock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0K0DL2/

HDMI is the immediate need.

Thanks.

Here's the wiki page where working accessories are being cataloged.

[Arwen]

So... trying to collect accessories before my ANSI PBP arrives... do we know what usb-c docks are working? (with any kernel, stock or manjaro, etc.)

Looking at options for usb-c to hdmi only, or a usb-c dock with: power delivery, gigabit ethernet, hdmi, usb 3.0.

Examples:

Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFW2G3K/
Cable Matters USB-C Dock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0K0DL2/

HDMI is the immediate need.

Thanks.

I too collect information on potential accessories before purchasing a computer. But, wait til after your Pinebook Pro arrives. Some places, like Amazon, will let you return the device within 30 days if it does not work for you.


The first should work fine, as it specifically mentions the words below. Please note that since it's a single purpose device, it can support 4K @ 60hz, (though on a Pinebook Pro's RK3399 SoC, graphics speed may be limited).

USBC TO HDMI adapter requires DisplayPort Alternate Mode to view video over USB-C.

And the second should work, because it mentions similar key words as below. However, since it's a multi-function device, it can NOT support 4K @ 60hz, only at 30hz. Basically 1/2 of the bandwidth is for USB 3 5Gbps to both pass on for the Dock's USB ports. And the Dock's USB to Gigabit Ethernet port. Last, you may find it more reliable to supply power to both the Dock and your Pinebook Pro through USB C Power Delivery.

DisplayPort Alternate mode support is required to connect a monitor with HDMI

Here is a section of the Wiki that has some details, (in case you, or another reader has not seen it yet);

Wiki - Pinebook Pro - USB_docks, USB C alternate mode video

As usual, feel free to correct, improve or comment, (good or politely bad).

[xmixahlx]

Thanks! I look forward to adding to this database! In the meantime... if there are actual recommended equipment, that would be a useful sticky/reference.

[killed2]

So far I haven't had much luck with the Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPGWQ15

My results have been similar to @jabo .
Power pass through works.

Doesn't work:
HDMI video out.
USB accessories (keyboard and mouse)
SD reader
Ethernet

EDIT: Using stock Debian/Mate image

I tested with the Ubuntu-Mate image (using @Wizzard 's excellent tutorial)
Everything on the dock is working! This is fantastic!

EDIT:
Upon closer inspection, everything is working except ethernet, as discussed later in this thread.

I have a Novoo USB C Hub 6 Port Aluminium USB-C Adapter (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07FP9F...UTF8&psc=1)
When using Ubuntu (bionic-mate-pinebookpro-0.9.16-1163-armhf) HDMI is working. On Manjaro or the preinstalled Debian it is not.

[Arwen]

I've got a USB C dock that I was finally able to starting testing. The items I tested, (DisplayPort out @ 1080p, USB to keyboard & mouse, and 1Gbps Ethernet), all work.

It is a goFanco USB-C MST Dual Display Docking Station with;

• DisplayPort video out
  
• HDMI video out
  
• Dual USB 3 out
  
• USB-C power in
  
• 1Gbps Ethernet
  
• SD card slot, (full size)
  

Testing is still on-going, and use of the DisplayPort video out is odd. But, that is likely a local issue to me. I have a USB 3 switch for my keyboard & mouse. When I switch destinations, the Pinebook Pro may disable / re-enable my DisplayPort video. I would guess with a dedicated keyboard, mouse and monitor, there would not be problems.

[Luke]

I've got a USB C dock that I was finally able to starting testing. The items I tested, (DisplayPort out @ 1080p, USB to keyboard & mouse, and 1Gbps Ethernet), all work.

It is a goFanco USB-C MST Dual Display Docking Station with;

• DisplayPort video out
  
• HDMI video out
  
• Dual USB 3 out
  
• USB-C power in
  
• 1Gbps Ethernet
  
• SD card slot, (full size)
  

Testing is still on-going, and use of the DisplayPort video out is odd. But, that is likely a local issue to me. I have a USB 3 switch for my keyboard & mouse. When I switch destinations, the Pinebook Pro may disable / re-enable my DisplayPort video. I would guess with a dedicated keyboard, mouse and monitor, there would not be problems.

That smearing on HDMI issue isn't just an issue related to your dock -- its some flawed RK comit that we cant identify happened 2 default OS updates ago ... sigh. Still trying to track it down. Its not present if you mirror the display only in extended mode.

[DrYak]

On my side I have found a cheap USB-C (aliexrpess linky) that has 2x USB-3, HDMI, Network, USB-C powerdelivery.

All working on Manjaro ARM with mainline kernel 5.5:

[P8ntBal1551]

I picked up this Startech USB-C dock: dual Displayport, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 100W power delivery (way more than the PBP needs, of course, but powers my partner's high-end Dell machine with ease)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JZHVKFJ/

I'm running the default Debian install (updated) on my PBP, and I have two basic VGA 22" widescreen 1080p monitors connected via simple DP > VGA cables.

I can't verify that the ethernet or usb 3.0 works as I haven't used either of those yet, but I can say that it charges and displays on both monitors just fine. However, the two monitors act as one secondary monitor (they are mirrored) with the PBP screen as primary. Not sure at this point if it's a limitation on the PBP's ability to drive three 1080p monitors, compatibility with the dock (it is billed as Mac/Windows, but that never explicitly means it won't work with Linux), or if moving to Ubuntu-Mate will help (as seems to help with a variety of things).

Hey deviantgnome, were you ever able to get them to display independently?

For that matter, has anyone been able to get the PBP to have 2 external monitors? I need a machine at work that is able to run dual 1080p monitors....and that's about it. Most of my work is remoteing into other computers. I was thinking the PBP would be a perfect fit, good price and runs Linux natively, but I haven't been able to confirm it can drive 2 monitors.

Thanks

[sinistermrcream]

I've tried two different hubs with mixed results:

Anker USB C Adapter, Classic 3-in-1 USB-C Hub (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RN6RTXD/ref...kEbSBKG247)
- HDMI connection worked well. No configuration needed - plug and play
- USB-C power in worked fine
- USB-A did not work, solo or in combination with USB-C power in. Tried mouse and storage, neither being recognized, but both work when used in the PBP USB-A ports.

Aukey USB C ultra slim 4 USB 3.0 Ports (https://www.amazon.com/AUKEY-Adapter-Mac...379&sr=1-1)
- Nothing worked. Light came on showing it was drawing power, but no USB peripheral was recognized.

Personally I am keeping the Anker because I bought it for the HDMI and power in. The extra USB port was a bonus if it had worked.
The Aukey is going back as it makes no sense for any other device I own.

Anyway, posted for reference if it will help anyone.