Dual read/write on the SD and MicroSD slots is not supported on the UDS-7IN1 when using DeX compatible devices. Currently, there are no available updates to provide simultaneous read/write when using the SD and micro SD ports. This is a limitation with DeX and not the hardware.  

iPadOS will support dual read/write but is limited to a single process such as playing music or videos from either SD or MicroSD slot. This is a limitation with iPadOS and not the hardware.  

Please note that multiplexing with the SD and microSD ports is available when using Windows or macOS.

Stage Manager expands the ability to resize, arrange, and overlap multiple windows enabling the user to multitask on the iPad screen or an external monitor that is connected to your UDS-7IN1. Stage Manager comes with many enhancements where you can now access the full resolution of your external monitor (up to a 6K resolution), move windows and apps between monitors, have a total of eight applications open at a time, and even create groups to help organize your workflow. 

This document will cover some new features of Stage Manager and provide steps on how to set up your UDS-7IN1 with the iPad.

Stage Manager is supported with the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
• iPad Air (5th generation)

iPadOS 16.2 or later adds the ability to move apps and windows to an external display. The following models are supported:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Air (5th generation)

We recommend updating iPadOS to the latest version. To update to the latest iPadOS go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Connecting your iPad to the UDS-7IN1

1. Connect the USB-C power adapter that came with your iPad (or iPhone) to the USB-C power passthrough port on the UDS-1IN1 (located on the back). **Please note that the UDS-7IN1 can support power input up to 100W. 

2. Next, use an HDMI to HDMI cable to connect your monitor. Connect the HDMI cable from the monitor to the back HDMI port on the UDS-7IN1.

Finally, connect your iPad (or iPhone) to the “To Host” USB-C port on the right side of the unit using the USB-C cable that came with the UDS-7IN1.

Once connected Stage Manager will automatically start and your iPad or iPhone will begin to display video to the external monitor.

Turning Stage Manager On and Off

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Stage Manager button

Using your External Monitor in Extend or Mirror mode

To set your external monitor to mirror or extend you can do so by going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Arrangement. 

In the Arrangement setting, you can select or deselect the Mirror Display option and even arrange your external monitor to reflect how the monitor is orientated on the desktop.

When the external monitor is set to mirror it will duplicate the iPad screen. When set to extend your external monitor will act as an extension of the iPad screen allowing the user to move applications by simply dragging the application to the monitor.

Grouping Applications

When using multiple applications you can group them together to help organize tasks or projects. When applications are grouped you can reposition, resize, and overlap windows. 

To group applications into another app simply tap and hold the app (this can be done with dock apps as well) and drag the app to the currently open window. 

Likewise, you can also,

• Tap the *** in the opened app and add another Window
• Add apps from the Library
• Tap and drag apps in the recent apps list

View or Disable recent Apps list

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
2.  Touch and hold 
3. The Show Recent Apps and Dock will appear

Here you can select or deselect the recent Apps list

Moving Apps between Screens

To drag an app between your iPad screen and external monitor,

1. Tap and hold the top of the app window and move it from one screen to the other
2. Tap the *** in the opened app and select "Move to Display"
3. If you want to move an app simply tap and hold the app icon and drag it from one screen to the other

Zooming 

Enabling the Zoom feature will allow more space when using multiple apps. you are now able to have four “floating” app windows on the screen at a single time. And if you connect your iPad to an external monitor, you can have up to eight apps open at once.

To enable Zoom,

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad

2. Tap Display & Brightness in the left sidebar

3. Select the Display

4. Under the Display section, tap Display Zoom

5. Select More Space from the list of options

This article will describe the connection and setup process for a Samsung DeX enabled device and the UDS-7IN1. These steps can also be applied to most devices that provide a DisplayPort Alternate Mode connection. For questions regarding compatibility with your Samsung device please contact support@plugable.com. 

This article will focus on devices running Samsung UI 5.0 and Android 13 or higher.

Connecting to your UDS-7IN1 

Connect the USB-C power adapter that came with your device to the USB-C power passthrough port on the UDS-1IN1. 

Next, connect your monitor to the HDMI port on your UDS-7IN1.

Now, connect your Samsung DeX device to the “To Host” USB-C port on the right side of the unit.

And that's it! You are now connected to the UDS-7IN1. DeX will automatically start displaying video to your external monitor and you can now use the additional ports on the dock. Please note that it may take a few seconds for DeX to display video on your external monitor.

DeX Touchpad

Once DeX starts, you will have the option to use your device as a Tablet or a Touchpad. In most cases, DeX will default to the Touchpad. The Touchpad is useful as you will be able to use your finger or an S Pen to navigate the cursor on your external monitor. The Toucpad has three options to the right. Starting with the topmost option, you can choose to rotate your Touchpad depending on the orientation of your device screen. The next option will provide a quick tutorial on how to use gestures on the Touchpad. Finally, the last option will allow you to close the Touchpad. 

If the Touchpad does not launch automatically you may need to adjust your settings (see FAQ's below)

DeX Settings

To access your DeX settings navigate and select Settings on your desktop and select Samsung DeX. 

Samsung DeX provides several options to customize your Desktop eXperience. You can change Font sizes, zoom, change Wallpaper, change desktop resolution, to even the audio output source so that audio either plays on your tablet/phone or a monitor that supports speakers.  

FAQ's

I have everything connected and DeX is still not starting

For most users, DeX should automatically start when sensing an external monitor. If your device does not automatically connect you can try enabling DeX first. 

To enable DeX go to Settings and search for DeX and click on Samsung DeX.

Next, scroll down until you see Samsung DeX and ensure that DeX is enabled by selecting the toggle switch.

After confirming that DeX is enabled step through the Connecting to your UDS-7IN1 section again to connect your device to the UDS-7IN1.

What if my TouchPad does not start?

If the Touchpad does not start right away you can access it anytime by selecting the Touchpad icon in the lower left of your device screen.

Additionally, you can set your Touchpad to start automatically when DeX starts up.

On your desktop navigate to Settings > Samsung DeX and select Mouse and trackpad.

Now scroll down to Show touchpad when DeX runs and select the toggle switch to enable.

Why am I not able to get 4K 60Hz to my external monitor? 

According to Samsung devices running UI 5.0 and Android 13 (or higher) are capable of 4K 60Hz. If you do not see 4K 60Hz in your DeX Settings you can use an app called GoodLock from the Samsung Galaxy Store where many users have reported success in acquiring 4K 60Hz. Good Lock provides an additional app called MultiStar that will enable high resolution for an external display. 

To use MultiStar download the GoodLock app to your device. 

Open GoodLock and install MultiStar.

Once MultiStar is installed browse to the MultiStar app and open the app.

Next select I love Samsung DeX.

Now click on the toggle switch next to High resolutions for external display.

You will now have access to UHD 4K 60Hz resolution in your Display settings.

Questions? We're here to help! Feel free to contact support@plugable.com for questions or concerns when setting up your Samsung device with your UDS-7IN1.

Observation

When using wired headphones/headset and microphone with communication applications with iPadOS and the 3.5mm audio combination jack on the UDS-7IN1, a user may not be able to select their preferred audio output/input device.

• The issue resides with Apple's communication apps having a limitation with audio routing capabilities.
• This issue is not specific to the UDS-7IN1 and has been observed with other docking stations. 

Affected communication applications

• FaceTime
• Skype
• (Siri is also known to be affected)

**Please note that applications such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom do not appear to have this limitation.

Workaround solution

We recommend using a Bluetooth headset or onboard system microphone to circumvent this limitation.

No. The port complies with HDMI 1.4, and as such 3840x2160 (4K is only achievable at 30Hz. 2560x1440 and all lower resolutions will display at 60Hz.

No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector).  These cables do not work in reverse.

DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats.  It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to  output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.

HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.

Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink.  In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.

We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations.  In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection.  Many of our  newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.

Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:

For Windows 10:

1. Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
2. From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings

   

3. From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
4. Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing

   

5. Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.

For Windows 11:

1. Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.

   

2. In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results

   

3. Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing

   

4. Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.

Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.

The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:

• To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
• To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
• To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )

If your Windows laptop will not boot properly when a docking station is connected to the laptop, most often the cause is an external device connected to the docking station (for example an external USB storage drive) as opposed to the dock itself. 

If you are affected by this condition, please follow these steps in order to isolate the behavior further:

1. Disconnect all USB devices from the docking station and put them aside for the moment.
2. Disconnect any displays connected to the dock's video outputs.
3. Disconnect any audio devices connected to the dock's audio ports (if present).
4. Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the dock's Ethernet port (if present).
5. The only remaining connections should be the dock's power adapter cable and the USB cable used to connect it to the laptop. No other external devices should be connected to the dock.
6. While in this state, reboot the laptop to test the behavior.
7. Assuming the laptop boots as expected, please reconnect each device back to the dock one at a time and reboot after each one to test the behavior again. Please reconnect the displays first, then the audio devices, then the Ethernet cable. Please reconnect any USB devices to the dock last, again rebooting after each one is added to test the behavior.

In our experience helping others, the most common cause of this behavior is an external USB storage drive connected to one of the dock's USB ports.  In some cases, a laptop may try to boot from an external storage drive by mistake as opposed to the laptop's built-in storage drive.  Since most external USB storage drives are not 'bootable', this can interrupt the boot process. 

If this behavior occurs, the most common way to mitigate the behavior is to access the laptop's System BIOS (also known as UEFI firmware) to change the 'boot order' settings to ensure that the laptop's internal storage drive is the first boot option.  Doing so helps ensure that the laptop will not try to boot from an external USB storage device. 

Every laptop system is different, so the best resource for accessing the System BIOS and changing the settings is the manual for the laptop provided by the laptop manufacturer.   

Below is a list of pre-tested power adapters and corresponding power prongs/cables for Plugable docking stations that can be purchased on eBay if a replacement is needed.

If the power adapter for your docking station or region is not listed or if it out of stock on eBay please contact us at support@plugable.com and we will be happy to assist further.

We offer a 30-day return period for our replacement power adapters listed on eBay.

If your package is missing one or more of the items that should be included with your Plugable dock (included items are listed on a chart on the side of the box), start by double checking if the part is still in the packaging. Pieces can occasionally get stuck in the corners under the main insert in the box.

If you are still unable to locate the piece, please contact support@plugable.com with the following information:

1.  Amazon Order ID (or other proof of purchase) associated with your Plugable device.

2. A description of the parts that are missing from your order.

3. Your preferred shipping address (and a phone number associated with that address).

4. The serial number of your Plugable Dock.

Most Plugable docks do not officially support monitors over 60Hz including 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate unless otherwise specified on the Plugable product page or listing. 

DisplayLink USB Graphics technology and Silicon Motion based docking stations and graphics adapters, like our USB 3.0 dual display and USB Type-C triple display docking stations, are limited to 60Hz fresh rate by the USB graphics controller hardware.

USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode docking station and ports on our USB Type-C Triple Display Docking Stations can support higher refresh rates, but may be limited by the computer's capability and available bandwidth to the docking station.  Additionally, when paired with DisplayLink or Silicon Motion USB graphics, having displays at different refresh rates may reduce overall system performance.  Due to this we normally recommend limiting all connected displays to 60Hz refresh rate when using DisplayLink and Silicon Motion graphics technology with directly connected, or USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode controlled displays.

Monitors with refresh rates higher then 60Hz may be connected to a docking station operating at up to 60Hz, or connected directly on the computer's HDMI or DisplayPort to ensure the display is powered by the system's native GPU.

Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.

The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive

If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.

We are often asked if it is okay to leave a notebook computer connected to one of our USB-C docking stations with Power Delivery for extended periods of time.  The short answer is yes, it is no different from leaving the laptop connected to the manufacturer's original USB-C power supply for the same time.  The long answer is yes for modern laptops, and maybe for older (1990s-early 2000s laptops) and involves going into the different battery technologies used in consumer electronics devices.

Another common question is if it is possible to use the docking station but to disable powering and charging the computer.  When a modern notebook computer runs on battery power it will often set the system to a reduced power state which may impact performance, or connected devices and we recommend always powering the computer when using a desktop docking station.  For all of our docking stations that provide power to the host computer this will not affect the lifespan of the computer's battery.

Modern Laptop Batteries: Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries are found in a wide range of consumer electronics from notebook computers and cell phones, to electric cars, power tools, and wearable electronics like wireless earbuds.  Li-ion offers fast charging, high-current discharging, fairly long service live compared to other rechargeable battery technologies and are relatively inexpensive.

The life-span of a rechargeable battery depends on many factors including age, temperature history, charging patterns, the chemical composition of the specific battery, and usage.  For example batteries stored at 100% charge will degrade faster than batteries stored at 50% charge, this is why most consumer electronics devices arrive from the manufacturer with between 25% to 75% charge.

Lithium-ion batteries are consumable components, however in most modern computers, cell phones, and tablets these are not user serviceable components.  To help maintain the battery all modern computers and most consumer electronics will include battery charge and protection circuits.  These can be fairly simple, charging up the battery at preset rates depending on the charge level to help maintain the battery life, or complex software controlled charging that monitors battery temperature, voltage and current draw to maintain the fastest charging while maintaining the battery longevity.

Modern notebook computers can be left connected to the original power cable or a docking station with charging capability for extended periods, and do not benefit from regular discharge/recharge cycles.  Our docking stations with charging capability rely on USB Type-C Power Delivery to power and charge compatible computers.  USB Type-C Power Delivery is a negotiated charging protocol between the host computer and the docking station or USB Type-C power supply, this allows the computer to draw only the power it requires, and even select the best voltage level for powering the computer.  In combination with a computer's built-in battery charging controller the computer is capable of maintaining the battery's optimal state even when left connected to a power source for an extended period of time.

Legacy Laptop Batteries: NiCad and NiMH

Older laptops, from the 1990s and some early 2000s, as well as some consumer electronics, and most rechargeable AA or AAA battery replacements use Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.  These batteries are slower to charge and discharge than li-ion batteries, and require very simple charge controllers, and in some cases can even be trickle-charged ( very low-current continuous charging ) if desired.

These batteries generally don't have smart charging controllers and to prolong the life of the battery required "training" or fully discharging and recharging the battery every so often.  Many laptop manufacturers recommended fully charging and discharging a new laptop 2-3 times to train the battery, this is not necessary with modern laptops.

Conclusion

Modern notebook batteries are managed by the computer's built-in battery charging circuit, and require little to no user intervention to maintain optimal battery health.  It does not harm the battery to leave the computer connected to an external power supply, so long as the computer is being used regularly.  If the computer is to be stored for a prolonged period then discharging the battery to between 50-75% can help to maintain the battery life.

Batteries are consumable components and degrade over time, however modern notebook computers can extend the battery life generally to meet or exceed the life of the computer's other electronic components.

It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.

Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.

Factors Influencing Heat Generation:

1. Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
2. Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”. 
3. Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.

Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.

Tips for Users:

1. Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
2. Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
3. Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.

In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.

If you have installed your DisplayLink-enabled docking station or graphics adapter and downloaded the DisplayLink software, but see that no displays are working properly, you may need to enable “Screen Recording”. In this guide, we will go over a short list of steps to enable this permission, and get your DisplayLink device up and running!

As of macOS Catalina (version 10.15), DisplayLink drivers that are installed require that the “Screen Recording” permission be granted by the user. While this permission, when used in conjunction with DisplayLink is not recording in a traditional sense, it does allow DisplayLink to access the pixels it needs to render images (mirrored or extended). It then sends these pixels over USB from the computer to the display connected to your DisplayLink connected device.

Note: It does not capture or send any data.

During the installation process for the DisplayLink drivers, you will be requested to allow “Screen Recording” for DisplayLink. Additionally, you may see a notification within the DisplayLink application and when a new device is connected. However, we understand sometimes these may get lost in a sea of information and other notifications.

How do I know if the Screen Recording permission hasn’t been set? Reference the image below to check in your “Privacy & Security” settings

If you have not enabled “Screen Recording”, please follow these few instructions to enable it.

1. Click on the Apple icon (defaults to the top left corner of your screen) and select “System Preferences
2. Navigate to and click “Security & Privacy”
3. In this window, select “Privacy”
4. A list will be presented, scroll until you find “Screen Recording” and click on it
5. Displayed on the bottom left, there is a lock icon, click on this to make changes
6. If prompted, login using your computer credentials to make changes
7. Check the box next to DisplayLink Manager
8. You will be promoted to “Quit & Reopen”, click this button
9. Click on the lock icon once more to save your changes

Note: Some of these steps may vary slightly based on your macOS version

You should now be able to see your displays on your docking station or adapter. If you have completed the above steps successfully and still do not see your displays, please be sure to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.