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OWC THUNDERBOLT HUB - User Manual

OWC THUNDERBOLT HUB
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THUNDERBOLT HUB
Adds three Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB port
to Thunderbolt 4 PCs
Thunderbolt™ 4
Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 PCs
Connect and Charge
Use all your favorite Thunderbolt
and USB devices
Thunderbolt Cable
Transfer data, run a display and power
your notebook – all from one cable!
4

Table of Contents

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Summary

Introduction to OWC Thunderbolt Hub

System Requirements

Specifies the required operating system and hardware for the Thunderbolt Hub.

Package Contents

Lists all the items included in the OWC Thunderbolt Hub packaging.

About This Manual

Notes on manual accuracy, firmware changes, and warranty information.

OWC Dock Ejector Application

Instructions for installing and using the OWC Dock Ejector utility.

Front and Top Views

Details the ports and LED indicators on the front and top of the hub.

Rear View

Identifies the DC power input, security slot, and Thunderbolt ports on the rear.

Connecting and Using the Thunderbolt Hub

Connecting the Hub

Step-by-step guide for connecting the hub to a PC and other devices.

Usage Notes and Features

Explains power delivery, hot-plugging, port capabilities, and display support.

Support Resources for OWC Thunderbolt Hub

Troubleshooting

Guidance for resolving common issues with the Thunderbolt Hub.

Contact Technical Support

Provides phone, chat, and email contact details for OWC support.

Safety and Usage Precautions

Health and Safety Precautions

Warnings for electrical shock, water exposure, and device handling.

General Use Precautions

Guidelines for operating environment, temperature, and device care.

Warranty and Legal Information

Warranty Details

Information on the OWC Limited Warranty period and details.

Copyrights and Trademarks

Legal notices for OWC product content and intellectual property.

Summary

Introduction to OWC Thunderbolt Hub

System Requirements

Specifies the required operating system and hardware for the Thunderbolt Hub.

Package Contents

Lists all the items included in the OWC Thunderbolt Hub packaging.

About This Manual

Notes on manual accuracy, firmware changes, and warranty information.

OWC Dock Ejector Application

Instructions for installing and using the OWC Dock Ejector utility.

Front and Top Views

Details the ports and LED indicators on the front and top of the hub.

Rear View

Identifies the DC power input, security slot, and Thunderbolt ports on the rear.

Connecting and Using the Thunderbolt Hub

Connecting the Hub

Step-by-step guide for connecting the hub to a PC and other devices.

Usage Notes and Features

Explains power delivery, hot-plugging, port capabilities, and display support.

Support Resources for OWC Thunderbolt Hub

Troubleshooting

Guidance for resolving common issues with the Thunderbolt Hub.

Contact Technical Support

Provides phone, chat, and email contact details for OWC support.

Safety and Usage Precautions

Health and Safety Precautions

Warnings for electrical shock, water exposure, and device handling.

General Use Precautions

Guidelines for operating environment, temperature, and device care.

Warranty and Legal Information

Warranty Details

Information on the OWC Limited Warranty period and details.

Copyrights and Trademarks

Legal notices for OWC product content and intellectual property.

Overview

  1. Function Description
  2. Important Technical Specifications
  3. Usage Features
  4. Maintenance Features

The OWC Thunderbolt Hub is a versatile device designed to expand the connectivity of Thunderbolt 4 PCs by adding three Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB port. This hub is compatible with Thunderbolt 4 PCs running Windows 10 or later.

Function Description:

The OWC Thunderbolt Hub serves as a central point for connecting various Thunderbolt and USB devices to your computer. It allows users to transfer data, run a display, and power their notebook all from a single cable. The hub is designed to simplify fast-paced mobile workflows by providing a convenient way to manage multiple peripherals.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Host Connection: Connects to a Thunderbolt 4 port on a PC.
  • Power Delivery: Provides up to 60W of Power Delivery for laptop battery charging via the Thunderbolt host port.
  • Downstream Ports:
    • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports: These ports are compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices. They can also connect Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 devices via the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. Each downstream Thunderbolt port provides up to 15W bus power for compatible Thunderbolt and USB-C peripherals.
    • One USB 3.2 10Gb/s port: For connecting USB peripheral devices.
  • Display Support:
    • Supports DisplayPort 1.4 capabilities (if the connected host and display also support it).
    • Single display configurations: Up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz.
    • Dual display configurations: The two applicable ports support up to 4K @ 60Hz.
    • Can connect other types of displays (HDMI, DisplayPort) via appropriate USB-C display adapters (e.g., USB-C to HDMI cable, USB-C to DisplayPort cable).
  • Power Input: DC IN 20V 5.5A (connects to the included power supply).
  • Security: Features a Kensington Nano Security slot for connecting a security tether.

Usage Features:

  • Easy Connection: Simply connect the hub to power using the included power supply and cable, then connect the hub to a Thunderbolt 4 port on your PC. PC users will need to approve the connection in the Thunderbolt Software dialog. Other devices can then be connected to the appropriate ports on the hub.
  • Hot-Plugging Support: All ports support hot-plugging, allowing devices to be connected and disconnected without needing to restart the hub or computer. However, it is crucial to always eject or unmount any connected storage devices from your operating system before disconnecting them to prevent data loss.
  • Persistent Power: The OWC Thunderbolt Hub continues to power and/or charge connected devices even when your machine goes into sleep mode, ensuring your peripherals remain ready for use.
  • LED Indicator: An OWC logo LED glows white when there is power but no data connection or when the device enters Sleep mode. It glows blue when there is power and an active data connection.
  • LED Brightness Control: The LED brightness can be adjusted to a lower level or turned off by pressing an internal button with a paperclip. Unplugging and reconnecting power resets the LED to its default high brightness.
  • Thunderbolt Device Chaining: Supports up to six Thunderbolt devices in a chain, allowing for a total of five additional Thunderbolt devices to be chained to the Thunderbolt Hub. A Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 display (or a display connected via a USB-C display adapter) can be added to the end of a device chain.
  • OWC Dock Ejector: A dedicated application that safely ejects all drives connected to the OWC Thunderbolt Hub with a single click. This feature enhances data safety and streamlines workflows. The installer for Windows is available at download.owcdigital.com/dockejector/win. Once installed, an icon appears in the macOS menu bar or Windows System Tray.

Maintenance Features:

  • Troubleshooting:
    • Verify power connections: Ensure the power cable is securely connected to the hub and a power source (and that the power strip, if used, is on).
    • Check Thunderbolt cable connections: Confirm both ends of the Thunderbolt 4 cable are properly plugged into the computer and the hub. Try a different cable or port if issues persist.
    • System Information Check: Verify if the hub is communicating with the computer by checking the 'Thunderbolt' category in System Information. If the hub is seen but connected devices are not, troubleshoot each device individually.
  • Physical Care:
    • Do not disassemble or modify the device.
    • Avoid exposing the device to rain, water, or damp conditions. Do not place liquid-containing objects on the device.
    • Protect from extreme temperatures (-25° C to 60° C / -4° F to 140° F).
    • Unplug during lightning storms or extended periods of disuse.
    • Avoid placing objects on top of the device.
    • Protect from excessive dust exposure.
    • Do not use near other electrical appliances that may cause interference (e.g., televisions, radios, speakers).
  • Firmware and Warranty: Product details, warranty information, and potential firmware updates can be found on the product web page. The OWC Thunderbolt Hub comes with a 2-Year OWC Limited Warranty.
  • Technical Support: Contact OWC technical support for persistent issues via phone (M-F, 8am-8pm CT; 1.866.692.7100 N. America, +1.815.338.4751 Int'l), chat (M-F, 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm CT at www.owc.com/support), or email (answered within 48 hours at www.owc.com/support).

OWC THUNDERBOLT HUB Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandOWC
ModelTHUNDERBOLT HUB
CategorySwitch
LanguageEnglish