macOS Big Sur - No clamshell mode...

[shandy]

I'm already using an Asus USB-C monitor (which has built-in displaylink) via the 1.3 driver on Big Sur. It's connected to a CalDigit TB3 dock, which is connected to an Intel Macbook Pro in clamshell mode.

I'd like to buy another external monitor - but this time in 4K, which I'll run in HiDPI mode (i.e. 1080p). I'd pair it with a Startech USB3 displaylink adapter capable of 4k@60hz

I'm confused as to what to expect. The 1.3 drivers say clamshell isn't supported, but I'm already successfully using 1.3 with my Asus monitor in clamshell mode.

I saw the comment above about using the CalDigit dock. Does this mean the CalDigit is effectively a get-out-of-jail card for the 1.3 clamshell limitation? I.e. if I plug the Startech adapter into the Caldigit with a new 4k monitor, then it'll work?

[shandy]

Originally Posted by shandy

I saw the comment above about using the CalDigit dock. Does this mean the CalDigit is effectively a get-out-of-jail card for the 1.3 clamshell limitation? I.e. if I plug the Startech adapter into the Caldigit with a new 4k monitor, then it'll work?

@KatarzynaKowalczyk Hoping to get a clarification on this

If I plug a displaylink adapter into the caldigit TB3 dock connected to an Intel Macbook pro, (instead of plugging the displaylink adapter straight into the macbook) will the limitation on clamshell mode be overcome?

[rboerner]

Originally Posted by shandy

@KatarzynaKowalczyk Hoping to get a clarification on this

If I plug a displaylink adapter into the caldigit TB3 dock connected to an Intel Macbook pro, (instead of plugging the displaylink adapter straight into the macbook) will the limitation on clamshell mode be overcome?

Apple has specific requirements in order for a system to enter closed-display mode aka clamshell mode --> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201834

Based on Apple's current requirements, if your Caldigit dock is providing power to the host laptop and there is a display connected to the video output port built-in to the Caldigit dock, then closed-display mode should work.

[Zimdog]

Originally Posted by rboerner

Apple has specific requirements in order for a system to enter closed-display mode aka clamshell mode --> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201834

Unfortunately, there's nothing there that would exclude the Kensington USB3.0 2X Video Dock with DL Manager 1.2.0 from working in clamshell mode.

Katarzyna, is there a work-around for this, other than leaving the lid of my MacBook Pro open? I had clamshell mode working before moving to DL Manager 1.2...

[rboerner]

Originally Posted by Zimdog

Unfortunately, there's nothing there that would exclude the Kensington USB3.0 2X Video Dock with DL Manager 1.2.0 from working in clamshell mode.

Katarzyna, is there a work-around for this, other than leaving the lid of my MacBook Pro open? I had clamshell mode working before moving to DL Manager 1.2...

You do not provide much detail about your specific setup, however on the surface there are differences as compared to the other post which references the CalDigit dock.

Presuming for the moment that this is the dock you are using --> https://www.kensington.com/p/product...-ivga-windows/

That docking station does NOT provide power to the host laptop, which is a key element of the requirements Apple provides for closed-display mode to work.

Further to this, you do not mention if the Apple Mac laptop you are using has an Intel processor or Apple M1 processor.

The details matter in this specific case, because at this time closed-display mode (clamshell mode) is not supported on Intel-based Macs when only a 'pure' DisplayLink-based device is connected to the host. Closed-display mode is supported on Apple M1-based Macs as long as there is a power source connected.

DisplayLink has more information here --> https://support.displaylink.com/know...cos-big-sur-11

[Wozzy]

Clamshell mode seems to work on M1 on macOS 11.3 RC, DL Manager 1.3.

Only tested 1 additional screen but its working fine. If my M1 is the main screen (dock is on it) and I close the lid it transfers to the external screen.

[davss]

That's good news! I'm assuming all work fine on the latest update macOS Big Sur 11.3 11.3 with currently availavle DL for download driver for M1?

I've been using Amphetamine (from App Store) with unticked "Allow system sleep when display is closed" when sessions's started to run my MacBook Air with the following monitors in clamshell more:

1 x Dell U4919DW 49 inch suported by M1 native single external display and charging via single bi-directional USB-C cable connected to top USB-C port

3 x Dell U2515H 25 inch DL driver using via 10in1 UGREEN USB-C hub and Startech USB-3.0 to DP hardware connected to bottom USB-C port

Cheers,
David

ps. there's a thread where we drop messages about macOS and DL updates and whether anything breaks after updating:
https://www.displaylink.org/forum/sh...ad.php?t=67606

[Zimdog]

Originally Posted by rboerner

You do not provide much detail about your specific setup, however on the surface there are differences as compared to the other post which references the CalDigit dock.

Presuming for the moment that this is the dock you are using --> https://www.kensington.com/p/product...-ivga-windows/

That docking station does NOT provide power to the host laptop, which is a key element of the requirements Apple provides for closed-display mode to work.

Further to this, you do not mention if the Apple Mac laptop you are using has an Intel processor or Apple M1 processor.

The details matter in this specific case, because at this time closed-display mode (clamshell mode) is not supported on Intel-based Macs when only a 'pure' DisplayLink-based device is connected to the host. Closed-display mode is supported on Apple M1-based Macs as long as there is a power source connected.

Thanks, and my apologies for the delayed response... but to your points:

1) I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) with an Intel processor and I'm using the Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station for Windows, Mac OS, Surface Pro & Surface Laptop (K33972US). The MacBook Pro is connected to external power in addition to the dock. The dock provides connection to my keyboard, mouse, external drives, USB camera, microphone, speaker, Ethernet and two Philips 246E monitors.

2) As to the supply of power, you are correct that the dock is not supplying power. However, the link you provided in a previous post no longer leads to the original page (HT201834) - and the page that it redirects to does not include information about clamshell requirements. That said, I believe these are the requirements (Search support.apple.com for "closed lid" requirements):

Check requirements
To use closed-display mode with your Mac notebook, here's what you need:

• An AC power adapter or an external display that provides power over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
• An external keyboard and mouse or trackpad, either USB or wireless.
• A USB-C to USB adapter or cable if you're using a USB mouse or keyboard with a Mac that has USB-C ports.
• An external display or projector.

You'll note that these requirements do NOT specify that the dock provide power - only that there be an AC power adapter OR an external display that provides power. So I believe this point is moot, as my Macbook Pro IS connected to external power, in addition to being connected to the dock.

3) Lastly, I'll note that clamshell mode WAS working with this configuration prior to the release of BigSur.

----------------

Hopefully this clears up the questions regarding my setup - but even so, it's still the case that clamshell mode is not working.

Charlie

[ordep81]

New Mac user here, I have dual monitor set that I would like to use for work on my 2020 Macbook Pro (intel) have it all hooked up through the dock. Once i place the laptop in clamshell mode the video on my monitors intermittently drops to where I have to keep the laptop open and takes up real estate on my desk. Is this the same issue that most are experiencing here? Are there any workarounds like using "Amphetamine" app as others have mentioned that have had any luck?