Known Video Issue with CalDigit TS3+ & TS4 docking stations and M1/M2 Macbooks (issues solved)

Known Video Issue with CalDigit TS3+ & TS4 docking stations and M1/M2 Macbooks (issues solved)

*** April 24, 2024 update (TS4 / TS3 issues solved).

In recent weeks, we've been receiving reports that the M1/M2 Macbooks would automatically lock out/log off the user when the M1/M2 Macbook is connected to the KVM switch via CalDigit TS4 or TS3+ docking station. The lock out/log off usually occurs whenever the user switch away from and then back to the channel where the M1/M2 Macbooks is connected on the KVM switch. When this issue happens, the user is required to type in their password on the M1/M2 Mac to log in to the computer before the user can start using the computer again. 

This auto lock out/log off issue mostly occurs on M1 and M2 Macs that are running on macOS 13 Ventura or newer macOS versions. Macs using Intel based chipset generally do not have the same lock out issue, but would happen in rare occasions. 

Since we're made aware of the issue, our techs have been trying to identify the exact reason that causes the M1 and M2 Macbooks to lock out/log off the user when switching back to it. As of now, it's likely that this issue happens because of the way the current driver in the TS3+ and TS4 docking stations interacts with the macOS Sonoma on M1 and M2 Macbooks. Our techs have tried to replicate the same issue by using different docking stations from different manufacturers connected between the KVM switch and the M1 and M2 Macbooks. When they replace the TS4 docking station with different docking stations from different manufacturer (Razer, OWC, Kensington, etc.) the Macbooks stop locking up/log off the user when switching away and back to the Macbook. 

As of now, the one workaround we've found to prevent this issue from happening is to keep the external power source connected to the M1 and M2 Macbooks at all times while they're connected to the KVM switch. 

Additionally, CalDigit have recommended to load the latest driver firmware in to the TS3+ and TS4 docking stations. The latest driver firmware released by CalDigit will resolve sleep and device eject issue found in Apple silicon computers. The newest driver firmware for the TS3+ and TS4 docking stations doesn't fully resolve the auto lock out/log off issue, but it does improve the overall reliability of the video when using the TS3+ and TS4 docking stations in conjunction with M1 and M2 Macbooks. 

So if you haven't update the driver firmware in your TS3+ or TS4 docking stations, then you can reference this page from CalDigit for downloading the new driver firmware and the installation instructions. Link: https://www.caldigit.com/ts4-macos-firmware-update-procedures/

 

Feb. 28, 2024 update

Apple had confirmed that their M1 and M2 computers has issues working with LG monitors when connected through CalDigit TS3 and TS4 docking stations. The issue mainly occurs with LG monitors that have the option to toggle between DisplayPort 1.2 and DisplayPort 1.4 versions. The issue doesn't really happen with LG monitors that only uses DisplayPort 1.4. 

It is recommended that you set your LG monitor to DisplayPort 1.2 instead when using your LG monitor with your CalDigit TS3+/TS4 docking stations to ensure the video would run smoothly. 

Here's a link to the Apple community discussion that specifically talks about the known issue: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254605412?sortBy=best

April 24, 2024 update (TS4 / TS3 issues solved).

Because, the last time we had a physically tested the TS4 dock with the UDP2-12AP was back in 2022, so we decide to make a new test with the newest TS4 we just ordered yesterday.
We got it in this morning. Some users already reported to us that the new TS4 product batch units with 39.1 firmware and the Thunderbot Firmware updateer updated on 1/31/2024.

After hours of testing, we found the new hardware and firmware combination do solved the video and USB unstable issues with Apple silicon MacBook Pro/ MacBook.

However, the DP-DP cables should be upgraded to DP2.1 VESA D40 or D80 rated for sharing high-resolution and high-refresh-rate monitors with the KVM switch setup.

Back to blog

Leave a comment