Weird USB Fault

[Ritchievalens]

Hi there

I have a Lenovo ThinkPad Dock

When I connect one of my USB cables in, everything works fine, on USB2.0 and USB 3.0
Any other cables that even look the same don't work.
I'm not sure what the Cable type is called, even tho it is a USB

Would there be a reason why?
This one has Black colour on the large end.

Thanks

[Halcyon]

That port is designed to work with the Lenovo docking stations/port replicators. They typically come with a "split" cable that plugs into that port and the power socket.

Perhaps the cable you have isn't the genuine cable? Or it's faulty?

[ejeffrey]

If you are just using a straight USB C dock, not one that requires the hybrid connector, then the problem is likely that you have the wrong cable.

Unfortunately, USB-C cables are _not_ interchangable, and unlike USB 3.0+ type-A cables, they are not typically externally marked.

The basic USB-C cable is USB 2.0 only and can support up to 3 amps at 20 volts.  All USB type C to type C cables must be able to handle this.  Anything cable that exceeds that needs a electronic ID chip in the cable to tell the host what the cable capabilities are.  This includes USB 3.x superspeed (with 1 or 2 lanes at 5 or 10 Gb/s each), alternate modes like thunderbolt, and 5 amp/100W charging capacity.

Many docking stations have captive cables to get around this problem.  Alternately cables confirming to and marked as thunderbolt should usually work. 

[Jeroen3]

You have to pick the right version of Type C cable.

No, you can't see which one you have on the outside of the cable.

[Ritchievalens]

Hi Halycon

Thankyou

I am having problems getting my ThinkPad dock to work with a recently purchase Dell E2427H monitor
 Eveything else on the Dock works Ok.

[Ritchievalens]

Hi ejeffrey

I am finding out that Type C cables have 2 types.
Some that support just power, and some that support power/data

I am still struggling to get my DP Display Port to send to my monitor

[Ritchievalens]

Thankyou Jeroen3

Could that be why there is no video being sent to my Dell E2417H monitor?

[Ritchievalens]

Aah could that be why I am having problems?
I am using a standard Square / yellow power block?

How would I seperate the Non Dock end to go into a non standard laptop, ie a Asus?

If you are just using a straight USB C dock, not one that requires the hybrid connector, then the problem is likely that you have the wrong cable.

Unfortunately, USB-C cables are _not_ interchangable, and unlike USB 3.0+ type-A cables, they are not typically externally marked.

The basic USB-C cable is USB 2.0 only and can support up to 3 amps at 20 volts.  All USB type C to type C cables must be able to handle this.  Anything cable that exceeds that needs a electronic ID chip in the cable to tell the host what the cable capabilities are.  This includes USB 3.x superspeed (with 1 or 2 lanes at 5 or 10 Gb/s each), alternate modes like thunderbolt, and 5 amp/100W charging capacity.

Many docking stations have captive cables to get around this problem.  Alternately cables confirming to and marked as thunderbolt should usually work.

[Halcyon]

How would I seperate the Non Dock end to go into a non standard laptop, ie a Asus?

The genuine Lenovo split cables are joined together with magnets, so the laptop end of the cable can be separated.

Keep in mind, docking stations are generally designed to work with specific manufacturers/models of machine. While you can mix and match docks from one manufacturer with a laptop from another, it may or may not work (or fully work). For example, the Dell docks tend to work just fine with Apple laptops.

You might want to look into "Universal" docks, like the CalDigit, Belkin, Kensington, Sonnet, Ugreen or Anker ones, if you've ruled out the cables and still aren't having any luck.

[Ritchievalens]

Hi Halycon

Thankyou

I purchased 6 with the view to repair and sell them.
Part 1 was done, but I cant get any of the 6 to show video, and I dont want to sell them untested, even tho they probably work
It just dosnt seem moral

Thanks again for your info and everybody else's comments

How would I seperate the Non Dock end to go into a non standard laptop, ie a Asus?

The genuine Lenovo split cables are joined together with magnets, so the laptop end of the cable can be separated.

Keep in mind, docking stations are generally designed to work with specific manufacturers/models of machine. While you can mix and match docks from one manufacturer with a laptop from another, it may or may not work (or fully work). For example, the Dell docks tend to work just fine with Apple laptops.

You might want to look into "Universal" docks, like the CalDigit, Belkin, Kensington, Sonnet, Ugreen or Anker ones, if you've ruled out the cables and still aren't having any luck.