Recently I connected my MBA (M3 version 24MB mem) to Samsung screen using a C to HDMI wire. The link worked fine with the lid of the MBA open, both the built in screen and the Samsung functioning -not mirroring. However, the second C connector became “dead” would not charge, connect to a mouse etc. Reversing the connections did not make a difference. But connecting ‘less demanding’ peripherals (e.g., HD, mouse, etc) allowed both C connectors work at the same time. Is there a limit to the total (combined) load the thunderbird outlets can service? Or this is an issue unique to my hardware? Has anybody had similar experiences or know information about this issue?
Adam
I have had this problem with Thunderbolt/USB C connections on my Mac Studio. I will plug in an older device (like a bare drive mounter) and then my system will tell me that I removed a disk without properly unmounting it, then I notice my Time Machine drive has been disconnected. I assume there is a signal or current limit, but would love to have a way to amplify the connection to avoid these unpredictable results.
There is a limit to the device power these ports can support (on my macStudio M1 for example). If the device (e.g. SSD drive) wants power and you have too many plugged in, you get a message saying there isn’t enough power to support all the devices. What I do is plug in a powered TB Dock and then connect my devices to the Dock. Fine for the macStudio but maybe not practical with a laptop.
David
Yes David. This is apparently part of the issue. In addition the newer “M” chips check to “recognize” devices plugged in; most often they ask if you ‘trust’ the external device, but sometimes -as in my case- silently ignore the item. However, if you attach the same device trough a ‘recognized’ interface (e.g., hub) then the device is recognized and the C-Thunderbird connector works (sometimes you still have to ‘trust’, but apparently this is not always the case). The problem is that the implementation of the verifying process is inconsistent and the ‘silent’ ignoring the external device is confusing & frustrating. (This new info came from visiting the local ‘genius bar’)
The power limit to USB/TB devices isn’t just limited to the modern M* systems - I had the same issue with my iMac Pro (Intel) system. This is something that Apple could easily correct, but that would cost money and they figure only a few crazy people (like me) attach five SSDs!
David