Dell TB18DC User Guide

Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3
Dock - TB18DC

User Guide

Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

© 2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks

may be trademarks of their respective owners.

2018 - 05

Rev. A00

Contents

1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................4

2 Package Contents .........................................................................................................................................5

3 Hardware Requirements ................................................................................................................................7

4 Identifying Parts and Features ...................................................................................................................... 8

5 Important Information.................................................................................................................................. 10

6 Quick Setup of Hardware ............................................................................................................................. 11

7 Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options..................................................................................................14

Thunderbolt Driver Setting..............................................................................................................................................14

Thunderbolt Conguration...............................................................................................................................................17

Thunderbolt Security........................................................................................................................................................18

8 Setup of External Monitors.......................................................................................................................... 19

Updating the graphics drivers for your computer........................................................................................................ 19

Conguring your Monitors...............................................................................................................................................19

Display Resolution Table.................................................................................................................................................. 23

9 Technical specications............................................................................................................................... 24

LED Status Indicators...................................................................................................................................................... 24

Power Adapter LED................................................................................................................................................... 24

Cable LED................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Docking Status Indicator...........................................................................................................................................24

Docking Specications .............................................................................................................................................25

Input/Output (I/O) Connectors............................................................................................................................... 27

10 Frequently asked questions........................................................................................................................28

11 Troubleshooting the Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC.....................................30

Symptoms and Solutions................................................................................................................................................ 30

12 Getting help............................................................................................................................................... 34

Contacting Dell.................................................................................................................................................................34

Contents

3

1

Introduction

The Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock - TB18DC is a device that links all your electronic devices to your laptop computer
using a dual Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable interface. When you connect the laptop to the docking station, you can gain access to all your
peripherals such as the mouse, keyboard, stereo speakers, external hard drive, and large-screen displays without having to plug each one
into the laptop.

NOTE: Compatible only with Dell Precision 7000 series laptops (7730/7530) with dual Thunderbolt ports.

NOTE: The Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock only supports Thunderbolt 3 technology. Older versions of

Thunderbolt are NOT SUPPORTED.

CAUTION: You must update your computer’s BIOS and the Dell Docking Station drivers to the latest versions available at

www.dell.com/support before using the docking station. Older BIOS versions and drivers could result in the docking station not
being recognized by your computer or not functioning optimally. Please see the Important Information chapter for detailed
instructions on how to update your BIOS, Graphics, and Thunderbolt drivers/rmware as well as other associated drivers before
using the Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock - TB18DC.

4 Introduction

Package Contents

Your docking station ships with the components shown below. Ensure that you have received all the components and contact Dell (see
your invoice for contact information) if something is missing.

Docking Station
with Dual USB
Type-C
connector cable

180 W / 240 W
Power Adapter

Power Cord

Quick Setup
Guide (QSG)

2

Package Contents 5

Safety,
Environmental,
and Regulatory
Information
(SERI)

6 Package Contents

Hardware Requirements

The Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock - TB18DC is designed for use only with the Dell Precision 7000 Series laptops
(7730/7530) with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports.

3

Hardware Requirements 7

4

Identifying Parts and Features

Figure 1. Identifying Parts and Features — Front

Audio headset port USB 3.0 port with PowerShare

USB 3.0 port Power Adapter LED Indicator

Sleep/Wake up/Power button

IMPORTANT: The dock button is designed to replicate your system's power button. If you connect the TB18DC to supported

Dell computers, the dock button will work like your computer's power button and you can use it to "power on"/sleep/"force
shutdown" the computer.

NOTE: The dock button is not functional if connected to non-supported Dell computers or non-Dell computers.

8 Identifying Parts and Features

Figure 2. Identifying Parts and Features — Back

Kensington Lock slot USB 2.0 port

HDMI port USB 3.0 port

DisplayPort (Mini and Full) Line-out

VGA port Power connector

Network connector (RJ-45)

Identifying Parts and Features

9

5

Important Information

You must update your computer’s BIOS and the Dell Docking Station drivers to the latest versions available at www.dell.com/support
before using the docking station. Older BIOS versions and drivers could result in the docking station not being recognized by your computer
or not functioning optimally.

Dell highly recommends the following applications to automate the installation of BIOS, rmware, driver, and critical updates specic to your
system and docking station:

• Dell | Update - for Dell XPS systems only.

• Dell Command | Update - for Dell Latitude, Dell Precision, or XPS systems.

These applications are available for download on the Drivers & Downloads page for your product at www.dell.com/support

Pick your system type from the list or enter the service tag of your system to get the right version for your computer.

NOTE: TB18DC dock connection to your computer is required in order for Dell Update to start software updates on the host

system.

Dell Command I Update application is supported on Dell Precision, XPS, and Latitude notebooks. Alternatively, Dell recommends installing
the following BIOS, rmware, and drivers step-by-step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance:

Search for your system model name under Select a Product selection, or enter the service tag of your system to locate the Drivers &
Downloads page on the Dell support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the Operating System to view all available updates for your
system.

• Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) for the system. This is available in the "BIOS" section.

• Install the latest Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver for the system. This is available in the "Chipset" section.

• Install the latest Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update for the system. This is available in the "Chipset" section.

• Install the latest Intel HD Graphics Driver for the system. This is available in the "Video" section.

• Install the latest ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller Driver for Dell Thunderbolt Dock. This is available in the "Docks &
Stands" section.

• Install the latest Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for Dell Thunderbolt Dock and Dell Dock. This is available in the
"Docks & Stands" section.

• Install the latest Realtek USB Audio Driver for Dell Thunderbolt Dock and Dell Dock. This is available in the "Docks & Stands"
section.

• Restart the system.

• After the software update process completes, connect the AC adapter to the TB18DC dock rst and then attach the Thunderbolt 3
(Type-C) cable to the computer before using the docking station.

10 Important Information

1 Update your laptop's BIOS from www.dell.com/support/drivers

6

Quick Setup of Hardware

2 Update the laptop's and dock's drivers from www.dell.com/support/drivers

3 Connect the AC adapter to a power outlet. Then, connect the AC adapter to the 7.4 mm DC-in power input on the Dell Precision USB

Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock TB18DC.

Quick Setup of Hardware 11

Figure 3. Connecting the AC Adapter

12 Quick Setup of Hardware

4 Connect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.

Figure 4. Connecting the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) connector

NOTE: On TB18DC-supported Dell computers, connecting the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable will auto wake-up the laptop

and connect any peripherals already attached. This behavior can be disabled in your BIOS Setup option “Wake on Dell USB­C Docks”.

5 Follow the on-screen instructions to give the Dell Thunderbolt Dock permission to connect to your computer. See Thunderbolt Driver

Settings for more information.

6 Connect multiple displays to the docking station, as needed.

CAUTION

: Ensure you place the dock away from the laptop to avoid hot air reux from the laptop's air vents.

Quick Setup of Hardware

13

Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options

Thunderbolt Driver Setting

1 Connect the Thunderbolt Device to the system. The Thunderbolt icon appears in the system tray.

7

2 An Authentication window pops up for the user to select the connection setting.

3 Right click on the Thunderbolt icon to View Attached Thunderbolt Devices.

14 Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options

4 Right click on the Thunderbolt Icon to view Thunderbolt Settings.

Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options

15

5 Click Details to view (Thunderbolt driver/rmware) version details

16

Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options

Thunderbolt Conguration

If Dell BIOS is used in your system, you may nd below Control options in Thunderbolt Conguration page in your BIOS Setup:

1 Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support (Enabled by default)

• When enabled, the Thunderbolt Technology feature, and associated ports and adapters are enabled.

• When disabled, the Thunderbolt Technology feature is disabled, and any connected Thunderbolt adapter devices are not available
in pre-boot or within the operating system.

2 Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support (Disabled by default)

• When enabled, the following Thunderbolt adapter features are enabled during Pre-boot: Thunderbolt adapter boot support, USB
device on Thunderbolt adapter support (including USB boot support). This allows Thunderbolt adapter peripheral devices and
USB devices connected to the Thunderbolt adapter to be used during BIOS pre-boot. However, setting this to “Enabled” will
override the Security Levels utilized within the operating system. When this setting is enabled, any Thunderbolt adapter
peripherals and USB devices connected to the Thunderbolt adapter port prior to booting the system can be used in pre-boot. As
long as the device remains connected, it will continue to function within the operating system, regardless of the Security Level set
in BIOS.

3 Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Pre-boot Modules (Disabled by default)

• When enabled, this setting will allow PCIe devices that are connected through a Thunderbolt adapter (i.e. PCIe devices behind the
Thunderbolt adapter) to execute the PCIe device’s UEFI Option ROM(s) (if present) during pre-boot.

• When disabled, this setting will prevent PCIe device Option ROMs from executing during pre-boot for PCIe devices connected
behind the Thunderbolt adapter.

: Enabling the “Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Boot Support“ or “Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Pre-boot Modules“ options

NOTE

may allow devices connected to the Thunderbolt adapter during pre-boot to function in the operating system regardless of the
Security Level selected in BIOS Setup. The device will continue to operate in the operating system until it is disconnected. When
reconnected while within the operating system, the device will connect according to the Security Level and previous OS
authorizations.

Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options 17

Thunderbolt Security

The settings below congure the Thunderbolt adapter security settings within the operating system. Security Levels are not applicable or
enforced in the Pre-boot environment.

• No Security: Automatically connect to devices plugged into the Thunderbolt port.

• User Authorization: Approval is required for any new devices connected to the Thunderbolt port.

• Secure Connect: The Thunderbolt adapter port will only allow connection to devices that have been congured with a shared key.

NOTE: The rst time a Thunderbolt peripheral’s Unique ID is granted “always connect” PCIe access, a secure encrypted key

is written to the peripheral controller’s non-volatile memory and added to the host PC’s ACL list. Each time a peripheral’s
Unique ID is found on the ACL, the PC’s controller sends a security challenge and the response from the peripheral is then
veried before the PCIe connection is allowed. If the response is not valid, the user receives a connection permission prompt.
This capability, when enabled, prevents pre-SL2 capable peripherals from connecting to a PC; thereby preventing a potential
HW spoong of an approved device to generate a DMA exploit (beyond what is prevented with SL1).

• DisplayPort Only: Automatically connect to DisplayPort devices only. No Thunderbolt adapter or PCIe devices are allowed to connect.

In the BIOS of a Dell Thunderbolt-enabled PC, you will be able to congure the security settings of the Thunderbolt connection. You can
nd the conguration options in the BIOS path: System Conguration > USB / Thunderbolt Conguration.

No security Allow legacy Thunderbolt devices to auto-connect – the CM auto

connects a new device plugged in.

User Authorization Allow User Notification devices at minimum – the CM requests

connection approval from the host SW and auto-approval may be
given based on the Unique ID of the connecting device.

Secure Connect Allow one-time saved key devices at minimum – the CM requests

connection approval from the host SW and auto-approval is only
given if the host challenge to the device is acceptable.

DisplayPort Only Allow DisplayPort sinks to be connected (re-driver or DP tunnel, no

PCIe tunneling).

18 Thunderbolt Settings and Security Options

Setup of External Monitors

Updating the graphics drivers for your computer

The Microsoft Windows operating systems include the VGA graphics drivers only. Therefore, for optimum graphics performance, it is
recommended that Dell graphics drivers applicable for your computer be installed from dell.com/support under the “Video” section

NOTE:

1 For nVidia Discrete Graphics solutions on the Latitude E-Family and Mobile Precision computers:

a First, install the Intel Media Adapter Graphics Driver applicable to your computer.

b Second, install the nVidia Discrete Graphics Driver applicable to your computer.

2 For AMD Discrete Graphics solutions on the Latitude E-Family and Mobile Precision computers:

a First, install the Intel Media Adapter Graphics driver applicable to your computer.

b Second, install the AMD Discrete Graphics driver applicable to your computer.

Conguring your Monitors

8

If connecting two displays, follow these steps:

1 Click the icon list on the task bar.

2 Click the Intel HD Graphics utility on your taskbar as shown here.

3 Click Graphics Properties.

Setup of External Monitors 19

4 Click Display.

20 Setup of External Monitors

5 Click Display and select Multiple Displays.

Setup of External Monitors 21

6 Select your preferred Display Mode.

7 Select and arrange your displays to your preferred style and then click Apply for the changes to take eect.

22 Setup of External Monitors

Display Resolution Table

Table 1. Display Resolution Table

Single Display (maximum
resolution)

**DP + mDP (Single Image):
5120 x 2880 @ 60Hz

DP/mDP/Type-C: 3840 x 2160
@ 60 Hz

HDMI: 3840 x 2160 @ 24/30 Hz

VGA: 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz

***Type-C: 5120 x 2880 @ 60
Hz

NOTE: If higher resolution monitors are used, the Intel Graphics driver will make a judgement based on monitor specications

and display congurations. Some resolutions may not be supported and so will be removed from the Intel Graphics Media Control
Panel.

NOTE: Resolution support is also dependent on the monitor’s Extended Display Identication Data (EDID) resolution.

NOTE: The 5K resolution support is only available in either of these conditions:

1 With discrete graphics mode only, or special graphics mode, or

2 *** Using the Thunderbolt 3 Type–C to a dual DisplayPort adapter.

NOTE: ** Conguration supported with AMD and Nvidia in discrete-only mode or special-graphics mode. These modes are listed

in the BIOS for the Dell Precision 7730/7530 systems and will require disabling switchable graphics for discrete-only mode or
enabling special-graphics mode when Switchable is enabled. If the system does not have these options in the BIOS, then 4
monitors are NOT supported.

Dual Display (maximum
resolution)

DP/mDP/Type-C: 3840 x 2160
@ 60 Hz

DP+VGA: 2 x 2560 x 1440 @60
Hz

mDP+HDMI: 2 x 2560 x 1440
@60 Hz or 3840 x 2160 @ 30
Hz

VGA may be limited to 2048 x
1280

Triple Display (maximum
resolution)

DP + mDP+HDMI: 3 x 3840 x
2160 @ 30 Hz

NOTE: DP port at 60 Hz

is supported, but mDP
+HDMI are limited to 30
Hz for 4k

Quad Display (maximum
resolution)

**mDP + HDMI + DP + VGA:
3x3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz + 1x
1920 x1200 (VGA)

NOTE: **Discrete only

mode or “Special
Graphics Mode”.

Setup of External Monitors 23

Technical specications

LED Status Indicators

Power Adapter LED

Table 2. Power Adapter LED indicator

State LED Behavior

Power Adapter is plugged into wall socket Solid White

Cable LED

9

Table 3. Cable LED indicator

State LED Behavior

Connected to a Dell Precision 7000 Series laptop (7730/7530) with
a dual Thunderbolt 3 port.

Solid White

Docking Status Indicator

Table 4. Docking Station LED Indicators

State LED Behavior

Docking station is receiving power from power adapter Solid White

Table 5. RJ-45 LED Indicators

Link Speed Indicators Ethernet Activity Indicator

10 Mb = Green Yellow Flashing

100 Mb = Orange

1 Gb = Green + Orange

24 Technical specications

Docking Specications

Standard

Video Ports

Audio Ports

Network Port

USB Ports

DC-in Port

USB Type-C cable length

• Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C)

• mini DisplayPort x 1 (supports DP 1.2)

• DisplayPort x 1

• HDMI x 1 (supports HDMI 1.4a)

• VGA Port x 1

• Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) port

• Headset connector x 1

• Line out x 1

• Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) x 1

• 2 Front USB 3.0 Ports (one with PowerShare)

• 1 Rear USB 3.0 Port

• 2 Rear USB 2.0 Ports

• 1 Rear Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) Port

• one 7.4 mm DC-in port

• 0.8 m

Buttons

LED

• Sleep/Wakeup/Power

• Front status indicator

Technical specications 25

Environmental Characteristics Temperature Operating: 0 °C to 35 °C

Non-operating:

• Storage: -20 °C to 60 °C (-4 °F to 140 °F)

• Shipping: -20 °C to 60 °C (-4 °F to 140 °F)

Humidity Operating: 10% to 80% (non-condensing)

Non-operating:

• Storage: 5% to 90% (non-condensing)

• Shipping: 5% to 90% (non-condensing)

Average Power Consumption 4.384 W

Network Standby Power Consumption 5.8 W

Dimension 145 mm x 145 mm x 52 mm

Weight 720 g (minimum)

VESA Mounting options Yes — via Dell Docking Station Mounting Kit

Table 6. Dell Thunderbolt 3 Dock -TB18DC Power Adapter

Adapter Specications E4 180 W E4 240 W

Input voltage 100 VAC to 240 VAC 100 VAC to 240 VAC

Input current (max) 2.34 A 3.5 A

Input frequency 50 Hz to 60 Hz 50 Hz to 60 Hz

Output current 9.23 A (continuous) 12.31 A (continuous)

Rated output voltage 19.5 VDC 19.5 VDC

26 Technical specications

Input/Output (I/O) Connectors

The Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC has the below I/O connectors:

Video Ports

Input/Output Ports

• mini DisplayPort x 1

• DisplayPort x 1

• HDMI x 1

• VGA x 1

• Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) x 1

• USB 2.0 x 2

• USB 3.0 x 2

• USB 3.0 PowerShare x 1

• Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) x 1

• 7.4 mm DC-in x 1

• Gigabit Ethernet (RJ–45) x 1

• Headset connector x 1

• Line-out connector x 1

Technical specications 27

10

Frequently asked questions

1 The fan is not working after connecting with the system.

• The fan is triggered by temperature. The dock fan will not rotate until the dock is hot enough to trigger a thermal threshold.

• Vice versa, if your dock is not cool enough, the fan will not stop even when you disconnect the dock from the system.

2 The dock does not work after high-speed fan noise.

• When you hear a loud fan noise, it is warning you that the dock is in some kind of a hot condition. For example, the vent in the
dock may be blocked or the dock is working in a high working-temperature environment (> 35C), etc,. Please eliminate these
abnormal conditions from the dock. If you do not eliminate the abnormal condition, in a worst-case situation, the dock will shut
down through the over-temperature protection mechanism. Once this happens, please un-plug the Type-C cable from the system
and remove the dock’s power. Then, plug in the dock power to recover the dock back online.

3 I hear a fan noise when I plug in the dock’s AC adapter.

• This is a normal condition. First time plugging in of the dock’s AC adapter will trigger the fan to rotate, but it will subsequently turn
o very soon.

4 I hear a loud fan noise. What’s wrong?

• The dock fan is designed with two dierent rotate speeds. Normally, the dock will work on low fan speed. If you put the dock in a
heavy loading, or in a high working-temperature environment, the dock fan may have a chance to work at a high speed. But, this is
normal and the fan will work at a low/high speed depending on the work loading.

5 What is the charging station feature?

• The Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock - TB18DC can charge your mobile or power bank even without being
connected to the system. Just make sure your dock is connected to external power. The dock fan will rotate automatically if the
dock gets too warm. This is normal working condition.

6 Why am I asked to approve Thunderbolt Devices after the Windows logon and what should I do?

• This is for Thunderbolt security. You are asked to approve a Thunderbolt device because the Thunderbolt Security level on your
unit is set to “User Authorization” or “Secure Connect” in the BIOS Setup. You will not see this page if the Thunderbolt Security
level on your system is set to “No Security” or “DisplayPort Only”. Also, if you checked “Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support” in the
BIOS Setup and power-on the system with the TB18DC dock attached, you will not see this page because the Security level is
overridden to “No Security” in this case. When you are asked to approve a Thunderbolt device, you may select “Always Connect”
if you do not have any security concerns to always allow the Thunderbolt device connection to your system. Or you may select
“Connect Only Once” or “Do Not Connect” if you do have concerns.

7 Why does it take a long time for the system to recognize all the peripheral devices which are attached to the docking station?

• Security is always Dell’s highest priority. We ship our systems with “Security level - User Authorization” setting by default. This
allows our customers to review the Thunderbolt security conditions of their systems so they can make selections accordingly.
However, this also means the Thunderbolt dock and the devices attached to it will need to pass Thunderbolt driver security
permission checking to get it connected and initialized. This normally means some extra time is needed before these devices can
be accessed by users.

8 Why does the hardware installation window show up when I plug in a USB device to the docking stations ports?

• When a new device is plugged in, the USB hub driver noties the Plug and Play (PnP) manager that a new device was detected.
The PnP manager queries the hub driver for all of the device's hardware IDs and then noties the Windows OS that a new device
needs to be installed. In this scenario, the user will see a hardware installation window.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/drivers/install/step-1--the-new-device-is-identied

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/drivers/install/identiers-for-usb-devices

9 Why do the peripheral devices, which are connected to the dock station, become unresponsive after recovering from a power

loss?

• Our Thunderbolt dock is designed to operate on AC power only and it does not support system power source back (powered by
system Type-C port). A power loss event will make all devices on the dock fail to work. Even when you restore the AC power, the
dock may still not function properly because the dock still needs to negotiate proper power contract with the system's Type-C
port and establish a system EC-to-dock-EC connection. A Type-C cable re-plug is needed to initiate the power contract
negotiation and establish system EC-to-dock-EC virtual Inter-Integration Circuit (I2C) connection. As a result, after a power loss,
the user needs to unplug the Type-C cable, re-plug in the AC power, and then re-plug-in the Type-C cable to the system to restore
dock back to a normal working condition.

28 Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions 29

Troubleshooting the Dell Precision Dual USB

Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC

Symptoms and Solutions

Symptoms Suggested solutions

1. No video on the monitors attached to the High Denition
Multimedia Interface (HDMI), mini-DisplayPort (mDP) port, or
DisplayPort (DP) port on the docking station.

• Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer and
the docking station are installed on your computer.

• Make sure your computer is connected to the docking station
securely. Try to disconnect and reconnect the docking station
to the notebook computer.

• Disconnect both ends of the video cable and check for
damaged/bent pins. Securely re-connect the cable to the
monitor and docking station.

• Make sure the video cable (HDMI, mDP or DisplayPort) is
connected properly to the monitor and the docking station.
Ensure to select the correct video source on your monitor (refer
to your monitor’s documentation for more information about
changing the video source).

• Check the resolution settings on your computer. Your monitor
may support higher resolutions than what the docking station is
able to support. Please see the Display Resolution Table for
more information on maximum resolution capacity.

• If your monitor is connected to the docking station, the video
output on your computer may be disabled. You can enable the
video output using the Intel Graphics Control Panel or refer to
the User Guide of your computer.

• If only one monitor is shown, while the other is not, go to the
Intel Graphics Control Panel, and under Multiple Displays,
select the output for the second monitor.

• If three monitors are connected to the docking station, then the
docking station will only support a maximum of two external
monitors. Refer to the User Guide of your docking station for
information on how to select and activate the desired monitors.

• Try with a dierent monitor and cable that is known to be good,
if possible.

11

2. The video on the attached monitor is distorted or

30 Troubleshooting the Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC

ickering.

• Reset the monitor to Factory Defaults. Refer to the User Guide
of your monitor for more information on how to reset the
monitor to factory defaults.

• Ensure that the video cable (HDMI, mDP or DisplayPort) is
connected securely to the monitor and the docking station.

• Disconnect and reconnect the monitor/s from the docking
station.

• First power o the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C
cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock.
Then, power on the docking station by connecting power
adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your
computer.

Symptoms Suggested solutions

3. The video on the attached monitor is not displaying as an
Extended Monitor.

• Ensure that the Intel HD Graphics driver is installed in the
Windows Device Manager.

• Open the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel and go to Multiple
Displays control to set the display to the extended mode.

4. The audio connector is not functioning or there is a lag in the
audio.

5. The USB ports are not functioning on the docking station.

• Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer and
the docking station are installed on your computer.

• If your BIOS Setup has a Audio Enabled/Disabled option, make
sure it is set to Enabled.

• Ensure the correct playback device is selected on the notebook
computer.

• Try to re-plug the audio cable to the external speaker output on
the docking station.

• First power o the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C
cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock.
Then, power on the docking station by connecting the power
adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your
computer.

• Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer and
the docking station are installed on your computer.

• If your BIOS Setup has a USB Enabled/Disabled option, make
sure it is set to Enabled.

• Verify if the device is detected in Windows Device Manager and
that the correct device drivers are installed.

• Ensure that the docking station is connected securely to the
notebook computer. Try to disconnect and reconnect the
docking station to the computer.

• Check the USB ports. Try plugging the USB device into another
port.

• First power o the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C
cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock.
Then, power on the docking station by connecting the power
adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your
computer.

6. The High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) content
is not displayed on the attached monitor.

7. The LAN port is not functioning.

8. Cable LED is not ON after it is connected to your host.

• Dell Dock and Dell Thunderbolt Dock do not support HDCP
content.

• Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your computer and
the docking station are installed on your computer.

• Ensure that the RealTek Gigabit Ethernet Controller is installed
in the Windows Device Manager.

• If your BIOS Setup has a LAN/GBE Enabled/Disabled option,
make sure it is set to Enabled

• Ensure that the Ethernet cable is connected securely on the
docking station and the hub/router/rewall.

• Check the status LED of the Ethernet cable to conrm
connectivity. Re-seat both ends of the Ethernet cable if the
LED is not lit.

• First power o the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C
cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock.
Then, power on the docking station by connecting the power
adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your
computer.

• Make sure the TB18DC is connected to AC power.

• Make sure the laptop is connected with the docking station. Try
to disconnect and re-connect again with the docking station.

Troubleshooting the Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC 31

Symptoms Suggested solutions

9. USB port has no function in a pre-OS environment.

• If your BIOS has an USB/Thunderbolt Conguration page,
please make sure the following options are checked:

• 1. Enable USB Boot Support

• 2. Enable External USB Port

• 3. Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support

10. PXE boot on dock does not function.

11. USB Boot does not function.

12. AC Adapter is displayed as “Not Installed” in the Battery
Information page of the Dell BIOS Setup when the Thunderbolt 3
(Type-C) cable is connected.

13. Peripherals connected to the docking station do not work in a
pre-OS environment.

• If your BIOS has an integrated NIC page, please select Enabled
w/PXE.

• If your BIOS Setup on your computer has an USB/Thunderbolt
Conguration page, please make sure the following options are
checked:

• 1. Enable USB Boot Support

• 2. Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support

• If your BIOS has an USB/Thunderbolt Conguration page,
please make sure the following options are checked:

• 1. Enable USB Boot Support

• 2. Enable External USB Port

• 3. Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support

• 1. Make sure the Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB18DC is connected
properly to its own adapter (240 W).

• 2. Make sure the cable LED of your docking station is ON.

• 3. Disconnect and then re-connect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C)
cable to your computer.

• Thunderbolt Boot Support is by default disabled in BIOS Setup
on your Dell computer. With such default setting the docking
station and the peripherals connected to the docking station do
not work in a pre-OS environment.

• If the BIOS Setup on your computer has an USB/Thunderbolt
Conguration page, check the following options to enable
docking station function in a pre-OS environment:

• Enable External USB Port

• Enable Thunderbolt Boot Support

14. Alert message “You have attached an undersized power adapter
to your system” is displayed when the docking station is connected
to your computer.

15. Undersized power adapter warning message displayed and cable
LED is o.

16. No external display. USB or data and cable LED is o.

32 Troubleshooting the Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC

• Make sure the docking station is connected properly to its own
power adapter. Computer requiring more than 130 W power
input must also be connected to their own power adapter for
charging and operating at full performance.

• First power o the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C
cable and then removing power adapter from the dock. Then,
power on the docking station by connecting the power adapter
to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your
computer.

• The docking connector has become unseated from the
system's Thunderbolt ports. Please disconnect the docking
cable from the system, wait for 15 seconds or more, and then
dock again.

• The docking connector has become unseated from the
system's Thunderbolt ports. Please reseat docking connector.

Symptoms Suggested solutions

17. When system or dock is moved the cable LED turns o.

• Avoid moving the system/dock when the docking cable is
connected to the system.

Troubleshooting the Dell Precision Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 Dock-TB18DC 33

12

Getting help

Contacting Dell

NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can nd contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip,

bill, or Dell product catalog.

Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services
may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:

1 Go to Dell.com/support.

2 Select your support category.

3 Verify your country or region in the Choose a Country/Region drop-down list at the bottom of the page.

4 Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.

34 Getting help