Pinebook Pro Dock

Starting point for PineBook Pro Docking station

Description

The PineBook Pro's docking station was custom designed for both physical dimensions and ports to compliment the PineBook Pro laptop. It has been tested on several disparate platforms and seems to be fully compatible with Android, Windows, ChromeOS, and GNU/Linux. It may be compatible with Apple systems, but this has yet to be documented.

Ports available

List of ports available on docking station:

• USB 3.0 Ports x3
• USB-C Ports 3x
• 4K @ 30fps HDMI x1
• 1080P VGA x1
• Gigabit Ethernet networking port x 1
• Card readers: micro SD x 1 & SD x 1, supports: SD, SDHC and SDXC
• Audio Jack: 3.5mm Earphone Jack with mic x1

Hardware Tests

Acer Aspire e15

Note that machine lacks USB-C video. Tested with both Windows 10 and Gentoo GNU/Linux. Every device functions properly with the exception of the microphone jack. In Linux, the jack will only function with its volume set at or above 98 in alsamixer. This is uncomfortably loud. 8/10 for compatibility.

Samsung Chromebook Plus V2

Everything functions perfectly, with the exception of Ethernet, which was not tested. 9/10.

Google Pixel 4a

Note that the machine lacks USB-C video. Using android version 11. Video and Ethernet were not tested. Everything else functioned properly. 8/10.

PineBook Pro

Using Manjaro ARM minimal with dwm. Video out, usb, and SD card readers all work. Did not test Ethernet or audio jack. 8/10.

Known Bugs

Audio Volume on Linux

When using Linux, the audio jack will only function at or above 98 percent volume. Otherwise it is muted. This is much too loud for normal use. Workaround needed.

Pinebook Pro does not charge when connected to USB-C dock

It has been observed in the past that the Pinebook Pro is somewhat temperamental when used with the USB-C dock. Sometimes it will not charge when connected to its dock, even if the dock is powered from the official Pinepower power supply (i.e., even when it is provided with sufficient power). The more astute may have surmised that the Pinebook Pro was powering the dock, rather than being powered itself. The solution, luckily, is quite simple. The following command should always work:

echo "sink" | sudo tee /sys/class/typec/port0/power_role >/code>

Please note:

1. This command cannot be run with sudo, you must be the root user.
2. If this command still fails with the message "bash: /sys/class/typec/port0/power_role: No such file or directory" Please ensure that the file actually exists. The most likely cultprits are that either /sys/class/typec does not exist or /sys/class/typec/port0 has a different name on your machine.

Unable to output to external display

Unplug the dock cable turn 180 degrees reinsert in new orientation. (Sometimes works for charging the laptop too.)

Chips used

List of chips used in the docking station:

• PD Negotiation chip - PDFL7102
• HDMI/VGA chip - IT6564
• GbE Ethernet chip - RTL8153B
• USB 3.0 Hub chip - VL817
• SD card reader chip - GL823K
• Audio CODEC chip - HZD100

External Links

• The Pinebook Pro Docking Deck at the Pine64 store
• The "Pinebook Pro Hardware and Accessories" section of the Pine64 forum