Using When Connected to a Host
Connecting the Hub to a host computer
You can use either Thunderbolt host port on the rear of the hub to connect to your host system; there are two ports on the rear, so you can use one port to connect the host and the other port to daisy chain multiple hubs.
Connect the ThunderSync3-C10 to your host system using a Thunderbolt™ 3 cable. Using an incorrect host cable may result in the hub and all subsequent ports not being recognised by your host.
The ThunderSync3-C10 must be connected physically to a host in order to communicate with the hub and devices. If you wish to connect to a hub remotely (not on the physical host it is connected to) it will still need to be connected to a host and have access to the Cambrionix Hub API which can then be connected to if the relevant steps have been taken. More information on remote access can be seen in the Cambrionix Hub API user manual, which can be viewed from the website.
Charging
When the Host Port is connected to a local computer, the hub defaults to Sync mode and charge currents are determined according to USB Implementers Forum (USBIF) specifications. If the attached device complies with USB-IF Battery Charging specification BC1.2 and supports Charging Downstream Port (CDP), the hub can provide high-speed charging. Information on the different charging levels can be found in the Port Specifications section.
Data Transfer
The ThunderSync3-C10 appears as a virtual COM port (VCP). On Microsoft Windows, the system will appear as a COM port, the COM port number can be found in device manager. On macOS, a device file is created in the / directory.
Devices incorporate a USB to UART converter IC from FTDI International. On Windows 7 or later, a driver may automatically be installed (if Windows is configured to download drivers from the internet automatically). If this is not the case, or if a Mac or Linux platform is used, the driver may be downloaded from www.ftdichip.com. The VCP drivers are required. For Linux or Mac computers, the default OS drivers should be used.
The default communications settings are as below, ANSI terminal emulation should be selected.
| Communication setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of bits per second (baud) | 115200 |
| Number of data bits | 8 |
| Parity | None |
| Number of stop bits | 1 |
| Flow control | None |