The following equipment has been configured in the Avent Ferry Technology Center building to provide proper tools and ease of work in the environment. This document is provided to explain how to use the technologies and why this equipment was chosen for the space. Survey feedback will assist us in answering more common questions in this document, as well as further evolve the equipment for the area over the pilot period.
Table of Contents
Visiontek VT 7100 Docking station
This connection will allow your laptop to not only connect to the provided display(s) and keyboard\mouse, but also receive power and use the integrated USB ports for connecting external peripherals.
To use the Dock at this station, connect the USB-C connection on the right of the reserved desk and connect it to the USC-C Docking port of your laptop. USB-C is the only connection for these stations and is the most compatible with all laptops.
If your laptop does not have this port, you will not be able to connect to the dock or the corresponding equipment. Please contact your manager and the NCSU Help Desk referenced below to discuss an upgrade to your equipment.
It should look like this with the USB-C power icon above, below or to the side of the port:
Windows OS Setup:
No driver download is necessary, as the included functions are already part of the Windows Operating system.
Video Setting: Windows 10
To configure the display mode to your preference
- Click the Windows or Start menu icon
- Type Display
- Click “Duplicate or extend to a connected display
- Select Display then select Extend desktop to this display.
Windows 10
Windows 11
- If a different orientation is required, drag the desired display to the orientation wanted.
MAC OS setup:
Download and install the latest DisplayLink software
- Go to Self Service
- Choose DisplayLink Application under Utilities
- Click Install
- Click “Continue” to start the installation process.
- Once prompted, input your account password and click “Install Software”
- After installation is complete, restart your system.
The dock should now be working. If not, make sure the DisplayLink Manager application is running by entering “DisplayLink” into the finder and running the DisplayLink application.
MANAGING MULTIPLE DISPLAYS (macOS)
When a new display is connected to your Mac, it will default to being extended to the right of the main display.
To configure the settings for each of your displays, select “Displays” from the “System Preferences” menu. This will open the “Display Preferences” window on each of your displays, allowing you to configure each.
Display Preferences:
- Display Resolutions Rotating a Display
- Display Positions Display to Mirror mode
- Display to Extend Using both extended and mirrored displays
Changing the main display: To arrange displays and configure mirrored or extended displays click on the arrangement tab. To move a display, click and drag the display in the arrangements window. To change primary display, click on the small bar on top of the main monitor and drag in onto the monitor you want to be the primary.
Phone and user-owned device charging:
The VT7100 dock allows you to charge your personal devices while at the office. If your device is capable of quick charging, this dock allows you to use this feature. If the device is not capable, it will charge at the normal capability of the device through a standard USB connection.
What you will need:
- A compatible device that uses USB to charge.
- Your personal charging cable (No AC charging block needed).
Plug your device into the following port:
FAQ
Why isn't my laptop connecting to the docking station?
- When planning these spaces, we determined that 90% of our user assets charged or connected through USB-C. All assets following the CPI model and purchased through the NCSU marketplace in the last 5 years have this capability. Docks were put in place to allow users to connect to monitors and peripherals using the USB-C standard. A small amount of laptops were found that did not have USB-C capability. These users will not be able to connect to these docking stations.
- We have also found several docking stations where users have attempted to plug the laptop connecting cable into the wrong USB-C port. The cable that connects to your laptop needs to be plugged into the port marked "To Host"
Why isn't my laptop receiving power from the docking station?
- Power delivery is only available when connected via USB-C and the VT7100 provides a maximum of 100W of power delivery. Laptops must support Power Delivery over USB-C. Please check the computer manufacturer’s power supply recommended wattage and compatibility requirements.
- The VT7100 will not provide power delivery if attaching to a system via USB-A 3.0. Additionally, the computer must support Power Delivery over USB-C.
Can I connect my PC to the dock through another port?
- While the dock does support connections through USB-A 3.2, the NCSU laptop computers purchased since 2017 connect through USB-C to docks.
- Assets purchased before this do not have USB-C or USB-A 3.2 and connect to a propriety non-supported port called Dell E-port.
- Please contact the help desk if your Laptop PC cannot connect through USB-C
How do I change the arrangement of my displays?
- Please refer to Windows OS Setup or Mac OS Setup above
How can I use my Windows laptop with the lid closed and connected to the docking station?
- In the Control Panel Settings go to Power and Sleep Settings > Additional Power Settings > Choose what closing the lid does > Do Nothing (On battery and/or Plugged in)
How can I use my macOS laptop with the lid closed and connected to the docking station?
- Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver > Slider set to Never
How much power delivery can the VT7100 docking station provide?
- The VT7100 docking station can provide up to 100W of power delivery via USB-C.
Why isn’t my laptop receiving power from the docking station?
- Check to make sure you have plugged the dock into the laptop through the Thunderbolt USB-C capable charging port.
- The icon should look like this.
- The VT7100 can only provide up to 100W of power delivery. Check the laptop power supply recommended wattage to see what power your system requires.
Why do I need to use Wireless rather than a wired connection?
- Wired Ethernet connections require more interaction and resources to deploy to temporary work spaces. It was determined that the wireless network would allow users to more easily access NCSU network resources without interactions from IT Support.
- If a wired connection is necessary to your work, please contact our NCSU Help desk at 919-515-4357 to submit a request.
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Dell 27” 4K Monitor (UltraSharp 2722D)
Where single monitor stations were implemented, 4k monitors were placed to allow more real estate and productivity. This is connected directly to the docking station.
FAQ
Why is there only one monitor?
- Most of the PCs currently deployed are unable to output a video signal to allow for two 4K monitors. During the AFTC pilot, feedback will help determine future equipment needs. A more powerful laptop will output to two 4k monitors, or your current laptop should output to 1080P monitors.
What resolution is the monitor capable of?
- 4k = 2160 pixels tall x 3840 pixels wide
Dell 27” Monitor (E2724HS)
Where dual monitor stations were implemented, 2 monitors were placed to allow more real estate and productivity. These are connected directly to the docking station.
FAQ
Why do these monitors only go to High Definition resolution?
- Most of the PCs currently deployed are unable to output a video signal to allow for two 4K monitors. During the AFTC pilot, feedback will help determine future equipment needs. A more powerful laptop will output to two 4k monitors, or your current laptop should output to 1080P monitors.
What resolution is the monitor capable of?
- HD = 1080 pixels tall x 1920 pixels wide
Microsoft 3J2-00001 Wired Desktop 600 for Business
Keyboard & Mouse
FAQ
Why were wired keyboards and mice chosen over wireless keyboards and mice?
- Wireless equipment requires a dongle or USB transceiver. The device should be plugged in directly to the user’s laptop to avoid stuttering or latency issues. Sometimes users forget to remove these small devices, and OIT did not want to consistently replace the devices for the next user.
Can I use my own keyboard and mouse?
- Absolutely. There is no need to unplug anything. Set the Microsoft keyboard and mouse to the side and out of your way.
- You may either:
- Plug your device into the front USB 3.2 port on the front of the docking station, or
- Use your laptop keyboard and trackpad instead.
The keyboard and mouse are dirty. Where are cleaning supplies to sanitize my work area?
- Cleaning supplies are located in cabinets around the AFTC building. Maps of cabinet locations can be found at go.ncsu.edu/aftcpilot
What if I spill liquid in the keyboard?
- The keyboard was chosen as it is spill resistant and should be able to continue working. Use the referenced cleaning supplies to dry the spill and call the help desk to have a technician dispatched to test the equipment further.
To report any issues with the equipment or computer problems you may be experiencing, please contact our NCSU Help desk at 919-515-4357, and we will be happy to assist you.