Quick update. Diagnosing SD-Card slot issue
over 8 years ago
– Thu, Nov 05, 2015 at 09:36:22 PM
Hi Everybody!
Our factory tells us that the USB audio and the HDMI problems are fixed. But, in testing, they uncovered a bug that causes the SD card reader to fail when a display is plugged into the Mini DisplayPort jack, for some reason. We tried it here. And, yes, it does just that.
This is another firmware fix (not hardware). And, we're told that "we are working to solve the problem."
We'll let you know when the factory lets us know.
Hang in there!
The KickShark Team
Video update: HydraDock sample is here.
over 8 years ago
– Sat, Oct 31, 2015 at 03:08:13 PM
Hi Everybody!
The first approval sample of the production HydraDock arrived yesterday afternoon. And of course, we immediately hooked it up to a MacBook and began plugging things into it.
Jack from our team did a quick demo video this morning you can watch. And, here is a port by port report from last night's testing:
The Good
The 2 USB-C ports work, as do the 4 USB Type A ports. Mini DisplayPort works. SDXC card reader works. GigaBit Ethernet works. The charging power to the MacBook scales correctly to the HydraDock's plugged-in load. Plug and all the jacks feel good and fit properly. The enclosure's fit and finish is good.
The Slightly Bad (but fixable)
The HDMI port has a quickly fixable flaw that caused it to blank when we plugged in our wide 21:9 aspect ratio (2,560x1,080) Samsung HDMI display. It seems our video system uses an onboard registry for supported resolutions, that the factory guys didn't install the one for 2,560x1,080, and it caused the port to blank out. Fixing it is a simple matter of adding that and a few other neglected resolutions into the firmware and updating.
The headphone jack (which is USB audio powered) sounds really, really bad — kind of a scratchy echo chamber effect. But, it's a known thing with this USB audio chipset, and this is also fixed with a simple firmware update.
Both the firmware corrections will happen Monday-Tuesday, and a new sample board shipped to us for validation.
When we get that board, and we verify all the ports work, we'll do another video showing everything working. And, we'll release the mass production order to the factory.
Historical Note
The video here shows the first and only public demonstration of a real product driving a Mini DisplayPort monitor from a USB-C jack. Lots of smoke and mirrors and promises out there these past months. But, here is the HydraDock actually doing it.
We're excited, more than a little proud, and are eager to get the last few steps finished and these products put into your hands as soon as possible.
THANK YOU!
The KickShark Team
Display Tip For HydraDock + Retina MacBook Owners
over 8 years ago
– Sat, Oct 31, 2015 at 10:55:45 AM
We wanted to share our opinion about the best monitor to pair with your MacBook and HydraDock — to give our backers an early lead in looking around and finding one of them to buy, if you wish.
The Apple LED Cinema Display
From late 2008 until 2011 Apple sold two models of the LED Cinema Display, both connecting by Mini DisplayPort and USB, and both with gorgeous IPS LCD panels. The 24-inch model MB382LL/A had a resolution of 1,920x1,200, and the 27-inch model MC007LL/A had a resolution of 2,560x1,440. Both had three (3) powered USB 2.0 ports on the back, an iSight web cam, and very good built-in stereo speakers.
We've been using a couple of the 27-inch LED Cinema Display units around KickShark with our MacBooks (using prototype USB-C to mDP cable adapters). And, we are eagerly waiting for our first production HydraDocks, so we can shift all of our MacBook users to these older, but still amazing Apple displays.
Still Available Out There
We wanted to let you know how great these displays still are, and how amazing they look and work with the new MacBook. And, we wanted to let you know that they are out there, available to buy, and at good prices — for now. We think once HydraDock gets into wider usage early next year, nobody will be able to buy one of these displays for today's prices, as sellers learn that there is a new market for them.
So, act now to get a good deal!
A Few Sources
Of course, eBay always has some 24 and 27 inch models. We like MacOfAllTrades, as they check and refresh everything before selling it. They have a 24 and a 27 inch in stock now. Here are some other sources:
The best way to find other sellers is to search Google for "used macs" and then look for displays on those sites. We've stocked up on three 24's and a couple of additional 27's. So, we thought we'd pass along the tip to our backers.
Happy hunting!
The KickShark Team
Photos of the final PC board, sample shipment
over 8 years ago
– Sat, Oct 24, 2015 at 09:55:58 AM
Working long distance with a factory half a world away has its moments... We asked for photos of the PC board before the Hydradock sample was assembled and shipped. Here are the two fuzzy little pictures we got by email last night. :-)
The HydraDock sample is leaving Shenzhen by FedEx Monday. When it gets here, we'll set up a couple of video cameras, plug it into one of our MacBooks, and start connecting it to all sorts of stuff, for all to see.
We don't know about you — but, when it's down to this stage, being patient is painful. We want it here NOW! :-)
Thanks to all!
The KickShark Team
Quick Update On Timing
over 8 years ago
– Wed, Oct 21, 2015 at 08:25:06 PM
Hi Everybody,
When we last left off it was with reporting that our factory had said to expect the production approval sample here about the 19th, which has obviously passed. Last night we had an email saying it would be shipped this coming Monday or Tuesday (the 26th or 27th). Otherwise, all is as where we last reported.
The big event will be when that sample hits our hands here in Nashville, and we are able to verify its operation (and video a full demo), and release the mass production order.
And, that's our micro-update for now. More when the sample hits out eager hands next week. :-)
Thanks to all!
Kristin
KickShark Team
