Finally got my Framework DIY last week. Do I need a special USB cable to use something like the ANKER 65W (link to amazon). I saw some other people were having their battery deplete while using their machine full out.
I’m also looking for a USB C hub/dock but I still have some legacy USB A devices like my 10 year old laser printer, scanner, and kinesis keyboard and trackball. So like 5 USB A ports. Any suggestions? I’m willing to get the 20V power supply also if needed.
I’d like to be able to have all of them on one dock. Though I could get a USB-A 4 or 6 way. Ideally I want to do the magsafe mod that is on a different thread and the 3D print USB module to mount it.
Yes, you do need a special USB-PD cable capable of handling at least 60W. Just USB-PD, 60W or more. The best, and also most expensive, will be USB-IF certified, but those are rare.
Thank you @Fraoch.
Ok then the cable is probably the issue I am having now.
I did look at most of that list. I am trying to avoid spending 1/4 to 1/3 of the laptop on a dock. It looks like I will need to chain a USB C hub to a USB A Hub to get what I want/need.
And what I find extremely irritating is that USB-C cables have no markings on them (unlike Ethernet cables) indicating what they are suitable for (data and/or PD). I have such a bunch of cables now that I cannot remember which is which.
I don’t know if you’re willing to go the used market, but that’s one way that you can really save a buck by looking for used Dell docks such as the WD15, KA16A, WD19, etc.
Much like used Xeon CPUs, these older enterprise products tend to flood the used market after a few years and amusingly can end up cheaper than consumer equivalents.
At the very least I can recommend the ebay seller “techxorg” which absolutely bent-over backwards for me when dealing with the issues I had (was sent a 65w PSU but I needed 125w for power delivery so they sent it free) including the return process for my unit that had faulty ethernet - speaking of which, just note that they don’t test their units other than confirming that they power on and, if you require a 125w PSU, be sure to ask before putting in your order (or make a “best offer” and include it in your note; maybe mentioning that ebay user “redvanredtbird” referred you? That’s me BTW).
Just be wary that Dell does some lame vendor lock-in whereby it requires a Dell-branded charger just to power them when connected via type-C; also note that you’ll need a 100+w Dell charger for power delivery.
(and to clarify, the WD15 I had would power its USB type-A port when plugged into the wall using a 95w universal charger with the type-C connection disconnected; as soon as I plugged in the type-C connection the dock would turn off unless I used an actual Dell PSU - even if it were just a 65w Dell PSU, though 65w would only power the dock and not do USB power delivery)