Switch 3 : USB-C confusion

Hi all, I found quite a lot of advice here about my new Switch 3. That's really cool and you all deserve my thanks

One thing bugs me still: the usb-c port is not properly documented and posts in here are pretty much contradictory. I need to add a self powered hub in order to use fast storage, add more usb inputs for sound card, wireless keyboard and such. Ethernet and video would help as well. What bugs me is the power issue: will the tablet charge from the usb-c hub, provided it supports power delivery ? I read in one post that it should with 20v / 3A PD. Maybe 12V / 5A as well.

But I also found in Acer own docs that only the sw5 supports PD charge. I also read here that using PD and mains simultaneously will fry the thing. Ouch!

Can someone with actual knowledge of he switch 3 clarify these points for me? (SW312-31-P3V3)

- Is video out DP only or can it do hdmi as well, through a usb-C hub ? Hubs with DP are mostly TB3 which should not works, unless I'm mistaken.

- Does the usb-c port support (or tolerate) ongoing current ? If so, will 12v, 20v or both charge the tablet?

- Will plugging a powered PD capable hub while tablet connected to mains really fry the whole thing ?

I still haven't ordered the hub, I will as soon as it feels safe.

Thanks.

Roger.

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Commodore_1995#

This is the information I found for your model:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/r3/li3tsiqc0xdz.jpg

archiefkljdkf

Thanks,
My question has to do with inbound charge, not outbound power delivery. Some posts here seem to indicate inbound PD support but some state the opposite. Documentation is severely lacking

Do you have an idea whether the DP output could translate to hdmi through a hub? I have no idea how this "new gen" tech works, tbh. I was waiting for the dust to settle but it just doesn't end and I have to move on and leave expresscard behind

Roj.

archiefkljdkf

For those reading later on, I should also point that, due to a bug on the cpu, letting voltage flow through any port on this device should be avoided when possible. It will likely die within months, leaving the user with impossible troubleshooting. This is the well documented Goldmont bug, which affects the N4200 pentium as well as many low power intel cpu's.
As a result, outbound power delivery is a no-no. sdcard and usb ports should also be unplugged when not in use. Actually, the bug is the reason for my looking for a powered hub: I need permanent data storage and the tablet just can't handle 3.3v to the sdcard slot.

Commodore_1995#

I understand your question. I can not guarantee 100% if it will work, but you can try with this device, see: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NP.CAB1A.020

archiefkljdkf

Thanks for the link. This device is an example of what should be avoided with this tablet : no power input, it will draw voltage from the tablet, which should be avoided.
Hubs are cheap and easy to find but their documentation is often almost as bad as that of Acer tablets: looks like hail mary shopping

I will give it a rest until someone has some informed input to contribute.

JackE

1- Is video out DP only or can it do hdmi as well, through a usb-C hub ? Hubs with DP are mostly TB3 which should not works, unless I'm mistaken.

2- Does the usb-c port support (or tolerate) ongoing current ? If so, will 12v, 20v or both charge the tablet?

3- Will plugging a powered ***** capable hub while tablet connected to mains really fry the whole thing ?

1. Video out is not listed as dual-mode DP. So an active, not passive, DP-to-HDMI signal converter would be needed.

2. C port is not listed for tablet charging.

3. The mains input of tablet charger should be isolated from its DC output. Your powered-capable brandx hub should be too.

Jack E/NJ

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