= Summary =
Its just works; and its among the cheapest hub you can find with this feature set. Drivers should not be necessary on common computer operating systems. The only quirk is the audio jack requires HDMI output. The hub does not have a sound card; it only converts HDMI audio to analog.
= Specs =
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports with support for USB 2.4A fast-charging
-- 2 USB ports are assigned to card reader and gigabit ethernet
-- 500MB/s (~450MB/s actual) max speed of all devices (card + ethernet) and USB ports combined
5V 3A total power (this is the limit of on-board power converter)
HDMI 1.4 (with HDCP) + VGA (10-bit up to 1080p) video converter
HDMI 2-ch audio DAC
2 LUN card reader (shows up as two separate drives) for SD and Micro SD cards up to UHS-I (104MB/s max)
Gigabit ethernet with energy efficient features
= Technical Details =
The hub consists of wedged shaped aluminum tube with the taller side featuring the video ports. A circuit board is suspended inside by plastic inserts that also serve to align and cover the gaps in each port. The two end caps are press fitted into the tube without any additional adhesive. The hub may fall appart if dropped but should be easily reassembled.
The hub disassembles easily by popping off the plastic cap over the ethernet port. The board inside then slides out without effort. The cap on the cable end can be removed to complete disassembly but is not required to full access the board. The USB-C cable is wired to the board through some form of displacement connector and secured with adhesive. The shielding on the cable is also ungrounded thus add minimal functional. Fortunately the cable is short enough it should have minimal effect on signal reliability.
There is also a shroud that resembles a strain relief but should not be relied upon to alleviate stress on the cable. Durability is certainly far less than a moulded cable. However, the cable is terminated similarly to hand crimped ethernet and typical stress on the cable should not affect reliability with repeated use.
All major components, other than the DAC, are older but from recognized manufacturers. All features useable out-of-the-box without additional drivers on most current computer operating systems. The DAC (connected to the 3.5mm jack) appears to be a clone of a Cirrus Logic CS4344. However, its unknown if it provides similar performance.
The hub is wired with 2 of the 4 USB-C high speed lanes assigned to USB and the remaining lanes assigned to Display Port. This means USB operates without compromise while DP is limited to 2 lanes. This means higher bandwidth operation such as 4K 60Hz is not possible.
The on-board 3A DC converter should supply ample power to all components. There should be no issues operating all ports simulatenously assuming low power USB devices are used.
= Technical Features =
The USB hub supports 2.4A fast charging; thus charging a single device quickly maybe possible. However, the hub itself is limited to 3A so charging multiple devices at high speeds will not work.
The HDMI output is limited to HDMI 1.4. But all non-3D HDMI display modes within the spec should be supported.
VGA output works in both widescreen (16:9) 1080p and 4:3 UXGA
Card reader functions simultaneously with both Micro SD and full size
2-Ch DAC functions requires output from HDMI. It converts HDMI audio to analog 2-ch output.
Ethernet uses both link detection and EEE to conserve power both when idle and while operating. Shorter ethernet cables/connection should result in less heat generated. Ethernet also supports various wake functions.
= Components =
GL3510 4-Port USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hub Controller
EP9632G Display Port to HDMI + VGA Converter
RTL8153 USB Gigabit Ethernet Controller
GL3224 Memory Card Reader
434C 2-Ch DAC
TD1583 3A DC/DC Converter
XT25F16B (16Mbit series 25 SPI NOR flash)
| Brand | Ikling |
|---|---|
| Item model number | FX-1818 |
| Operating System | Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Linux 2.6.14, Windows 11 |
| Item Weight | 4.6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.75 x 0.5 x 1.6 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.75 x 0.5 x 1.6 inches |
| Color | Grey |
| Manufacturer | ikling |
| ASIN | B07TVSLDND |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Date First Available | June 19, 2019 |
