Issue with dual monitor setup on MacBook Air M3, using Ascrono docking station

Hi there,

I've run into a minor issue with the dual monitor configuration on a MacBook Air with the M3 chip when using the Ascrono dock (https://ascrono.com/products/ascrono-macbook-docking-station?variant=44613585895588).

If both monitors are turned on and I plug the laptop into the dock, only one of them will lit up and it is constantly blinking on and off. This makes the whole setup unusable.

In order to use both monitors as intended, I first have to turn off one monitor, plug the laptop into the dock, wait for the other monitor to lit up, and only then can I turn the first monitor back on, which is very annoying when I have to do it every day.

I don't use any additional docking station, each of the monitors are connected to one of two usb-c connectors of the MacBook. The laptop is powered via power delivery from one of the monitors.

So I want to ask, does this MacBook model have a problem with simultaneous plugging of two screens at the same time?

Has anybody encountered the issue?

Is there any way to solve this problem, or is it a hardware issue that has no solution?

I am very satisfied with the device, but this thing is driving me crazy.

Thank you for your help.

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Mar 9, 2025 1:10 AM

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2 replies

Mar 9, 2025 7:03 PM in response to Bulyt

The docking station you describe appears to be different from most docking stations, in that it Is merely a vertical stand for an upright, closed Mac notebook. Whereas most docks would connect to your Mac – and offer ports of their own – this thing just holds your Mac upright unless you add a separate hub.

Here's what Apple says about using two external monitors:

Use dual monitors with your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M3 chip - Apple Support

It doesn't directly address connecting two displays to two ports simultaneously, because most users wouldn't have devices like this one, and would only be plugging in a single external cable at a time.

You may want to contact Apple Support.

Bulyt Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 12, 2025 12:08 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Hi,

thank you for the advice, the link you provided was very helpful.

It looks like the problem is hardware related, and for my setup to work I would need to get a new MacBook Air with the M4 chip. I think I'd rather wait for the M5 Air, then.

Looks like I'll have to put up with said process, when docking notebook, for the next few years, annoying as it is.

Otherwise, I agree that the product is more of a vertical stand. "Docking station" is what the manufacturer calls it.

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Issue with dual monitor setup on MacBook Air M3, using Ascrono docking station