Matrox Dualhead2GO and MPB in closed clamshell mode

Question

Matrox Dualhead2GO and MPB in closed clamshell mode

Hey all - I have been racking my brains out on this one and cannot seem to find the solution. I have a newer (mid 2010) MBP 17" with the current OSX 10.6.5 update. I am connecting 2 24" View Sonic 1080 Full HD monitors via a Matrox Dualhead2GO adapter. I can get all the monitors working with no issues when all 3 are open/on, however, the issue I am running into is when I want to close the MBP laptop and just use the 2 external monitors (closed clamshell mode). I have seen/read people using this module with the closed clamshell mode on, but no one has offered up how they did it. What happens to me, is the machine goes to sleep after closing the lid (as it should). Upon 'waking' it up, both external monitors stay off (no signal). The LED light on the Matrox module turns from red to orange (when it should be green). Perhaps I am running a resolution the MBP does not support in closed clamshell mode? I have tested running just one of the monitors connected in closed clamshell mode and everything functions as it should.

The resolutions I am running are:
LCD (MPB): 1900x1200
ViewSonic (both): 3840 x 1080 (or 2 @ 1920 x 1080).

Although not essential to running the setup - I would prefer a solution so I can keep the lid closed and use as a 2 monitor not 3 set up - as my laptop is off to the side. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

- Michael

mbp 17", Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Nov 12, 2010 10:34 AM

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Answer 1

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Nov 12, 2010 7:31 PM in response to macamrstudios

OS X can store and remember different resolutions for the two modes, namely lid up and lid down. As you surmise, in lid down mode OS X has likely been set to send resolutions to the Matrox that the monitors aren't able to run from. The best way to deal with situations like this is to get a second Mac, if one is available to you, and set up Screen Sharing so the Matrox connected Mac sends its output to the second Mac. Then from the second Mac you can go into Displays Preferences on the MacBook Pro and change the resolution to 3840 x 1080 as is required.

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Answer 2

Dec 1, 2010 4:18 PM in response to macamrstudios

Hi,

I have read a lot of posts about problems with runnig dualhead2go on new mbp with minidisplay port and two external monitors. So is it that version of os 10.6.5 is now capable to simply run those 2 external screens and internal one at once?

Could you write a little bit about your setup? I mean what type of matrox card and what cable/adapters specifically you use to make it run.

Do you have any problems with this setup (except the one you have posted).

Thanks,
Luka

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