Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) with Matrox DualHead2Go Problems

Question

Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) with Matrox DualHead2Go Problems

I'm using a Matrox DualHead2Go with 2x Viewsonic 24" running at 1920x1080 screen resolution (Display 1), together they a single desktop with a combined screen resolution of 3840x1080 and the MacBook Pro 13" is configured as the second screen (Display 2) when not in clamshell mode at 1280 x 800 screen resolution.

I've recently upgraded to Mac OS X 10.9 on my MacBook Pro 13" and I'm experiencing the following problems.

1. The cursor is only responsive on Display 2

2. There is a ghosting of the menu bar on Display 2

3. Applications are launched on Display 1

4. The menu dock is only on Display 2

Is there a fix for this and is anyone else experiencing this issue?

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Oct 24, 2013 5:16 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 25, 2013 5:10 AM in response to dalekurtmurray

I have the same set up as you: DualHead2Go, 2x 24" HP's @ 2x 1900x1200 (or 3840x1200 since it is treated as a single display), MBP Mid 2012, OS X 10.9 etc.

Note: I am running the MBP in clamshell

I've noticed a few of your issues:

1. The cursor is only responsive on Display 2 - No issues here, responsive on all screens.

2. There is a ghosting of the menu bar on Display 2 - I am seeing this as well.

3. Applications are launched on Display 1 - I am seeing this as well.

4. The menu dock is only on Display 2 - When the MBP screen is open and active, I see ghosted menu docks on Display's 1 and 2, but they are separate (wasn't like this with Mountain Lion installed).

I would say update (if you haven't already) your Matrox PowerDesk firmware to version 1.0.152 (which I believe is the latest).

On a side note: When Matrox finishes an update for Mavericks, I am hoping that we will be able to use our external monitors separately, each with their own menu docks. I know Mavericks has this functionality, but not through DualHead2Go, yet.

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Answer 2

Oct 25, 2013 5:38 AM in response to cmurphy88

I was able to resolve my issues through the configuration of Matrox PowerDesk.

I think the ghosting of the menu bar is a feature, which allows you to access the menu from each external display.

Could give me instructions on how I enable Clamshell mode on the MacBook Pro?

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Answer 3

Oct 25, 2013 5:42 AM in response to dalekurtmurray

Where exactly did you configure this in PowerDesk?

I should have specified -- to my knowledge, 'clamshell mode' just means that your Macbook screen is closed, and you are using your dual monitors as the primary. There is no setup or other actions necessary.

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Answer 4

Oct 25, 2013 5:48 AM in response to cmurphy88

The reason why the cursor seemed to be locked to the MacBook Pro (Display 2) has to do with the "Location of external displays" setting, where the dual monitors are the the left of the Macbook Pro. Once I selected that option, going to the right on the dual monitors or to the left of the MacBook Pro would move me between the screens.

In regards to the clamshell mode, I have read that I have to execute the command sudo nvram boot-args="iog=0x0" from the Terminal window then restart the MacBook Pro, close the lid at the Apple logo. But that doesn't seem to work as well as instructed.

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Answer 5

Oct 25, 2013 5:53 AM in response to dalekurtmurray

Want to hear something funny, I just tried those instructions and it worked!

This always happens, the one day I have to disconnect my MacBook Pro to go into the office, I get clamshell working. Then I get back home and nothing works anymore. Argh!

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Answer 6

Oct 25, 2013 5:55 AM in response to dalekurtmurray

So what exactly does executing that command do? I read about it, but forgot it's function.

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Answer 7

Oct 25, 2013 6:00 AM in response to cmurphy88

It's a boot argument.

sudo nvram boot-args="iog=0x0"
This reverses the "Clamshell" mode for Apple's laptop systems, where when you close the display but connect the system to an external monitor and keyboard the system will stay awake. After running this command, when connecting an external monitor, the internal display will be disabled, which can be beneficial in some situations such as those where you are mirroring your desktop but wish to run the external display at a higher resolution than your laptop can run.

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Answer 8

bash103

Level 1

5 points

Oct 25, 2013 9:33 AM in response to cmurphy88

Just called Matrox and they said their product will ocntinue to function as is, no seperate monitor functionality.

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Answer 9

Oct 25, 2013 9:40 AM in response to bash103

Yes, from my experience with resolving the issues I had it does. Most of my issues were user error on my part.

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Answer 10

Oct 25, 2013 10:04 AM in response to bash103

That is unforntunate. I spoke with them a couple of days ago in regards to developing a driver update for Mavericks and a tech rep. said something was in the works -- too bad it won't include this functionality.

Do you know if there is/will be any way to set monitors up separately (w/ or w/o DualHead2Go)?

Thanks!

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Answer 11

Oct 25, 2013 12:00 PM in response to cmurphy88

Yes, it is unfortunate. I really would like the functionality to manage each of the external monitors rather than having the work as one combined desktop. Initially when I purchase the DualHead2Go ME I thought that was optional, it being a feature. Then when I heard that Mac OS X 10.9 would have better multiple monitor support, I got my hopes up even more.

At the moment I have been using Moom and Stay (app) to help the window management on the dual monitor setup.

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Answer 12

Oct 25, 2013 12:08 PM in response to dalekurtmurray

Agreed.

I've been referred to Moom a few times. Apparently, it does not support Adobe products (Illustrator, Photoshop, Fireworks etc.), which I use quite often.

Bummer.

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Answer 13

Oct 25, 2013 12:37 PM in response to cmurphy88

Yes! I found that out recently. I don't use photoshop that often, but it would have been good to have support for it.

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Answer 14

Oct 29, 2013 8:10 PM in response to dalekurtmurray

This is a follow up I got from Matrox Tech Support

MGI Technical Support wrote:

It sounds like that after updating you just might have to set up the unit again.

Did you try using the Quick Setup available on Power Desk? It should be able to auto detect the displays and apply the resolution 2x 1920x1080 @ 60Hz (r). Notice that’s important to have the “(r)” in the resolution, otherwise your graphic card won’t be able to achieve 3840x1080 as the resolution. Please give it a try and let us know if it fails./p>

And to the question on supporting a non-combined dual monitor

MGI Technical Support wrote:

The option to set up the screens independently is high on our wish list, but we really don’t have information if that’s something that will be able to be implemented. So, for now, using it in stretch mode is the only possible way to use the device.

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Answer 15

tdk2fe

Level 1

0 points

Nov 3, 2013 7:11 PM in response to dalekurtmurray

As somebody who goes from clamshell mode to regular mode frequently - i've installed a little extension called 'NoSleep' - just a background app that runs and when I don't want my macbook to go to sleep when I close the lid I just have to click the icon to enable it. IMO better than permanently modifying boot parameters.

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