BobSandifer

Q: My second thunderbolt goes black after a few minutes

I recently added a second apple thunderbolt display to my mac mini and after a few minutes it will go black.  I have searched the forums but no-one seems to have the solution to the problem should the thunderbolt displays be in a certain order with the computer?  I do have an Avid HDX card that comes before the second display.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance

Posted on Dec 29, 2015 6:39 AM

Close

Q: My second thunderbolt goes black after a few minutes

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Dec 29, 2015 9:23 AM in response to BobSandifer
    Level 7 (27,395 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 9:23 AM in response to BobSandifer

    We can not help much, because we do not know exactly which year model Mac Mini you have...?

    (the 2014 has 2 thunderbolt ports and the earlier models only have 1 thunderbolt port)

     

    Have a look at > Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - Apple Support to see if that helps.

     

    I would try the Avid HDX card after the display.

  • by BobSandifer,

    BobSandifer BobSandifer Dec 29, 2015 9:26 AM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 9:26 AM in response to den.thed

    Thanks for answering.  I have a single thunderbolt port and I did take a look at the link above but it seems my problem is not listed.

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Dec 29, 2015 2:21 PM in response to BobSandifer
    Level 7 (27,395 points)
    Dec 29, 2015 2:21 PM in response to BobSandifer

    What happens when you plug the second monitor directly into the first monitor and then your other device(s) into the second monitor....?

  • by BobSandifer,

    BobSandifer BobSandifer Dec 30, 2015 4:31 PM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2015 4:31 PM in response to den.thed

    I Just tried that and now it goes black and the first monitor flashes every 10 mins or so

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Dec 31, 2015 10:03 AM in response to BobSandifer
    Level 7 (27,395 points)
    Dec 31, 2015 10:03 AM in response to BobSandifer

    I would also try switching things around and put the second monitor first.

     

    If that doesn't help, then the problem is starting to sound more like either a bad display or a bad cable.

     

    Maybe it is time to contact your local AASP and have the displays and the cabling checked out..

    https://locate.apple.com/

  • by BobSandifer,

    BobSandifer BobSandifer Jan 1, 2016 9:35 PM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 1, 2016 9:35 PM in response to den.thed

    AT the moment I have the monitors first in the chain and I did switch them. I still had the same issue. I took it into apple to see if one of the genius could sort it out and they said I did t have an issue. To make sure he was a genii I asked him how many seconds it would take to get to the moon while traveling at 25000 miles per hour. He failed. So back home I went. I decided to hook up my new MacBook Pro and it seemed to drive even 4 monitors with no issues. It looks like my mini will end up being an ftp server and will need to pick up a new mini. Oh. I also asked the genius how many tables were in the store. He got that answer wrong. I have now lost all faith in apples store employees ;-)

     

    thank you for all the help

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Jan 2, 2016 9:35 AM in response to BobSandifer
    Level 7 (27,395 points)
    Jan 2, 2016 9:35 AM in response to BobSandifer

    some are ok, for phone and pad problems 

     

    can't find it, but I remember reading a suggestion that involved using a TB to TB cable between the displays instead of using the second displays built-in TB cable. not the best solution though, because it blocks using other TB drives and devices.

     

    sorry the I couldn't be more help....