Connect Cinema HD 30 to 2018 Macbook Pro

So I got new the 2018 Macbook Pro 13" and trying desperately to connect my older Apple Cinema HD 30.

First I tried it with that adapter:

USB Typ C zu DVI Adapter, benfei USB 3.1 zu: Amazon.de: Elektronik

The cinema displays turns from black to grey and I can arrange the displays on my Pro.

But the Cinema displays stays grey and doesn't show anything.


I did a bit of research and found out that I need an active adapter.

So I bought that active DP to DVI adapter from Startech

StarTech.com DisplayPort auf Dual Link DVI Konverter...

And that DP to USB-C adapter

KiWiBiRD USB 3.1 Typ C THUNDERBOLT 3 zu DisplayPort 4K: Amazon.de: Computer & Zubehör

Everything connected, the Cinema displays stays black and it even doesn't shows up at the arrangement settings on my Pro.


WHAT AM I DOING WRONG???

Am I overlooking something obvious? Or someone else had the same issue?

Million thanks

MacBook Pro TouchBar and Touch ID, iOS 11.4.1, 13" 2018

Posted on Sep 5, 2018 6:04 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 7, 2018 8:16 AM

Made it 🙂

So the "black sheep" was the TB2 to TB3 adapter from Apple.

Thunderbolt 3 isn't the same as USB-C and

Thunderbolt 2 isn't the same as MINI DP.

So I just bought a USB-C to MINI DP adapter from Gravis: https://www.gravis.de/Zubehoer/Adapter-und-Kabel/Networx-Displayport-Adapter-USB -Typ-C-auf-Mini-Displayport-spacegrau-13…

Now it just works perfectly at 2560x1600.



SUMMARY for connecting your 30" Cinema HD to a 2018 Macbook Pro (13", quad core):


A combination of adapters is needed.

1: Mini DP to Dual DVIMini DisplayPort auf Dual Link DVI Adapter - Apple (DE)

2: USB-C to MINI DP https://www.gravis.de/Zubehoer/Adapter-und-Kabel/Networx-Displayport-Adapter-USB -Typ-C-auf-Mini-Displayport-spacegrau-13…

If you want to use the USB hub from the Display you will need a usb-b to usb-c adapter as well.


btw: At the back of the apple TB3 to TB2 is a big sign: not supporting cinema HD displays 😐

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 7, 2018 8:16 AM in response to marcel1900

Made it 🙂

So the "black sheep" was the TB2 to TB3 adapter from Apple.

Thunderbolt 3 isn't the same as USB-C and

Thunderbolt 2 isn't the same as MINI DP.

So I just bought a USB-C to MINI DP adapter from Gravis: https://www.gravis.de/Zubehoer/Adapter-und-Kabel/Networx-Displayport-Adapter-USB -Typ-C-auf-Mini-Displayport-spacegrau-13…

Now it just works perfectly at 2560x1600.



SUMMARY for connecting your 30" Cinema HD to a 2018 Macbook Pro (13", quad core):


A combination of adapters is needed.

1: Mini DP to Dual DVIMini DisplayPort auf Dual Link DVI Adapter - Apple (DE)

2: USB-C to MINI DP https://www.gravis.de/Zubehoer/Adapter-und-Kabel/Networx-Displayport-Adapter-USB -Typ-C-auf-Mini-Displayport-spacegrau-13…

If you want to use the USB hub from the Display you will need a usb-b to usb-c adapter as well.


btw: At the back of the apple TB3 to TB2 is a big sign: not supporting cinema HD displays 😐

Sep 5, 2018 10:50 PM in response to marcel1900

Do you have the display's USB cable plugged it a computer USB port? It will need a USB-C (M) to USB-A (F) adapter.


The first adapter should have worked, but at half resolution (1280 X 800).


The second setup (two adapters) should have worked if the second adapter's USB plug was plugged into a computer USB port (via USB-C (M) to USB-A (F) adapter) or into a USB phone charger.

Sep 7, 2018 6:09 AM in response to marcel1900

So I had a very friendly conversation with the customer service from Startech.

He told me that it might me the collective of adapter wich leads to the non functional setup.

He advised me to the official adapter from apple: Mini DisplayPort auf Dual Link DVI Adapter - Apple (DE)

So to double check, I contacted apple customer support and told them my problem as well.

The very friendly customer service told me, that the adapter definitely works with laptops wich have a direct mini DP port, wich the new pro doesn't 😠

To solve that issue I had to use that one as well Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple (DE)

But Melanie 😉 could not guarantee that it will work...

So I ordered them.

Arrived today, connected, not working 😢😠

I tried every combination with monitor off, pc of, etc...

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT.

Why is it working at but not here? Because of 2018's pro?

Re: connect MacBook Pro to 30-inch Apple Cinema Display HD


Thanks to everyone how can contribute something.

Sep 6, 2018 3:31 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thanks for your answer.

I did plug the usb cable from display and startech adapter into my Pro. But still nothings shows up.

I even pluged the USB cable from startech adapter into a high amps usb wallplug. But it still doesn't changes anything.

The Pro displays turns black for a second but still nothings show um on the cinema display. I also don't have any options at the display settings.


With the other adapter plugged in, I tried every resolution but nothing happens there as well. At least the cinema display shows up at the settings on my pro.

I know that the cinema displays work, when I plug it to my Windows computer it works normal...

Maybe both adapter are broke??? But both are new...

I might try this one:

https://www.cyberport.de?DEEP=1B98-114

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Connect Cinema HD 30 to 2018 Macbook Pro

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