T530 connected to Docking Station Audio Clicks before and last sounds

I have a T530 connected to a Thinkpad MiniDock Plus Series 3 w/ USB3 433835U and when I connect external sound system through the docking station I get alot of clicking noise from the speakers, however when I connect to the T530 directly no noise. The clicking noise seems to happens before and after alert tones or any audio. Lenovo Customer service is of no help.

 

I got the same issue. I have the Mini Dock 3 Plus 4338 which worked fine with my t400s.

What did the lenovo customer service advise?

 

They wanted to send someone here to replace something. They didn't have a clue I just wanted to talk to someone in the tech department but they wouldn't let me.

Not sure what to do

 

I'm going to order a ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus with USB 3.0 – 170W (0A65708) and see if that helps. If not I can return it. But at least it's mentioned in the T530 datasheet as compatible. I think the 4338 I got right now isn't 100% compatible with my T530. See datasheet: http://shopap.lenovo.com/au/en/pdf/Thinkpad_T530_Data_Sheet.pdf

I'll report back at the end of the week when I get the the new docking station.

 

According to this Lenovo reference sheet, the 433835U should be supported. Docks, Port Replicator, Ultrabase - Reference Guide However, since I just got my new T530, I did call tech support and ask them to confirm it and also asked about the clicking sounds. (I haven't unpacked the docking station yet. Just working on the computer.) He said the docking station should be compatible but he did have a case last week where someone mentioned the clicking and they just replace the docking station.

 

Who did you call? I have tried 2 Ultrabases and both exhibited the issue

 

Ugh on 2 of them having the issue. I called tech support. He pointed me to this document:
Docks, Port Replicator, Ultrabase - Reference Guide

I'll open my package tomorrow and hook it up and see what happens.

 

So I got the Mini Dock Series Plus 3 with USB 3.0 (4338) and it has the same clicking issue. ARGH!!!

 

Not sure what recourse we have.

 

Well I'm going to call Lenovo support on monday. I'll keep you updated.

 

So today I finally called Lenovo support.

Without further ado they involved lenovo onsite service (they'll call me for an appointment soon) so at least someone will personally check out the problem onsite and there should be a good chance that the problem is actually acknowledged and will eventually be fixed.

 

This happens to me occasionally with sounds from a VM. No docking station either.

 

So today the technician called me to Set up an appointment for this Friday. He Said he'll swap the mainboard, i Hope it fixes the issue.

 

Got a new Mainboard but the issue is still there.

Next up, Lenovo will swap my Docking Station but I have little hope this will fix the problem.

 

That just tells me they don't have a clue what is wrong.

 

Exactly.

Got a new Docking Station and.... drumroll..... it didn't help.

*sigh*

Contacted them again by email. Let's see if they have any more ideas left.

 

They need to esculate this to someone in engineering.

 

I mentioned this in another thread today, but here are my two cents: I use three of the last generation Mini Docks (with USB2). One is the Mini Dock Plus, the other two are the normal Mini Dock. All docking stations exhibit absolutely terrible sound, while sound straight from the Laptop is fine. I can't exactly relate to "clicking" noises, it's more like a constant distortion and white noise. This appears both with a X220 and a T410.

I did not pursue this issue at all with Lenovo, because I prefer a simple USB Soundblaster Play on one desk, which has better signal than both docking station (that's not difficult) and the Laptop, and on the other desk I use a USB2Digital Soundcard. On the third desk I use only headphones connected directly to the Laptop.

So, all in all, assuming that you experience the identical problem that I have, there is no quick fix for it. The problem appears to be somewhere in the docking station (maybe it uses a crappy DAC?). I suggest grabbing a cheap USB soundcard off ebay. I paid $10 for mine and the signal is very good.

 

That's a pragmatic workaround, thanks for the idea. Let's see what Lenovo suggests to do next.

But as backup plan, I guess that would be a viable solution.

 

I have a Behringer UCA-202 an external usb sound card I use for equalizing my sub. It hooks up to an usb port and then to my 2.1 sound system.

 

So then you don't have the problem of distorted sound, right?

 

Yes everything is good