CAMBRIONIX ThunderSync3-16 User manual

User Manual
TS3-16
2022-08
©2022Cambrionix Ltd. All rights reserved.
EN

TS3-16Page 1 of 39
1.Table of Contents
1.Table of Contents1
2.Your TS3-16 at a glance3
2.1.Key Features3
3.Safety4
3.1.Signal word panel4
3.2.Safety alert symbol5
3.3.Pictograms5
3.4.Product modification5
3.5.Power supply6
3.6.Storage and Installation7
4.Getting Started8
4.1.Opening your product8
4.2.What's Included8
4.3.Connecting to the mains9
4.4.Connecting to Host9
4.5.Charging9
4.6.Cables10
4.7.Registration10
4.8.Help and Support10
5.Using your TS3-1611
5.0.1LED Configuration11
5.1.Using without connecting to host11
5.2.Using when connected to host12
5.2.1Connecting the Hub to a host computer12
5.2.2Authorising Thunderbolt™ hubs on Linux®12
5.2.3Charging13
5.2.4Data Transfer13
5.2.5Communication Interface and Protocol14
5.3.Scalability15
5.4.Manage Ports & Your TS3-1616
5.4.1Port Modes16
5.4.2Charging Profiles16
5.4.3Firmware16
5.5.Software19
5.5.1Installing Software19

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5.5.2LiveViewer20
5.5.3Cambrionix API21
5.5.4Updating Software21
5.5.5Removing Software22
5.5.6Command Line Instructions (CLI(23
5.6.Cleaning your TS3-1625
6.Product Specifications26
6.1.Input Power Requirements26
6.2.Output Power26
6.3.Error flag rail values26
6.4.Physical specifications26
6.5.Packaged information27
6.6.Consumables and Placing Orders27
7.Troubleshooting29
7.1.Initial troubleshooting tips29
7.2.Logging through LiveViewer29
7.3.Hardware Failure30
7.4.Device connection.30
7.5.Hub connection issues31
7.6.No GUI32
7.7.Software troubleshooting33
8.Disposal34
9.Returns and Damaged Products35
9.1.What do I do if my order arrives and something the product is faulty
or is physically damaged?35
9.2.What happens after I have requested a Return?35
10.Compliance and Standards37

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2.Your TS3-16 at a glance
The TS3-16 has been designed to provide high-speed data transfer to USB compliant devices
without being constrained by endpoint limits.
The TS3-16 can charge attached USB devices without using a local computer. The TS3-16 allows
almost any device to be charged at its optimum rate (up to 2.4A). The firmware can be updated
to ensure the TS3-16 can charge the latest devices. It is ready to charge out-of-the-box and sync
devices when attached to a host computer.
When a local (host) computer is attached, the host can control the operation of each port using
software provided by Cambrionix. Device charging and synchronisation can be
monitored through Cambrionix’s LiveViewer Application, the Application Programming
Interface (API) or Command Line Interface (CLI). Cambrionix’s free monitoring and control
software can be downloaded from www.cambrionix.com/products/api
With your TS3-16 there is a Thunderbolt™ connection to the host which, is capable of up to
40Gbps, meaning your upstream speeds to the host will be capable of this data transfer rate.
The upstream data transfer rate will be shared amongst the downstream 16 x USB 3.2 Type-A
connections.
2.1.Key Features
Up To
5Gbps
per Port
Up To
2.4A
per Port
Up To
96
Devices
Transfer Data SeamlesslyPowerScalability
Each high-speed port can
transfer data up to 5Gbps
Each port can charge devices up
to 2.4A (12W(
Up to 96 devices can be
connected at once using
multiple hubs

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3.Safety
This user manual is for informational purposes only, it contains information for the start-up and
operation of this product. Note: the contents and the product described are subject to change
without notice. To avoid injuries and damage, observe the safety instructions in the user
manual.
This manual has been arranged to follow IEC/ICEE 82079-1 standard. This is to facilitate the
easier understanding and location of information relating to the TS3-16. Any errors or
omissions can be reported using our support ticket system (seeHelp and Support). This way, any
issues can be collected and fixed.
Understanding and observing the instructions in this user manual are prerequisites for
hazard-free use and safety during operation. This user manual cannot cover all possible
applications. If you would like additional information or if problems arise that are not
sufficiently addressed in this manual, please ask your distributor or contact us directly using the
means preferred, which are located on the back cover of this manual.
CAUTION
Personal Injury and Damage to the product
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Observe the safety instructions in this user manual
3.1.Signal word panel
Depending on the probability of serious consequences, potential dangers are identified with a
signal word, the corresponding safety colour, and if appropriate, the safety alert symbol.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in moderate or
minor (reversible) injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the
product and its functions, or to property in its proximity.

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3.2.Safety alert symbol
Use of the safety alert symbol indicates a risk of injury.
Observe all measures that are marked with the safety alert symbol in order to
avoid injury
3.3.Pictograms
Warning Signs
Electrical hazardFire Hazard
Mandatory action signs
Read operating instructionsMandatory regulation
3.4.Product modification
Cambrionix products are designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of UK and
International safety regulations. Modifications to the product could affect safety and render the
product non-compliant with relevant safety standards, resulting in injury or damage to the
product.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
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Do not modify the product in any way.

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CAUTION
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Do not dismantle the product.
CAUTION
Fire, or personal injury may occur
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Do not obstruct air vents on the product.
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Do not cover the product in combustible material.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
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Do not bend or compress any part of the product.
3.5.Power supply
This section describes the safety precautions you must follow when using the power supply.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
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Do not use a damaged power cord or plug, or a loose power socket.
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Do not touch the power plug with wet hands.
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Do not allow liquids to come into contact with the unit or power supply.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
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Do not short circuit the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplied with your
product.
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Do not disconnect the power cord while the product is being used.

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CAUTION
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Do not bend or pull the power cord with excessive force.
3.6.Storage and Installation
This section describes safety precautions you must follow when installing and storing your TS3-
16.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
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Do not place the power cord near heat sources.
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Connect the plug to an earthed socket.
CAUTION
Damage to your Cambrionix product may occur
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Operate the product only in an environment where the ambient
temperature is inside the operating temperature range.
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Operate the product only in an environment where the relative humidity is
inside the operating range.
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Be careful not to leave the power cord underneath a heavy object.
CAUTION
Overheated power sockets may cause a fire
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Do not overload the power socket that your hub is connected to.
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Insert the power plug all the way into the socket so that it is not loose.

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4.Getting Started
This manual provides a reference for end-users installing for the first time and using their hub
after that. As well as a guide for product safety-related information.
The TS3-16 is intended to be used in an indoor static environment in which the environment
falls within the tested specifications to provide charge, sync and management functionality.
Please see the physical specifications section of this manual for information on the
environment specifications.
4.1.Opening your product
When you have received your product, please check the packing slip to ensure all contents and
quantities are correct before opening. This is to avoid retesting and repackaging any items that
are not required.
When opening the packaging, use a suitable method to open the box i.e, do not use a knife.
This is to ensure the product is not damaged.
CAUTION
Personal Injury and Damage to the product
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There will be a sticker on the hub advising you to read the User manual before use. This
will need to be removed before use as it may be covering host ports, vents etc.
4.2.What's Included
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Thunderbolt™ 3 Cable (to provide communication between the host system and hub(
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TS3-16 Hub
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2m Mains power cable (Country specified on order including fuse for the UKplugs(
Part descriptionPart number
Thunderbolt™ 3 updater cable200369
UK Power cable200144
US Power cable200327
EU Power cable200329

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AUSPower cable200337
IND Power cable200341
4.3.Connecting to the mains
Make sure you adhere to local safety regulations, connect the power cable to the socket and
switch the power supply on. The hub is now ready to charge the attached devices.
Periodic inspections should be made to power supply cables and any USB cables for any signs of
damage. If any damage is found, replace the damaged cord before further use.
4.4.Connecting to Host
Once the power is connected, connect the TS3-16 to your host system using a Thunderbolt™ 3
cable. Using an incorrect host cable may result in the hub and all subsequent ports not being
recognised by your host.
Cambrionix would recommend using the Thunderbolt™ cable that is provided with our TS3-16.
If you are looking at purchasing your own cable, to achieve 40Gbps a suitable cable would be
either:
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up to 0.8m passive
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up to 2m active.
Cambrionix recommend using cables certified by Intel® , all cables with the Thunderbolt™ logo
should have certification.
Please note that USB specifications require a minimum 100 mA charge current to be delivered
during data transfer. As indicated in above, if the attached device has a BC1.2 compliant CDP
port, the device can draw up to 2.4A while transferring data.
4.5.Charging
Your TS3-16 will allow your device to charge at the maximum rate possible up to 2.4A. The way
that charging takes place is the TS3-16 will provide the device with a capability to charge and
the devices USB charging controller will determine the maximum amount of charge it wants to
draw down.

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4.6.Cables
Some USB cables are data transfer only, and some are power delivery only. There are also
options that can handle both tasks. Be sure to verify a cable’s abilities before purchasing it and
select a cable which can handle the speeds and power transfer that you require. We would
advice using the cable that was provided with the device to connect to our hubs.
4.7.Registration
You may register your product at www.cambrionix.com/product-registration
4.8.Help and Support
FAQs and help can be found on the Help page here
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www.cambrionix.com/help_pages/help.
You can raise a support ticket for more in depth support here
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https://cambrionix.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals
You can also download any of our manuals and keep up to date at the link here
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www.cambrionix.com/product-user-manuals
When contacting support, please supply the product information for the hub in question. This
can be found on the Device Information Plate which is either on the underside or back of the
unit.
Providing serial and Purchaseorder numbers, can help identify the product in question faster,
and speed up the process.

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5.Using your TS3-16
In this section, you can find information using your hub in charge or sync application. You can
also find information on managing your hub, changing port modes, connecting multiple hubs to
one host and using Cambrionix Software.
5.0.1LED Configuration
Your TS3-16 has inbuilt LEDs used to show the state of the ports or devices. These LEDs can be
configured to support your use case; this can be controlled either by using the APIto send
commands directly or through separate software.
The default LED behaviour of the hub is below.
ColourBehaviour
Flashing RedPort is in charge mode and is profiling the device
RedPort is in charge mode and is charging
YellowPort is in sync mode and has a host connection
Green
Port is in charge mode and the device has reached the
charged threshold
5.1.Using without connecting to host
When the Hub is switched on and is not connected to a local host computer it is
automatically configured to charge devices using its intelligent charging algorithm. Connect the
devices to be charged to any of the available ports (not the Host Port) using
USB - compliant cables.
Once the devices are connected, the algorithm will detect the highest charge rate allowable for
each attached device. Charging at the optimum rate (up to 2.4A) specified by the manufacturer
will commence once profiling is complete. Depending on the state of charge of the device
attached, this may take tens of seconds.
During profiling, the LEDs will flash red. Charging at the optimum rate specified by the
manufacturer (up to 2.4 Amps) will commence once profiling is complete. At this point, the red
LEDs will be constantly illuminated. Depending on the state of charge of the device attached,
profiling may take tens of seconds. Once the device is nearly fully charged, and the current
draw falls below a set limit for a given period, the green LEDs will be illuminated.

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5.2.Using when connected to host
5.2.1Connecting the Hub to a host computer
You can use either Thunderbolt™ host port on the rear of the hub to connect to your host
system; there are two ports on the rear, so you can use one port to connect the host and the
other port to daisy chain multiple hubs.
5.2.2Authorising Thunderbolt™ hubs on Linux®
With Linux® systems, it is necessary to authorise/enrol the TS3-16 before it connects.
To do this, you will need to use "boltctl," which is used to control the Thunderbolt™ device
manager. "boltctl" is the command-line interface to interact with boltd, the system daemon
that manages Thunderbolt™ 3™ devices. Using "boltctl", input the following commands to
authorise and enrol your TS3-16.
power [-t | --timeout seconds[
Power up the Thunderbolt™ controller. If the Thunderbolt™ controller is not in "native
enumeration mode", it can be completely powered down by the host firmware/BIOS. On
supported systems, there is an interface to "force" power the Thunderbolt™ controller. If
supported, this command will request the daemon to do so. The daemon will keep track of all
client requests and will release the force power override when the last request is
released.
authorize DEVICE
Authorize a currently unauthorized device identified via its unique id (uuid) DEVICE. If a
key is stored in the database, it will be used, given the security level of the domain
supports secure device connection. Use boltctl list to find out the uuid of a device.
enrol [--policy default] DEVICE
Authorize and record the device with the unique id DEVICE in the database. If the domain
supports a secure connection a new key will be generated and stored in the database
alongside the device and vendor name. The key, if created, will be used in the future
to authorize the device securely.

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5.2.3Charging
When the Host Port is connected to a local computer, the hub defaults to Sync mode and
charge currents are determined according to USB Implementers Forum (USBIF) Super-Speed
USB3 specifications. If the attached device complies with USB-IF Battery Charging
specification BC1.2 and supports Charging Downstream Port (CDP), the hub can provide
high-speed charging at 2.4A. If the connected device does not comply with BC1.2, the charge
current will be limited to 900 mA in compliance with USB specifications.
If you wish to limit the charging to your devices whilst connected to your host system then you
can disable CDPon all ports by inputting the following commands.
The CLI commands for turning off the sync charge options, with a 1 or 0 per port.
settings_unlock
settings_reset
settings_set sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
settings_set alt_sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
reboot
This can also be done via the API if this is easier. Just supply that string (joined with \n) like:
cbrxapi.cbrx_connection_set(handle, "Settings", "settings_unlock\nsettings_reset\nsettings_
set sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0\nsettings_set alt_sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0\nreboot("
Note that settings_reset clears any previous settings, so if you need to retain something else, it
would be better to issue settings_display first, which gives you the entire settings which you
can then modify and re-issue in entirity.
5.2.4Data Transfer
If you wish to transfer data, change applications, restore or update your mobile device, a data
connection to a local host computer is required. The hub is compatible with macOS®,
Windows™ and Linux® operating systems and can transfer data between these operating
systems and many mobile operating systems such as iOS™ and Android.™
In order to transfer data, connect the host port to your local (host) computer using a
Thunderbolt™ 3 compliant cable. Any devices connected to the hub will now appear as if they
were connected to the host computer’s USB port.

TS3-16Page 14 of 39
In order to transfer data, connect the Thunderbolt™ port of your local (host) computer to one
of the Thunderbolt™ ports on the back of the hub using a Thunderbolt™ 3 compliant cable. A
Thunderbolt™ 2 cable with a Thunderbolt™ 2-3 adaptor can also be used with consequently
reduced data speeds. Any devices connected to the hub will now appear as if they were
connected to the host computer’s USB port. The hub is fully compliant with SuperSpeed USB3.2
and can provide up to 5Gbps data transfer speeds per port. A yellow LED above each port will
illuminate when Syncing. You can use the program of your choice to transfer data to and from
your device. If the attached device has a BC1.2 compliant CDP port, the device can draw up to
1.5A while transferring data.
5.2.5Communication Interface and Protocol
The TS3-16 appears as a virtual serial port (also called a UART or VCP). On Microsoft
Windows™, the system will appear as a COM port, the COMport number can be found in
device manager. On macOS®, a device file is created in the / directory. S is an alpha-numeric
serial string unique to each device
/dev/tty.usbserial S
Devices incorporate a FT230X USB to UART converter IC from FTDI International. On Windows 7
or later, a driver may automatically be installed (if Windows is configured to download drivers
from the internet automatically). If this is not the case, or if a Mac® or Linux® platform is used,
the driver may be downloaded from www.ftdichip.com. The VCP drivers are required. For
Linux® or Mac computers, the default OS drivers should be used.
The default communications settings should be set to 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and
one stop bit. This is sometimes referred to as "115200,8,N,1". No flow control is used. ANSI
terminal emulation should be selected

TS3-16Page 15 of 39
5.3.Scalability
USB controllers generally have an endpoint limit, limiting the number of devices that can be
enumerated when connected to the USB3 port of a local computer. USB3 port xHCI host
controllers in most computers limit the number of endpoints enumerated between 64 and 128.
Mobile devices enumerate as more than one endpoint, and complex devices with touch panels
often enumerate as 5 or 6 endpoints. Consequently, the number of devices that can be
successfully enumerated is typically limited to less than twenty.
By using Thunderbolt™ connectivity and incorporating host controllers inside the hub each port
can handle up to 16 endpoints. If you wish to synchronise more devices, multiple hubs can be
daisy-chained to allow up to 96 devices to be managed simultaneously from a single host
computer.
To daisy-chain multiple hubs, each hub needs to be connected to mains powerindividually, then
the first hub in the chain should be connected to the local computer through one of the
Thunderbolt™ ports. The next hub in the daisy-chain is connected using one of its
Thunderbolt™ ports to the remaining Thunderbolt™ port of the first hub. A third, fourth and
fifth hub can be added in the same way, connecting the available Thunderbolt™ port of
theprevious hub to one of the Thunderbolt™ ports of the next device in the daisy-chain. Using
this approach, a maximum of six hubs can be linked together, allowing 96 devices to be synced
from a single host computer.

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5.4.Manage Ports & Your TS3-16
Each port on your TS3-16 can be managed either individually, or all together. You can turn the
ports off and on, change the port mode, or change the charging profiles. This can be done
either through LiveViewer, or by connecting to the hub via the API.
5.4.1Port Modes
Charge
Turn specific ports or the whole hub to charge mode (data lines open
but hub emulates an OEMcharger for charging(
ﺔﻨﻣاﺰﻣTurn specific ports or the whole hub to sync mode
BiasedDetect the presence of a device but it will not sync or charge it
Off
Turn specific ports on or off or switch the whole hub on or off (no
power and no data channels open(
5.4.2Charging Profiles
To ensure attached devices charge at their optimum rate, our smart USB hubs come with the
below intelligent charging profiles built in:
0Intelligent charging algorithm which will select a profile 1-6
12.1A (Apple(
2
BC1.2 Standard (this covers the majority of Android™ phones and
other devices(
3Samsung
42.1A (Profile 1 but with a longer timeout(
51.0A (Typically used by Apple(
62.4A (Typically used by Apple(
5.4.3Firmware
The firmware can be kept up to date using our LiveViewer software. As part of delivering an
easy user experience, our LiveViewer application is now a set-and-forget solution. The
LiveViewer application will discover your USB hub’s firmware and present an update for you.
To update the firmware, first, go to the firmware updater section of LiveViewer. Here you can
see the available Firmware versions to download and install to the hub.

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The current firmware version on the hub is displayed in the firmware updater section alongside
the hub's name. This will appear red if a newer version is available or green if it is the most up
to date.
To install the firmware onto the hub click the hub/ hubs connected that you want to update,
then select the firmware version you want to upgrade to. Once selected press the update
button at the top and the update will commence.
Firmware versions and hardware
We advise not to change the firmware version on any new products you receive as this may
cause compatibility issues and stop your TS3-16 from functioning.
CAUTION
Your TS3-16 may not function correctly
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Do not install old firmware onto a new product
CAUTION
Your Cambrionix Firmware may get corrupted

TS3-16Page 18 of 39
CAUTION
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Do not interrupt the Firmware update process.
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Do not disconnect the power during the update process.

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5.5.Software
More productivity, saving you time. Cambrionix provides three interfaces by which the Hub can
be monitored and managed:
•LiveViewer
•Cambrionix API
•Command Line Instructions
The TS3-16 uses string commands to communicate with the host system. These can be sent via
the virtual serial port of the TS3-16 directly, or the API can be used to provide other protocols
that send translated string commands. LiveViewer can use the API to interact with the devices
through a user-friendly application.
There are three different channels for both our LiveViewer application and the API. The three
channels are Alpha/ Beta and Release. We would recommend using the release version of both
the APIand LiveViewer.
We will push bug fixes and updates through Alpha and then onto Beta before it is merged into
the Release version. If you have found a bug that we have a fix for, the Alpha and Beta releases
may already have addressed these and implemented fixes.
5.5.1Installing Software
Cambrionix has two pieces of software that can be used to manage the devices and your hub
using different host systems. This section has instructions and information on using our
software on three of the most popular host systems.
Our software is available to download from www.cambrionix.com/software, you will find
software available for Windows™, Mac® and Linux® Systems.
Linux® OS systems tested with our software are Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or Debian 9; some other OS
versions based on the two mentioned will work. Some different Linux® OS versions may work,
but we have not tested with them.
To install on Mac® and Windows™ systems, download the install files from the above link, once
downloaded run the install process and dialogue boxes will help you through installation and
initial set-up.