Congratulations on purchasing your new DroiX NH8 USB Hub! You’ve just opened the door to elevate your handheld gaming experience. This Getting Started guide is your key to maximising all the fantastic features of your NH8 – from installing NVMe Storage to 4K gaming at 60Hz and a 1000Mbps ethernet connection. We’ll guide you every step of the way. So, gear up and let’s embark on an exciting journey to transform your gaming adventures!
Here at DroiX, we’re big proponents of the user’s Right to Repair. So, if you find any issues and feel confident enough to repair them, we encourage you! You can also contact DroiX Customer Support for any assistance or questions.
Setting Up Your Device
What’s Inside the Box?
When setting up, ensure you have all the correct components and accessories. Whilst unboxing, make sure to handle the USB hub with care to avoid any damage. Inside the box, you should find:
- 1x DroiX NH8 USB Hub
If something is missing or you are not sure, please contact DroiX Customer Service and we will be happy to assist.
What To Do?
Ensure that the NH8 Hub is placed in a safe location. Take care to ensure there is no damage to both the USB hub and the handheld device connected to it. When following the steps in this section of the guide, please refer to the images below for the location of each port/connection on the NH8 USB Hub.
Connect Your Handheld Device
The first thing to do is to simply connect your handheld gaming device using the USB Type-C cable attached to the NH8 (refer to Image 1 below).
Power & Charge Your Device
Next, ensure that power is being supplied and that your device stays charged during those intense gaming sessions. Connect a charger to the USB-C PD Port located at the back of the Hub (refer to Image 2 below). It’s important to remember that despite having 2x USB-C ports, there is only one dedicated PD port for charging your connected device, which is conveniently located next to the power LED and is highlighted below. If done correctly, the power LED should present a solid light, if the LED starts to flash then the power cable is plugged into the wrong port.
Connect Your Display
To elevate your gaming experience onto a larger screen, connect a HDMI cable between your hub and the display (refer to Image 3 below). This could be a TV, monitor or more! Remember to change the display input source to the HDMI source if required. The NH8 supports up to 4K resolution @ 60Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive experience and allowing you to enjoy your games or media in the highest quality. It’s important to note that the HDMI cable is not included in the packaging.
USB-C Ports
The DroiX NH8 USB Hub features 2x USB-C ports located at the back of the device (refer to Image 4 below). This opens a world of possibilities, enabling you to connect peripheral devices such as a controller, headset, keyboard and mouse, or other USB Type-C peripherals. It enhances your gaming experience, but it can also transform your Windows handheld device into a much more versatile tool. Allowing you to easily browse the internet, watch videos, shop, and engage in general PC activities, extending the functionality of your handheld device far beyond gaming.
USB-A 3.0 Ports
The DroiX NH8 USB Hub also features 1x USB-A 3.0 ports located at the back of the device (refer to Image 5). Similar to the USB-C ports, opens a world of possibilities, enabling you to connect more peripherals or other USB Type-A devices. It enhances your gaming experience, but it can also transform your Windows handheld device into a much more versatile tool. Allowing you to extend useability and the functionality of your handheld device far beyond gaming.
Ultra-fast Internet Connection
For a direct, ultra-fast, and stable internet connection, you can connect an ethernet cable to the hub, minimizing latency and improving your performance in online games and multimedia streaming. The ethernet port is conveniently located on the back of the NH8 Hub (refer to Image 6 below). Please be aware, the ethernet cable is not included.
SD & MicroSD Card
SD cards provide a convenient means of expanding storage, allowing gamers to carry extensive game libraries and media collections in a compact form. With the ability to quickly transfer files and manage content across devices, you can easily expand but also install games. Whether it’s for gaming on the go, content creation, or simply enjoying a rich multimedia experience, the integration of these cards into a USB-C hub is simple but impactful for any handheld gaming enthusiasts.
NVMe Installation
The NH8 USB-C Hub supports additional storage expansion thanks to its PCI-e 22*80 NVMe slot.
NVMe support on the NH8 USB Hub is a game-changer for handheld gaming devices, providing a significant boost in storage capacity and speed. With the PCI-e 22*80 NVMe port, you can enjoy swift game load times, superfast data transfers, and ample space for an extensive game library, all while preserving the internal memory of your device. Long waits and limited storage are a thing of the past.
To install an NVMe into the NH8 Hub:
- Ensure the DroiX Logo is facing upwards.
- Open the NVMe enclosure (refer to Image 2 below).
- Remove the rubber screws.
- Carefully insert the NVMe (refer to Image 4 below).
- Tip: Insert NVMe at an upward angle.
- Secure NVMe into NH8 using the rubber screw (refer to Images 5 & 6 below).
- Tip: Before pushing the NVMe down, place a rubber screw on it (refer to Image 4 below).
- Close NVMe Enclosure.
Device Settings
Windows Display Settings
The NH8 Hub is a game changer when it comes to visual quality and fluidity. It supports up to 4K resolution and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate through its HDMI port, ensuring that your games look stunning and play seamlessly. If both your connected device and display support higher resolutions, we highly recommend setting them to the maximum resolution and refresh rate available. This will significantly enhance your gaming experience and when connected, bring out the best in your games’ graphics and ensure smoother gameplay.
Increasing the resolution and refresh rate can result in increased battery consumption. This is important to keep in mind when using your device in handheld mode. To balance performance and battery life, you may want to adjust these settings based on your current usage scenario.
To adjust your settings in Windows 11:
- Type ‘Display Settings’ in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Change Display Resolution to the highest option.
- Select Keep Changes.
- Select the Advanced Display option.
- Change the Refresh Rate to the highest option.
- Select Keep Changes.
Please note, that your handheld device may look slightly different.
Testing Your Hardware
Once you’ve completed the initial hardware setup, it’s time to put the NH8 through some tests to confirm it’s working as intended. If a particular test isn’t functioning correctly, it is necessary to test with multiple cables to determine whether the issue lies with the cable or the NH8 hub. When troubleshooting it is important to ensure all cables are firmly and securely connected to the correct ports.
Here at DroiX, we’re big proponents of the user’s Right to Repair your device. So, if you find any issues and feel confident enough to repair them, we encourage you! Reach out to DroiX Customer Support for any assistance in doing so.
NH8 USB Hub
- Physical Damage: Inspect the outer casing of the hub for any damage.
- Handheld Connection: Connect your handheld device to the NH8 Hub. To confirm the device is recognised please refer to either the PD port test or HDMI test.
- USB-C PD Port: plug your charger into the PD port located at the back of the hub and ensure the device is charging.
- USB-C Port: plug your peripherals into the USB-C port located at the back of the hub and ensure the peripheral is connected.
- USB-A 3.0 Port: Plug different USB devices into each of the USB Type-A ports and ensure each of them is recognised and functions as intended.
- HDMI Port: Power on your device and display and switch to the correct HDMI input. If an image appears on the display, the port is working.
- Ethernet Port: Ensure the cable is plugged into the hub and your router or modem. Once connected, check the handheld device to ensure it has internet access via an ethernet connection.
Other Troubleshooting
- Device Not Charging: Please ensure you’re using the NH8’s Hubs dedicated charging port. Also, some devices have multiple ports but only a few dedicated charging ports. So not all ports may power the device. Please refer to your handheld product manual to figure out what each port does.
- No Display: Some devices have dedicated charging ports, meaning these ports cannot read data. We recommend trying different ports and referring to your handheld product manual to understand which ports are which.
Accessories & Add-Ons
Input Devices
Lovaky Wireless Keyboard & Mouse: A wireless keyboard and mouse set is a game-changer for your NH8 Hub, effectively transforming your handheld gaming device into a versatile, PC-like experience. Imagine navigating, typing, and interacting with your device from the comfort of your couch, whilst your handheld is connected to your TV or monitor.
Whether you’re in intensive gaming sessions that are just better with a keyboard and mouse, casually browsing the internet, or managing files, these wireless peripherals add a layer of convenience and functionality that’s hard to beat. This dynamic duo not only elevates your gaming experience but also turns your NH8 setup into an all-in-one hub for entertainment, work, and web surfing, blending comfort with versatility in every use.
Output Devices
15.6″ 4K portable monitor with Adobe RGB: This portable monitor offers a stunning 4K resolution across their 15.6″ display. The monitor offers Adobe RGB support and even has touchscreen capabilities. The colours you see are true to life thanks to 100% coverage of Adobe RGB’s colour space, ensuring a rich and authentic visual experience. It is fantastic for gamers, designers, video editors and more. It’s the perfect addition to get that extra screen space and provides a display capable of 4K display. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to set up and carry around.
Cables
Amazon Basics HDMI Cable: this cable is a must-have to enhance your gaming and multimedia experience by connecting your NH8 Hub to a larger display or TV. It unlocks the potential of the NH8 Hub’s support up to 4K resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate, providing crisp, vibrant images and smooth gameplay. It’s a simple yet impactful accessory that can transform your handheld into a home entertainment system.
UGREEN Ethernet Cable: an ethernet cable is necessary when it comes to getting the smoothest online gaming and streaming experience from your handheld. An ethernet cable provides a direct internet connection, reducing latency and ensuring you get the most stable and highest speeds possible. For gamers, streamers and even those who don’t have the most stable internet access, an ethernet cable is a simple way to maximise the reliability of your connection with the DroiX NH8 Hub. Please ensure the ethernet cable can connect from your router to your NH8 Hub.
Storage Devices
Kingston DataTraveler 128GB USB 3.2: A USB drive is an invaluable accessory for your NH8 Hub and handheld gaming device, offering a seamless way to expand storage capacity. With a USB drive connected to your DroiX NH8, you gain easy access to additional files, perfect for storing games, software, videos, and more. So, whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or even browsing the web, a USB drive adds a layer of convenience and capacity, that ensures that your favourite content is always within reach, even when you’re not connected to the internet. If you encounter any issues with the USB drive not being recognized, reformatting it to FAT32 or exFAT file systems often solves the problem.
Whew! That was a long read. That should cover just about everything to get you up and running with your new device. Go have fun and binge all your faves!
