Interesting observations, indeed. I didn't try and charge it with the device off, but now that you said that I've tried:
USB C PD charger direct to Gemini: works
USB C PD charger to Gemini via Gemini hub: does nothing (does not work)
USB C PD charger to Gemini via 3rd party hub (used with MacBook): Charges, but doesn't provide any USB functionality at all
Gemini (A to C) charger via 3rd party hub: Also charges, but again no USB
Were you able to find some combination where the Gemini charged via the hub AND the hub actually worked? If so, what model hub was used? I only have my Gemini hub (I've found no working config, with Gemini on OR off) and 3rd party "beegood" hub, which only charges.
It's more complex and possibly more buggy than this.
Here's what experimentation has shown so far:
With the Gemini powered on:- A regular USB-C charger is not detected
- A charger connected via the USB-C hub is not detected
However, if you power the Gemini off:- Attaching a regular USB-C charger will start charging
- Attaching the hub and a charger will start charging
- Powering on the Gemini will boot and continue to charge
- Disconnecting the charger (or hub) and re-attaching will not resume charging
- When powered on, it only recognises USB-A chargers (using a USB-A -> USB-C cable) such as the charger that comes with the Gemini
Since it works if booted when attached, it feels like a firmware update would correct this behaviour and allow powered hubs and proper USB-C chargers. At the moment it requires a power off/on to use power alternatives which is a huge shame.
yes, but USB C PD is required to hub+charge and the gemini doesn't support USB PD. I have all but confirmed this with multiple USB C PD chargers (gemini won't charge at all from them) and the gemini hub plus a 3rd party hub each with a variety of PD and non-PD chargers.
The gemini will ONLY charge (no hub) via non-PD chargers. Thus, no PD support. Thus, no HUB+charge under any circumstance I can think of.
