Ahh I should have just copied the FAQ article!
FAQ2: I set the power options and my device connection is still unreliable: Remember, those computer USB ports are often the cheapest that can be mounted on the chassis and share the PC system power supply to supply USB Power. Most uses of USB are temporary connections like a thumb drive or a camera. These connections do not require high reliability since the user is right there interacting with it. Power surges and fault tolerance at worst cause the operator to retry the data transfer. Automated systems require a bit more robustness. Solutions:
1) ALWAYS use an external self powered hub. Perform your engineering due diligence and inspect the devices specifications too- If you can't find them for that device that should clue you to seek an product from a vendor that WILL publish their specs.
2) High noise environments require the use of ferrites on the USB cable- and don't buy the cheapest cable either! The cheap ones are poorly shielded.
3) PROTECT the HUB connections- If you have a USB2.0 device and Joe User plugs in a 1.0 device in a open slot managed by the same hub- Bingo every port on the hub may back convert to USB1.0. WORSE there are a lot of damaged or marginally engineered USB devices out there. Joe User's device may cause power fluctuations when it is inserted or removed from the hub just don't let it happen!
Glad you found a solution!
"Should be" isn't "Is" -Jay
