Do USB 3 hubs/devices require special cables? I'm thinking power source to the hub. Thx
1971101
They definitely require a special "main USB" cable (the connection between the computer and the hub)...or at least the Anker does. You can't just add a USB extension to it. That was the first thing I tried!
1971102
Yes, it is backward compatible with 2.0 but is required for 3.0. I actually just ordered one from Amazon. Just search for USB 3.0 extension cable. There are several but go for the most stars for the fewest bucks...it's a cable, not a motorcycle! :-)
1971103
The Anker hub, as most (except those designed for use with lap-tops), come with a power transformer/cable. I was attracted to this one as it supplied more power than ones I had used previously and would hopefully be more reliable. And it seems to be doing well.
19101
If you have an express slot which you dont use, like most folks, get a USB 3.0 plug in adapter from Tiger Direct, it'll give you 2 additional high speed usb ports which are backward compatible to USB 2 & 1. It easier & cleaner than a portable hub which needs to be powered up.
1867066
Do the external drives to be connected to the hub have their own power source? If they are intended to run off of the power of the hub, you may have problems. This is my speculation based on the note under the product description stating the product should not be used with WD passport hard drives. I have several of those, each 1TB, and they run off the power of the hub. Currently, they are plugged into USB 2.0 ports, but they are USB 3.0 compatible products used as "backwards compatible," and run very slowly with USB 2.0, but they run. With USB 3.0, there is evidently a reason they are not supposed to be used. So, I would say it depends on whether the external hard drives have their own power source and, specifically, if they are WD passport drives, the product information I saw said they should not be used with this hub.
1577623
It seems like a mini-usb, but I am not sure if it is a standard. I have a pile of the smallish usb cables that all seem unique. I have wondered why there isn't a standard. Sorry I can't be more accurate.
1515292
a good chance you will need a powered usb hub, but otherwise, yes it should. I've not found a laptop usb that can power it without the hub. However, the powered usb hub I have will power it, but only if the hub is not plugged in!!???!! Yeah, but expect some trial and error... good luck
1905186
None. It comes with all needed cables, and the advice I got from a re-seller was NOT to try to extend any with USB extension cables. What comes with the kit is complete, of decent length, and should be fine for nearly any setup. Even comes with a mounting bracket for desk or wall, and a velcro mount for the hub.
434836
You must always use the power plug for USB hubs. Any product claiming to be a bus powered hub would be violating the USB specifications. There is a specified minimum current for each hub port and a specified maximum current for a bus powered device. A hub must be able to supply the minimum required power to each of its ports simultaneously. If it were to be bus powered, the only source of the power would be from the port that is driving it. The sum of the minimum current for the hub's output ports will exceed the specified maximum device current that the hub would attempt to pull from the driving port. You must always use the power plug for USB hubs. Any product claiming to be a bus powered hub would be violating the USB specifications. There is a specified minimum current for each hub port and a specified maximum current for a bus powered device. A hub must be able to supply the minimum required power to each of its ports simultaneously. If it were to be bus powered, the only source of the power would be from the port that is driving it. The sum of the minimum current for the hub's output ports will exceed the specified maximum device current that the hub would attempt to pull from the... » Read More You must always use the power plug for USB hubs. Any product claiming to be a bus powered hub would be violating the USB specifications. There is a specified minimum current for each hub port and a specified maximum current for a bus powered device. A hub must be able to supply the minimum required power to each of its ports simultaneously. If it were to be bus powered, the only source of the power would be from the port that is driving it. The sum of the minimum current for the hub's output ports will exceed the specified maximum device current that the hub would attempt to pull from the driving port. « Show Less
2115001
It includes a micro-usb cord that powers the device from your computer and transmits data from the built in USB hub. You can buy the extra power adapter, but it is not necessary.
1907655
Yes, this unit includes a short USB cable to connect to your computer. This cable is also the power source for the drive. If you need a longer cable, get a new one rather than using a USB extension cable. If you're connecting to a USB hub, make sure the hub is powered (has its own power supply).
367304
Maybe they have changed this device recently but the cable on my hub is 10" long. The power is supplied by the source USB to which the hub is connected. You will only get out what you put in. As such it will not charge power hungry devices like an iPad when connected to a computer but will when connected to a wall charger.
1622203
No because the cable needs a third connector that provides power. The third connector is a USB connector that plugs into a laptop, for instance.
2081418
I use a mixture of USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices. Everything I have connected to this hub worked as expected.
214037
Dear Annabelle, Unfortunately, our Premium 4 Port USB Hub is not powered, and will not power an external Superdrive (which is the case with most USB hubs) as they require over 500mA. The total amount of power going to the hub may not exceed 500mA. If you have any other questions or concerns please let us know. Thank you,Satechi Technical Support
1016769
I have used two of my USB 3.0 ports to use it. One for power the other for data.
1177734
I didn't have luck with it at all. Then I got a Unitek 3+1 port USB3.0 Hub, also off Amazon...super cheap powered hub and works great, no problems
259038
i do not recommend buying a USB powered Hub for external drives. Buy the one with external power. The USB powered one will turn off your HD sometimes and it is annoying esp if you are downloading files.
197409
No it is a not a USB3 compatible hub.Any USB3 drives plugged into it will be downconverted to USB2and if it was to be plugged into a USB 3 port it would only be USB2 speeds.