Though the Plugable 4-Port USB 3.0 Compact Hub packaging shows the Plugable USB 3.0 Dock as a supported device, I have not been able to complete a typical transfer. The hub is plugged into the system’s USB 3.0 header. Once I move the dock’s cable to the header itself, and bypass the hub, the dock works as anticipated.
Plugable’s product description for the dock:
"Will the USB 3.0/2.0 SATA Hard Drive Docking Station work with USB 3.0 Hubs?
For USB 3.0 performance it recommended to connect the Docking Station directly to a USB 3.0 port on your computer. USB 3.0 hubs are still maturing and may have compatibility issues."
This disclaimer definitely applies to Plugables’s own hubs! Seems to me that Plugable has an oversight to correct.
Yes, absolutely - we should update that diagram to not use the U3 SATA dock as an example device!
As you noted, our USB 2.0 / 3.0 SATA Dock (http://plugable.com/products/usb3-sat… ), when used via USB 3.0, must be directly connected to a host USB 3.0 port.
USB 3.0 hubs (of any make or model) are not supported. If you happen to be using the dock in USB 2.0 mode (or through a USB 2.0 hub), that is fine.
In addition to the product page referenced, we have more detail on the limitation on the product listing: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UI62AG
The requirement and limitation lies with the LucidPort USB300 chipset in the dock, not with the hub.
Sorry for the bad news - I know this is frustrating if you don’t have enough USB 3.0 ports directly on the machine to give the SATA dock its own one. One working option you have is to run at USB 2.0 speeds. If you use the USB 2.0 cable that comes with the dock, you won’t hit the limitation (even when connected through a USB hub). But you will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds by the USB 2.0 cable, and it’s understandable if that rules out use that way.
If you’re stuck that way, we don’t ever want customers stuck with hardware that won’t work the way they need it to.
If you’re within 30 days, we make refunds no-hassle through Amazon. Just visit http://www.amazon.com/gp/css/returns/…They’ll provide pre-paid ship labels and a fast refund.
Again, sorry for the frustration here with this fundamental limitation – thanks for pointing this out so kindly, and please let us know if we can help in any way.
First, let me just say that I am VERY IMPRESSED with Plugable’s support people. Bernie’s explanation of the real issue, the limitations of the current chipset of the dock, is very important information. When I think about it, the hub really didn’t have any issue with large transfers, to and from a 32GB USB 3.0 flash drive. Gosh, I wish I had more 3.0 devices to plug in. This diminutive hub is FAST.
As for the dock, I’ve bypassed the hub and plugged directly into a 3.0 port on my system. I’ve had NO problem transfers or connection drop-outs whatsoever. Did I mention that it’s FAST too?
I’ll be watching for an announcement of an upgraded chipset for the next generation of the dock. Until then, I’m good to go.
Thanks so much for your kind words! It’s much appreciated!
We’ll keep up the product progress and announcements. USB 3.0 definitely has lots of improvements and growth ahead. And feel free to ping us at support@plugable.com anytime for a direct update.
