USB-C Hub Devices Powering Off Randomly

[mad cow disease]

I'm new to USB-C with the MBA M2 I just bought. I got an Anker hub that was highly rated to run my USB-A devices (backup HDDs etc.) and drive my external monitor.

I have an external backup hard drive with its own power supply. The drive is shutting off at what I thought was "random" intervals, until I realized that OS X wasn't registering the device as disconnected. The hub seems to be cutting power to the USB-A port roughly 30-40 seconds after the last operation on the drive, because as soon as I try to access files on it, it sparks back to life. If I run a continuous data stream, like a video from the drive, it won't shut off. This is a problem because the external HDD also has a hub and anything attached to it dies when it gets shut off.

It isn't the hard drive, I've tried with several externals and they all behave the same way. I just have a Logitech dongle and the monitor connected to this hub...nothing crazy.

So my question is: is this some setting within OS X or the hub itself, and can someone recommend a course of action? Thanks.

 

[HDFan]

This is a problem because the external HDD also has a hub and anything attached to it dies when it gets shut off.

What drive is it? What is its interface? Can you explain how the drive has a hub? Which MacBook Air? Does it happen if you directly connect the drive to the MacBook Air if that is possible?

It isn't the hard drive, I've tried with several externals and they all behave the same way.

Which externals?

Put hard disks to sleep is not checked?

 

[mad cow disease]

Hi. With all due respect, I put most of the info you wanted into the OP already. But here they are, summarized.

- M2 MBA.
- The devices are all USB-A. So they are connected via an Anker hub, there is no way to connect them to the MBA without a dongle.
- They all stop drawing power within 30-40 seconds of read/write operations ceasing. If I stream a video from the drive, it won't shut off. As soon as the video is closed, power goes out like clockwork. The behavior persists regardless of the type of drive, whether it's drawing power from the bus, or from a separate external power supply. So it's clearly some kind of software issue either with the USB-C, or with the dongle. Unfortunately I don't have a separate dongle to test.
- The A/C powered HDD has a built-in USB hub. It's an added feature.

I no longer have access to the Energy Saver preference pane for some reason...and besides, my understanding of that setting was it is for computers with internal HDDs, not SSDs. It's been around for over a decade.

 

[HDFan]

What drive is it?

Don't see that this was answered.

my understanding of that setting was it is for computers with internal HDDs, not SSDs. It's been around for over a decade.

Dunno if it has any effect on internal SSDs, or whether it not showing in energy preferences indicates a problem. Works with external HDs though.

USB-C to USB-A dongles are relatively inexpensive. What happens with the devices that didn't work if you connect them directly using the adapter?

JSAUX USB C to USB Adapter, [0.5ft 2 Pack] Type C 3.0 OTG Cable On The Go Type C Male to USB A Female Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro 2018 2017,Samsung Galaxy S20 S20+ Ultra S8 S9 Note 10 -Red

JSAUX USB C to USB Adapter, [0.5ft 2 Pack] Type C 3.0 OTG Cable On The Go Type C Male to USB A Female Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro 2018 2017,Samsung Galaxy S20 S20+ Ultra S8 S9 Note 10 -Red

www.amazon.com

One possible place to look is the hub. Have you contacted Anker support?