USB 3 Cables and interference

[robh5791]

I know that a known problem is that some USB 3 cables interfere with the 2.4 ghz band of the Zigbee radio. My question is if anyone has found one that does not interfere, could you please post the brand here. I have tried 3 different cables and all interfere to the point that none of my sensors respond if I have anything plugged into the USB ports of the Almond+. I am just trying to avoid buying another replacement and it not working now that I have plenty of spare cables that I cannot use for the original intent of plugging into the Almond+ itself. So far I have tried the...

1) Toshiba Canvio cable that came with that drive

2) Anker USB Hub

3) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KSJE1OY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All of these interfere when plugged directly into the Almond+.

[Amritendu]

I remember speaking with one of the backers facing similar issues. The way he resolved it was by using a cheaper variant with plastic connectors! Guess the more expensive ones are causing issues . This article shows that its kind of known that USB 3 does interfere with the 2.4 GHz radio- http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38032/~/wireless-product-not-working-properly-when-also-using-a-usb-3.0-device

[robh5791]

Amritendu,
I have spoken to Lars who said the same thing. I was hoping to get a specific brand since I did buy a cheaper USB 3 Cable and no luck with it. Instead of backers going out and buying multiple cables until we find one that works, I figured I could start a thread where we could share any specific cable that works so there is less trial and error.

[LGNilsson]

As I told you, the cables we have tested are sourced locally in Taiwan and I'm afraid I haven't seen either brand on sale in the US.
What I can tell you, albeit a tad late, flat cables seemed to be worse than round cables, but some of the more expensive and nicer looking cables also caused more problems than some of the cheaper cables.
I'll see if I can get the guys in the lab put together a list of the ones we have, but I doubt it'll be of much use for anyone outside of Taiwan.
I'll also request that we source a few cables from Amazon, Monoprice and Newegg to test.

[robh5791]

Lars,
I know that the cables you guys were using were sourced in Taiwan, that was why I figured I would post a thread for backers to help out other backers in the various regions we are in since it would be easier for us to share our real world experience and to help each other rather than putting all the effort solely on securifi's shoulders. If a few people from each region found a cable or two that worked, then we could compile a list quicker than you guys buying and testing various cables when the backers are essentially already doing those same tests without knowing it. I was not trying to lay all the effort on you guys at all. I have read several threads where people mentioned having a USB drive plugged into the almond and no mention of having interference issues so this was my attempt at gathering information to help all of us without specifically tasking Securifi with it.

[LGNilsson]

Sure thing, no worries, but we can still provide details and maybe some photos as well.

[Automate]

I have one of these drives http://www.seagate.com/support/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/backup-plus/?sku=STDR2000400&q=Backup%20Plus%20Slim%20Portable%20Drive%201K9AP6-501
and used the USB3 cable that came with the drive.

Zigbee still works with the drive plugged in although the range may be somewhat reduced.

[robh5791]

Thanks, the only thing that looks like could be an issue is it's not a common USB 3 connection on the drive end of the cable but its at least a start to find a decent cable. A little change in the range would be fine for me but with any cable I've tried, I can't get a sensor about a foot away from the almond to work let alone one in another room. All of which work when no USB 3 cable is plugged in so it must be an interference issue. Thanks again for a direction to start looking in.

[wstocker]

Just stumbled on this thread, I was not aware this was a known issue, it might explain a few things that are going on here.  Since my large NTFS drive doesn't work anyway, I will unplug it later and see if it makes a difference.

[wstocker]

I can confirm that with my USB3.0 cable unplugged, I can now use ZigBee!  I am now able to pair and use my first zigbee sensor (power switch).  I'm not sure how/if this affected the 2.4Ghz WiFi Performance yet.  Looking forward to seeing a list of tested cables otherwise these ports are not capable to be used with the A+'s full functionality.

[Automate]

I wonder if clipping a ferrite core filter around the USB cable would help? http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ferrite%20clip%20on

[vansens]

I can tell you that the cable shipped with my WD Passport drive made my Zigbee stuff stop working.

[LGNilsson]

I wonder if clipping a ferrite core filter around the USB cable would help? http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ferrite%20clip%20on

Give it a try, it shouldn't make anything worse.