[ReidG]

One of the major causes of problems in any computing equipment is inadequate power supply capability.


In this case not all USB sockets can be counted on to supply adequate current at all times.


The same apples to many 12V supplies, they need to be properly sized to work with the load.


Manufacturers often tend to be a bit optimistic about the ratings of their products.


I have three ZWO cameras and have had no problems with them.



Having designed some power supplies for large scale production in the past and been aware of the performance problem I recommend being safe and use supplies rated for greater power output than you need.


The transient load (a short peak at start up say) can cause say a perfectly good camera to appear to fail.