mostly it is impossible to support HDD or SSD because it draws too much power. there are some SSD devices that use an enclosure with a usb otg cable that might work, but it is a gamble to try, as most of them will not work. i remember users to be using something PNY as brand for otg, which can go pretty far. but 2X128gb + 512 OTG is pretty enough. when the new cards will arrive, fiio promised to support them, if this helps
mostly usb sticks that are 512 and from pny seem to work, if i am right, this has to be answered by someone else, as i do not use otg.
mainly stick to normal usb sticks, and do not complicate with low power ssd through otg enclosure as this can fail.
if it has always been like this it is all right. i know what you are talking about, and it is fine for my usage. i only miss 5% of time, so there is no real problem with the wheel.,
if this started to worsen, send for repairs, it should come better. there is no way to repair it at home, if the wheel is acting funny.
