Mac mini firewire vs Mac pro firewire, trouble with medium format digital back

Hi
I'm trying to use a Mac Mini to run a medium format digital back, I have problems with the connection between the digital back and Mac mini dropping out randomly meaning I have to unplug the firewire and restart the back, sometimes restart the software.
Manufacturer says it is due to Mac mini firewire not supplying enough stable power to the back and to use a powered firewire repeater.
I've tried that it hasn't really made much of a difference.
Manufactuer now says the Mac Mini's are just not up to the job they are significantly diferent to the Mac pro range.
Is this correct?
So I can't use a small form factor mac mini to do a single task - tether to a camera and run camera software. Doesn't really seem that big an ask?
thanks in advance.
Nigel.

you may think it's a single task, but that's on top of the underlying OS processes.  also, i'm assuming that your mini is only running a single hard drive, which means your software is competing against the OS for access to the write heads on your drive.  have you confirmed that your system memory isn't generating too many page outs?  if you're in activity monitor and you see that count increasing, you need more RAM.
you could also try to install a second hard drive in your mini, and designate that drive as your write target for the camera software.
is this for video, or stills?

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