Intermittent computer comms ports

[DGH]

Hi there,
I hope I'm not going over old ground in this matter. I'm running OpenCPN, latest Vers, on a 4-5 year old ASUS EeePC netbook, using CM93 charts and a new Digital Yacht Class B AIS transponder plugged in to give me GPS and AIS data.
A lot of the time everything works great. BUT now and then, usually at an inconvenient moment, the GPS and AIS feed stops and i have to re-start the computer to make it all go again. This drop-out sometimes seems to happen when I start, or stop, the main engine and sometimes when I flush a nearby electric toilet, and sometimes, after about 24 hours or so of running well, for no apparent reason.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can prevent this comms port drop-out?
I should add that the computer power supply is a cheap 12V DC to 12V DC converter and also I have clipped a ferrite sleeve over the USB cable where it plugs into the computer.
Cheers
DGH

[SJF]

Is your transponder by chance an AIT2000 (applies to other models too I believe)? If it is then please check its running the most recent firmware along with the latest USB drivers because Digital Yacht have relatively recently released new versions of both to resolve a USB dropout issue which sounds very much like what you describe.

www.digitalyacht.co.uk has all the files you need along with a tech note of the upgrade procedure.

Simon

[DGH]

Yes it is an AIT2000. Thank you Simon. I'll try that immediately.
David

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, David & Simon.