We have an off the shelf fathom-x interface box (including usb-ethernet adapter) and its pair in the main pressure housing. We’ve done close to 200 missions (some very short) with it, 150 or so in the last 3 weeks and the system has been quite reliable, no real issues … until now. We went to use it at our field site and after 3 minutes or so the connection between the PC and the fathom-x just dropped with no messages or warnings. The connection then cycled off/on at a period of approximately 1-2s. We could briefly get things connected again after unplugging and re-plugging the usb cable. During all of this the link light on the box stays on and the DC power supply we are using to power the system is reading the correct, expected current draw.
We’ve tried multiple usb cables, and multiple laptops, we’ve cleaned the usb contacts with contact cleaner and have opened up the fathom-x box to make sure all connections were solid (various usb, screw terminals, etc). After all that the system worked for about 5 minutes and then just dropped out again. It is worth noting that we are using the exact setup that we’ve successfully used previously. The field team, which is remote from me, has a feeling that the usb power PCB (FXTI-ELEC-USB-PCB-R1) in the case might be at fault. We’ve hastily fabricated a replacement that will be delivered today.
Given this work is somewhat time sensitive, I’m wondering if anybody can suggest other possible failure points or things to test/poke to get things working reliably again.
