1081 losing sensor when connected to Cumulus

[Dumpster]

I got a 1081 for Christmas and set it up with no problems. I quickly discovered Cumulus as a much better alternative to EasyWeather.
I have been running this for a few days now, but have spotted some really odd behaviour. I have looked over historic posts and cant see anyone with exactly the same problem.
If I leave the base station connected to Cumulus, after a while the error light flashes, the log says lost contact with sensor and the external values all go blank on the base station. If I disconnect the USB cable, after a while the data reappear and all seems to be well. I have checked batteries and distance between sensors and base station but the only thing that triggers the problem is leaving it attached to Cumulus!
If I just connect the computer briefly the data are all successfully transferred to Cumulus. It just seems it does not like being left connected.
Any ideas anyone and btw Happy New Year!

[steve]

Yes, a number of people have this problem with Fine Offset stations; I think the theory is that the USB connection creates some kind of interference. I'm not sure whether there's a solution, but hopefully someone will be able to suggest something.

[Dumpster]

Thanks for quick response!
I thought I would try a screened USB cable but I could not find one in my cable box - so I tried wrapping some Alu foil round the supplied cable and that seems to have done the trick!
So a screened cable looks like it is the answer.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction - and I was blaming Cumulus! Sorry!

[WestOz]

Yes, a screened cable appears to be the answer.

I recently moved my computer across to the other side of the room and so no longer needed to use a LONG (6 Metre) screened USB cable. After going back to the unscreened cable that came with the Fine Offset station, I started having signal loss problems. I've now gone back to the screened cable and haven't had any losses since.

Ian