OK, based on all this info, here's what I think are the possibilities. It is likely an intermittent connection (like a bad solder joint) somewhere in the usb interface cable or the adapter cable. You could try exchanging the adapter cable with your friend as an evaluation, or if you have a DVM, you could try to trace any bad connection in the cable. But you could also give Tower Hobbies a call to exchange the entire set of cables (including the adapter) with a new set. If you have trouble dealing with TH, send me a PM