USB Loss of Device Connection & Computer Crashes

I’m posting this in the PMDG and P3D forum because I don’t know where this problem lies.   I am using P3Dv4.2.

I have a ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe MB with an i2700K 3.4G processor running Windows 10 64bit.  I have several devices connected to USB 2 and USB 3 ports including a PFC Yoke, Flightlink rudder, JetMax 737 Throttle, and GoFlight MCP, EFIS, and Radio Stack.  The GoFlight Radio Stack has powered USB hub, which is connected to a USB 2 port.   I am also using Remote CDU and an iPad for a remote FMS display.

Recently, while flying the PMDG B777 on several occasions I have lost USB connection between the JetMax throttle and the P3D and the computer.  I checked the Game Controller Settings in Windows and there was no response when the throttles were moved.  I unplugged the JetMax throttles from the USB port, waited a few seconds and then re-plugged them in.  Sometimes, it re-established connect, sometimes not.  Sometimes it would re-establish connections, but the settings quickly changed within the PMDG 777 simulator (e.g., Engine Run switches moved to cut-off – these switches are mapped to the simulator using FSUPIC) and some axis did not recover (e.g., left throttle).

So far, I have not seen this occur in any other simulator add-on, for example the PMDG 737NGX using the same hardware setup. 

Also, while using the B777, I have experienced multiple computer hard crashes where the screen locks up with a blue staticky looking screen and loud screeching sound.   The computer becomes unresponsive and needs to be shut down by holding the power switch for 5 to 7 seconds.  Once again, no other add-on including PMDG NGX causes a similar issue.   To me, this sounds like a memory issue?

Questions:

1.       Do I have a USB issue?  I heard that USB 3 doesn’t always play well with FSX/P3D hardware.  Is that true and could that be an issue?  The JetMax throttles are plugged into a USB 2 port, not a USB 3 port.

2.       Are my computer crashes and PMDG 777 somehow related to the loss of USB connectivity?

3.       Could this be a simconnect issue? 

4.       Any thoughts on how to troubleshoot and/or fix?

Thanks for your assistance!

Best regards,

Rich Boll

Wichita KS