DrJ I then realized it had lost connection to the mount
This is often a "mechanical" issue instead of an "electrical" issue. USB connectors are not meant to be used on devices that moves. The contacts are small and fragile. As the mount slews, the data connection can momentarily loose contact.
It happens most often at certain mount angles when gravity causes the cable's weight to pull the USB connector just a teeny tiny bit towards ground, but enough to lose connection. Unfortunately for us, Meridian flips tend to do that :-).
Many manufacturers provide USB (and power) plugs and jacks that have screwed strain relieves when they know that their USB device can move during proper usage (OWC even sells one that works with USB-C connectors). None of ZWO products have them.
You may want to attempt a more solid connection by folding back the cable near a connector and then securing it so that is does not move. You can use velcro strips or cable ties. My favorite is the 3M snap-on types that allows me to quickly detach a cable, but I have also used the non-snap on types with small cable ties, for more permanent and more solid installations.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HR9VS4I
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M69LK65
Here is an example of how I use the snap-on one:
Chen
