GPS and sensor data logger only works when connected to serial connection

PeterH:

jmagnus:
The data logger works, but only when connected via usb serial connection. and not when it is connected to and external power source.

What are the symptoms of it 'not working' and how do these differ from when it is working correctly?

When it is working correctly it logs all of the data collected from the sensors to a .csv file on the sd card.

When I take it off serial monitor(pc connection) and power it externally it does not save any data to the sd card.(there is no data when I open the .csv file)