Sorry don't know the h/w of f/w version and not sure where to find that either. I have tried different settings under the advanced tab of the adapter properties but still get the wifi dropping connectivity to the internet when my other devices don't.

One thin gi did notice and i'm not sure how it happened ios that the only windows (win 10) driver version on the website is:

Archer T3U(US)_V1&V1.8_180724_Win

Dated 2018-11-09

However the win 10 driver installed is:

version 1030.41.514.2020

Date: 8/21/2020

Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

I may be answering my own question here but is it recommended to remove the newer driver and re-install the older one?

I've checked all the other usual stuff off the list.  Connected to laptop, same results throughout the house, laptop has a built-in 802.11n 2.4Ghz wifi adapter that i have disabled but if i enable that and disable the T3U then i have a stable connection again.