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Community Alumni's avatar
Community Alumni
Feb 25, 2014

Rand McNally GPS compatibility issues MacBook Pro

My year old RM (Rand McNally) RVND 7710 works great with my Windows based desktop and Windows based laptop. Had no difficulty downloading/installing the Rand McNally Dock (Windows version), and transfers up-dates to my 7710 just fine.

Purchased a new MacBook Pro (OS X Mavericks 10.9.1) a couple of months ago, but can'y get the RM Dock (MAC version) to install onto my MacBook Pro after I downloaded it. My 7710 confirms that it's connected to my computer, but I can't get my MacBook to acknowledge a connection with the RVND 7710.

When I attempt to install the RM Dock software (7710 connected) onto my MacBook I get an error message stating: "This installation requires your device (GPS) to be connected"....., well it is connected.

I have:

* Contacted Apple, they stated I need a driver, and/or Dock software update from Rand McNally so the MacBook can see the RVND 7710. Apple confirmed that my MacBook was operating fine. All USB ports fine.

* Contacted RM (Rand McNally). They sent me a new USB cable (inclusive of driver), outcome was the same. Follow-up RM late December and RM tech looking into possible RM software issue...., status the same late January...., getting ready to call RM gain.

Anyone else having any success with the MacBook Pro OS X Mavericks 10.9.1 with an RVND 7710 ??

Thanks in advance.

Bob

On Edit: Incorrect OS version stated: Was OS X 10.5, should read OS X Mavericks 10.9.1
  • USARMYCW's avatar
    USARMYCW
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    First, maybe you should update your system software. there's been three updates since 10.5. (10.9.1 is the latest)

    I had the same trouble with my Garmin and found that by plugging it directly into a USB port on the MBP rather than a hub, fixed the problem.

    BTW, Apple system 10.8 is free.

    Hope this helps.

    Have a gooden.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Feb 25, 2014
    USARMYCW wrote:
    First, maybe you should update your system software. there's been three updates since 10.5. (10.8 is the latest)......snip

    Good catch, and my error. My new MacBook Pro has the latest version OS X Mavericks 10.9.1.

    Bob
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    I'd look into updating the OS

    Updating to 10.6 might cost money (unless you know someone with a disk).
    Then use auto-update to get to 10.6.8

    Then use the "Application Store" to update to 10.9.1/2 (10.9.2 is due "soon") ...For free, yes, Apple has returned to Mac OS being free, that hasn't been the case since.... 6.x(?)
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2014
    FYI....although the 9.1 installer -will- warn you

    PowerPC only applications are not supported in os-x 10.9. In fact the last OS that supports PowerPC applications (ie Rosetta) is 10.6

    Which is why my work-station has two bootable drives, one with 10.9.1 and one with 10.6.8
  • hindes's avatar
    hindes
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2014
    My RVND 7710 works fine with my iMac running Mavericks. I plug the GPS into the USB port on the back of my iMac and it recognizes it (I have to turn on the GPS, I think). The dock software starts and I have had no problems with it loading the updates.

    Jim
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Feb 26, 2014
    hindes wrote:
    snip...... I plug the GPS into the USB port on the back of my iMac and it recognizes it ....snip

    Jim,

    Are you running only OS X version 10.9.1 on your iMac?

    When your iMac recognizes your RVND 7710, in what form (or where) does this recognition take place on your iMac (desktop icon, etc.) ?

    Bob
  • hindes's avatar
    hindes
    Explorer
    Feb 27, 2014
    Yes, I'm only running 10.9.1 on my iMac desktop. When I plug in the GPS and turn it on, the RVND dock software automatically runs and opens on the mac. I hope this helps.

    Jim
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Feb 27, 2014
    Jim,

    Thanks for the follow-up and confirmation.

    I had further conversation with Rand McNally tech support today, and they confirmed that the RM MAC Dock software was tested for, and is compatible with OS X Mavericks 10.9.1.

    Upon further discussion the possibility was presented that it may be an Apple product "model" specific issue, that being the MacBook Pro. The unique energy saving hardware on the latest MacBook Pro became suspect, specifically the USB ports. There is the possibility that the USB ports on the MacBook don't provide enough power to identify the RVND 7710 device.

    Tomorrow I hope to get my hands on a compatible powered USB hub and see if this makes a difference.

    Bob
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Feb 27, 2014
    Update:

    I had my MacBook Pro (W/Retina) tested today (@ Apple store) and both USB-3 ports are functioning properly, and that a powered USB hub wouldn't produce different results. I also had another conversation with AppleCare Tech Support as well.

    The conclusion was that Rand McNally's latest MAC Dock software/driver may be compatible with OS X Mavericks 10.9.1, but apparently only with the Apple iMac product. Apple stated that their latest products may have the same OS X Mavericks 10.9.1 and USB-3 ports.., but the products don't share the same "build-out" specifications and this may effect the I/O at the USB ports.

    The Rand McNally MAC Dock software, and/or driver, needs to be updated to meet the compatibility requirements specifically with the MacBook Pro (w/Retina) product. I did contact Rand McNally tech support with Apple's conclusions, and I was advised that the information would be forwarded to the Rand McNally personal that handle their software and programing.

    Bob

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