Rand McNally GPS compatibility issues MacBook Pro

[Community Alumni]

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

[triton1206]

Well, I'll spend a little time with RM and Apple and see If I can break any new barriers on this issue. There's a solution out there somewhere.

Steve

[Community Alumni]

Nope, I haven't received any further communication from RM or Apple on the subject in a couple of months. I've download the RM dock software couple of times in hopes they updated it, but no change.

Little disappointed that I can't use my new MacBook with the RM.

Bob

[triton1206]

From the looks of things, I'm a little late to this discussion. I'm having same problem with new iMac at home running 10.9.3. I have an older iMac at my office running same system (10.9.3), but works on that model. Has anyone heard anything new from either RM or Apple regarding problem?

Thanks in advance for any response.

Steve


Fleetwood Discovery 2006
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011

[cKarlGo]

TURK2500 wrote:

cKarlGo wrote:
snip.....When I installed the GPS, it required another add on piece of software. Something X11 related IIRC. Did you get prompted to install that?

No, I just get "This installation requires your device (GPS) to be connected", which it is.

I did upgrade the OS X Mavericks to version 10.9.2 today...., same results.

Bob

OK. Let me poke around and see if I can figure out what it was. It's been a while since I did it and that's 2 months of work problems and a surgery ago... 😄

[Community Alumni]

cKarlGo wrote:
snip.....When I installed the GPS, it required another add on piece of software. Something X11 related IIRC. Did you get prompted to install that?

No, I just get "This installation requires your device (GPS) to be connected", which it is.

I did upgrade the OS X Mavericks to version 10.9.2 today...., same results.

Bob

[cKarlGo]

TURK2500 wrote:
cKarlGo,

Was your MacBook Pro the latest model (w/13" Retina) that came out late 2013, and with OS X Mavericks 10.9.1 installed by Apple (no other OS on your MBP)?

Thanks,

Bob

No. Mine is the previous generation with the larger screen. I would have preferred the retina display, but I needed the extra memory more (I run VMware on my MBP) and I couldn't find an in stock retina with more than 4GB of memory around here.

When I installed the GPS, it required another add on piece of software. Something X11 related IIRC. Did you get prompted to install that?

[Community Alumni]

cKarlGo,

Was your MacBook Pro the latest model (w/13" Retina) that came out late 2013, and with OS X Mavericks 10.9.1 installed by Apple (no other OS on your MBP)?

Thanks,

Bob

[cKarlGo]

I tried out a 7710 and returned it for different reasons. However, it did connect to my MBP without issue.

[Community Alumni]

Jim,

Both Apple and Rand McNally have been good to work with, and I hope for a resolution before I start my spring travels.

Yes, your RVND 7710 up-date process is the same as I experience with my Windows based Laptop and Desktop....., but until I get my MAC to acknowledge the RVND 7710 I can't complete the Rand McNally Dock installation.

Bob

[hindes]

Bob,

I really hope between Apple Support and Rand McNally you can get this sorted out. I just plugged in my RVND 7710 and turned it on so I could watch the process (I wanted to make sure I gave you correct information.) I powered up the 7710 after I plugged it in (to one of the rear USB ports) and the GPS says Connected on its screen. I have the RVND Dock software in my dock on my mac. I did have to click on the RVND software icon in my iMac dock to get it to open the dock software. It opened to the RVND Dock and shows my serial # and lifetime maps subscription, etc. . .

I hope this step-by-step helps you.

Jim

[TheBearAK]

The powered hub, was it a 3.0 hub? If it was, try a 2.0 hub and see if that makes a difference.

[Community Alumni]

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

[Community Alumni]

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

[hindes]

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