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Garmin Express with MacBook Air M1

rdeletoile
over 3 years ago

I have recently migrated from a Windows PC to a MacBook Air (M1) running BigSur 11.2. Garmin Express will not detect my Fenix 5X. the watch is set to Mass storage and I have it connected to the MacBook via the watch charging cable connected to a USB-A to Thunderbolt adapter. When connected, the watch is charging. Any clue about resolving this issue ?

Thanks in advance.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to riggo

    Hi Riggo.  I was unaware of the "special" USB cable (which I suppose Garmin uses).  So, using my Mokin yesterday, I tried 3 different cables, and then I tried all 3 on my Apple HDMI/USB-A/USB-C adapter Model A2119 (not just the simple USB-A to USB-C adapter - that's a no go).  So, both of those adapters now work on my M1 Mac with all 3 of the other cables I tried. It works with the Garmin cable too.  No idea what the issue is on your machine or setup.  I too opted for the Nav VI for the wonder wheel and am very glad I did.  

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to 2046036

    Hi. The mystery continues. My replacement Nav VI utilises a micro B style USB connector, whereas the previous Nav VI used the mini USB connector typical of earlier Garmin GPS units. Does your unit have the micro or mini style USB  power and data cable? The old faulty unit was returned to BMW Motorrad and presumably then to Garmin. In any case it was long gone before I bought my MacBook Air.

    I have tried to get a pinout of the power/data port for my Nav VI and also a circuit diagram of the Garmin cable. This seems to be a closely guarded secret. I'm sure someone must have a definitive diagram. It should be simple there is either a 5 pin or a 4 pin variant. Because of the miniature size of the contacts it's extremely difficult to buzz out cable connectivity. I suppose that it's feasible that the GPS port pinout is critical but without some sensible input it may remain a mystery. I'll have to make some enquiries amongst other owners that use the Nav VI.

    Thanks for your input.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to riggo

    Mine is a micro B.  My old Zumo was a mini B (trapezoidal shape).  I assume your "new" Nav VI came with a micro USB cable too, right? 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to 2046036

    Same here, I've only the one Garmin micro B cable(it came with the replacement Nav VI). From a technical perspective I'm completely unable to explain the cable/Mokin results you've experienced. I'm persuaded that Apple's explanation. is the way forward. Trouble is it's completely beyond our control to progress this option. I think I'll open a new dialogue with Garmin Customer Support and see if I can glean any further data re cables and connectivity. I did mention in a previous blog that Garmin had hinted a new USB C to micro B cable is to be made available at some point in the future. I've no confidence that it will emerge and even less that it will provide a universal fix.

    What a sorry way to run a business.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Everything started working again a month ago or so. It was either a Big Sur update or Garmin Express update or both. I'm using Garmin Express 7.8.0.0 and Big Sur 11.6 with Fenix 6 Pro. When I plug in the watch Garmin Express just finds it. I see that I'm using USB Mode MTP (Media Transfer).

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Toomas

    I'm currently configured  with Big Sur 11.6 and Garmin Express 7.9.0.0. I had also tried with GE 7.8.0.0, both versions fail to detect the presence of my Nav VI. I'm going to borrow a couple of other Garmin GPS units to see what happens. Garmin report that they don't hold copy of any cable circuits or device charging/data sockets pin allocation. I find that frankly incredible.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    seems to be an adapter issue. I tried to connect with a simple USB Adapter and a normal USB Cable and it did not connect. But my ANT Adapters did withe the same USB Adapter. Then i connected my toshiba Multtipoort Adapter i used also for my Intel Mac and this one did the trick when i put the same USB Cable on it which did not work with the simple USB Adapter, i put the Edge 820 on that same cable and it did connect... strange isn't it? So seems abit try and error of USB-C to USB-A Adapters

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to paulbeelen

    Is it possible to post the brand or model # of the cable you bought? I've tried at least 10 cables so far and none of them work!

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to 7303056

    Amazon Basics Double Braided Nylon USB Type-C to Micro-B 2.0 Male Charger Cable | 1 foot, Dark Gray

    The cable needs to go directly into your computer. I found that hubs do not work. If the Garmin shows up as a mass storage device in the Apple Explorer it will work. If it does not, it will not.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to rwenig

    hello rwenig.  Thats an interesting nugget of information, the first I have encountered via a direct USB C the Micro B cable. I have just ordered a cable that seems to comply with the type you described. Despite crawling all over the Amazon website I failed to match exactly your description. I wish they would use unique part numbers with the description, its vital when engaging on this type of investigation.

    On a slightly different tack I managed to get my hands on a Garmin LM 390. This uses the 'MINI' style trapezoidal on its usb cable Interface. Much to my surprise it instantly connected via a Mokin  Type C/USB A Adapter. I even managed to load my maps of UK and Europe onto my MacBook Air, a small but vital win!  In conclusion thanks for your contribution, I'll post an update once I have tested the new cable.