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Apple Mac Computer Connection Hassles

Former Member over 14 years ago

It's been a while since trying to link my Garmin to the computer; since the last time I got a new model and running Snow Leopard, OS 10.6.4.

Now the Garmin won't establish a steady link/connection to the computer. The virtual disk image appears for a few seconds on the desktop, than disappears.

On the Garmin instead of the dark screen and icon for a computer link the Garmin keeps trying to start up. Then the dark screen and icon for a computer link appears briefly (and the virtual disk image on my desktop), then the Garmin goes back to trying to startup again.

This happens over and over.

Any Ideas?

Note: I WAS able to link for brief periods, during which time I used the Garmin WebUpdater to download all the latest software for the product, so it's software is up-to-date but the problem persist.

0 stevekn over 14 years ago

I am running the ANT agent V2.16 software on OS 10.6.4 with a 310xt v2.9 with no problem (also a 305 with the web browser software on safari)
certainly no virtual discs appear.

I think you need to go the mac section on the garmin site and download the software directly, not via the web updater.

check the mac section in the forums

steve

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

What?

Steve, you said "certainly no virtual disks appear,' so I wonder if we're living on the same planet or have the same computer, or speak the same language.

A 'disk image,' appear on my Mac computer, over the last 15 years, with Everything I plug into it.

As defined by the Apple Dictionary, A disk image is "A single file that contains the complete contents and organization of all files and folders on a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disk."

!?

Also, my problem is not trying to upload Fitness Data. I use a Polar 'training wrist computer,' for some of that and the Nike+ for others -- these all work seamlessly (and each item makes a 'disk image,' on my desktop (like my camera or Palm Pilot also does).

I'm surprised you never seen such a 'disk image."

Anyhow, my problem remains as described in my OP: My Garmin will not make it's connection to my computer. I've gone through all Troubleshooting steps: checking the USB connection, checking the cable, disconnecting other USB devices, connecting directly to my Mac, etc.

I will, though, check the Garmin site directly -- perhaps there is some merit with the Garmin Web Updater not working.

I also have checked the Mac section in the forums. I wish that Garmin allowed 'mac," to be a recognized search term IN THE FORUMS. (I get a screen message in the Forums that it is not).

I think the company is trying hard to do right, though and makes some very solid products.

All I want to do at the moment is set up a few more Proximity Alerts (for some new 'Photo Traffic Enforcement Zones,' set up in my town -- and download a hiking trail.

0 stevekn over 14 years ago

I know what a disk image is! It was the "virtual" bit that confused me.

When you connect a garmin gps watch (Forerunner 310xt and 305) to my mac I do not get any disk images virtual or not.
Downloads are accomplished using the garmin communicator on a web browser (FR305) or using the ANT agent. (FR310xt)

You have not been specific as to which garmin device you are using so since you posted in the "into sports section I assumed a sports model.

All I can say is all my garmin devices work "fine" with my macs!

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

Works Fine For You: Disk Image Free

I'm glad you know what a 'disk image,' is, since I made clear I was dealing with a Mac computer. Sometimes the word 'virtual,' is added to specify that it is not really a traditional 'disk,' such as a CD or DVD-- like my Sony camera is not really a disk (but I get a 'disk image,' on my desktop when I plug it in.).

My iPod s not really a disk (but I get a 'disk image,' on my desktop when I plug it in.).

And, up until Snow Leopard Mac OS 10.6.xx, my Garmin made a disk image n my desktop when I plug it in.

You can even click on such images and get into their contents.

If we're speaking of words that 'threw you,' or raised questions, the use of the word: "certainly,' was profoundly baffling to me, since any Mac user I figured must be aware of what a disk image was (or virtual disk image).

I'm surprised your current Garmin makes no such image, in fact.

But -- that is not the issue. The issue is that my Garmin (unspecified) won't now link as usual to my computer.

I'm very glad, so glad that your Garmin works fine for you. That, though, is also not the issue nor any solution to my problem.

Nor is the fact that your Garmin works fine for you mean that all other Garmin's in the world work fine.

It's like having a car. It's great that your car may work fine but that knowledge doesn't help a person who is having mechanical difficulties.

People who have problems with their vehicles take them to a garage and seek to find out what is wrong and then have it fixed (It happens everyday).
They also might post to appropriate forums and ask questions.

Similarly I am asking a question as to what might be wrong with my Garmin linking to my computer.

It's very legitimate to do so. Now, though, you (post above) want to raise the idea that I have posted in the wrong thread. Or that I did not give you enough specific information.

Maybe you could find something else to do than tell people they should have no problem ('cause your Garmin works fine), raise spurious issues about 'disk image,' (a common Mac concept), imply the user is at fault for being in the wrong thread, or you haven't been given enough info to properly respond.

Just a thought.

0 Dr Phil over 14 years ago

But which Garmin device are you talking about? Most of us here want to help you. You seem to be quite keen on avoiding the question. Like the other poster, and many others, our forerunners - FR305, FR310XT do not show any disks, virtual or otherwise.

Can't speak for the Edge series but my Edge 305 did not show disks either. Unsure if the 705 does.

Anyway, rather than getting snitty with someone trying to understand the problem, why not answer the question. Which device are you trying to connect with?

0 stevekn over 14 years ago

Thank you for replying Philip, I was counting to 10 ...very slowly......

This is a garmin forum for discussion about garmin gps for sports equipment.
Obviously it would help knowing what device (and software version) a user is having problems with then some one else who had had that same or similar problem may be able to help. Re-invernting the wheel is not usually the way to go.

If not perhaps a call to a garmin payed employee at customer services may help.

If someone is confused about the way that mac's (and pc's) represent data stored on a device, I would suggest looking at for example:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_image
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_Disc
and consult the many mac/pc forums.

Steve

PS. my ipod and sony camera appear etc on my desktop as USB mass storage devices something different to a disk image.

A quick search on the garmin site gave me:. "Garmin Mass Storage Mode devices such as the nüvi 350/360, nüvi 660, StreetPilot c550, and the zumo no longer communicate with a computer with the Garmin Protocol but instead present themselves as a USB mass storage device... "

0 Former Member over 14 years ago

I'm Glad To Know You Can Count To Ten (slowly)

You guys got an attitude here I can do without. This will be my last post on this thread. Delete it all if you want. I will not read any replies (I've unsubscribe to this thread).

Re: Master Philip - I happen to pass by one of his other comments on another thread. A person had a problem with a unit no longer working. Philip's solution was: "Buy another Garmin product to replace it."

Humm...Buy another Garmin product (refurbished, perhaps) to replace it.

My inquery to Garmin paid employees (tech support) has gone unanswered, so that suggest isn't bearing any fruit -- and I have no intention of buying another Garmin product after the difficulties with this one.

Thanks for the info about the distinction between a USB mass storage device and a disk image (which look the same). I'm sure if you keep working at it -- and team up -- you'll soon enough persuade yourselves that it's the user's problems.

Sort of like Apple saying the folks weren't holding the new iPhone's 4G correctly. Or like BP has handled the oil spill in the Gulf (it's someone else's fault and the spill ain't that bad).

To me, neither of you, OBVIOUSLY, are proposing solutions or things to try.

I've been told: Your units work okay

There CERTAINLY is no disk image (or virtual disk image)

I've now got links to more extensive details about what a disk image is, it's fine distinction from what Garmin now calls a Mass Storage Device, and how Garmin changed it's Garmin Protocols.

Frankly, I don't give a damn.

At Apple Discussion it's been made clear that if your Garmin unit (of whatever type) failed to connect to your Mac computer, you are simply out of luck.

Fortunately, though, at the Apple Discussion Forum I found a suggestion that at least allowed me to charge the unit's batteries so it can be used handheld. (Using a USB charger).

(Note: I wasn't into driving around for a few hours so I could charge it up).

It still won't link to the computer but as said: I don't care.

I'll get the next version of the iPad and used the GPS built into that. That will suit most of my 'sport's hiking, heartbeat, distance pace, calories burned needs." (Also using my Polar HRM and Nike+).

0 Dr Phil over 14 years ago

But which device?