Fixing TrainerRoad ANT+ connectivity issues on Mac

[mtb_baz]

ANT+ connectivity issues on Mac are a thing of the past, or so I thought - does anyone else still struggle with getting TrainerRoad to play nice with their ANT+ devices on a Mac? Ive tried the usual suspects - updating drivers, restarting the computer, moving the ANT+ dongle to a different USB port, and even reinstalling the TrainerRoad app - but nothing seems to work consistently.

Its weird because my Garmin Forerunner and Wahoo Kickr both work flawlessly with TrainerRoad on my Windows machine, but as soon as I switch to my Mac, its hit or miss. Sometimes the ANT+ devices connect right away, and other times Im stuck staring at the searching for devices screen for what feels like an eternity.

Ive read that some people have had success with using a USB extension cable to move the ANT+ dongle away from the computer, but Im not convinced thats the solution. Has anyone else found a reliable way to troubleshoot ANT+ connectivity issues on a Mac? Is it a hardware problem, or is there something wonky with the TrainerRoad app?

Im starting to think that the issue might be related to the way Macs handle USB ports, but Im no expert. Maybe someone with more knowledge of computer hardware can chime in and shed some light on this issue.

Im also curious to know if anyone has tried using a third-party ANT+ bridge or hub to connect their devices to TrainerRoad. Do these devices make a difference, or are they just a waste of money?

Ive seen some people recommend using the ANT+ USB Stick from Garmin, but Im not sure if thats the best option. Has anyone else had success with this device, or are there better alternatives out there?

Im at my wits end with this issue, and Im hoping someone can offer some advice or insight. Has anyone else struggled with ANT+ connectivity issues on a Mac, and if so, how did you resolve the problem?

 

[jungleexplorer]

A USB issue could indeed be the culprit - Macs are notorious for their finicky USB handling. However, I'm skeptical about the USB extension cable solution. It might just introduce more interference. As for third-party ANT+ bridges or hubs, they're often hit or miss.

The Garmin ANT+ USB Stick is a decent option, but it's not perfect. I've seen it work well for some, but not for others. It's worth a shot, though, if you're at your wits end.

Lastly, it's essential to ensure that your Mac's Bluetooth is disabled. Bluetooth and ANT+ can interfere with each other, causing connectivity issues. It's a simple fix that's often overlooked.

 

[mwbyrd]

You're assuming ANT+ devices are doomed on Macs, but have you tried switching USB ports' orientation or using a USB hub? It's peculiar how your Windows machine works seamlessly compared to the Mac. Maybe it's not just about hardware, but also the software interaction that's causing the unpredictable behavior.

Some third-party options like the USB Bluetooth dongle or ANT+ bridges can be game-changers, but they're not always budget-friendly. I've seen some cyclists swear by the Garmin ANT+ USB Stick too.

Why not try juggling some alternatives and observe the results? Mac's USB handling could be a wildcard here. Come on, let's bust this ghost and ride hassle-free!