IrDA - infrared data transfer

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Level 1

8 points

IrDA - infrared data transfer

Does anyone have experience on one of the newer Mac models (Intel-based) with a USB IrDA dongle that works to connect to the infrared port (not Apple remote thing) of a Palm, Polar heart rate monitor, dive computer or mobile telephone?

I used the Swann SW-112-IRA USB dongle and another device (from Uwatec), there seems to be a driver issue with Sigmatel Chipsets. I want to connect my Uwatec Aladin Prime Dive Computer, with the Jtrak Software (download via Apple downloads website).

I talked to the Apple Service, checked the Apple Store, my Apple retailer doesn't know, other retailers neither and I can't find any info on this site about connecting peripherals via infrared to my Macbook.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Apr 6, 2009 12:03 AM

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Answer 1

mcdiver Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 6, 2009 1:53 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Thank you, Carolyn! And thanks for your reply as well!

When I google, the forth and fifth hit is a Swann website with the device:
http://www.google.com.au/search?q=Swann+SW-112-IRA

(Might be because I google via google.com.au.)

Also you can google "Swann" and find their website with the product:
http://www.swannsecurity.com/s/products/view/?product=447

On all these website, you will be able to see the little MacOS compatible Sticker.

As the Software and USB device work fine on windows (and I tested that with my dive computer, otherwise it could have been that the dive computer is broken), I assume that there is a driver issue.

(The device does not mount on MacOS.)

If you google around/look on scuba websites, you'll find plenty of people having similar problems with their dive computers, palsm, mobile phones and Polar devices and it seems to be a mac-specific problem.
The only solution that I could find so far, was to use old macs that came with in built Ir ports, for me not an acceptable solution.

Belkin produces usually Mac-friendly products, but there is no information on their IR USb thing available yet and apple support couldn't help me either.
( http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=183997)

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Answer 2

Apr 6, 2009 12:34 AM in response to mcdiver

HI and Welcome to Apple Discussions ...

I Googled and can locate the USB IrDA dongle but they are all formatted for Windows only.

I don't see your dive computer listed at the bottom of this page, but there is an e-mail link. You could try contacting jtrak. http://www.frobese.de/JTrak/en/jtrak.html

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 3

Apr 17, 2009 1:03 PM in response to Juliodga

HI,

Unfortunately, you need an older PowerPC Mac (non-Intel) for the hardware. Go to the manufacture web site and find out what the minimum requirements are.

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 4

Apr 6, 2009 11:51 AM in response to mcdiver

You're welcome. If you ever need Mac compatible GPS software, that is much easier to come by. 😉 That link offers a post from someone using older Macs running older Mac OS X versions. Maybe that's just what you need. Not Intel based.

One thing you could do is e-mail scuba dive schools and ask if they have any ideas for this.
Here's one locally here. http://www.bayareascuba.com/ Even if they don't know, they might know someone who does. Just have to keep asking around.

I called a school here in Alameda and left a message. I'll post back if they have any suggestions.

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 5

oceanjam

Level 1

0 points

May 8, 2009 7:10 AM in response to amiatimetraveller

I'm also hoping for a solution to this one. I've been dying to get my Aladin Tec2G to talk to my Mac for over a year now. It seems that there is absolutely no IrDA support at all on OS X. The IrDA is not detected under JTrak and since the software was written independently from UWATEC, there is little to no support.

I'm testing this under Parallels and XP Pro SP2, but can't seem to get the SigmaTel-based IrDA to get recognized there too. I know that it works on XP since I tested it on my brother's PC. Smart Trak software installed without issues, but still no IrDA support.

However, a friend has tried the IrDA on his Mac without any problems. I simply don't understand why it works on his and not mine.

I love my dive computer. It would be a shame if I'd have to give up a OS X just so I can get my dive info.

It seems there is much better support for legacy hardware in the Windows world...

=(

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Answer 6

mcdiver Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 6, 2009 2:00 AM in response to mcdiver

Have a look at this thread, Carolyn,
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-127279.html

Thanks for your suggestion!

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Answer 7

Juliodga

Level 1

0 points

Apr 17, 2009 4:36 AM in response to mcdiver

Hi,

I bougth an IrDA from UWATEC (Scubapro) but it does not work in my new Mac. The Mac does not recognize the IrDA. according to the speciication of the IrDA, the Mac should recognize it without any driver, but it is no the case...
If you have solved your problem, you could help me. I have all my dives in my Aladin but i can not transfer them to my Mac...
Thank you
Julio

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Answer 8

Juliodga

Level 1

0 points

Apr 18, 2009 1:54 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Hi,
I went to the manufacturer's web and they say the IrDA (IR778 UWATEC) is compatible with Mac. This manufacturer is the same that makes the divings computers. I have already aske them about my problem.

Julio

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Answer 9

May 2, 2009 6:39 AM in response to Juliodga

I am hoping someone has found a solution to this one. I bought a Uwatec Aladin Tec 2g dive computer and have tried pairing it to a new imac and have had no luck. Smarttrak software installs, but they are not recognising each other. Has anyone found a solution?

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