Bluetooth trackball causes crash on disconnect

Hi. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this!


I was trying to use CAD software and it's not easy with the touchpad. I tried my bluetooth trackball and now the MBP crashes when it loses connection to the trackball. This can be if you switch the trackball off, if it runs out of power or if the MBP is moved to another room withouth moving the trackball.


The crash is an instant black screen and hard restart. When it comes back to life, it offers to send a report to Apple (which i've done several times).


I've attached the dump below - not sure if it's useful!


I think I originally installed the Kensignton software. It's not installed now so I may have removed it whilst trying to troubleshoot this issue. I've seen there's a new version that claims compatibility with the current OS, so I'll give that a go.


If anyone can help, I'd be very grateful!


cheers


Dan



Device: Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball

MacBook: Pro 16 2021. M1 Pro/16Gb

OS: Ventura 13.6


Posted on Sep 22, 2023 11:05 AM

Reply
1 reply

Sep 22, 2023 11:55 AM in response to dynamitedan

Hello Dan,


I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your MacBook Pro and the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball. Kernel panics like the one you're experiencing are definitely frustrating and disruptive.


From the crash dump, it appears that the kernel panic is related to the HID (Human Interface Device) event driver, specifically `com.apple.driver.AppleTopCaseHIDEventDriver`. This driver typically manages input devices like keyboards, mice, and trackballs. The fact that the crash occurs when the trackball disconnects suggests that there may be a problem with how the operating system is handling the Bluetooth device's state changes.


Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:


Update Your Software:

- Update your macOS to the latest version if an update is available.

- As you mentioned, try installing the latest Kensington software that claims compatibility with your current OS. It is likely this will resolve your issue.


Reset NVRAM and SMC:

Reset NVRAM:

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on, and immediately press and hold these four keys together: `Option`, `Command`, `P`, and `R`.

- Release the keys after about 20 seconds. This clears user settings from memory and restores certain security features that might have been altered.


Reset the SMC:

- Shut down your Mac.

- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release the button.

- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.


Check Bluetooth Files:

- Navigate to `/Library/Preferences` and look for any Bluetooth-related .plist files. Move these to your desktop and restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved. (You may need to re-pair your devices.)


System Logs:

- Check the system logs for any error messages that might give you more information. You can do this using the Console app.


If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Apple Support or take your MacBook Pro to an Apple Store for further assistance.

Bluetooth trackball causes crash on disconnect

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