I am running a Mac mini M1 13.5.2 (22G91). I am trying to set up a GMRS Wouxun KG-UV9G
hand held radio using Chirp programing software with a RTSystems cable.
I need to find if the computer is seeing the radio in the com port. Where can I find this information
and Download the software drivers if I need them? Thank you.
Mac mini, macOS 10.15
I have used FTDI based USB to serial devices, and they do not require drivers on recent Macs like yours. In other words plug them in, and they should just work. I recommend that you do not attempt to install drivers since not only should they be unnecessary, they will almost certainly be difficult to install (and prove just as difficult to uninstall).
Macs don't use "com ports" but their Unix-like operating system will automatically add the FTDI device to one of its many devices in /dev which you can peruse to confirm it appears:
ls /dev
For example, connecting an Arduino board to the Mac automatically adds the device named tty.usbmodem14101 and connecting an FTDI device adds a device named **.serial
Those are both serial devices, and those names are merely examples.
I don't know anything about RTSystems cables, but if they use the FTDI chipset they ought to be the same.
I have used FTDI based USB to serial devices, and they do not require drivers on recent Macs like yours. In other words plug them in, and they should just work. I recommend that you do not attempt to install drivers since not only should they be unnecessary, they will almost certainly be difficult to install (and prove just as difficult to uninstall).
Macs don't use "com ports" but their Unix-like operating system will automatically add the FTDI device to one of its many devices in /dev which you can peruse to confirm it appears:
ls /dev
For example, connecting an Arduino board to the Mac automatically adds the device named tty.usbmodem14101 and connecting an FTDI device adds a device named **.serial
Those are both serial devices, and those names are merely examples.
I don't know anything about RTSystems cables, but if they use the FTDI chipset they ought to be the same.
System Report>Hardware>USB... or System Report>Hardware>other interfaces for their connections.
FWIW, I have used FTDI USB-to-Serial converters myself with success. Unless you are using special direct access features of the device, no drivers are needed
Generic USB-To-Serial converters are based on the Prolific chipset which can be problematic depending on the chips firmware that it has on it. Some of them you can flash newer firmware some of them you can't. I have had a couple over the years and they always end up being problems.
So. personally, I would suggest getting an FTDI converter using this link:
I just checked and the ones I have are still recognized and mounted though I don't have anything at the moment to verify if they communicate.
you can read about other users experiences here
How to get USB/serial drivers working on … - Apple Community
Macbook air m1 problem with com port, doe… - Apple Community
usb serial com port on MacBook Pro M1, Mo… - Apple Community
more
Here is another Discussion with relevant information that you might find helpful:
Thanks, that exclamation helps and I’ll try that cmd. I’m no programmer for sure but dabbled in it years ago because I hated windows but along came the Mac and I took the easy road. At 82 I’m not wanting to start all over. lol thanks
In windows you used to see a list of ports and what was connected to each port. Does Mac OS have this? When I plug in the USB cable with the radio turned on I don’t see that anything has happened.
Thank you very much. I’m up there in years and not all that good with the workings of computers. This may be more direct in explaining.
Com ports on a Mac mini M1
