Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw?

Patto_chan · 17th April 2007, 18:20

And I don't mean VirtualPC.
I'm talking about the new emulation software that allows us to use Windows apps on the new Intel-based Mac hardware:
Apple's own Bootcamp software (needs a WinXP license)
Parallels Desktop (needs a WinXP license)
Codeweavers Crossover (no WinXP required)

I tried Crossover and got the APD Logviewer working directly on the Mac (after I had copied over a dll file) but had no success getting APD Communicator to work (it couldn't find a comm port). And then my free trial ran out.

I haven't tried Parallels Desktop as I don't have a WinXP licence.
Apple's Bootcamp is still a work-in-progress and requires a disk repartition so I haven't bothered with it.

Any Vision diving mac users out there who have tried Crossover or Parallels successfully?

***Louby Lou*** · 17th April 2007, 18:47

Sorry can't help you with how it runs, but I'd be interested in what others have to say. I've held off installing any Windows emulator type thingys on the Macbook since I got it last year, but I am interested in running one so that I can plug my Vision into the Macbook rather than having to battle with the XP laptop.

There is a download on AP's site for setting up the Mac with the Vision. I think it uses Virtual PC. I've hear good reports about the beta release of Bootcamp (unfortunately we'll have to wait till Leopard is released to get the full version); also I have been recommended Parallels.

I'm going to have a look into it a bit more; but if anyone has any advice etc, it would be gratefully received

Dennis · 18th April 2007, 00:32

I've got the APD Communicator and Log Book programs working perfectly under Parallels Desktop. You have to have an XP disk and licence though....

Dennis

Tino de Rijk · 18th April 2007, 06:50

Good to know! I have held off installing Parallels because I simply had no functional use for it (I consider that a "luxury problem"!) But installing all my dive SW on it (incl. things like GAP, Zplanner, Vplanner, etc.) could make it worth while.
Did you have to toggle something special for getting the USB port to behave, or was it all the standard setting...? Did you apply the APD-suggested (simulated) serial port settings (a.o. speed and FIFO settings), or did you use all defaults...?

Ciao,

Tino.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dennis)

I've got the APD Communicator and Log Book programs working perfectly under Parallels Desktop. You have to have an XP disk and licence though....

Dennis

Dennis · 18th April 2007, 10:47

Quote: (Originally Posted by Tino de Rijk)

Good to know! I have held off installing Parallels because I simply had no functional use for it (I consider that a "luxury problem"!) But installing all my dive SW on it (incl. things like GAP, Zplanner, Vplanner, etc.) could make it worth while.
Did you have to toggle something special for getting the USB port to behave, or was it all the standard setting...? Did you apply the APD-suggested (simulated) serial port settings (a.o. speed and FIFO settings), or did you use all defaults...?

Ciao,

Tino.

There is a button to switch on USB ports, after that it was all default settings! I used one of the built in ports rather than a hub, just in case! A very nice piece of software - you end up with XP running in a window within OSX. Whenever your mouse enters the window the mouse and keyboard become active for XP, and sop when your mouse leaves the window to return to OSX - very cool!

Dennis

Tino de Rijk · 18th April 2007, 22:09

Yep, saw it demo-ed on an Apple of a friend. Quite cool.
As to using a hub: depends if it is an (externally independant) powered hub or not. A lot of problems with the use of the APD-supplied USB interface on Windows PC's come from either underpowered USB ports on cheapo PC's, or (even worse) connectivity through non-powered HUB's (also the small cheapo's). But an independent powered HUB solves a lot of connectivity problems. And the Apple inboard ports are properly fully powered, so fit for the job.

ciao,

tino.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dennis)

There is a button to switch on USB ports, after that it was all default settings! I used one of the built in ports rather than a hub, just in case! A very nice piece of software - you end up with XP running in a window within OSX. Whenever your mouse enters the window the mouse and keyboard become active for XP, and sop when your mouse leaves the window to return to OSX - very cool!

Dennis

Patto_chan · 28th May 2007, 19:46

In the end I opted for Parallels and bought an OEM copy of XP online.
It's working very well.
I can communicate with the Vision electronics via the USB-serial adapter cable and download logs etc.

Yellow box of doom · 25th June 2007, 16:35

Oh baby!! I just installed parallels and windows XP, installed the parallel tools and turned on USB ports and hey presto!! the Evo and the MAC are now talking to each other.

Life is sweet!!

EvoMatt · 24th September 2007, 13:44

Hi all,
I'm having problems with getting APD Comunicator up
and running on my Apple Macbook, and would dearly
appreciate any tips:
- I've installed Parallels and Windows XP.
- I've installed the APD software.
_ I've installed the USB to Serial port driver
supplied by APD (Note: I had to copy the baby disk
onto a full size one, as the Mac has a slot CD/Rom
only. Anyway, it's installed.)
- Here's where the wheels came off: When I click on
the APD Communicator icon, it pops up a dialogue box
saying:-
{Unable to open the current Com Port. Reselect the Com
Port on the Settings Panel}
I click on {OK} and it opens the Settings Panel, but
all the 16 Com ports are in grey and cannot be
selected.
Poeple have mentioned that there is a button bottom right in Parallels to switch on the USB. BUt mine already says {User Connect} and the USB mouse already works; am i missing something?
Any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks,
Matt

***Beanie*** · 24th September 2007, 13:58

Quote: (Originally Posted by Louby Lou)

Sorry can't help you with how it runs, but I'd be interested in what others have to say. I've held off installing any Windows emulator type thingys on the Macbook since I got it last year, but I am interested in running one so that I can plug my Vision into the Macbook rather than having to battle with the XP laptop.

There is a download on AP's site for setting up the Mac with the Vision. I think it uses Virtual PC. I've hear good reports about the beta release of Bootcamp (unfortunately we'll have to wait till Leopard is released to get the full version); also I have been recommended Parallels.

I'm going to have a look into it a bit more; but if anyone has any advice etc, it would be gratefully received

Well guess we can try it then are the cables at the house?
Will dig them out and you can download my dive from the other weekend to see how it works.

17th April 2007, 18:20	#1 (permalink)
Patto_chan Annoying fish since 1992 Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ireland Posts: 63	Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? And I don't mean VirtualPC. I'm talking about the new emulation software that allows us to use Windows apps on the new Intel-based Mac hardware: Apple's own Bootcamp software (needs a WinXP license) Parallels Desktop (needs a WinXP license) Codeweavers Crossover (no WinXP required) I tried Crossover and got the APD Logviewer working directly on the Mac (after I had copied over a dll file) but had no success getting APD Communicator to work (it couldn't find a comm port). And then my free trial ran out. I haven't tried Parallels Desktop as I don't have a WinXP licence. Apple's Bootcamp is still a work-in-progress and requires a disk repartition so I haven't bothered with it. Any Vision diving mac users out there who have tried Crossover or Parallels successfully?
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17th April 2007, 18:47	#2 (permalink)
*Louby Lou* XLVI WC! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Roman Corinium! Posts: 1,049	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Sorry can't help you with how it runs, but I'd be interested in what others have to say. I've held off installing any Windows emulator type thingys on the Macbook since I got it last year, but I am interested in running one so that I can plug my Vision into the Macbook rather than having to battle with the XP laptop. There is a download on AP's site for setting up the Mac with the Vision. I think it uses Virtual PC. I've hear good reports about the beta release of Bootcamp (unfortunately we'll have to wait till Leopard is released to get the full version); also I have been recommended Parallels. I'm going to have a look into it a bit more; but if anyone has any advice etc, it would be gratefully received __________________ Miss Lou x Use of RBW is subject to the Rebreatherworld Terms and Conditions - Please read! Outlaw Divers - Sssh we're diving! You heff vays uff dealink vis zem, oh Miss RBW Admin! - Rob Davie Feb 06
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18th April 2007, 00:32	#3 (permalink)
Dennis New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 17	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? I've got the APD Communicator and Log Book programs working perfectly under Parallels Desktop. You have to have an XP disk and licence though.... Dennis
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18th April 2007, 06:50	#4 (permalink)
Tino de Rijk Old, maybe one day wise Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 375	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Good to know! I have held off installing Parallels because I simply had no functional use for it (I consider that a "luxury problem"!) But installing all my dive SW on it (incl. things like GAP, Zplanner, Vplanner, etc.) could make it worth while. Did you have to toggle something special for getting the USB port to behave, or was it all the standard setting...? Did you apply the APD-suggested (simulated) serial port settings (a.o. speed and FIFO settings), or did you use all defaults...? Ciao, Tino. Quote: (Originally Posted by Dennis) I've got the APD Communicator and Log Book programs working perfectly under Parallels Desktop. You have to have an XP disk and licence though.... Dennis
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18th April 2007, 10:47	#5 (permalink)
Dennis New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 17	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Quote: (Originally Posted by Tino de Rijk) Good to know! I have held off installing Parallels because I simply had no functional use for it (I consider that a "luxury problem"!) But installing all my dive SW on it (incl. things like GAP, Zplanner, Vplanner, etc.) could make it worth while. Did you have to toggle something special for getting the USB port to behave, or was it all the standard setting...? Did you apply the APD-suggested (simulated) serial port settings (a.o. speed and FIFO settings), or did you use all defaults...? Ciao, Tino. There is a button to switch on USB ports, after that it was all default settings! I used one of the built in ports rather than a hub, just in case! A very nice piece of software - you end up with XP running in a window within OSX. Whenever your mouse enters the window the mouse and keyboard become active for XP, and sop when your mouse leaves the window to return to OSX - very cool! Dennis
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18th April 2007, 22:09	#6 (permalink)
Tino de Rijk Old, maybe one day wise Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 375	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Yep, saw it demo-ed on an Apple of a friend. Quite cool. As to using a hub: depends if it is an (externally independant) powered hub or not. A lot of problems with the use of the APD-supplied USB interface on Windows PC's come from either underpowered USB ports on cheapo PC's, or (even worse) connectivity through non-powered HUB's (also the small cheapo's). But an independent powered HUB solves a lot of connectivity problems. And the Apple inboard ports are properly fully powered, so fit for the job. ciao, tino. Quote: (Originally Posted by Dennis) There is a button to switch on USB ports, after that it was all default settings! I used one of the built in ports rather than a hub, just in case! A very nice piece of software - you end up with XP running in a window within OSX. Whenever your mouse enters the window the mouse and keyboard become active for XP, and sop when your mouse leaves the window to return to OSX - very cool! Dennis
(Offline)

28th May 2007, 19:46	#7 (permalink)
Patto_chan Annoying fish since 1992 Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ireland Posts: 63	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? In the end I opted for Parallels and bought an OEM copy of XP online. It's working very well. I can communicate with the Vision electronics via the USB-serial adapter cable and download logs etc.
(Offline)

25th June 2007, 16:35	#8 (permalink)
Yellow box of doom ex "still bubbling for now" Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: dubai Posts: 31	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Oh baby!! I just installed parallels and windows XP, installed the parallel tools and turned on USB ports and hey presto!! the Evo and the MAC are now talking to each other. Life is sweet!! __________________ YBOD *Evolution* Noun "The gradual development of a system from a simple to more complex form more fit for purpose." Darwin has known it since 1859 - Last edited by Yellow box of doom : 25th June 2007 at 19:27.
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24th September 2007, 13:44	#9 (permalink)
EvoMatt New Member Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: London Posts: 16	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Hi all, I'm having problems with getting APD Comunicator up and running on my Apple Macbook, and would dearly appreciate any tips: - I've installed Parallels and Windows XP. - I've installed the APD software. _ I've installed the USB to Serial port driver supplied by APD (Note: I had to copy the baby disk onto a full size one, as the Mac has a slot CD/Rom only. Anyway, it's installed.) - Here's where the wheels came off: When I click on the APD Communicator icon, it pops up a dialogue box saying:- {Unable to open the current Com Port. Reselect the Com Port on the Settings Panel} I click on {OK} and it opens the Settings Panel, but all the 16 Com ports are in grey and cannot be selected. Poeple have mentioned that there is a button bottom right in Parallels to switch on the USB. BUt mine already says {User Connect} and the USB mouse already works; am i missing something? Any help would be gratefully received. Thanks, Matt
(Offline)

24th September 2007, 13:58	#10 (permalink)
*Beanie* Gallery Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In da house! yeah baby! Posts: 3,312	Re: Q for Mac users: any success using APD Communicator/Logviewer via emulation sw? Quote: (Originally Posted by Louby Lou) Sorry can't help you with how it runs, but I'd be interested in what others have to say. I've held off installing any Windows emulator type thingys on the Macbook since I got it last year, but I am interested in running one so that I can plug my Vision into the Macbook rather than having to battle with the XP laptop. There is a download on AP's site for setting up the Mac with the Vision. I think it uses Virtual PC. I've hear good reports about the beta release of Bootcamp (unfortunately we'll have to wait till Leopard is released to get the full version); also I have been recommended Parallels. I'm going to have a look into it a bit more; but if anyone has any advice etc, it would be gratefully received Well guess we can try it then are the cables at the house? Will dig them out and you can download my dive from the other weekend to see how it works. __________________ Beanie Gallery Admin & Library Assistant. www.outlawdivers.org.uk www.beandiving.co.uk www.beanengineering.co.uk
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