Computrainer & Mac Compatibility ... Anyone Use Their CT With A Mac?

Triathlon Forum
1

Ok I searched the previous posts and found some information, but nothing that I would call definitive. So, my question is any of you Apple users (ibook, powerbook, imac, etc) have any trouble running the computrainer with virtual pc?

I ask this because I have had my last crash and data loss with a windows based pc.

Thanks for helping me out.

Pete

2

http://www.computrainer.com/html/compatibility_issues.htm

Apple/Mac Computers
Currently CompuTrainer hardware is not compatible with Apple/Mac Computers, although, in some cases, CompuTrainer software may run using the Mac based “Virtual PC™” program. The issue’s still existing revolve around the serial communication protocol, which is quite different between IBM compatible PC’s and Mac computers. The use of a USB to Serial adapter installed while the Virtual PC™ program is running has allowed PC1 to operate, but issues still exist with CompuTrainer 3D. This is likely due to some incompatibility between the emulation program and the USB to Serial adapter and higher demand on the system 3D requires. It has been extremely difficult to diagnose. Eventually Mac may resolve these issues with the increasing development and standardizing USB (Universal Serial Bus) protocols and further improvements to the Virtual PC™ program, but to date this has not been accomplished.

3

Unfortunately, you have found the one remaining issue I have with Macs…they have left the RS-232 standard in the dust. Of course its only an issue because all of our tri-toys are still using it, mostly for economic reasons…

The BEST solution is to go find a cheap $100 original Pentium laptop…this will be MORE than enough computer to run all of your tri-toys…CT, HR monitor, Powermeter, etc…as long as it has a USB connector you can move your files over to your Mac.

4

Thanks Brian,

Yeah. I think I will try to “salvage” the laptop that bit it today for use only with the CT since I will not have to worry about backing anything up. Kind of a pain in the arse but so be it.

5

Thanks tricheermom,

I searched Racermate’s site and could not find that, thank you very much. Saves me from buyin the virtual PC software.

Pete