Author Topic: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+  (Read 1168 times)

Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« on: 09 April, 2020, 08:07:55 pm »
Been trying to connect a Tacx Neo to Zwift on a 2011 27” iMac but couldn’t get the Zwift program to connect to the trainer via Bluetooth. A bit of googling suggests Zwift requires Bluetooth 4 and the Mac only has Bluetooth 2. So what about connecting using ANT+? Will an inexpensive ANT+ dongle work with Macs or will
I need something special, and expensive.
I am often asked, what does YOAV stand for? It stands for Yoav On A Velo

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #1 on: 09 April, 2020, 08:15:58 pm »
BT4 dongle for the Mac?
"Yes please" said Squirrel "biscuits are our favourite things."

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #2 on: 09 April, 2020, 08:16:10 pm »
This is what I've just bought:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N2S103O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Working well on MacBook Pro 2012 and Mac Pro 4,1 (flashed to 5,1).  DOn't want to pay more than that (i.e. for a Garmin).

Syncs perfectly with Kickr & Tickr.
The sound of one pannier flapping

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #3 on: 09 April, 2020, 09:08:21 pm »
BT4 dongle for the Mac?

I don’t know. Do I disable the built in Bluetooth or can you run 2 Bluetooth (?Blueteeth) systems at the same time?
I am often asked, what does YOAV stand for? It stands for Yoav On A Velo

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #4 on: 10 April, 2020, 09:10:58 am »
Will an inexpensive ANT+ dongle work with Macs

Yes
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #5 on: 10 April, 2020, 12:35:14 pm »
This is what I've just bought:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N2S103O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Working well on MacBook Pro 2012 and Mac Pro 4,1 (flashed to 5,1).  DOn't want to pay more than that (i.e. for a Garmin).

Syncs perfectly with Kickr & Tickr.


I've used one of these on two different Macbooks and a Tacx Neo  with no problems

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #6 on: 11 April, 2020, 10:41:41 am »
Bought both the dongles BT 4 and ANT+.    ANT+ works  good connection BT is hit and miss.  Was using an IMac 2011,upgraded to a mac mini with BT 4, but ANT+ was better.  People recommend using an extension usb cable to sit nearer the trainer.  Using an Elite Drivo 2, the Bluetooth takes a few goes to connect.

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #7 on: 11 April, 2020, 11:15:36 am »
Forgot to say BT 4 dongle connects automatically on my IMac no need to change any settings on the mac

Re: Smart trainer to Mac via ANT+
« Reply #8 on: 15 April, 2020, 05:03:44 pm »
Thanks for all the help. ANT+ dongle arrived in post and worked first time. Nice to have big screen to look at.
I am often asked, what does YOAV stand for? It stands for Yoav On A Velo