11Parsecs Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 (edited) Macintosh... consultant? Isn't that an oxymoron like Fortnite professional? P.s I'm over 30 That's 30 years as a Mac consultant for (a broad cross section) of small medium enterprise* Ask away. * Not touting for business, just contributing to the community. Edited April 26, 2020 by 11Parsecs She found the blonde hair on my jacket. 10 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 @11Parsecs any thoughts on how to fix a MacBook pro 16 that seems to crash at times when left alone ? could be lid closed and it reboots over night... or left lid open for a long while and also reboot.... this is on catalina.... and has to be left for a while sleeping. I've done some basics like wiped the thing, reloaded mac OS X note it didn't do it last night and wasn't plugged in but then did later when lid was left open and plugged in so not sure if plugging in to power is related ? or related to power nap feature where backs up to time machine and whether that is causing to fall over or something ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 and oh have another as well not sure why 2 problems all of sudden as we have had a clean run of late... the camera on our 13" mbpro also on catalina has just stopped working... can't be found apparently .... used to work... not sure if this is catalina related... I did the two suggested terminal commands... didn't help... any thoughts welcome 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil c Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 @betty boop built in redundancy? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 21 minutes ago, betty boop said: and oh have another as well not sure why 2 problems all of sudden as we have had a clean run of late... the camera on our 13" mbpro also on catalina has just stopped working... can't be found apparently .... used to work... not sure if this is catalina related... I did the two suggested terminal commands... didn't help... any thoughts welcome Taking kids for a walk, happy to comprehensively respond when we get back. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 (edited) On 26/04/2020 at 3:10 PM, betty boop said: @11Parsecs any thoughts on how to fix a MacBook pro 16 that seems to crash at times when left alone ? could be lid closed and it reboots over night... or left lid open for a long while and also reboot.... this is on catalina.... and has to be left for a while sleeping. I've done some basics like wiped the thing, reloaded mac OS X note it didn't do it last night and wasn't plugged in but then did later when lid was left open and plugged in so not sure if plugging in to power is related ? or related to power nap feature where backs up to time machine and whether that is causing to fall over or something ? 'Clean' OS rebuild, from the ground up. Fresh start, with your old data. Catalina has had sooo many 'teething' issues - I've only just started rolling it out to corporate customers, as of the April 8th, 2020 10.15.4 = (19E287), and only on a completely - from the ground up - rebuild - NOT using Time Machine restores, especially for Apps. Did you make a bootable USB with the latest - April 8th, (19E287) - full 10.15.4 installer? https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201372 I use Samsung "DUO" thumb drives for double duty on USB C and USB A https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/usb-flash-drives/usb-3-1-flash-drive-duo-plus-128gb-muf-128db-am/ If you have Apple ICloud, then preflighting with a keychain backup makes for an easy-er restore experience, as your Wifi passwords etc will be saved. Even better if you're on GSuite/Gmail and have your website logins backed up via Google - you can drag and drop your media libraries - Photos/Music etc. (Assuming you don't have them on a local NAS?). ie, after using the Catalina USB boot drive an OBLITERATING the inbuilt SSD with Disk Utility and then OS install you just sign in with: iCloud GSuite/Gmail on Chrome Any others? Microsoft Slack Google File Stream Drop Box etc Drag and drop your media files to their respective folders - assuming you have a pocket drive to hand with USB C adaptor? Launch the equivalent Apple apps - Photos/Music and re-link your library file when prompted. Download the latest versions of all your apps and install. In Energy saver, set the "Computer sleep" to NEVER. FYI - Having iCloud keychain and Google/Chrome for the lions share of your passwords, you can backport to Mojave for the 13" MBP. You can grab a fresh installer of Mojave from here: http://dosdude1.com/software.html The patcher tool has a "grab the OS installer from Apple", menu, and you can use Create Install Media (first link) to repeat the process as per Catalina clean rebuild. Let me know how you go. Edited May 20, 2020 by 11Parsecs Clarity. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 Thanks I did wipe clean(quick erase) and new OS X install with only pull across my profile not applications, but still sounds like being a restore from time machine on catalina rather than a ground up new machine probably related. definitely will read back over the tips suggested and see what can do in post. and with the tip on the computer sleep. much appreciated ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 well good news story on one of these with logging case with apple to rectify the little MacBook, initially i took to an authorised repairer which pointed me to a satchel bag to post it off some place... 7-10 days to tell me what is wrong. I said thank you but no thank you. logged a 2nd case with apple this time i decided to take to mymac which i promptly got an appointment for. turned out to look like an apple store. the guy there very nice. instantly on checking out, had the tech look at it and with diagnosis the camera was dead...but to replace the camera would need the entire screen back lit and lot replaced. basically the whole top of the MacBook pro. now here is the pain point turns out MacBook pro is just 3 months out of warranty. they suggested I contact apple to make a case. which i did and they gladly followed up to approve all works to rectify my MacBook pro. 3 days later all fixed with a whole new top and screen and a working camera woohoo ! I also at the time spoke to apple re the 16" MacBook pro... and given it is so new and given it is only one isolated issue that only happens with known created circumstance to hang off till the apple stores open as likely quickly resolved. they did say IF I wanted i could take it also through the my mac approach but decided to heed their advice and just not leave the 16" plugged in over night and sleeping ... and it has shown to not crash as yet since .... look forward to apple opening.... 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demondes Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 On 14/05/2020 at 10:19 PM, betty boop said:.... look forward to apple opening.... I thought the Apple stores had already reopened? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 13 minutes ago, Demondes said: I thought the Apple stores had already reopened? very true but only in the last week or so demondes... with my issues they were while well and truly shut.... also with opening there is a backlog as can imagine. its good there are some alternatives though to the main stores... which was my discovery... and where not to go 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted May 16, 2020 Author Share Posted May 16, 2020 On 14/05/2020 at 10:19 PM, betty boop said: well good news story ... MacBook pro is just 3 months out of warranty. ... contact apple to make a case. .. 3 days later all fixed with a whole new top and screen and camera woohoo ! decided to heed their advice and just not leave the 16" plugged in over night and sleeping ... and it has shown to not crash as yet since .... look forward to apple opening.... Yeah, Apple tend to be fairly lenient with out of warranty stuff, especially if you're not a **** about it. All's well that ends well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pallydou Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Let me fire a question. My MacBook Pro has only two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, with one connecting to power and another one to DAC. This means if I need to sync music to iPhone or use DVD Rom, I need to unplug one cable. Have you got recommendation on USB-C hubs giving USB-C ports? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiya Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/apple-usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter-1 Handy and small. Can connect HDMI, USB-C & standard USB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pallydou Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 1 minute ago, hiya said: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/apple-usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter-1 Handy and small. Can connect HDMI, USB-C & standard USB Thanks hiya, but this doesn't give USB-C to 2 USB-C for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, Pallydou said: Thanks hiya, but this doesn't give USB-C to 2 USB-C for example. https://satechi.net/collections/usb-type-c/products/type-c-multi-port-adapter-with-ethernet-v2 Edited May 19, 2020 by 11Parsecs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiya Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 https://www.macfixit.com.au/docks/docking-stations/macbook-12-docking-stations/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jventer Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 @11Parsecs I have a macmini about 2012 or 2013 model. Connected to AVR which is then connected to the TV. A few weeks ago it lost sound. Switchiung off and on restored the sound, but after we switch the AVR off and on -the sound is gone again. If we switch the mac mini off and on the sound comes back . I have googled and there appears to be possible solutions or just buy a new one? What do you think, please. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 (edited) On 20/05/2020 at 2:07 PM, Jventer said: @11Parsecs I have a macmini about 2012 or 2013 model. Connected to AVR which is then connected to the TV. A few weeks ago it lost sound. Switchiung off and on restored the sound, but after we switch the AVR off and on -the sound is gone again. If we switch the mac mini off and on the sound comes back . I have googled and there appears to be possible solutions or just buy a new one? What do you think, please. Please see my post on April 26th on how to do a full, from the ground-up, clean rebuild. Rebuild TL;DR: 1 to 4 hours if you have a fast external drive. sign into iCloud and sync your "keychain" (system preferences) - all your main passwords will be backed up sign in to your gmail, assuming you have gmail, via Chrome and sync your bookmarks use an external drive to either TimeMachine or Carbon Copy Cloner/CCC a backup. CCC is better. Its bootable. Its free for 30 days unlimited use. Make a bootable Apple USB, like this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372 If it fails, you have a "sub optimal" USB (utter cr@9)- Get a branded $10 to $15 one that's USB 3 . boot off the Apple USB, erase your entire drive with disk utility, install a fresh OS CRITICAL: Manually set-up a new MacOS user account. DO NOT use TimeMachine/CCC to restore - there will/may be 'backwash' from previous OS's. CCC/TM is just as a reference, for peace of mind. (In case you missed something). Sign in to your iCloud, tick the "keychain" setting in System Preferences, this will bring back MOST of your passwords, wifi, your email/social media accounts etc. Manually drag and drop your: Movies/Music/Desktop/Documents from your backup into their corresponding folders in your new account. Go get the latest version of your Apps and reinstall as needed. Ok, maybe that was a long TL:DR If that's a little daunting, you could try a... USB sound card: https://www.amazon.com.au/Plugable-Headphone-Microphone-Aluminium-Compatibility/dp/B00NMXY2MO/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Plugable+USB+Audio+Adapter&qid=1589948588&sr=8-1 And, if you want something a little bit fancier: Bluetooth 5 aptX sound card: (has 3.5mm jack too). https://www.amazon.com.au/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Stereo-Dongle-Adapter/dp/B07S1CSW46/ref=sr_1_35?keywords=aptx+usb&qid=1589948499&sr=8-35 AptX opens up a lot of wireless possibilities. Edited December 3, 2020 by 11Parsecs Clarity. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blybo Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 15 hours ago, Pallydou said: Let me fire a question. My MacBook Pro has only two Thunderbolt USB-C ports, with one connecting to power and another one to DAC. This means if I need to sync music to iPhone or use DVD Rom, I need to unplug one cable. Have you got recommendation on USB-C hubs giving USB-C ports? 14 hours ago, hiya said: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/apple-usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter-1 Handy and small. Can connect HDMI, USB-C & standard USB 12 hours ago, 11Parsecs said: https://satechi.net/collections/usb-type-c/products/type-c-multi-port-adapter-with-ethernet-v2 2 hours ago, hiya said: https://www.macfixit.com.au/docks/docking-stations/macbook-12-docking-stations/ Find out how much power your Macbook needs and make sure any hub can send that power via the hub usb-c port in the hub. I have an issue where I want a hub to connect my 4k usb-c monitor, ethernet and power (via the display) and so far no joy on the one's I've tried. I'm yet to find a hub that can send data to my monitor and the 80w power my macbook thru it's usb-c port. If I connect a single usb-c cable from my display to the macbook pro 15" it powers it and sends screen data to the monitor. When done thru a hub I get power but the monitor doesn't work. At the moment I'm relying on my wifi at home and just using a single usb-c cable for monitor and power connection, plus the Apple usb-c to usb-b adapters when needed. I also have a ethernet - usb-c adapter but 1 cable would be much easier than 3, so in limbo ATM but not wanting to spend money for convenience either. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 2 minutes ago, blybo said: I'm yet to find a hub that can send data to my monitor and the 80w power my macbook thru it's usb-c port. If I connect a single usb-c cable from my display to the macbook pro 15" it powers it and sends screen data to the monitor. When done thru a hub I get power but the monitor doesn't work. At the moment I'm relying on my wifi at home and just using a single usb-c cable for monitor and power connection, plus the Apple usb-c to usb-b adapters when needed. I also have a ethernet - usb-c adapter but 1 cable would be much easier than 3, so in limbo ATM but not wanting to spend money for convenience either. i use the satechi ones and both work as pass through. ive got a little usb-c inline meter i can use and will post charge going through if like. but they 100% are meant to work as pass through and do. ps I think i have posted this already when first got it, but can't remember what it passed but will do again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 3 minutes ago, betty boop said: i use the satechi ones and both work as pass through. ive got a little usb-c inline meter i can use and will post charge going through if like. but they 100% are meant to work as pass through and do. ps I think i have posted this already when first got it, but can't remember what it passed but will do again. Second that. I've used the Satechi adapter on every USB C MacBookPro from 2016 onwards, mostly with Dell monitors of all sizes... including the 34" I'm typing this on "weird flex, but ok" - They're not my Macs, I'm a Mac Consultant. Products I recommend/set-up that give the least grief are good for business. The Satechi can get a little warm. Here's a local supplier: https://www.mwave.com.au/product/satechi-usb-typec-multiport-adapter-with-4k-hdmi-ethernet-v2-space-grey-ac12509 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blybo Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 42 minutes ago, 11Parsecs said: Second that. I've used the Satechi adapter on every USB C MacBookPro from 2016 onwards, mostly with Dell monitors of all sizes... including the 34" I'm typing this on "weird flex, but ok" - They're not my Macs, I'm a Mac Consultant. Products I recommend/set-up that give the least grief are good for business. The Satechi can get a little warm. Here's a local supplier: https://www.mwave.com.au/product/satechi-usb-typec-multiport-adapter-with-4k-hdmi-ethernet-v2-space-grey-ac12509 I believe that could be the 1 I tried and it said 100w passthrough on the packaging. As said, would pass power and charge my mac, but not connect to the monitor. Maybe the 4k monitor data combined with power going through 1 usb-c cable to the hub is the problem??? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willco Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 (edited) Firstly great to have a Mac Tech on the site --kudos Bro!--If I may I'd add my five bobs worth to the Posting. I use these as my hub https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01MZ2ATGK?tag=georiot-au-default-22&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=trd-custom-tracking-22 All my cabling and connecting blocks/etc are StarTech. Recommended if looking at products. Willco Edited May 20, 2020 by Willco 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 19 minutes ago, blybo said: I believe that could be the 1 I tried and it said 100w passthrough on the packaging. As said, would pass power and charge my mac, but not connect to the monitor. Maybe the 4k monitor data combined with power going through 1 usb-c cable to the hub is the problem??? Was it the V1 or the V2? V2 says 80w, which will mitigate (slow down) discharge when CPU/GPU at full tilt, ie your battery will run out slower And, I'm not trying to be a "smarty pants, know it all" here, sure you've done your due diligence (I mean look at all that hifi P0%n in your sig), are ALL the cables in your run 110% quality? - Not the voodoo magic stuff that's $700 a meter, just rated at full Thunderbolt 3 capacity? And, what application? Are doing rendering at the same time? Or... just playing back 4k content? Using quick time or VLC? What's the monitor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Parsecs Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 7 minutes ago, Willco said: Firstly great to have a Mac Tech on the site --kudos Bro!--If I may I'd add my five bobs worth to the Posting. I use these as my hub https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01MZ2ATGK?tag=georiot-au-default-22&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=trd-custom-tracking-22 All my cabling and connecting blocks/etc are StarTech. Recommended if looking at products. Willco Cheers 'bra' To paraphrase Croc Dundee. "That's not a thunderbolt 3 adapter, THATS a thunderbolt 3 adapter" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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