Garmin Connect - Mac Update

UPDATE 10 MARCH 2009: In case you were wondering, the ANT Agent is compatible on the Mac. The only limitation is sending Courses and Workouts from Garmin Connect to the FR405. This is also a limitation on the PC.

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For all the Mac users out there, this update is for you.  I'm sure you've seen the Garmin Connect Status Page, describing the time line for the release dates of Garmin Connect.  So yes, beginning 21 May you will have full access to MotionBased . . . er, Garmin Connect features! 

UPDATE - Please note that the Forerunner 405 will NOT be supported on the Mac until later this year.  We apologise for any confusion.

Until then, here are a few things to consider when using MotionBased:

1. If you've not already done so, you must upgrade to Safari 3 or begin using the Firefox browser.
2. You must download and install the Garmin Communicator Plugin for Mac.
3. You must upload via the Garmin Communicator Plugin.  The old Mac Web Agent is end-of-life.

Any non-GPS activities are rejected upon upload.  This includes failed recording attempts, old activities that have been over written by new activities, and of course indoor activities.  In other words, if you have a non-GPS activity on your device it will cause an error and even your GPS-enabled/outdoor activities will be prevented from uploading.  If you receive an error of "file too large" when uploading, or the "Max Size" error in the Upload Status tab, you've probably got some non-GPS activities recorded on your device.  Delete these indoor/non-GPS activities from your device and you should be able to upload. 

Check out the Mac Page at MotionBased for more details.

Comments

[Kathryn Krieger]

Hi Matt T,

The ANT Agent is used for uploading from the FR50/405 only. It is not yet Mac compatible. Since you have an Edge 705 you need to upload via the Garmin Communicator Plugin. This is compatible with Windows and Mac machines:

http://www.motionbased.com/info/gps/view.mb?tile=info.gps.edge#edge705

kk

I am a mac user too and bought the garmin watch BECAUSE OF the software. Otherwise, you may as well buy any stop-watch... I bought it in the early summer, was disappointed when I heard it's not coming out before the fall, and now I hear December or the beginning of next year!

What are you waiting for exactly???

[Matt T]

Hi kk,

Thanks for the follow up. Any chance that the ANT Agent wireless function will be enabled on the 705 in the future, or is it internal hardware necessary? It is really nice on the 405. I for one appreciate that it can take some time to get the software functional. Don't pay attention to all the crybabies complaining that the want it now. I would't mind if I had been able to use it in all the months I have had my 405 (got one at release), but it is a little bonus to look forward to. Thanks for keeping an eye on this blog.

Matt T.

[Richard Goldstein]

Now the website says ANT agent won't be available for MAC until the 1st quarter of 2009.

I bought the Garmin 405 in May 2008 (just as soon as I could get my hands on one), based upon the promise from Garmin the MAC software would be available in the fall.

I was content to use the Garmin 405 , knowing I wouldn't be able to download my data until the Mac software was available. No big deal. I could still use it to train, and to give me pacing information while running and biking.

When I ran a Triathlon at the June 2008, however, the watch froze up on me at the beginning of the run! I was relying on the Garmin 405 to give me critical pacing information, and it totally let me down! It was a total waste to rely on the Garmin 405. I wasted about a minute putting it on in the middle of the race and getting it to connect with the sensors-all because you can't swim with this watch - and I wasted even more time messing with it trying to get it to unfreeze while I was running. I never did get it to unfreeze. In fact, I had to let the battery die before it unfroze.

I found out that a software update would do the trick with the freezing bezel - but guess what- I can't do that until Garmin creates the Mac software!!!

And I waited for that Fall 2008 release of the MAC software, and it never came! And now they are talking about Q1 2009.

So my Garmin 405 has been collecting dust for six months now, while I wait for Mac Support.

I hope anyone looking to buy a Garmin 405 to use on a MAC reads this first!

I totally wasted my money by being an early adopter and trusting Garmin.

[Epsn]

Its now 2009. I have a full Forerunner 405, a Mac and have no idea how i can download ( and empty ) the data stored. Are we still waiting for the Mac-support promised in May 08, or am i just a bad googler that cant find the way?

[PK]

Time for a class action lawsuit...

[Clark Weber]

The Mac ANT Agent is very close to being released. We've been testing it thoroughly and plan to make it available to the public on February 9

[Clark Weber]

The Mac ANT Agent is very close to being released. We've been testing it thoroughly and plan to make it available to the public on February 9

[Matt T]

Wahoo! Mac ANT Agent works perfectly! I guess no one is reading this no that it is available, so I thought I would look at the postings again. Sure looks like there are a lot of whiners, and their complaints seem kind of childish now that it is a thing of the past.

Thanks Garmin, for taking your time to get it right. There is nothing worse than getting it out and it being flawed. You know what you are doing. No one will pay attention to "its not out yet" vs. "it is a disaster".

Class action lawsuit? PLEASE, go out and run (or bike). Besides, no way on earth it could qualify.

[John D]

Mr. "Wahoo" (Matt T) must work for Garmin. He certainly hasn't been paying attention.

[Matt T]

Mr. John D, hasn't been paying attention. If I worked for Garmin, why would I be asking technical questions about the ANT Agent for the Edge 705 (above), plus I also mentioned I purchased the Forerunner 405 when the came out (pre-ordered).

I had many problems with the 405 (freeze ups, shut downs, finally, the display wouldn't stay on at all, would just fade out fully charged) I took it back to REI, where I purchased it, and got a replacement after using it for many months. This is what Garmin Support suggested, since REI has a lifetime return policy. I had an Edge 305 that used to shut down and had a faulty altimeter (wildly changing grades and massive total ascents showing at the end of rides). I didn't purchase it from REI and it was way out of warranty and after working with Garmin Support through email and telephone, the offered to swap me a 705 for a modest fee, not much more than their out of warranty replacement of $100.

Anyway, walked up to my Mac after a run yesterday and it uploaded perfectly. A nice break from having to power up my old PC laptop. So, I am pleased and maybe you are not. Sorry if that is so.

John, I hope yours is working well now too! If not, be patient and persistent with support and you will get what you need.

[PK]

Matt T,

I agree with John D, you sure came across as the only whiner on this forum; basically, by whining about everyone on this forum because they state facts and are legitimately frustrated with Garmin's broken promises. Keep in mind, the folks here are just a small group of a much larger pool; for example...

http://www.amazon.com/GARMIN-010-00658-10-Forerunner-Wireless-Technology/product-reviews/B0011UIXNE/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_1?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addOneStar

In response to the Ant Agent release for Mac, seems every electronic I own (with software or a port) purchased after 1998 can upload to the internet. Ironically, those electronics could also exchange data AND receive firmware updates as/when "promised." Ant Agent for Mac, 40% functionality, 9 months late, a "Wahoo" moment...hardly. I look forward to the day Garmin delivers proper (full) Mac functionality for the 405, instead of excuses.

[Matt T]

PK, maybe you should switch brands?

[FINIAN]

I have a garmin 305and i love it.but .i might get a garmin 405 as my back up.
i am a motion based member a few years now .i us a mac as well.Can i have two watches on the same account?

[Clark Weber]

FINIAN,

You can use multiple devices per account at MotionBased and Garmin Connect. We recommend that you start using Garmin Connect as we are in the process of migrating all of MotionBased to Garmin Connect and eventually shutting down MotionBased. Garmin Connect is now open to all Garmin fitness devices.