MacBook Pro compatibility with laser cutter incorporating Ruida controller

[peter2 (Peter Smith)]

I have a MacBook Pro computer with Catalina os and I’m considering buying a uk made laser cutter incorporating a Ruida controller. I’m concerned about compatibility issues. Can someone help?

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

USB has known issues, we are considering different solutions, none of which come without consequences, though there is a newer driver that appears to be working for everyone we’ve sent it to so far.

Connecting via Ethernet cable is most reliable and works very well, and does not have the issues with the driver.

[peter2 (Peter Smith)]

Hi Rick
Thanks for that. Please excuse my ignorance but you’re reaching the boundaries of my computer knowledge. Please can you tell me what a driver is, also what is an Ethernet cable and does my new MacBook Pro have an Ethernet connection?
Regards Peter

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

@peter2

what a driver is

This is a small communication software, usually included with the hardware that is required to talk from the Mac to the Ruida controller. Here is a post that gets into the details:

Trouble getting 410C / Topwisdom to find my mac... NOOB

Thanks for your Help OZ but this So this did not work for me, probably because I’m using mac OS Catalina version 10.15.7… but the following did so hopefully this might be helpful for any future mac/ top wisdom users. Install FTDIUSBSerialDriverv 2.4.4 using the link below https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP/MacOSX/FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_4_4.dmg (I rebooted trying to work out but you may not have to) When you reboot will get a message saying something like pen drive may cause damage, move to…

@peter2

does my new MacBook Pro have an Ethernet connection?

This I could not answer with what you have provided, but no matter what configuration the MacBook, Apple provides a solution for you to connect via Eithernet.

Apple USB Ethernet Adapter

[peter2 (Peter Smith)]

Thanks Rick
So, it sounds like the Ethernet cable is the best solution. Can I assume that the laser cutter will have an Ethernet connection?

[peter2 (Peter Smith)]

Hi Rick
Re Ethernet, am I right in thinking that we have an Ethernet cable which plugs into the computer (via the USB-C adapter) at one end and the laser cutter at the other?

[Rick (Technical Evangelist)]

@peter2

Can I assume that the laser cutter will have an Ethernet connection?

I would double-check this with your supplier.

@peter2

Re Ethernet

This is one way to connect via Eithernet. You could configure to use via a router/hub as well, but this gets into how you may have your network set up which you have not shared.