Mac Mini Control Software to interface to lead 1515 serial lockups and screen flashing

Initially I ran the control software for the LEAD 1515 through the interface from my Samsung Flexbook. Recently I switched it over to a Mac mini that I hadn't been using. The Mac mini functions same as the day I bought it. In fact, I did a factory reset and updated everything prior to installing the driver/control software. Since switching over to the Mac I have observed a lot of strange behavior that did not exist on my windows 10 laptop which I will explain but please note first that in all scenarios I am connecting through the CNC interface control using the cable shipped with that module, not over bluetooth or anything fancy.

First thing I noticed is when I start to run a job the screen will flash and display what can best be described as the old black and white UHF tv static, then go to black as if the signal is completely lost, then the screen returns. This happens over the course of about 5 to 7 seconds. Samsung win10 did not do this at all.

My second observation is that the serial port gets locked up sometimes. Obviously the restart grbl button in the control software does not resolve the problem since the port is locked so in order to correct the issue I have to not only reset the touch interface control module, but also reconnect the usb to a different port, then disconnect/reconnect the control software to the serial port from the drop list. Though I have not identified the root cause, I suspect this happens when the mac mini goes into energy saving mode or something.

Last, but not least, and likely a topic for a different forum, I have found with all computers that upon clearing alarms in the control software, the modals on the touch interface do not clear automatically. Generally I can clear them by touching any side button but a couple of times I was forced to reset the interface.

In general I feel the windows version of the control software has been the most stable but I have yet to try the linux version. Have others using a Mac experienced anything similar? Is the control software designed specifically for one OS then ported? If so, what OS is it truly geared for?

-d

 

I suspected an EMI issue as well when I saw the screen. I was not using an external monitor with hdmi cable on the samsung because I didnt need it. Mac Mini is not a laptop of course, so I had to connect a monitor. I know the touch interface was not designed to use in addition to but I thought since it was popping alerts it should also clear alerts. I think regarding the OS and to satisfy my curiosity I may repartition the mac mini to dual boot with Ubuntu 20 so I may confirm if the issue persists in order to rule out a hardware issue. Honestly Id prefer to run Ubuntu but I need to find a cad/cam I like on linux to make it my permanent OS for the CNC.

 

I dumped all the energy saving settings on the mac mini and all the major issues went away. No more static when I run a job. No more disconnects on serial forcing me to plug the cable in a different port.