Education Technology

Solution 38375: Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues with Texas Instruments SilverLink USB cable on Mac OSX.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues with Texas Instruments SilverLink USB cable with TI-Connect on Mac OSX.

If a graphing calculator fails to connect to a computer, follow the instructions below to troubleshoot the connection problem:

Please Note: The steps below are only for the Texas Instruments SilverLink USB cable with TI-Connect on Mac OSX for other calculators and cables please refer to Knowledge Base# 27430.

1) Verify your computer's operating system meets the System Requirements of TI-Connect for Mac OSX.
2) If the calculator takes batteries try a brand new set of batteries in the calculator.

Next follow the below steps when connecting your calculator to use with TI-Connect on Mac OSX:

1) Launch TI Connect 
2) Open TI Device Explorer
3) Connect the Silverlink cable to the calculator, also verify the I/O cable is completely pushed into the Texas Instruments calculator before troubleshooting as it is a tight fit. If it is not completely pushed in the computer will not detect it.
4) Plug the Silverlink cable USB into the computer, verify the USB cable is completely pushed into the computer USB port.

If the above steps do not work try to reboot your Mac computer then try steps 1-4 above again. If you continue having issues try the troubleshooting steps below:

1) Disconnect the Silverlink USB cable from the computer then re-insert the cable and click [Refresh] in the TI Device Explorer.
2) Disconnect the Silverlink USB cable from the computer then close TI Device Explorer by holding down [Command]+[Q]. Next launch [Finder] [Applications] [Utilities] [Activity Monitor] then locate "TI-Connect Manager X" in the list and highlight it then click the [X] at the top left of the window to close the software. You will recieve a menu choose [Force Quit] then then try steps 1-4 above again.
3) Switch the SilverLink USB cable to a different USB port on the computer. If using a Desktop computer and USB ports in the front of the computer, try switching to a USB port located on the back of the computer.
Please Note: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports are compatible and appear very similar. However, there are differences. Texas Instruments reccommends using a USB 2.0 port for connectivity between handheld and computer.
4) Try removing the batteries from the calculator for about 5 seconds then reinsert them and then try to reinitialize communication.
5) Close all open software on the computer then reboot the computer and attempt to connect.
6) Uninstall the Texas Instruments software you use to connect your calculator to the computer then download and install the latest version of the software from our website using the URL below:
TI-Connect
7) Check the SilverLink USB cable as well as the I/O port for damage if the port or cable is damaged you will need to contact TI-Cares for service.

If the troubleshooting steps above do not fix your issue please contact TI-Cares for additional assistance.