# Ant+ dongle for Mac (Catalina)

**URL:** <https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859>\
**Category:** Equipment\
**Created:** [January 1, 2020, 10:38am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859 "2020-01-01T10:38:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bazcurtis](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bazcurtis/32/13619_2.png) [@bazcurtis](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bazcurtis)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 10:38am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/1 "2020-01-01T10:38:25Z")

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After reading about the TR meet up on Zwift - [Successful test - TR Workout via Zwift meetup function](https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/successful-test-tr-workout-via-zwift-meetup-function/26302)

I am looking to get a Ant+ dongle for my iMac running Catalina. I looked on Amazon and they’re quite a few to choose from. Does anyone have an recommendations? How far with the signal travel? I see some come with an extension lead

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**Author:** ![c-h-a-d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/c-h-a-d/32/137725_2.png) [@c-h-a-d](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/c-h-a-d)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 11:50am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/2 "2020-01-01T11:50:24Z")

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I’m using a Garmin branded usb one with my MacBook, with a short dongle. Haven’t had any reception issue on a desk in front of the trainer.

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**Author:** ![philrcook](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/philrcook/32/15797_2.png) [@philrcook](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/philrcook)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 12:00pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/3 "2020-01-01T12:00:49Z")

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I also use the Garmin one that came with my vector pedals. Do use an extension cable.

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**Author:** ![ericallenboyd](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/ericallenboyd/32/37233_2.png) [@ericallenboyd](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/ericallenboyd)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 2:21pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/4 "2020-01-01T14:21:54Z")

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I have two like this style. I know @anon20047708 bought one so maybe he can give some feedback. I use an extension for one but not sure it is totally necessary in my situation.

[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBJ8E38/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_sms\_c\_api\_i\_D5lbEbS9T9TES?tag=trainerroad-20](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBJ8E38/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_D5lbEbS9T9TES?tag=trainerroad-20)

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**Author:** ![bazcurtis](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bazcurtis/32/13619_2.png) [@bazcurtis](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bazcurtis)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/6 "2020-01-01T15:22:30Z")

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I couldn’t find @ericallenboyd one on Amazon UK. This ones seems to have good reviews. To be honest I thought the Catalina end might be more of a problem than the dongle end.

[ANT+ Dongle](TAOPE ANT+ Dongle USB Stick Adapter Wireless Sync Dongle (RC402) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075T8HZ22/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_tai\_TIldEb9XM5RR3](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075T8HZ22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_TIldEb9XM5RR3?tag=raineoad-21))

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**Author:** ![ericallenboyd](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/ericallenboyd/32/37233_2.png) [@ericallenboyd](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/ericallenboyd)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 4:33pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/7 "2020-01-01T16:33:44Z")

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Good to hear and have fun in your trip.

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**Author:** ![gwhilts](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/gwhilts/32/1637_2.png) [@gwhilts](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/gwhilts)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 5:36pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/8 "2020-01-01T17:36:39Z")

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Most work pretty well, but you’ll get the best performance if you also get an USB extension cable.

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**Author:** ![cinzanoframepump](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/cinzanoframepump/32/25963_2.png) [@cinzanoframepump](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/cinzanoframepump)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 6:49pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/10 "2020-01-01T18:49:33Z")

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The garmin one works as does this one. Both in Catalina

> **[Amazon.com: USB ANT+ Stick Dongle Adapter Wireless Receiver for Zwift,...](https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-PerfPRO-CycleOps-TrainerRoad-Extension/dp/B079217ZGV?tag=trainerroad-20)**
>
> Buy USB ANT+ Stick Dongle Adapter Wireless Receiver for Zwift, TheSufferfest, TrainerRoad, Rouvy to Upgrade Bike Trainer (with 3 Meters Extension Cable): USB Network Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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**Author:** ![cinzanoframepump](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/cinzanoframepump/32/25963_2.png) [@cinzanoframepump](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/cinzanoframepump)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 6:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/11 "2020-01-01T18:51:12Z")

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Definitely get the extender. I was getting dropouts until I did so. I didn’t care because I use the file from the Garmin 1030, but it was vexing to see my Zwift guy pull to side of the road while I was pushing pedals.

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**Author:** ![gwhilts](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/gwhilts/32/1637_2.png) [@gwhilts](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/gwhilts)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 7:15pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/13 "2020-01-01T19:15:20Z")

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The extension cable allows you to place the dongle closer to your trainer/sensors and greatly reduces the occurrence of dropped signals.

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**Author:** ![bazcurtis](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bazcurtis/32/13619_2.png) [@bazcurtis](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/bazcurtis)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/14 "2020-01-01T19:23:26Z")

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That is good info. From all the replies it amazing it works outside on a real bike. 😀

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**Author:** ![TheOtherOne](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/theotherone/32/146374_2.png) [@TheOtherOne](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/TheOtherOne)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/15 "2020-01-01T22:46:08Z")

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Still on Mojave but these have been working fine for me.

> **[Amazon.com: USB ANT+ Stick for Garmin Forerunner 310XT 405 405CX 410 610 910,...](https://www.amazon.com/Anself-Forerunner-Compatible-CycleOps-TrainerRoad/dp/B01M3VQP6Z?tag=trainerroad-20)**
>
> Buy USB ANT+ Stick for Garmin Forerunner 310XT 405 405CX 410 610 910, Compatible for Garmin Products and Cycling Games: USB Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

> **[Amazon.com: Amazon Basics USB 2.0 Extension Cable - A-Male to A-Female Adapter...](https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Extension-Cable-Male-Female/dp/B00NH11PEY?tag=trainerroad-20)**
>
> Amazon.com: Amazon Basics USB 2.0 Extension Cable - A-Male to A-Female Adapter Cord - 9.8 Feet (3 Meters), Black : Electronics

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**Author:** ![hawkeye1824](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/hawkeye1824/32/27647_2.png) [@hawkeye1824](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/hawkeye1824)\
**Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 11:57pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/16 "2020-01-01T23:57:14Z")

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Thanks for posting this thread… you must have read my mind!

Does anyone have any recommendations for an ANT+ dongle with a lightening connector (for an iPad)? I already have what I need for a PC…

Thanks!!

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**Author:** ![tim\_nh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/tim_nh/32/85102_2.png) [@tim\_nh](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/tim_nh)\
**Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 5:21pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/17 "2020-01-02T17:21:59Z")

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I’ve got an old Suunto (~4yrs), and it’s been fine on my MBP. The extender cable is mandatory for a reliable connection. The aluminum casing on the machine can block the signal if it’s between the transmitter & the dongle (always in my setup). I hang the dongle on the extender cable below the machine for a clear path to the transmitter. On the bike, the path from power meter to head unit is relatively clear, and is much closer so is more reliable.

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**Author:** ![isaac\_n](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/isaac_n/32/16832_2.png) [@isaac\_n](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/isaac_n)\
**Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/18 "2020-01-02T19:18:19Z")

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I just got a cheap generic one (actually, two, because reasons… they both get used though and both work) from Amazon, along with the extender. I plugged a hub into the end of the extender so I could put both of the ANT+ dongles in from one extension.

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**Author:** ![timmah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/54ee81/32.png) [@timmah](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/timmah)\
**Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 7:35pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/19 "2020-01-02T19:35:06Z")

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I have a 2014 MacBook Pro with the Garmin USB dongle and a 10 foot extension cable to place it directly under my Wahoo Kickr Core. No issues with dropouts. I use ANT+ for my Garmin HRM also.

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**Author:** ![BatRob](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/batrob/32/80470_2.png) [@BatRob](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/BatRob)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2020, 8:20am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/20 "2020-03-31T08:20:04Z")

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Thank you for posting this one. Now all the ANT+ dongles seem finished all over the world with so many people training indoors during the Corona epidemy.

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**Author:** ![SomeCallMeTim](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/somecallmetim/32/40828_2.png) [@SomeCallMeTim](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/SomeCallMeTim)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2020, 10:19am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/21 "2020-03-31T10:19:15Z")

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I’ve been using the cheapest ANT+ dongles I could find on eBay. Still going strong after 4 years.

Far less interference issues, compared to Bluetooth.

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**Author:** ![dbTriTraining](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/dbtritraining/32/43555_2.png) [@dbTriTraining](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/dbTriTraining)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2021, 2:15am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/22 "2021-02-09T02:15:23Z")

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I recently upgraded to Catalina on my MacBook Pro from Mojave.

Since the upgrade I have had issues with BT and ANT+. I rode on Sunday and both signals completed disappeared. I had to unplug and replug in the extension cable for my Ant+ dongle to get it working again.

Has anyone else had this issue? I had no issues at all using ANT+ or BT when I was using Mojave.

I just deleted app.apple.finder.plist and the bluetooth.plist, hoping things will be ok for tomorrows ride.

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**Author:** ![suffede82](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@suffede82](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/suffede82)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2021, 11:07am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/ant-dongle-for-mac-catalina/26859/24 "2021-02-14T11:07:49Z")

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Hi, I’ve Big Sur too and I can’t connect my smart trainer via ant+, its very strange because the system recognize my ant+ dongle (I can see it in system info), and in Zwift during the pairing I see the ant+ symbol is on, but can’t find the devices. If I do the same with my other win10 pc all works fine. Anyone have possible solutions?
