Mac Issues

[jLynx]

For some reason Intel Macs have issues sending data and Apple Silicon Macs just do not want to connect. It will connect long enough to get the moto output out and then instantly disconnect after that. There must be some sort of bug on the HackRF side. I have validated this on other online WebSerial API websites too

[pedroCX486]

Interestingly I seem to not have those issues on my MBP M1 Pro, could it be an issue with only certain clones or MacOS versions?

[u-foka]

Same here: it connects, but when trying to send files larger thatn ~256 bytes the pp freezes.

M1 Pro in a 2021 MBP, Sonoma 14.2.1, Chrome 121.0.6167.85, Mayhem: n_240128

[tomzhu1024]

Similar issue: it can connect, but when I try to update to the latest release, both the web app and pp freeze.

2021 MacBook Pro w/ M1 Pro, macOS: Sonoma 14.2.1, Chrome: 121.0.6167.184, Mayhem: n_240214

[loewal]

Similar issue: it can connect, but when I try to update to the latest release, both the web app and pp freeze.

2021 MacBook Pro w/ M1 Pro, macOS: Sonoma 14.2.1, Chrome: 121.0.6167.184, Mayhem: n_240214

Same here on Mac Mini M2 Sonoma

[e-minguez]

Same here: it connects, but when trying to send files larger thatn ~256 bytes the pp freezes.

M1 Pro in a 2021 MBP, Sonoma 14.2.1, Chrome 121.0.6167.85, Mayhem: n_240128

Same MBP M2. Portapack frozen after trying to send a small 5KB file.

[EricBoily]

same but with intel mac. 2018 MBP16. brand new portapack.
when I click on "update" this happend in the command windows and the connection is cut.

ch> mkdir /FIRMWARE
Error calling delete_file: 8 exists
ch> fclose
no open file
ch> fopen /FIRMWARE/mayhem_nightly_n_240227_OCI.ppfw.tar
ok
ch> fseek 0
ok
ch> fwb 100000
send 100000 bytes

[tony1tf]

I'm getting the same error on an M2 MacBook Pro when trying to update the firmware to the nightly release.

mkdir /FIRMWARE
Error calling delete_file: 8 exists
ch> fclose
no open file
ch> fopen /FIRMWARE/mayhem_nightly_n_240312_OCI.ppfw.tar
ok
ch> fseek 0
ok
ch> fwb 100000
send 100000 bytes

[tony1tf]

Further to the above, going to the Flash Utility, the firmware folder shows the nightly build is present. Using the flash utility shows it to be a 'BAD FIRMWARE FILE', so it won't flash.

[tony1tf]

Is anyone who understands Macs and PortaPack looking into this problem? What debugging can we do to help?

[gullradriel]

The issue is on hold at the moment.
Please wait for us to resume it, soon, when our schedule will allow it.

[tony1tf]

Hi gullradriel,
Thanks for replying. As I said in my post, is there anything us users can do to help debug the problem? I've started looking at the code, but it is a bit outside my abilities.
Tony

[jLynx]

Not at the moment. The main issue we are having is we lack mac developers for MayhemHub making it hard to debug and develop for

[fuomag9]

m1, live screen updates are VERY slow. Commands to control seem to work but have some seconds latency

[Jayseeargh]

Updating firmware via HackRF and M2 Mac still a problem, update screen hangs on HackRF.app, flash updater in Portapack Utilities returns Bad File

[FaceNick]

A few days ago I overwrote the latest Mayhem firmware v2.0.2 and installed the Nightly Release firmware on my PortaPack. Surprisingly this firmware upgrade process went through perfectly on both iMac and Window Platforms, as I tested it on both. and it was very simple as well. I encourage anyone to try it.

IMPORTANT: Regarding Mac Users, there are a few things I want to point out.
a. While doing this installation, I noticed that it was not possible to do the overwriting or upgrade
Process while the SD card had existing folders in it. ONLY when I removed the existing folders from the SD card this allowed me to proceed.

b. Using the correct USB cable is also crucial to this process, I personally use the USB cable that came with the PortaPack. Of course you can also use an aftermarket USB cable as long as its able to send and receive data.

Below in detail is exactly what I did - Step by Step
1. Remove your SD card from your PortaPack, then slide it in your Mac or Windows, then Remove or Delete all folders that are in your SD card, Now take your SD card and put it back in your PortaPack.

2. Go to https://hackrf.app/ and connect your PortaPack to your PC with your USB cable (make sure your PortaPack is turned ON) Choose option: "Update to latest nightly release" Wait for the firmware to finish installing and when its done then disconnect from your PC.
Note: For newbies, This video basically shows you what this step looks like (go directly to 3:53 and stop at 4:50) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzP0zWi85SI 

3. Once again, Remove the SD card from your PortaPack, then slide it back in your Mac or Windows, you will notice now that there are only 3 or 4 (can't remember) "new" folders in your SD card. Now go to https://github.com/portapack-mayhem/mayhem-firmware/releases here you will see a list of Nightly Release firmwares, CLICK on the most latest dated release( for example: Nightly Release - 2024-11-19) as the page opens, then, scroll down and you will see several available zip files. Click and download this zip file -> mayhem_nightly_n_241119_COPY_TO_SDCARD.zip

4. After you unzip it on your PC, you will see several folders, Now, Copy/Paste ALL the folders into your SD card.
Note: As the folders are pasting into your SD card, there will be a few Pop Up's asking you to either Replace or Merge folders, simply "everytime" accept to "replace" and /or "merge" each time you are asked.

5. Finally, when all new folders are installed in your SD card, remove the SD card from your PC and put it back in your PortaPack, and that all, have fun, Enjoy the Nightly release firmware with all its great features.

[drewzh]

Unfortunately I wasn't as lucky as you @FaceNick - try as I might, no-matter how empty I got the card, it always hangs as soon as I try the update. Luckily I have a Linux desktop in the form of the SteamDeck to perform the update.