How to connect to 8400 with a MacBook Air

david_TG9AMM

Hi everyone

I have a new 8400 on the way. I have never used one before.

Can I ask if it is possible to connect the MacBook directly to the 8400 with an ethernet cable? It seems you can do this with a PC and it is called "link local" but not with a Mac for some reason. Is it true this isn't possible with a Mac?

If it isn't possible, would connecting the 8400 and MacBook together via a small unmanaged switch like the Netgear GS305 get everything up and running?

Or, does the radio only work when we use a Mac if there is a switch and and router (for DHCP) in the picture?

Thank you!

David

K3CDY

Hi David -

I've connected my iPhone and iPad directly to my 8400 via a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and they worked just fine. Apparently there is a small pool of DHCP addresses on these devices that make this possible for this very scenario. I'm thinking the Mac would behave similarly.

I ran this setup by Marcus (SmartSDR author), and he was adamant it wasn't a good idea, citing "unpredictable" behavior without a DHCP server.

So, YMMV. In any case, you won't break anything by trying a direct connection with and without an unmanaged switch.

Good luck!

David Decoons, wo2x

Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter then direct to radio should work but I have not tested it.

You should have the radio connected to your network so the radio has access to the internet. That way you can do updates and have access to SmartLink.

73 Dave wo2x

david_TG9AMM

Thank you both Bill and Dave for taking the time to reply.