Magic trackpad question

Hi,
I just started using the magic trackpad in FCPX, and I am liking it much better than the mouse..

I intermittently get erratic behavior with it however.
its connected via bluetooth

Wondering if anyone is using the mobee power bar with the trackpad.
Its advertised as basically a recharger for the batteries, but it also states that you can use it while its plugged in charging (USB). So I am wondering if this USB connection would stop the erratic behavior, having a direct connection all the time.


Thanks
Kurt

Hi Kurt,

been using the trackpad for quite some time now on two different macs. Never had any issues. Can you specify your problem?

Best,
Sebastian

This may help you. It is a Apple Knowledge Base article with bullet point items of what to check. Also, the last billeted item links to tips about wifi interference.

support.apple.com/kb/TS1449

One other suggestion, move any portable drives /cables to the opposite side from your track pad. Many USB and similar cables are not well shielded.

Thanks,
I've gone through what I could find on-line..
the best way to describe it is that the cursor 'sticks' and 'jumps' on occasion.
several times a day for about 10 second intervals.

another issue is that on occasion it 'stops working' in FCPX.. partially..
the view skimming (on lower tracks) stops.. I cant see the lower track videos when skimming..
But, if I click off FCPX onto another open app (usually path finder, then back to FCPX, it starts working again..

Anything i can find online seems to point towards interference of some kind.. thinking a direct connection via USB may fix it? (using the mobee thing..)


Kurt

But all the Mobee is doing is charging. The MTP is still using bluetooth.

Have you tried resetting SMC? support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

according to their site:
"Connect the Micro USB cable into the Power Bar for recharge or instant use."

What (I believe) they are referring to as instant use is in terms of power. In other words, if Mobee is completely drained, connecting to USB will provide immediate power needed to operate the bluetooth radio so that the MTP can connect right away while the battery pack recharges.

The Magic Track Pad is a bluetooth only device. It cannot communicate to a Mac via USB. It is not "converted" to becoming a USB device.

Try this. Place properly charged batteries into the MTP. See if it works then. If it works fine, it's the plug-in thingy. If not, your MTP is bad and should be replaced by Apple.

If there is no interference with the BlueTooth signal, and it is getting enough power, is should work fine.

BTW, do NOT plug that Mobee into the keyboard USB port, there's not enough power coming our of that to power the MTP.

... I'm a huge fan of the MT too

Never noticed 'issues' in FCPX, but when my chargeable batteries are close to empty, I noticed erratically e.g. loss of pinch-zoom in Safari. :blink:

So, it's maybe a simple 'More energy, Scotty!!' thing....?

and, as side note: don't miss this article:
www.fcp.co/final-cut-pro/news/819-using-...with-final-cut-pro-x