I use a 2019 macbook pro for all of my CAD, CAM, and to run Gsender on my Altmill4x4 with SLB-EXT controller. Unfortunately this computer only has USB-C ports. I’ve been using the USB-C to USB-A cord that came with my altmill with a quality USB-A to C adapter for awhile now but the connection is rather finicky and I need to be very careful when running longer projects as any slight bump to the cable can cause it to briefly lose connection to the controller.
I’d really like to use a USB-C-to-C cable for a more stable and direct connection to my laptop, but after trying several high quality cords (that I know are data cables), I have not been able to get Gsender to detect the controller whatsoever unless I use a USB-C-to-A cable.
I figured somebody would have asked the same thing but after searching through the forums I haven’t found anybody confirming a way to use a USB-C-to-C cord with the SLB-EXT controller. Is there a specific type of USB-C-to-C cable that could solve my problems?
Unfortunately I don’t have a native ethernet port either, otherwise I’d definitely give it a try. It’s literally just 4x USB-C ports on this computer.
If others have had success with a USB-C hub/ethernet connection on a macbook I’d happily buy a new hub with an ethernet port, but I don’t want to go buy one and end up having to return it. My current USB-C hub will detect the controller when using the original C-to-A cable but it is extremely unreliable. The simple A-to-C adapter works much better but is still too finicky.
I had exactly the same problem when I upgraded from the original longboard to the slb. I would get intermittent disconnecting, I tried multiple cables, and adaptors all had the same issue. I could not determine if the issue was laptop or slb. I eventually replaced laptop with mini pc with ethernet and not had any further issues. I subsequently tried a usb connection with the mini pc and issue returned leading me to suspect the slb usb port is the culprit.
I have the same computer setup running Gsender to my Altmill 4x4 with SLB-EXT controller. I have successfully used a shielded, 20’ long cable by Kuject since September 2024. USB-C to USB-C. Probably bought from Amazon. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the info- sounds like I must have just been mistaken in thinking that some of the USB-C cables that I had tried were for sure data cables and not just charging. I suppose I will order both a new long USB-C data cable as well as an ethernet adapter to make sure I’m covered and see which works more reliably.
Thanks for the info. I think ethernet seems like the more reliable solution since it creates a more positive connection and wont be easily yanked out of either socket. I’m going to go with a good simple ethernet to C adapter and call it a day.