Matrox MXO 2 mini w/Max - Thunderbolt Adapter

[showbiz06]

I bought the Thunderbolt cable and adapter to use with my iMac so I can continue using my Matrox MXO2 Mini w/Max. Do I need to do anything special when using that adapter? When I open Final Cut Pro 7, its saying Matrox MXO2 -720p 29.97 YUV 10-bit (1280x720) is missing. Everything is hooked up correctly. My iMac still has Snow Leopard 10.6.8 installed. In Final Cut Pro 7, I keep clicking on External Video in the the View menu and then selecting All Frames and I am still not getting any signal. Okay scratch all of the above.

I just clicked my System Pref's and clicked on the Matrox icon and its saying Matrox MXO2 video hardware not found. Like I said its all hooked up correctly. Do I need to download an update from this site or something?

By it saying to refer to my MXO2 documentation for hardware installation and connection instructions makes me think I don't have it installed correctly.

It has been working fine with my Macbook Pro (minus the thunderbolt cable.

[Matrox_Support_Joe]

For Thunderbolt systems, please run a MAC software update and look for any Thunderbolt updates. If found, apply the update then re-scan for updates. Keep doing this until no more Thunderbolt updates are found.

Also, which Matrox driver are you using. You can use 2.5.0.0033.

Here is a complete hardware troubleshooting checklist which should help as well:

MXO2 Hardware Connection Checklist:


Note: The word 'System' in this document refers to either PC or MAC.


1. Power off both the System and MXO2. Disconnect all cables currently connected to the MXO2.

2. For desktop systems:

Disconnect the PCI host cable connected to the Matrox PCI adapter. Then re-seat the Matrox PCI-express card in the System or switch PCI slots (if another slot is available). Verify that the card is fully seated & secured using a screw or the case retention mechanism.

For laptop systems:

Remove PCI express/34 card from the System then disconnect the PCI host cable.

3. Inspect the host cable connectors for broken pins. If there are any bent pins, please contact Matrox Technical Support.

4. If there is no apparent defect then re-connect it in the proper orientation but swap the ends (the connector that was currently connected to the System should now go connected to the MXO2, and vice versa for the other connector).

Notes:
The host cable connector is directional and must be inserted in the proper orientation. A visual inspection of the orientation is required.

If your host cable connector-ends are labeled with the letters 'A' on one side and 'B' on the other, then the 'B' side should face upwards when connecting on the MXO2 box (with the MXO2 laying flat and positioned right side up). On the system side, you need to visually check the proper orientation as desktop systems will vary (the mainboard may be mounted on the left or right side of a tower enclosure, affecting the orientation of the PCI adapter). Therefore, since not all systems are alike, it is best to check the orientation visually. You will notice that both the host cable connectors and the connectors on the PCI adapter/MXO2 box have one side that is wider than the other. These sides must line up. Although the difference is subtle, it is crucial that the cable be connected properly.

Another way of ensuring proper cable installation on desktop systems is to align the 'B' side of the host cable with the X-Link label on the PCI express adapter.

Tip: Just before inserting the host cable connector, you can pull back on the retention screw arms. This is to ensure that the screws do not inhibit the connector from being inserted fully.

5. Once inserted, tighten the host cable connector retention screws.

6. If you are on a laptop system, you can now re-insert the Matrox PCI express/34 card in the System.

7. Re-connect A/C power to the MXO2 (maybe try a different wall socket/power bar/outlet).

8. Power on the System. Verify that the Blue or Red LED is ON. The LED should turn on a few seconds after the System is powered.

9. Follow the steps for your specific system platform.

MAC Platform Notes

For MAC systems with PCI connectivity:
Go to System Profiler and click on Hardware -> PCI Cards.
Verify the list of cards. If detected, the MXO2 should be listed as a card of type 'other multimedia'.
If it is present, then proceed to download and install the Matrox driver.

For MAC systems with Thunderbolt connectivity:
Go to System Profiler -> Hardware -> Thunderbolt.
Verify the list of devices. If detected, the MXO2 should appear as a 'T/ADP' device.

For either system type, if the appropriate device is listed in System Profiler, then proceed to download and install the appropriate Matrox driver for your system. If it is not present, then please contact Matrox Technical Support.

Note: Once the driver has been downloaded, please verify that the file size of the downloaded file matches the file size in the driver download description web page. If you find that the downloaded file is smaller, then clear your web browser cache/temporary files and then try the download again.





PC Platform Notes

For PC systems, open Device Manager and verify the presence of a 'Matrox Audio/Video devices' group (with no conflicts). If the group is not present or contains even one conflicting device, contact Matrox Technical Support.

If there are no issues with the Matrox list in Device Manager, then open the Matrox X.info application as follows:
- Right-Click on the 'M' icon in the system tray
- Click on Open X.info
- Click the drop-down menu at the top and select 'Hardware'.

If the hardware information window contains text such as the serial number and production date, then the MXO2 is properly detected by your system. If the information window is empty, then please contact Matrox Technical Support.



General Notes:

1. For both PC and MAC platforms, verify that your system is updated and meets the minimum hardware and software specifications listed in the MXO2 user guide. For MAC systems, run a MAC Software Update and apply any EFI Firmware Updates that may be listed after the system scan of available updates.


2. For MAC systems with Thunderbolt:

First, please check your system specs to make absolutely sure that your MAC system does indeed have Thunderbolt support. Also, if it is supported, you should see a lightning logo near the Thunderbolt/Display port connector on your MAC. If this logo is not printed, then your system likely does not have Thunderbolt support. Note that the System Report (system profiler) list will still show a Thunderbolt category even if the system does not support it.

In order for the MXO2 to show up as a Thunderbolt device, the MAC will need to go through at least 3 software updates from Apple. When running 'Software Update', there will be firmware updates for Thunderbolt. Apply these then reboot the MAC. Then run a 'Software Update' again and apply any new Thunderbolt/Firmware updates that are available. Reboot again and keep updating the system until there are no more Thunderbolt updates pending. Lastly, install the appropriate Thunderbolt-supported Matrox driver on your system.
_________________
Regards,
Joe
Matrox Video Technical Support

[showbiz06]

I did everything you said to do and its still saying my Matrox Hardware cannot be found. When I open my System Profiler and click on Thunderbolt it DOES show up and the Thunderbolt port is active and okay. My issue is with the new Matrox Thunderbolt adapter and cable with my iMac. When I use the express card slot on my Macbook Pro, the matrox MXO2 information comes right up. Again I am all up to date on all updates.

[Matrox_Support_Joe]

If you just connect the Matrox Thunderbolt adapter with the Apple Thunderbolt cable on a Thunderbolt-supported system (with all updates applied), you should see the Matrox Thunderbolt device listed in the mac system report -> Thunderbolt section. If you do not see it, then please verify the following:

1. Is your MAC system actually Thunderbolt-supported? Check system specs. A Thunderbolt system will have a lightning logo label printed on the port. (this is mentioned in the checklist above, but please confirm that system is TB supported).

2. Check the orientation of the Apple Thunderbolt cable. Check that it is not inserted upside down. We have seen this a few times. The cable should have a small lightning logo on the UP side.

3. Try a different Thunderbolt cable (if one is available).

I will look for your reply.
_________________
Regards,
Joe
Matrox Video Technical Support

[showbiz06]

I bought my iMac in August 2011 and yes it has the Thunderbolt port with the lightening bolt on the rear of the unit. The cable is correctly inserted into the Matrox adaptor box. The host cable is secured to the adapter box and is screwed in tightly. Like I mentioned in my last post when I checked my System Profiler and looked under hardware then Thunderbolt this is what comes up T/ADP*; Firmware version 22.2; Port = Connected; Link Status = 2; Cable Micro Firmware Version = 0.1.18; Super Port Micro Firmware Version = 0.2.0

Now in terms of software, I am showing 2.2.1.0042 and in your last reply to me you stated I can use 2.5.0.0033 but that version according to your website is for Mac OS X LION ONLY. I am still using Snow Leopard ( 10.6.8 ) on my iMac.

If my system profiler is showing I have that Matrox hooked up to the Thunderbolt port why when I click on the Matrox MXO2 icon in my System Preferences is it saying Hardware cannot be found? One thing is saying its there and another thing is saying it can't be found!

[showbiz06]

I am still using Snow Leopard 10.6.8. sorry for the typo.

[Matrox_Support_Joe]

Thanks for the additional details. You need to use a later Matrox software to recognize the Thunderbolt adapter. Please uninstall 2.2.1 and install 2.5.0.0033 ( it will work with your 10.6.8 ).
_________________
Regards,
Joe
Matrox Video Technical Support

[showbiz06]

Thanks Joe! Updating to the most recent firmware is what did the trick. I think the confusing part is how it is listed and that it ONLY works with Lion or ONLY works with this or that. Maybe that needs to be changed so nobody else has the same issues I had with getting the Thunderbolt adapter to be seen.

Thanks again for your help.

[seascapeproductions]

So if we're still running OS 10.6.8 and we're on the 2.2.3 update should we upgrade to the 2.5.0 update even though it states it's for Lion Only?

[Matrox_Support_Joe]

[Matrox_Support_Joe]