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Are any of you guys running Apple/Mac computers? I'm new to programmable ESC's and all of the stuff I'm reading refers to PC or Android.

Is out there anything for Apple guys?

Nothing native to OSX that I know of.

Option 1...If you have an intel mac you could buy and run paralells (Windows running on top of OSX) or option 2...if you have or can buy a Winblows install disk, you could set-up and run a dual boot system on the mac with Apple Bootcamp. Both will work but it's kind of costly.

I chose option 3...my set-up is a 2 machine/platform workstation with 1 monitor/keyboard/mouse with a KVM switch linking the 2 towers. The windblows machine I got for free so it didn't cost me anything, the KVM switch was about $40. With my work I need both platforms and this was the least expensive route I know you probably don't want another computer, but it's probably the quickest easiest way.

Is there a lot to be done with a PC, or do you just hook up every once in a while to update software and then use the program box (thinking of something like Hobbywing multifunction LCD program box) for in the field adjustments?

If that's the case, I could just hook up at work whenever needed, unless I need to download a program or something, in which case it would probably be blocked.

You don't mention what ESC you're referring to, but I have a couple of those inexpensive units that include the program card. No need to connect to any computer. The card makes programming basic functions of the ESC a bit easier, as it shows with LEDs the current function & setting you're programming, but once you figure out how it works with the beeps, you can actually program a few additional features that are mentioned in the "manual" that aren't shown on the program card. My manual had a spreadsheet showing the features and options, and there were more than what was displayed on the program card. No computer was needed.

Some of the higher-end ESCs can be connected to a computer and with specific software installed, you can tinker with many other settings like torque curves, and view graphs and such...but it's optional.

Coelacanth wrote:You don't mention what ESC you're referring to, but I have a couple of those inexpensive units that include the program card. No need to connect to any computer. The card makes programming basic functions of the ESC a bit easier, as it shows with LEDs the current function & setting you're programming, but once you figure out how it works with the beeps, you can actually program a few additional features that are mentioned in the "manual" that aren't shown on the program card. My manual had a spreadsheet showing the features and options, and there were more than what was displayed on the program card. No computer was needed.

Some of the higher-end ESCs can be connected to a computer and with specific software installed, you can tinker with many other settings like torque curves, and view graphs and such...but it's optional.

Oh sorry. I'm thinking of a Hobbywing Xerun 90a V2.1

You say "can be connected....to tinker....but it's optional." Do I not need to get a program box with it (the Multifunction LCD program box, for example ~$20-$30)?

I don't have the XeRun ESCs, mine would be more equivalent to the EZRun units...but I'm sure other members have those and can comment. If the lower-end units can be programmed without any card, as long as you recognize the beeps and LED lights, I imagine it's the same for the XeRuns...but don't quote me on that.

I run Windows 7 through Parallels on my Mac. Tekin, SpeedPassion (HobbyWing should be similar) and Castle interfaces work perfect. Also have no issues running Novak's Sentry data acquisition.