Knowledge Base
How to Enable Actisense NGT‑1 on macOS Sequoia Using Apple’s FTDI Driver
How to Enable Actisense NGT‑1 on macOS Sequoia Using Apple’s FTDI Driver
Goal: Make `/dev/cu.usbserial-XXXX` appear so that macOS applications (e.g., OpenCPN) can use the NGT‑1‑A serial port.
Step 0: Disable or delete any existing FTDI Driver
1. System Settings > General > Extensions > Driver Extensions
2. Disable or remove any non-Apple FDTI driver
Step 1: Create a Driver Override for AppleUSBFTDI
1. Open Terminal and create the override folder:
sudo mkdir -p /Library/Extensions/NGT1Override.kext/Contents
2. Create and edit the override plist:
sudo nano /Library/Extensions/NGT1Override.kext/Contents/Info.plist
3. Paste this content into the file:
“`xml
<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC “-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN”
“http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd”>
<plist version=”1.0″>
<dict>
<key>CFBundleIdentifier</key>
<string>com.apple.driver.AppleUSBFTDI</string>
<key>IOKitPersonalities</key>
<dict>
<key>NGT1Override</key>
<dict>
<key>CFBundleIdentifier</key>
<string>com.apple.driver.AppleUSBFTDI</string>
<key>IOClass</key>
<string>AppleUSBFTDI</string>
<key>IOProviderClass</key>
<string>IOUSBHostDevice</string>
<key>idVendor</key>
<integer>1027</integer> <!– 0x0403 –>
<key>idProduct</key>
<integer>55722</integer> <!– 0xd9aa –>
</dict>
</dict>
</dict>
</plist>
“`
4. Save the file (Ctrl-O, then Enter, then Ctrl-X to exit nano).
Step 2: Update macOS Driver Cache
sudo kextcache –update-volume /
sudo reboot
Step 3: Temporarily Disable SIP (if needed)
1. Reboot into Recovery Mode (hold Power > Options > Continue)
2. Terminal: csrutil disable
3. Reboot normally
Step 4: Approve Driver Extension in System Settings
System Settings → General → Login Items → Driver Extensions
Toggle NGT1Override or AppleUSBFTDI ON
Step 5: Plug in NGT-1-A and Verify Serial Port
Plug in device and run:
ls -l /dev/cu.usb*
Should show something like: /dev/cu.usbserial-1B0D4
(Optional) Re-enable SIP
Recovery Terminal: csrutil enable
Notes
– Tested on: MacBook Air M2, macOS Sequoia 15.5
– Device: Actisense NGT-1-A
– macOS uses Apple’s built-in FTDI driver, not FTDI .dext