I spent some time today trying to use my ignition key for the first time in years, under the latest macOS (Monterey 12.6). Here's what I found:
- CodeMeter dongles can be set to communicate as either Mass Storage Device (MSD) or Human Interface Device (HID).
- Communication via MSD requires a kernel extension, while HID does not.
- The USB Ignition Key is configured as MSD by default, and the CodeMeter software (version 7) linked on the Reason Studios website installs a kernel extension to support this.
- The latest CodeMeter software (version 7.51) linked on the Wibu website no longer installs a kernel extension and only supports communication via HID.
Though the dongle appeared to function, I didn't like the idea of relying on an unsupported kernel extension. In order to use the latest CodeMeter software, I had to update the firmware on the Ignition Key and then change its communication mode from MSD to HID.
To update the firmware:
- Open the CodeMeter app (still using the version provided by Reason Studios)
- Select the USB Ignition Key from the left sidebar (it's named CmStick by default)
- Click the circular arrow button beside Version to update its firmware
- The update takes a few minutes
To change communication mode from MSD to HID:
- From the CodeMeter app, copy the serial number of the USB Ignition Key
- Open Terminal
- Enter the following command and then unplug and replug the USB Ignition Key:
Code: Select all
cmu -s [Serial Number] --set-config-disk HidCommunication
For reference, I'm running an Intel mac and using the dongle that came with a boxed copy of Reason 6.
I'd be curious to know if the above instructions could allow the Ignition Key to work with an M1 mac.