MP 1,1-5,1 802.11ac, BT 4.0, Continuity, and Handoff Working on Mac Pro 2010

[h9826790]

Very late to join the party. I think it's time to make my Mac Pro Airdrop avail.

I found this card and adaptor on the net (from China, of course). Total cost is just $10 US.

This combo should work, right? I read the relevant post quite a few times already. So far, I am a bit confused about the BT part. All I need is just the Wi-Fi part, because I already have a BT 4.0 USB dongle working, which gives me very good reception. And the continuity functions is already working on my 4,1. So, if I only need the Wifi. All I need is just install this card, and attach the antenna correctly, right? I don't need to mess around with the BT cable / antenna, am I correct?

I know no one can sure this will 100% work. But if my BT 4.0 is already working, and once this card's Wi-Fi ac part is working. I should have a chance to get both Airdrop and Handoff functioning, right? Do I miss anything?

 

[VAGDesign]

You're right.
You can connect the BT antenna cable too if you had an old built in BT card from Apple. If you don't then you can use the dongle you already have.

I've bought almost 2 years ago the same parts from eBay, I've post on previous page some links. Mine has also a USB power connector on the adapter that is needed on some Mac Pros (not mine) I think for the 3,1 or 4,1 and up only.

Good luck and nice price I paid about $35 for both back then.
Cheers!

 

[h9826790]

You're right.
You can connect the BT antenna cable too if you had an old built in BT card from Apple. If you don't then you can use the dongle you already have.

I've bought almost 2 years ago the same parts from eBay, I've post on previous page some links. Mine has also a USB power connector on the adapter that is needed on some Mac Pros (not mine) I think for the 3,1 or 4,1 and up only.

Good luck and nice price I paid about $35 for both back then.
Cheers!

Really thanks for your confirmation, I now have 100% confidence to order it (even though its' just $10, but I don't want to have a false hope and then not fun in the end ).

 

[VAGDesign]

Here is my previous post on page 15
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...0-keep-updating.1748061/page-15#post-20646173

 

[h9826790]

Here is my previous post on page 15
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...0-keep-updating.1748061/page-15#post-20646173

Thanks for the link.

This is my BT status now. It is BT 4.0, but handoff is not support, not sure if it's because no Wi-Fi on my 4,1, or because it's not a broadcom card, or this will change after I install the card and run SIP. Anyway, my main purpose is just activate the Airdrop function. Should be more straight forward.

 

[12CoreMP]

Thanks for the link.

This is my BT status now. It is BT 4.0, but handoff is not support, not sure if it's because no Wi-Fi on my 4,1, or because it's not a broadcom card, or this will change after I install the card and run SIP. Anyway, my main purpose is just activate the Airdrop function. Should be more straight forward.
View attachment 637970

I think you are getting confused with SIP and CAT. You have to disable SIP so you can run CAT. If you want to get all the functions buy the Wifi & Bluetooth card with the extension cable. It is more expensive but it works properly in terms of continuity.

 

[h9826790]

I think you are getting confused with SIP and CAT. You have to disable SIP so you can run CAT. If you want to get all the functions buy the Wifi & Bluetooth card with the extension cable. It is more expensive but it works properly in terms of continuity.

View attachment 638015

Thanks for the sharing, I already have continuity working on my 4,1 with the BT 4.0 USB dongle. SIP is already disabled on my Mac. However, there is no Wi-Fi cad in my 4,1. Any function that require Wi-Fi is not supported at this moment. And CAT cannot be run on a Mac that without Wi-Fi as well.

Anyway, I may study more about how to connect the BT part properly.

 

[chelidon]

So I've got a Broadcom BCM94360CD with adapter that I installed on a Mac Pro 3,1 some time ago, with everything (Continuity, Handoff, etc) all working fine, up to El Cap. Now I'm about to migrate to a Mac Pro 5,1 that I'm rebuilding, and I see that when I move the card over, I'll now need a BT antenna extender (easy to find), and a USB cable extension (hard to find). The USB cable extension seems unavailable except in full kits -- MacVidCards replied to my query and flatly said they don't sell the cable separately, still waiting to hear from the folks at OSXWiFi.com.

So, quick question -- is there an easy source, or is this a "build-your-own" thing? I can do it no problem, but I'm pressed for time, wouldn't mind picking one up if there is a source, or if not, finding a pinout list. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[VAGDesign]

So, quick question -- is there an easy source, or is this a "build-your-own" thing? I can do it no problem, but I'm pressed for time, wouldn't mind picking one up if there is a source, or if not, finding a pinout list. Thanks in advance for any info.

There you go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/390968179409
I've mentioned this earlier, it's an adapter that will work on every Mac Pro. Everything you need is inside the package.
I bought it 19 months ago and since then, everything works great.

I hope this helps.

 

[chelidon]

There you go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/390968179409
I've mentioned this earlier, it's an adapter that will work on every Mac Pro. Everything you need is inside the package.
I bought it 19 months ago and since then, everything works great.

I hope this helps.

Perfect -- thanks.

 

[leon771]

There you go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/390968179409
I've mentioned this earlier, it's an adapter that will work on every Mac Pro. Everything you need is inside the package.
I bought it 19 months ago and since then, everything works great.

I hope this helps.

Is the USB cable that comes with its kit the type of connector that will plug directly into the USB connector on the logicboard of a 2009/2010 Mac Pro? The connector looks really big to me, but I don't have anything to reference it against so I can't quite tell what it's true size is.

Here is a picture of the Apple supplied Bluetooth module to USB connector. Is the larger USB connector on this cable the same as the one in the link you've posted to?
http://www.applemacparts.co.uk/stor...-bluetooth-backplane-board-cable-p-77931.html


Thank-you

 

[pdafan]

There you go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/390968179409
I've mentioned this earlier, it's an adapter that will work on every Mac Pro. Everything you need is inside the package.
I bought it 19 months ago and since then, everything works great.

I hope this helps.

Hi,

With respect to the reference link you gave, I suppose the BT antenna is not included and has to be separately purchased?

Will the cable with socket (labelled USB in the link picture) will able to fit into the PIN previously used by the original Mac Pro Bluetooth card?

Thanks

 

[VAGDesign]

Here is a picture of the Apple supplied Bluetooth module to USB connector. Is the larger USB connector on this cable the same as the one in the link you've posted to?
http://www.applemacparts.co.uk/stor...-bluetooth-backplane-board-cable-p-77931.html


Thank-you

Yes it fits. This size is standard.

Hi,

With respect to the reference link you gave, I suppose the BT antenna is not included and has to be separately purchased?

Will the cable with socket (labelled USB in the link picture) will able to fit into the PIN previously used by the original Mac Pro Bluetooth card?

Thanks

Yes it fits.

BT antenna cable is not included. Your Mac Pro might have it already inside the case or the case door. Check the first page/cause if I remember correct, I think somebody mentioned on a reply or the Thread Starter on the first post, that BT cable is included inside the door, behind a sticker...

I hope this helps.

 

[leon771]

Thanks. My osxwifi kit arrived and Bluetooth isn't being recognized.
My old BT module still works so that rules out the USB connector.
The wifi component of the new kit is working so I suspect that the supplied USB cable is faulty and or the adapter. Hopefully wireless/BT combo card is ok.

Bought your Chinese listed one to try out their adapter and USB cable.

Haven't heard back yet from osxwifi as to what they will do to help rectify the situation.

 

[VAGDesign]

It's a shame to pay that much and not get the results you're expecting.
I hope they will resolve your problem, must be under warranty and also available a replacement.

On Mac Pros above 3,1 the card must get USB power to work (with that cable we mentioned earlier), therefor probably you don't have a working BT yet.

I hope you'll be fine soon

 

[JazzerAlto]

Thanks. My osxwifi kit arrived and Bluetooth isn't being recognized.
My old BT module still works so that rules out the USB connector.
The wifi component of the new kit is working so I suspect that the supplied USB cable is faulty and or the adapter. Hopefully wireless/BT combo card is ok.

Bought your Chinese listed one to try out their adapter and USB cable.

Haven't heard back yet from osxwifi as to what they will do to help rectify the situation.

I had the same issue. Turns out I had the USB cable plugged in reversed on the motherboard connector (not the new card). You might want to unplug and rotate and then back in.

 

[vra24]

I'm gonna attempt this on my early 2008 iMac this weekend. Sorry if this has been asked before but does anyone know where I can find more info on doing the install?

 

[leon771]

I had the same issue. Turns out I had the USB cable plugged in reversed on the motherboard connector (not the new card). You might want to unplug and rotate and then back in.

The USB cable only fits in one direction.
The supplied cable from osxwifi doesn't plug directly into the Mac Pro logicboard, it plugs onto the end of the already existing USB Cable that fed power to the original BT2.1 module.
The connectors are also only unidirectional so you can't reverse them.

 

[rGiskard]

I've bought almost 2 years ago the same parts from eBay, I've post on previous page some links. Mine has also a USB power connector on the adapter that is needed on some Mac Pros (not mine) I think for the 3,1 or 4,1 and up only.
...
There you go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/390968179409
I've mentioned this earlier, it's an adapter that will work on every Mac Pro. Everything you need is inside the package.
I bought it 19 months ago and since then, everything works great.

I hope this helps.

VAG, I just received this exact adapter from China. The connector on that adapter is labeled "D+ D-", so I'm pretty sure it's for USB data. Do you remember or can you look at where each of the two USB cables is plugged into the pins/socket on the logic board? In other words, is the red (D+) wire connect to the top pin, or the second from the top, ect? Same for the D-?

I tried googling the pinout of the Mac Pro logic board USB header but found nothing except that D+ and D- probably attach to the top two pins in some order.

However, the full pinout for the 9-pin plug that comes with the adapter (only wired for two pins) was easy to find, but it doesn't put the D+ and D- wires the top to pins, so it looks like Apple didn't follow industry standard on their logic board.

 

[VAGDesign]

VAG, I just received this exact adapter from China. The connector on that adapter is labeled "D+ D-", so I'm pretty sure it's for USB data. Do you remember or can you look at where each of the two USB cables is plugged into the pins/socket on the logic board? In other words, is the red (D+) wire connect to the top pin, or the second from the top, ect? Same for the D-?

I tried googling the pinout of the logic board USB but found nothing except that D+ and D- probably attach to the top two pins in some order.

I own a Mac Pro 1,1 > 2,1 and it doesn't requires this cable to be attached. The adapter connectors on the motherboard have already incuded USB power for BT operation. Only on Mac Pros 4,1 and 5,1 it is required the USB power cable to be connected to the motherboard. this has been discussed on page 15 of this thread and after.

I hope this helps.

 

[rGiskard]

I own a Mac Pro 1,1 > 2,1 and it doesn't requires this cable to be attached. The adapter connectors on the motherboard have already incuded USB power for BT operation. Only on Mac Pros 4,1 and 5,1 it is required the USB power cable to be connected to the motherboard. this has been discussed on page 15 of this thread and after.

I hope this helps.

Thanks, I'll re-read that part of the thread, maybe I missed where it was explained.

Edit:

Pinout for logic board USB connector, counting pins from the top:
First pin: D-
Second pin: D+

Now to find what type of connector is needed. I'd rather not butcher the original USB BT card cable.

Does anyone know the connector type?

 

[leon771]

Just thought I'd update everyone on my progress with sorting out my BT module from osxwifi that isn't working. It's been 8 days since I've received any response. I've sent 2 follow up emails requesting info on how to proceed with getting a working kit. So far nothing.

I paid via paypal. I'll give it another week, then request a refund/action via Paypal.

I'm quite disappointed with the lack of communication. Given the USA has 4th of July, this week I'm giving them the benefit of doubt that they could be on holiday. Next time I'll simply source my own components and build a kit myself.

 

[Stageshoot]

Hi

Just purchased the PCIe Bluetooth/Wifi card in the link below

Has anyone used this successfully in a MP 4.1 to get the full OS handoff features etc

The listing refers to using it in a hackintosh rather than a full Mac

A bit concerned about the 9 pin USB header referred to is there one available on the MP board.

Link to item

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MBP25UK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[12CoreMP]

I have seen numerous people having issues with quite a lot of setups to get continuity working. This is the kit that I bought and it is working perfectly on OS Sierra it also worked perfectly in El Capitan.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/APPLE-WIF...523714?hash=item41a2ff7082:g:MtAAAOSwKtlWlT8c

It is more expensive but is a much better setup than most I have seen on here.

 

[VAGDesign]

@12CoreMP it is the same choice with the one I use and proposed but 3x the price. Also the adapter in my choice is more professional built without tape...