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

[Squuiid]

Hmm, I don't like to modify my OS, because I think you will be more vulnerable for malware.
Too bad that Apple tries to prevent this upgrade after Yosemite...

Firstly, while you disable SIP to use CAT, once in place you then re-enable it. SIP does not need to remain disabled for this to work.

Secondly, if you have concerns about running a community provided tool, then don't use it. You can make the changes that CAT makes manually by following the instructions here:
https://github.com/dokterdok/Continuity-Activation-Tool/issues/397

From a security standpoint there is literally no reason not to do this. In fact I don't see a single reason not to do this. It adds great functionality with zero negatives.

The only reason Apple don't whitelist the Mac Pro as having this functionality is because it never shipped with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card capable of offering these features. The card was never considered to be an upgradeable part. Sure, it was an optional part in the 2009 model but they only ever offered one option. They did not intend for people to install 'sourced/modded' Apple cards from an iMac for example.

 

[MriX]

Firstly, while you disable SIP to use CAT, once in place you then re-enable it. SIP does not need to remain disabled for this to work.

Secondly, if you have concerns about running a community provided tool, then don't use it. You can make the changes that CAT makes manually by following the instructions here:
https://github.com/dokterdok/Continuity-Activation-Tool/issues/397

From a security standpoint there is literally no reason not to do this. In fact I don't see a single reason not to do this. It adds great functionality with zero negatives.

The only reason Apple don't whitelist the Mac Pro as having this functionality is because it never shipped with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card capable of offering these features. The card was never considered to be an upgradeable part. Sure, it was an optional part in the 2009 model but they only ever offered one option. They did not intend for people to install 'sourced/modded' Apple cards from an iMac for example.

Thank you for the link! You are right that is a really harmless modification.


Would you recommend to buy a BCM94360CD or a
BCM943602CDP card?

I can also use a U.FL extension cable with the BCM943602CDP card, can’t I?
https://m.de.aliexpress.com/s/item/32741620368.html?spm=a2g0n.search-cache.0.0.d3ad6144xrNDl

 

[Auggie]

Under 10.13.1 Beta, I can't turn on my AirPort (BCM94360CD from OSXWiFi.com); I never tested it under 10.13 release as I normally connect through wired Ethernet.

The proper model and features are properly detected under System Report.

And it's fully functional under 10.12.

YMMV...

After reporting the issue to Apple, it's been fixed in the latest 10.13.1 beta release 17C60c.

 

[graubereich]

Hey there!!!

Here's a new member and want first say HELLO to everyone! I am from Germany – so second i want to say SORRY for my english....

Hope you can help me – i bought the BCM94360CD from OSXWIFI for my 2010 Mac Pro 5.1.

On the OSXWIFI Page they say:
Native Support NO other kext or any patching needed


But now i found this thread and here you say there have to be changes in kext patching etc.?


I am no expert – so can anybody here tell me if OSXWIFI is wrong?
And if they are wrong – can anyone of you give me a STEP BY STEP tutorial what i have to do now?
I am no expert and i never used the Terminal or something like this.....


THANKS A LOT ! ! ! !

 

[h9826790]

Hey there!!!

Here's a new member and want first say HELLO to everyone! I am from Germany – so second i want to say SORRY for my english....

Hope you can help me – i bought the BCM94360CD from OSXWIFI for my 2010 Mac Pro 5.1.

On the OSXWIFI Page they say:
Native Support NO other kext or any patching needed


But now i found this thread and here you say there have to be changes in kext patching etc.?


I am no expert – so can anybody here tell me if OSXWIFI is wrong?
And if they are wrong – can anyone of you give me a STEP BY STEP tutorial what i have to do now?
I am no expert and i never used the Terminal or something like this.....


THANKS A LOT ! ! ! !

For Wifi and BT4.0 support, it’s OOTB (no patch required).

But for Handoff or Apple Watch unlock, CAT (patch) is required on the latest OS, because Apple introduced a white list to determine which Mac can enjoy these functions, and obviously Mac Pro is not on the list.

 

[graubereich]

For Wifi and BT4.0 support, it’s OOTB (no patch required).

But for Handoff or Apple Watch unlock, CAT (patch) is required on the latest OS, because Apple introduced a white list to determine which Mac can enjoy these functions, and obviously Mac Pro is not on the list.

Thanks for your answer!

OK i now read a lot about this progress with CAT and SIP.

Two Question to this.....
01: Is it a security probleme to deactivate SIP?
02: Can i enable SIP after the CAT Tool is done with its progress?


THX A LOT!

 

[h9826790]

Thanks for your answer!

OK i now read a lot about this progress with CAT and SIP.

Two Question to this.....
01: Is it a security probleme to deactivate SIP?
02: Can i enable SIP after the CAT Tool is done with its progress?


THX A LOT!

IMO, NO.

SIP was introduced in El Captain. For some user like my mum, may be it's a good idea to keep SIP on. just to make sure she won't (and cannot) accidentally delete some system files etc. However, for average user, I can't see why SIP is so important. For most Mac users, it doesn't make any difference. However, for cMP user, we often need to install kext, use patch, etc to let our Mac run the newer hardware. In this case, SIP cause more trouble than benefit.

Up to this moment, I still haven't know a single case that because a user disable SIP, then his Mac is hacked, broken, or corrupted the OS. In fact, for those new Mac with SIP enabled. Those users still suffer from MacKeeper, adware, OS suddenly fail, etc.

Is security downgraded? Obviously yes, but do you think using super glue to fix the table on the floor is a good way to secure the table from being stole? For me (as a cMP user), it creats trouble more then benefit. As long as your doors and windows are secured. Is there any super glue on any item inside your place doesn't really increase any security. It just protect them from you, the owner, to move them.

But if anyone already get in, just stop them to modify your system doesn't seems really "secure". To be honest, I don't know who will aim to attack your OS. The valuable thing is your personal data, which is not protected by SIP. If I am a hacker, and I already get into your system. I won't mod your system at all. I won't break it, I will keep myself hidden and steal your data. SIP is to protect the system. And how much a MacOS cost? Zero! I don't know why I want to protect something that I can always download (and install) for free.

For me, SIP is to keep the user away from the system, make the MacOS more close to iOS. Not really a measurement to keep your Mac "more secure".

Anyway, AFAIK, you can re-enable SIP after patch completed. But I am not 100% sure about this. I always keel my SIP disabled.

 

[Squuiid]

Anyway, AFAIK, you can re-enable SIP after patch completed. But I am not 100% sure about this. I always keel my SIP disabled.

I always re-enable SIP and have no problems with CAT or NightPatch. Definitely safe to re-enable.

 

[MriX]

Is it correct that this adapter has no USB Data + and -?
Or do you know for what the 2 solder pads are?

 

[eksu]

Good Call - I tried a spare adapter I had without the USB breakout for bluetooth, and with it wifi was working great. It looks like either I need to get it seated just right or I need a new adapter if I want handoff, but I'm glad I don't have to replace the expensive chip.

I didn't realize initially because I was able to screw the card down, but there isn't clearance with the USB+- port of my adapter for the card.

I was able to get wireless working by unscrewing it from the adapter and letting it rest naturally.

 

[LEOMODE]

So I have El Capitan and Mac Pro 2010 5,1. I use BCM94360CD and everything works just fine.

But I heard Sierra (not High Sierra) is super good OS and very stable and has new features that are good.
So I am trying to upgrade my OS. I heard High Sierra has a lot of bugs/errors and because they now have a new File System some apps get frozen and stuff. So I don't think I'll go to High Sierra for now.

My question: Is Sierra just a better upgrade version of El Capitan, in terms of features but most importantly does BCM94360CD work just fine with CAT/SIP function?

I haven't looked at this for a while (almost been a year or two) so I'm wondering if this is good now.

Thanks.

 

[h9826790]

So I have El Capitan and Mac Pro 2010 5,1. I use BCM94360CD and everything works just fine.

But I heard Sierra (not High Sierra) is super good OS and very stable and has new features that are good.
So I am trying to upgrade my OS. I heard High Sierra has a lot of bugs/errors and because they now have a new File System some apps get frozen and stuff. So I don't think I'll go to High Sierra for now.

My question: Is Sierra just a better upgrade version of El Capitan, in terms of features but most importantly does BCM94360CD work just fine with CAT/SIP function?

I haven't looked at this for a while (almost been a year or two) so I'm wondering if this is good now.

Thanks.

If just consider those Handoff / continuity functions, I think Yosemite works the best. But Sierra with SIP also work on my cMP anyway. And yes, it require run CAT with SIP off.

 

[LEOMODE]

If just consider those Handoff / continuity functions, I think Yosemite works the best. But Sierra with SIP also work on my cMP anyway. And yes, it require run CAT with SIP off.

Thanks and confirmed that it works very well at the moment on my newly installed Sierra.

Now however I am having trouble finding the right driver for Wifi driver on Boot Camp. Does anyone have the driver file? I tried everything I have but no luck. I mean I know I have it somewhere because I enabled it before but it’s bee like 3-4yrs already

 

[h9826790]

Thanks and confirmed that it works very well at the moment on my newly installed Sierra.

Now however I am having trouble finding the right driver for Wifi driver on Boot Camp. Does anyone have the driver file? I tried everything I have but no luck. I mean I know I have it somewhere because I enabled it before but it’s bee like 3-4yrs already

Which driver you tried?

 

[LEOMODE]

Which driver you tried?

I had some drivers that I downloaded 2-3 yrs ago so I was trying with those. I know one worked but I couldn't find that yet. I know I have it somewhere.

But right now I am trying to do what is in below link:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-bcm94360cd-windows-7-solution.217093/

*Update: Still didn't work. Interestingly people have issues with Bluetooth but I got bluetooth just fine and I'm the opposite.

*Update 2: Worked by downloading a Boot Camp 6.0.6133 version from Apple, then running BroadcomWirelessWin8x64.exe setup file. Please note. Now it works fine!

 

[MriX]

Hello everybody.
In the last weeks I read a lot about Wifi / Bluetooth in the MacPro 4,1/5,1. I'm aware there are guides on installing Wifi Cards in the MacPro nevertheless I wanted to share my experiences here.

My primary goals were:

• 802.11ac / Bluetooth 4.2 (or at least 4.0)
  
• no kext patching
• only use internal antennas
• use the internal Mini PCI Express (mPCIe) connector
• use parts that are commonly available / not overpriced
• no kit, since availability is limited / kits are overpriced in my opinion
• don't destroy stuff, aka. don't cut any cables

Basic information about the MacPro Wireless internals:

• the MacPro's internal mPCIe connector misses the USB data lanes (contrary to the standard)
• the three internal antennas are fine for 802.11ac, but a 4th antenna is needed for Bluetooth
• the stock bluetooth chip is connected via USB and uses another internal antenna
• there are about 20cm / 8 inch distance from the Bluetooth connector to the mPCIe socket

General plan (similarly used by the kits out there):

• install a Apple Wifi/Bluetooth Card using an mPCIe -> Apple proprietary adapter
• inject USB D+/D- lanes from the old Bluetooth connector to mPCIe adapter
• extend the Bluetooth antenna to reach the mPCIe socket

As the general plan seems to be pretty easy, the details are a little bit more complicated. To get the right parts, all the connectors need to be known in detail:

• the stock Bluetooth card uses a proprietary cable, which is not widely available. However the connector on the Logic board is 1.25mm hole-to-hole distance, and uses a Micro JST 1.25 4-Pin connector
• all antennas use U.FL (aka. IPEX, IPAX, IPX, AMC, MHF, UMCC) connectors
• macOS supports these broadcom chips:
  • BCM4360
    • BCM94360CD: iMac (Late 2012), MIMO 3x3, BT4.0
    • BCM94360CS: MacPro Retina 15'' (Late 2015), MIMO 3x3, BT4.0 (shared antenna), MHF4 connectors
      
    • BCM94360CS2: MacBook Air (Mid 2013), MIMO 2x2, BT4.0, MHF4 connectors
  • BCM43602
    • internally soldered: MacBook Pro Retina (Early 2015)
      
    • BCM943602CS: MIMO 2x2, BT4.2
      
    • BCM943602CDP: MIMO 3x3, BT4.2

Buying stuff... I prefer websites using english websites, so my main sources are AliExpress and eBay.

• Apple Wifi (12+6 Pin) -> mPCIe Card
  • gernerally traded as WiFi Mini-PCI-E Adapter or BCM94360CD Adapter
  • needs USB D+/D- pinouts (sometimes labeled V3.0)
  • http://www.ebay.com/itm/112048982551: 7.08€
• Antenna Extension Cord (U.FL Male -> U.FL Female)
  • https://aliexpress.com/item/Extensi...ale-jack-terminal-block-1-13/32729403959.html: 1.96$
• Broadcom BCM943602CDP
  • https://aliexpress.com/item/2015-year-A1418-A1419-Wifi-802-11ac-and-Bluetooth-4-0-Airport-Card-BCM943602CDP/32741620368.html: 35.00$
• Micro JST 1,25mm 4-pin connector
  • at the time of buying I didn't know, that the MacPro uses a Micro JST connector, so I bought a wrong DF13 4-pin connector. As the pin distance is the same (1.25mm) I managed to cut some plastic from the connector to make it fit. Today I'd recommend these:
  • https://aliexpress.com/item/Micro-J...nector-with-Wire-Female-Plug/32754080045.html: 4.89$
• Optional stuff:
  • 2 pins to solder to the adapter card
  • 2 wires to solder to the USB extension cord
  • Some shrink tube for soldered cables

View attachment 682746

Final Assembly:

View attachment 682745
View attachment 682747
View attachment 682748
View attachment 682749
View attachment 682750
View attachment 682751
View attachment 682752


So in total I spent 49.34$ for full 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 in my cMP 4,1.

I'd like to encourage you you do this upgrade in the same manner. The only thing that didn't go well in the first place was the wrong DF13 connector, the rest is pretty straight forward.

I hope this summary helps some of you.

Best regards,
- jonashoechst

Are you sure that this card has Bluetooth 4.2? On the linked site it says that this card has Bluetooth 4.1.

 

[eksu]

Are you sure that this card has Bluetooth 4.2? On the linked site it says that this card has Bluetooth 4.1.

It does Bluetooth 4.2.

 

[MriX]

Now I upgraded my Mac Pro 5.1 to Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi ac (BCM943602CDP). On OSX everything works great, but in Bootcamp my Trackpad and Keyboard don’t connect. The are shown in the settings but after connecting the get instantly disconnected. Has anyone the same problem?

 

[MriX]

Could somebody give me the right driver for the BCM943602CDP? I don’t know if I’m using the correct one.

 

[Squuiid]

Could somebody give me the right driver for the BCM943602CDP? I don’t know if I’m using the correct one.

Download BootCamp 6.1. It has the right drivers.
Use Brigadier to do so.
https://github.com/timsutton/brigadier

 

[MriX]

Download BootCamp 6.1. It has the right drivers.
Use Brigadier to do so.
https://github.com/timsutton/brigadier

Now I have reinstalled the correct driver, but the Keyboard and Touchpad only works in one system.
I can pair them in Windows, then they don't work in macOS and vice versa.

Can anyone confirm that they work in both systems without repairing everytime?

 

[h9826790]

Now I have reinstalled the correct driver, but the Keyboard and Touchpad only works in one system.
I can pair them in Windows, then they don't work in macOS and vice versa.

Can anyone confirm that they work in both systems without repairing everytime?

My Magic Mouse can work in both MacOS and Windows without re-pairing, but my Bluetooth headset cannot.

 

[MriX]

Now I reinstalled Windows and used the Bluetooth drivers from the iMac 2015 and 2017 (Bootcamp 6.1), but both have the same problem.
As long as I don’t install the Bluetooth driver the keyboard and trackpad works, but without right click and so on. It looks like the EFI controls the Bluetooth devices when there is no windows driver available.
I have no idea how to get it working :/

 

[h9826790]

Now I reinstalled Windows and used the Bluetooth drivers from the iMac 2015 and 2017 (Bootcamp 6.1), but both have the same problem.
As long as I don’t install the Bluetooth driver the keyboard and trackpad works, but without right click and so on. It looks like the EFI controls the Bluetooth devices when there is no windows driver available.
I have no idea how to get it working :/

Not sure about your card, but I get flawless BT experience by installing just the AppleBluetoothInstaller64.exe hide inside the Bootcamp support driver 5.1.5640. You may have to manually select the driver inside device manager after installation.

 

[Squuiid]

Now I reinstalled Windows and used the Bluetooth drivers from the iMac 2015 and 2017 (Bootcamp 6.1), but both have the same problem.
As long as I don’t install the Bluetooth driver the keyboard and trackpad works, but without right click and so on. It looks like the EFI controls the Bluetooth devices when there is no windows driver available.
I have no idea how to get it working :/

What version of Windows are you running? I'm on Windows 10 1709 with the BootCamp 6.1 driver and it works fine.