AirDrop on Mac Pro 2008 without Airport extreme?

[sparkie7]

Anyone had any luck getting their Mac Pro 3,1 working with AirDrop?

I'm on OS X El Capitan (v 10.11.6) and followed these instructions...

http://osxdaily.com/2011/09/16/enable-airdrop-ethernet-and-unsupported-macs/

My Mac Pro is connected via ethernet to the same modem as the iPad (via wireless) I want to copy files to. Am I missing something?

 

[tsialex]

Anyone had any luck getting their Mac Pro 3,1 working with AirDrop?

I'm on OS X El Capitan (v 10.11.6) and followed these instructions...

http://osxdaily.com/2011/09/16/enable-airdrop-ethernet-and-unsupported-macs/

My Mac Pro is connected via ethernet to the same modem as the iPad (via wireless) I want to copy files to. Am I missing something?

This hack only work between Macs, not between Macs and iOS devices. Install a BCM94322MC, an Apple one it's around $10 on eBay, then you will have AirDrop between Macs and iOS devices.

 

[sparkie7]

This hack only work between Macs, not between Macs and iOS devices. Install a BCM94322MC, an Apple one it's around $10 on eBay, then you will have AirDrop between Macs and iOS devices.

Ok, thanks for clarifying, will that ebay one you link to my Mac Pro 2008, 3,1? -- it just says for laptops...

 

[tsialex]

Ok, thanks for clarifying, will that ebay one you link to my Mac Pro 2008, 3,1? -- it just says for laptops...

It's exactly the same.

Mac Pro 2008 original replacement part number is MB988Z and a seller has the exact white box that Apple offered to Mac Pros without AirPorts, but costs 10x more.

 

[sparkie7]

It's exactly the same.

Mac Pro 2008 original replacement part number is MB988Z and a seller has the exact white box that Apple offered to Mac Pros without AirPorts, but costs 10x more.

How about this one?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-A...3:g:VigAAOSw-INa7SRf:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true

or this one..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Apple-...2:g:-yMAAOSwnN5biIxc:rk:2:pf:1&frcectupt=true

 

[tsialex]

How about this one?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-A...3:g:VigAAOSw-INa7SRf:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true

or this one..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Apple-...2:g:-yMAAOSwnN5biIxc:rk:2:pf:1&frcectupt=true

Don't ever buy a wireless card that the seller don't show the Apple label on the auction. Usually the seller is selling a 3rd party one that could work.

This one is a real one, for MacBooks and iMacs, notice the grey label on the back with the Apple part number and the white one with Apple copyright and FCC ID: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-A...SRf:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true&autorefresh=true

Used AirPorts from MP5,1 only have the back grey label and don't have the white front one, but if the auction don't show it, it's a good chance that the seller is trying to sell a 3rd party card.

 

[sparkie7]

This one is a real one, for MacBooks and iMacs, notice the grey label on the back with the Apple part number and the white one with Apple copyright and FCC ID: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-A...SRf:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true&autorefresh=true

Ok, I'll get that one. Only USD $9.31 ! -- but says "used" . - where do they pull these from? old Apple laptops that have been pulled apart for parts? It says 2008 Apple Inc on the pics, and description says "802.11a/g/n Wireless Card" - not too old / slow for Airdrop to a 5th/6th gen iPad ?

I guess I got to look up some youtube videos how to install - could be fiddly!

thanks again for all your help

 

[tsialex]

Ok, I'll get that one. Only USD $9.31 ! -- but says "used" . - where do they pull these from? old Apple laptops that have been pulled apart for parts? It says 2008 Apple Inc on the pics, and description says "802.11a/g/n Wireless Card" - not too old / slow for Airdrop to a 5th/6th gen iPad ?

I guess I got to look up some youtube videos how to install - could be fiddly!

thanks again for all your help

If you want a new card, I linked the seller that has the real one. Usually all eBay cards are pulls from Macs or even from AppleTVs (yes, AppleTV 1st used the same card).

AirDrop with recent iOS devices needs BT4.0 to fully work, and needs a card like BCM9460CD. It's a lot more costlier than the original AirPort Extreme from Mac Pros. You will need to read more, threads like this one have good info https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...cmp-5-1-to-enable-apple-watch-unlock.2155723/

With a MP3,1, you will have to remove the BT module from the logic board, since the BCM9460CD has BT4.0.

 

[sparkie7]

If you want a new card, I linked the seller that has the real one. Usually all eBay cards are pulls from Macs or even from AppleTVs (yes, AppleTV 1st used the same card).

AirDrop with recent iOS devices needs BT4.0 to fully work, and needs a card like BCM9460CD. It's a lot more costlier than the original AirPort Extreme from Mac Pros. You will need to read more, threads like this one have good info https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...cmp-5-1-to-enable-apple-watch-unlock.2155723/

With a MP3,1, you will have to remove the BT module from the logic board, since the BCM9460CD has BT4.0.

Where did the seller you linked to get a new one from? Did they copy the ROM from an old one, and the pics don't show the Apple details on it like the secondhand ones

Just wondering if there is another way to get files from my Mac Pro to the iPad, maybe an NAS drive?

 

[tsialex]

Where did the seller you linked to get a new one from?

That white box is from Apple, usually from Apple resellers/service centers/etc. Apple sold the MB988BZ on the Apple Store on-line back in the day too.

Did they copy the ROM from an old one, and the pics don't show the Apple details on it like the secondhand ones

No need to copy ROMs with cards from Macs.

Just wondering if there is another way to get files from my Mac Pro to the iPad, maybe an NAS drive?

There are a lot of ways to send files to iDevices, you can use:

• iCloud/Dropbox/GoogleDrive
• via Messages
• iTunes Wireless Sync

To use AirDrop like a recent Mac, you will need a AirPort Extreme with BlueTooth 4.0, BCM94360CD or BCM943602CDP.

 

[sparkie7]

There are a lot of ways to send files to iDevices, you can use:

• iCloud/Dropbox/GoogleDrive
• via Messages
• iTunes Wireless Sync

To use AirDrop like a recent Mac, you will need a AirPort Extreme with BlueTooth 4.0, BCM94360CD or BCM943602CDP.

Don’t want to use iTunes or iCloud/Dropbox where I have to copy to a cloud service.

Via messages as in iMessage? Can I transfer 3-4GB movie files via iMessage?

 

[tsialex]

Don’t want to use iTunes or iCloud/Dropbox where I have to copy to a cloud service.

Via messages as in iMessage? Can I transfer 3-4GB movie files via iMessage?

Even with a up-to-date AirPort card, 4GB files via AirDrop is not going to work well.

The best way is via iTunes Wireless sync. I use it to transfer directly to VLC on my iPad.

 

[sparkie7]

Even with a up-to-date AirPort card, 4GB files via AirDrop is not going to work well.

The best way is via iTunes Wireless sync. I use it to transfer directly to VLC on my iPad.

But my Mac Pro does not have wifi card. Do I have to go wireless? No solution via Cat 6 Ethernet? Or how about USB dongle wifi or Bluetooth?

 

[tsialex]

But my Mac Pro does not have wifi card. Do I have to go wireless? No solution via Cat 6 Ethernet? Or how about USB dongle wifi or Bluetooth?

Buy one BCM94322MC, or a better Apple used card, you will have WiFi and no headaches with 3rd party cards. You don’t need BT4.x to use iTunes Wireless Sync, only to use AirDrop.

I bought several Apple BCM94322MC to install into my 2008 Mac Pros and upgrade my 2009 ones to High Sierra. For around $10, it’s the best bang for the buck.

 

[subroutines]

I wish I could upgrade mine. I think the screw to remove the old one has been stripped.

 

[sparkie7]

Buy one BCM94322MC, or a better Apple used card, you will have WiFi and no headaches with 3rd party cards. You don’t need BT4.x to use iTunes Wireless Sync, only to use AirDrop.

I bought several Apple BCM94322MC to install into my 2008 Mac Pros and upgrade my 2009 ones to High Sierra. For around $10, it’s the best bang for the buck.

The one you linked to in your first reply is now sold out. Is there another one you could recommend?

And is it hard to install? -- if there is a simpler USB plug in one, that might be easier..

Also I have a spare Airport Express lying around. Could I connect the Airport Express via ethernet cable to my 2008 MacPro? and get Airdrop that way, or is that not going to work?

 

[tsialex]

The one you linked to in your first reply is now sold out. Is there another one you could recommend?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-A...SRf:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true&autorefresh=true

And is it hard to install? -- if there is a simpler USB plug in one, that might be easier..

Apple only provide drivers for cards that they use into Macs. The chance that you will gonna find a USB that have the same chipset/ID of one used by Apple is slim.

Also I have a spare Airport Express lying around. Could I connect the Airport Express via ethernet cable to my 2008 MacPro? and get Airdrop that way, or is that not going to work?

No, this don't work for AirDrop or iTunes Wireless Sync.

 

[sparkie7]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-A...SRf:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true&autorefresh=true

Looks like the one I linked to earlier

Is it hard to install into a Mac Pro 2008 3,1 ?

Now, the other thing I really like about my Mac Pro is that it's connected to the internet only through ethernet. Which I can just pull and know that it's connected to anything. With this WIFI PCI card, that's no longer to be the case, right?

 

[natjonesart]

Looks like the one I linked to earlier

Is it hard to install into a Mac Pro 2008 3,1 ?

Now, the other thing I really like about my Mac Pro is that it's connected to the internet only through ethernet. Which I can just pull and know that it's connected to anything. With this WIFI PCI card, that's no longer to be the case, right?

Wifi cards are not that difficult to install.

to stop your connection you just go to the top of your screen, click the wi-fi icon and turn off wi-fi to disconnect. very easy to do.

As for USB- I have a D-Link DWA-182 usb wi-fi dongle that has worked well for me on a cMP, but I'm not sure if it will help with AirDrop

 

[tsialex]

Looks like the one I linked to earlier

Is it hard to install into a Mac Pro 2008 3,1 ?

Now, the other thing I really like about my Mac Pro is that it's connected to the internet only through ethernet. Which I can just pull and know that it's connected to anything. With this WIFI PCI card, that's no longer to be the case, right?

It's one screw and two antenna cables (already present near the empty AirPort connector) to install. Can't be easier.

You can enable and disable Wi-Fi exactly like you do with a MacBook, going into System Preferences or click into the menu Wi-Fi icon and select turn-off.

 

[sparkie7]

It's one screw and two antenna cables (already present near the empty AirPort connector) to install. Can't be easier.

You can enable and disable Wi-Fi exactly like you do with a MacBook, going into System Preferences or click into the menu Wi-Fi icon and select turn-off.

Ok, thank you very much for all your and everyone's help

 

[keepitshred]

This hack only work between Macs, not between Macs and iOS devices. Install a BCM94322MC, an Apple one it's around $10 on eBay, then you will have AirDrop between Macs and iOS devices.

Does this device replace and consolidate the WIFi and Bluetooth into one card?

Will this allow AirDrop and Continuity? Plug&Play?

I am running a MacPro3,1 (Early 2008) 10.11.6. I would like to be able to use Airdrop between my Iphone7 iOS on 13.4.1 and iPad6,4 on 12.1.14. The iPhone and iPad AirDrop no problem. The Mac shows AirDrop in Finder but never sees other devices.

 

[tsialex]

Does this device replace and consolidate the WIFi and Bluetooth into one card?

Will this allow AirDrop and Continuity? Plug&Play?

I am running a MacPro3,1 (Early 2008) 10.11.6. I would like to be able to use Airdrop between my Iphone7 iOS on 13.4.1 and iPad6,4 on 12.1.14. The iPhone and iPad AirDrop no problem. The Mac shows AirDrop in Finder but never sees other devices.

BCM94322MC is the Mac Pro mid-2012 card, works up to Mojave and don’t have BT.

BCM94360CD is the newer card, from 2015 iMacs that have BT and 802.11AC and has a 7x greater price tag. It’s the only card that has Continuity / AirDrop between Mac/iOS.

Use the search and see what you need to do to install with a MP3,1.

 

[keepitshred]

BCM94322MC is the Mac Pro mid-2012 card, works up to Mojave and don’t have BT.

BCM94360CD is the newer card, from 2015 iMacs that have BT and 802.11AC and has a 7x greater price tag. It’s the only card that has Continuity / AirDrop between Mac/iOS.

Use the search and see what you need to do to install with a MP3,1.

Would BCM94360CD allow just Airdrop to work for mine?

 

[tsialex]

Would BCM94360CD allow just Airdrop to work for mine?

Yes, BT needs to be activated for AirDrop between Mac/iOS devices.