iMac Pro Bluetooth Keyboard's use with the iMac Pro

[bxs]

Subject: Bluetooth Keyboard's use with the iMac Pro

This is an issue generally attributed to BT keyboards and not necessarily unique to the iMP's BT keyboard.

The other day I was wanting to run the Apple diagnostics by holding the "D" down and booting my iMP. Nothing happened except having just the Apple's white logo staring at me for 30 minutes. I tried this several times and gave up.

So I connected a wired KB to the iMP and booted with the "D" key pressed and the diagnostics display fired up almost instantly.

The BT keyboard simply has a problem sending its key press info in a timely way during the start of the boot process leading to the issue I've described here.

This can also be an issue when wanting to boot up from a different media by holding down the "option" key at the right moment.... if not pressed down at the precise/proper time the boot will simply be from whatever the startup media was configured for in macOS preferences.

It really does pay to have a wired KB on your shelf for times like this.

 

[cruisin]

Apparently for wireless keyboards you have to wait for the bong sound before pressing anything. https://www.cnet.com/news/how-to-manage-os-x-boot-options-with-wireless-keyboards/

If any inputs are being sent via the Bluetooth keyboard before the controllers are active, then they will not be recognized by the system. However, if these inputs are performed after the controllers are activated, then they will be properly read. Therefore, for Bluetooth keyboards, be sure to press the desired key sequences after you hear the boot chimes and not before.

 

[bxs]

Apparently for wireless keyboards you have to wait for the bong sound before pressing anything. https://www.cnet.com/news/how-to-manage-os-x-boot-options-with-wireless-keyboards/

Where have you been ? The boot bong/chime is no longer.....

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

For mine, a USB keyboard and mouse is still essential. Some maintenance programs such as DiskWarrior when used in recovery will launch before the keyboard connects.

 

[cruisin]

Where have you been ? The boot bong/chime is no longer.....

I use a script to remove the sound ever since I moved to Mac, so I haven't heard it for years. When did they finally remove the sound?

 

[hfg]

In the past, you pressed the wireless keys desired after the chime start and before it ended. Of course, this is more difficult with the current non-chime Macs.

I have found that watching the screen for the first "signs-of-life" glow, then pressing the keyboard keys usually works.

Otherwise, as noted, it is good to have a spare wired keyboard and mouse for such occasions.

 

[FredT2]

Subject: Bluetooth Keyboard's use with the iMac Pro

It really does pay to have a wired KB on your shelf for times like this.

If you connect the bluetooth keyboard to it's charging cable, does it operate as a wired keyboard?

 

[chabig]

If you connect the bluetooth keyboard to it's charging cable, does it operate as a wired keyboard?

Yes it does.

 

[FredT2]

Yes it does.

Great!

 

[haruhiko]

Just plug the Magic Keyboard to the Mac and boom! It becomes a wired keyboard

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Not really boom I think.

The IMP keyboard connects via Thunderbolt, not USB. The earlier model does not connect at all but has rechargeable AA batteries.

 

[FredT2]

Not really boom I think.

The IMP keyboard connects via Thunderbolt, not USB. The earlier model does not connect at all but has rechargeable AA batteries.

Well that's odd, because mine connects via the included USB to lightning cable.