iM 4,1-14,4 Where are my Bluetooth Bros? Got a real doozy for you...

[Lucero79]

My iMac 2011 E2428 is now upgraded with 32gb and i72600s.

I decided to try out OCLP and run Sequoia, which *might* be my issue...

I picked up a refurbished magic keyboard and mouse. I can connect both to the iMac via BT and they both show as connected. Mouse works fine.

Keyboard on the other hand, not so much. It will allow me to type maybe 6 to 10 characters then just stops. Remains connected, but no longer types.

The keyboard connects and works fine with:
Android Phone
Windows Laptop
iPad Air 2019

So I'm left thinking it's the iMac in some capacity.

There was a thread on Apple discussion about forgetting the devices, turn off BT, restart in safe mode then restart again, turn on BT, and connect the magic devices. Tried it, same issue.

When this happens, if I turn off the keyboard and on again, it will connect and again, allow maybe 6 to 10 characters before stopping

Total loss with this one, so I'm here, hoping for some inspiration.

 

[ToniCH]

Try zapping the PRAM. It has helped with some BT+OCLP -problems earlier (Sonoma) but I don't know about Sequoia. Worth trying though.

 

[Lucero79]

Thanks for the tip, although being a relative newb, I have zero idea what you're talking about 😂

However, I have tested and it's 100pc using an unsupported OS with OCLP causing the issue. Going back to High Sierra, fine. Sequoia bad, Monterey, bad.....

 

[ToniCH]

I have zero idea what you're talking about

When starting up your computer and you hear the chime immediately press down cmd + alt + P + R -keys. Keep them pressed until you hear the chime 3 more times, then let go. Now try if your BT gear works.

Cmd-key is next button to the left of the space bar, might have an Apple logo on it. On some Mac keyboards alt -key says Option and its on the left side of the cmd-key.

You might need an USB keyboard to do this as you are having problems with your BT kbd.

 

[Lucero79]

Thanks, should I expect a different screen or some sort of confirmation? I never get another chime. I am having to use a wired Windows keyboard so assume, WinKey + Alt + P + R?

 

[ToniCH]

No, only the chimes are confirming you are doing it right and successfully. It should not boot before you release the keys.

If the Win key + A activates all and/or Win key + C copies the selection then it works as cmd key.

 

[Lucero79]

Yeah, sadly this hasn't worked. The issue still persists. Not sure where to start with this. So either I try another BT keyboard and see if the behaviour is the same. If not, then it's a shame I can't use Apple hardware. Else, I downgrade back to HS and live with it :/

 

[ToniCH]

Did you make the OCLP+OS installation media with the same computer you are using it in? Or did you specify the correct computer model in the OCLP before making the media with another computer? If the computer model is wrong there might be wrong drivers installed which are not 100% compatible with your iMac.

Another thing that comes to mind: BT antenna? Are you sure it is still properly attached?

I would try another kbd too. If it doesn't work then the fault is with your iMac.

Some very old Apple BT kbds do not work normally with Monterey or newer but they usually do not connect at all. There are hacks to fix this. But Magic Kbd should work with all.

 

[Lucero79]

Did you make the OCLP+OS installation media with the same computer you are using it in? Or did you specify the correct computer model in the OCLP before making the media with another computer? If the computer model is wrong there might be wrong drivers installed which are not 100% compatible with your iMac.

Another thing that comes to mind: BT antenna? Are you sure it is still properly attached?

I would try another kbd too. If it doesn't work then the fault is with your iMac.

Some very old Apple BT kbds do not work normally with Monterey or newer but they usually do not connect at all. There are hacks to fix this. But Magic Kbd should work with all.

Good shout, I found this section last night and wondered what is was for. I did OCLP on the iMac, which is the machine I'm trying to install on, however, in the settings, it wasn't automatically set to iMac 12,1 but, "other" or whatever it says that's not model specific. I've also seen mention elsewhere of Bluetooth spoofing in kext files which you can change or disable or exclude, but not looked into that yet.

 

[ToniCH]

If you have upgraded it to non factory processor OCLP might not recognize it correctly. But, you did change it to iMac 12,1 before bulding the OCLP and making the media?

I have a 2011 iMac 27" and have made no custom mods to the OCLP or kexts to make it work with BT gear. I had to zap the PRAM after installation but after that it has worked just fine.

 

[Lucero79]

So I don't, but what I did do was upgrade from the i3 that was in there to the i7 2600s. OCLP was showing as "Host Model", I've not changed that to Mac 12,1 and trying again with Sequoia.

 

[Lucero79]

Just tried again with Sequoia and same (ish) issue. This time, the keyboard started typing, and then carried on putting characters on the screen despite my not typing. Only disconnecting from BT stopped it.

I did note the following:
BlueTooth in High Sierra:

Apple Bluetooth Software Version:    6.0.7f10
  Hardware, Features, and Settings:
  Name:    Studio’s iMac
  Address:    7C-D1-C3-A1-A2-D0
  Bluetooth Low Energy Supported:    No
  Handoff Supported:    No
  Instant Hot Spot Supported:    No
  Manufacturer:    Broadcom
  Transport:    USB
  Chipset:    2046
  Firmware Version:    v208 c518
  Bluetooth Power:    On
  Discoverable:    Off
  Connectable:    Yes
  Auto Seek Pointing:    On
  Remote wake:    On
  Vendor ID:    0x05AC
  Product ID:    0x8215
  HCI Version:    2.1 (0x4)
  HCI Revision:    0x206
  LMP Version:    2.1 (0x4)
  LMP Subversion:    0x21D0
  Device Type (Major):    Computer
  Device Type (Complete):    Mac Desktop
  Composite Class Of Device:    0x380104
  Device Class (Major):    0x01
  Device Class (Minor):    0x01
  Service Class:    0x1C0
  Auto Seek Keyboard:    On

And then once Sequoia has loaded:

  Bluetooth Controller:
  Address:    7C:D1:C3:A1:A2:D0
  State:    On
  Chipset:    THIRD_PARTY_DONGLE
  Discoverable:    Off
  Firmware Version:    v8656 c518
  Supported services:    0x392039 < HFP AVRCP A2DP HID Braille LEA AACP GATT SerialPort >
  Transport:    USB
  Vendor ID:    0x004C (Apple)

Quite the difference. Note the part about 3rd party dongle

 

[ToniCH]

I get the feeling that the proper driver is not loaded in Sequoia. Probably because the OCLP is installed with wrong driver package (ie. with wrong host model).

Maybe you really should build and install the OCLP again with the proper iMac 12,1 settings. You do not need to reinstall the OS. Just start the OCLP control panel and click settings at the bottom and then change the host model, return back to front page and click rebuild and install. Then reboot and do the Post install root patches. And then reboot again.

And final thing if BT or Wifi doesn't work try the zapping the PRAM again.