cMP 5,1 bluetooth issues (10.13.3)

[Susurs]

Hi!


There are few issues with the internal BT (2.1 EDR as far as I understand).

For now I use Anker Ultra Compact BT keyboard with my cMP on 10.13.3.

When login screen appears I can not enter my password immediately. I have to press random keys for some time until I can start typing anything. Any ideas on how to speed up the connection?

I can not get any boot options to work from the BT keyboard...Is this cMP specific, or BT keyboard specific? Has anybody got this working with their cMP, and this specific keyboard?

Which BT keyboard connects fast enough to be able to use boot combinations? Any specific fail/success stories?

When BT Mouse and keyboard is connected - BT sound to BT2.0 receiver device is choppy. Any advices (beside changing WiFi channels). BT Explorer has plenty of settings - Has anybody tried to play aroynd with those?

Tried switching to USB4.0 CSR module - same issues.

BT module in MP will be upgraded to 4.1 via internal adapter. Could this help potentially?

 

[ActionableMango]

I don't know anything about the Anker, so I can only speculate that based on the behavior it is sleeping or has some sort of power saving mode that is causing delay. Most, but not all, bluetooth keyboards will work at boot time when connected to factory bluetooth. Even some Apple ones don't, and so Apple provided a firmware update for them (yes, a firmware update for a keyboard).

"Bluetooth sound choppy" sounds like poor reception, which may also aggravate the keyboard problem. Some people have swapped the BT and a WIFI antennas inside for better reception on one or the other. Many people have checked and found that the BT and WIFI antenna connections were wrong from the factory and needed to be swapped in order to be fixed. Some people have also connected the BT (or WIFI) to an external antenna.

Lastly, USB 3.0 is known to interfere with BT. Many people experience this. If you have USB 3.0 devices try unplugging them and see if it improves the BT reception.

 

[DPUser]

I always disconnect the internal Bluetooth module in cMPs and run from a Bluetooth dongle installed near my desk; I'll use a port on a monitor or nearby USB hub. Avoids the interference issues that seem to arise from the Mac Pro's aluminum case.

 

[Susurs]

Is Apple Magic Keyboard 2 able send boot commands?