PSA: D-Link DBT-122 (Rev A1) Bluetooth adapter works on PowerPC Macs running Leopard

[chrisw76]

I thought I’d post this as I couldn’t find a definitive answer online before trying it myself and I thought it may help someone else keep a PPC Mac alive.

I have an Apple iMac G4 17” 1 GHz (PowerMac6,1) running Mac OS X 10.5.8 Leopard. The machine was not originally fitted with the optional internal Apple Bluetooth module, and both the original Apple module and the commonly recommended D-Link DBT-120 are now difficult/expensive to obtain. This is particularly the case in NZ where shipping from overseas can quadruple the cost.

I decided to try a D-Link DBT-122 instead which I found locally for NZD $10.

Hardware

• Apple iMac G4 17” 1 GHz
• Model Identifier: PowerMac6,1
• Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard)

Bluetooth adapter

• D-Link DBT-122
• Hardware Revision: A1
• Bluetooth 1.2
• USB Vendor ID: 0x2001
• USB Product ID: 0xF111
• System Profiler identifies the manufacturer as Broadcom

Results
The adapter was completely plug-and-play and as soon as it was connected:

• Bluetooth menu appeared immediately in the menu bar.
• Bluetooth Preference Pane became available.
• No additional drivers or software were required.
• Leopard recognised the adapter as a Broadcom Bluetooth controller.

I was then able to successfully pair:

• Apple Wireless Keyboard A1016
• Apple Mighty Mouse A1197

Both devices work normally.

System Profiler Bluetooth Information

Apple Bluetooth Software Version: 2.1.9f10

Adapter information:

• Manufacturer: Broadcom
• Bluetooth Power: On
• Discoverable: Yes
• HCI Version: 2
• LMP Version: 2 (Bluetooth 1.2)

So, if you want to add Bluetooth that works out of the box to your PowerPC Mac, the D-Link DBT-122 Rev A is a good option. I didn’t spend too much money on it and it was a lot easier to find than the Apple Bluetooth module or the usually recommended D-Link DBT-120.

Hopefully this helps someone else searching for Bluetooth options!

Cheers, Chris W.