Basic Bluetooth headset question

Question

Basic Bluetooth headset question

I have used two different Bluetooth adapters to try and set up two different headphones, but once I select the headphones in the Sound Output Preferences and I try and produce any sound (Finder alert, DVD movie) I get "Bluetooth audio failed. There was an error connecting to your headset. Make sure it is turned on and in range. The audio portion of the program you were using may have to be restarted." and they don't work. This happens with the CompUSA SKU.312330 USB Bluetooth adapter with external antenna and the DLink DBT-120 USB adapter and with both a Jabra BT110 headset and MacAlly BlueWave headphones. I am running OS 10.4.6 currently but had the same issue with 10.4.5.
I was excited about 10.4.6, since it said it included Bluetooth improvements.

I have done the following for the DLink but the CompUSA adapter said the Firmware was up to date:
"Using a headset needs several steps even needed if you have the latest computer or Mac OS X release. Please make sure to follow them in order.
1. Download the Apple Bluetooth Firmware Updater
2. Install it
3. Launch it from Applications > Utilities > Bluetooth Updater
4. Apply it to your adapter (takes very long).
5. Start the Apple Bluetooth Assistant and select Headset. Do not use anything else!
6. Make your headset Bluetooth visible. Look up the manual of your headset how to do that.
7. Now select the headset in System Preferences > Sound.
In most cases step 3 is missed. You have to start the already installed updater yourself (do not ask me why). Step 4 fails if you do not have an internal Apple Bluetooth module and your Bluetooth USB adapter is not supported by Apple. In this case, you have to go for a D-Link DBT-120 USB adapter."

and I did this using my devices of course:
"I had the same problem. M2500 from Plantronics worked fine under Panther, then I upgraded to Tiger and it didn't work anymore. The pairing worked, but the device was not recognized in Sound In/Out.

Here is what you need to fix this problem:
1. Tiger Developer Tools installation
Here is what you need to do:
1. In Finder select "Go" from the Finder menu, then select "Go to Folder" and type in the following path: /Developer/Applications/Utilities/Bluetooth/

2. Double click on "Bluetooth Explorer"

3. Select "Utilities -> Show Device Cache"

4. Now you should see a list of devices, and you should also see the M2500. Select M2500 and click on "Delete Selected Devices".

5. Close the Device Cache window and quit out of Bluetooth Explorer.

6. Now click on the "Apple Menu" top left corner and select "System Preferences" and click on the "Bluetooth" icon to bring up the Bluetooth preferences.

7. Select the "M2500 by Plantronics" item in the "Bluetooth Devices:" list and delete it.

8. Now click on the "Device" tab and select "Set Up New Device..." and follow the setup pairing process. (the pairing code is "0000").

- Step 1 should be "Introduction" - click Continue
- Step 2 should be "Select Device Type" - select "Headset" and click on Continue
- Step 3 should be "Bluetooth Headset Set Up" - Now bring your M2500 in pairing mode (turn on headset by pressing and holding the on/off/volume up/volume down button. Once headset is turned on push the volume switch to the up position, hold it and press the talk button by the microphone until the light flashes red and green continuously). Now the M2500 is in pairing mode and you should see the M2500 in the list of discovered headset devices. Select it and click the "Continue" button.
- Step 4 should ask you for the pairing code. Type in "0000" (4 zeros) and press the button to proceed.
- Now the computer should gather additional info and .... voila.... M2500 paired and set up."

Neither of these changed my situation. I just want to be able to listen to games or a movie on headphones without being tied to the computer with a cord.
So, is there anyway, currently, to get a headset to work with Bluetooth and OS 10.4.6?

G5 1.8 single Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Apr 12, 2006 4:06 PM

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Answer 1

Dean Pahl

Level 4

3,870 points

Apr 13, 2006 11:34 AM in response to David Grayson

Hi, David —

Wow — you must be pretty frustrated.

Thanks for your detailed problem statement; it helps a lot to set the context for identifying solution(s). I know a bit about Bluetooth, but will have to depend on savvy input from others about headsets in particular, as I don't have one to use in testing ideas. Since you seem to have carefully sought out and followed appropriate procedures, we may have to look hard at the details to identify the problem.

I trust you'll be patient with a few additional questions, to ensure we fully understand what you've tried:

(1) Bluetooth Software. As explained on Jabra's BT110 Support page, support for the headset profile (HSP) &/or hands-free profile (HFP) is required for the Jabra BT110 to function. As Apple Article 151141: Which profiles does Apple Bluetooth support? (Bluetooth 1.5 Help) explains, HSP is supported if the Bluetooth Software 1.5 Update [02/05/04] has been installed; HFP is not. (This is also defined in Article 107860, Bluetooth: System Requirements for Using a Headset).
So — in addition to running the Firmware Update, have you installed the Bluetooth 1.5 software? (If so, you'll probably see something like "Bluetooth Software Version: 1.7xxxx" or later in the first line of System Profiler »» Hardware »» Bluetooth. (1.70f18, for example.)
(2) D-Link DBT-120 Revision number. As you probably know, Apple only supports (e.g., with the firmware update) the D-Link DBT-120 Adapter, Revisions B2, B3, and B4. Have you confirmed that your adapter is one of these (i.e., not Rev. A1, A2, or B1)? If unsure, photos of all DBT-120 models / "revisons" are available on D-Link's website by visiting D-Link Support, selecting "DBT" and "120," then "Go."
(3) Bluetooth Firmware. When you followed Alexander Traud's directions for installing Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 [11/23/04] to the D-Link DBT-120 adapter that you've quoted above, did you receive a dialog telling you that the installation had been successful?
(4) Anything else? Other than the unsuccessful outcome, did you observe anything worth noting as you took the steps you've described?
(5) What do the vendors say? Have you addressed this problem with CompUSA, Jabra, or Macally? Did you hear anything that may be useful to this discussion?
Looking forward to hearing back from you...
Regards,
Dean
[2,161 ⊥ 3,575]

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Answer 2

Apr 14, 2006 1:34 AM in response to David Grayson

Bluetooth Headsets and the D-Link DBT-120 work in Mac OS X v10.4.6. However, this is an outstanding issue and you can find out yourself, while doing a search here. Pair your headset again, select it in Sound Preferences and it works again. This issue is a miracle right now. Perhaps turning on the headset before you restart your Mac OS X might be a help. I never faced it.

@Dean Pahl
Is this your normal style? Your long answers make it difficult to answer for other ones and personally I find those extremely confused and confusing. Keep it short is my philiosphy.

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Answer 3

Dean Pahl

Level 4

3,870 points

Apr 14, 2006 4:59 PM in response to Alexander Traud

Hi, Alexander —

I guess we all have our own style of trying to help. In any case, I intend neither confusion nor discouraging wide participation — in fact, quite the opposite.

Sorry: I'll do my best to keep your feelings in mind. I respect and appreciate your input to Apple Discussions very much.

Warm Regards,
Dean

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Answer 4

Apr 14, 2006 11:10 PM in response to Dean Pahl

I'd hate to think that I might have to wait an extra week to solve a problem I was having with my hardware just to make sure everyone got a chance to say something about it.

I thought your response was clear enough.

I have been using a headset with 10.4.6 so it certainly should be possible. It seems to drop out if I watch movies on my laptop, but if I use the same headset with my G5 desktop, and a D-Link, I don't have any problems at all. I am using a Motorola headset, but I have also tried a Sony and Jabra headset but not with 10.4.6.

When a lot of information is supplied, it does take some time to read through everything, but it's still less time than trying to guess what the problem is with nothing to go on.

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Answer 5

Apr 17, 2006 12:15 PM in response to Dean Pahl

Thank you for the help.
Dean
1) I have the latest Bluetooth software. Here is the information from Apple system profiler:
Apple Bluetooth Software Version: 1.7.0f18
Hardware Settings:
David Grayson’s Computer:
Address: 00-15-e9-65-48-e3
Manufacturer: Cambridge Silicon Radio
Firmware Version: 2.1586 (2.1586)
Bluetooth Power: On
Discoverable: Yes
HCI Version: 2 ($2)
HCI Revision: 1586 ($632)
LMP Version: 2 ($2)
LMP Subversion: 1586 ($632)
Device Type (Major): Computer
Device Type (Complete): Desktop Computer
Composite Class Of Device: 1057028 ($102104)
Device Class (Major): 1 ($1)
Device Class (Minor): 1 ($1)
Service Class: 129 ($81)
Requires Authentication: No
Services:
Bluetooth File Transfer:
Folder other devices can browse: ~/Public
Requires Authentication: Yes
State: Disabled
Bluetooth File Exchange:
Folder for accepted items: ~/Documents
Requires Authentication: No
When other items are accepted: Ask
When PIM items are accepted: Ask
When receiving items: Prompt for each file
State: Enabled
Devices (Paired, Favorites, etc):
JabraBT110:
Name: JabraBT110
Address: 00-07-a4-95-a8-9c
Type: Headset
Services: Headset, Hands-Free unit
Paired: Yes
Favorite: Yes
Connected: No
Incoming Serial Ports:
Serial Port 1:
Name: Bluetooth-PDA-Sync
RFCOMM Channel: 3
Requires Authentication: No
Outgoing Serial Ports:
Serial Port 1:
Address:
Name: Bluetooth-Modem
RFCOMM Channel: 0
Requires Authentication: No

2) I have the newest D-Link, Rev B4.
3) The installation was successful see the ASP info above.
4) Anything else? This happens on three different computers, a G4 iBook currently running 10.4.6, a G5 1.8 single currently running 10.4.6, and a G5 Duel 2.7 running 10.4.5. I started this process when all the computers were running 10.4.5. Out of all the times I have removed the pairing then repairing, deleted the cache, deleted all bluetooth preferences, trying different adapters, trying different headphone (I only have two but I might buy another to try it), trying different computers I have only heard sound from one of the headphones once and only for a split second before I get the same error message.
Just to clarify this is what I do:
I plug in the D-Link.
I pull the battery and then put the battery back in the Jabra (per the Jabra manual)
I set up new device in the Bluetooth system preferences
I go through the Assistant, selecting Headset, and after it finds it and I put in the passkey (0000 per the manual) it says congratulations.
I go the sound preference and on output I select the Jabra BT110.
As soon as the computer tries to make any sound (Start a movie, mail makes a sound, or I just try and change the output volume and the computer make the alert sound) I get the Bluetooth audio failed error.

5) I have found that the vendors never seems to know anything, especially when it comes to MAC support, so I have not contacted them.

Here is the log file, maybe it will help:
Apr 17 03:14:56 david-gs-power-mac-g5 cp: error processing extended attributes: Operation not permitted
Apr 17 11:26:19 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: CSRHIDTransitionDriver::probe:
Apr 17 11:26:19 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: CSRHIDTransitionDriver::start before command
Apr 17 11:26:20 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: CSRHIDTransitionDriver::stop
Apr 17 11:26:22 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [HCIController][setupHardware] AFH Is Supported
Apr 17 11:34:21 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: IOBluetoothHCIController::terminateWL .. done
Apr 17 11:35:50 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: CSRHIDTransitionDriver::probe:
Apr 17 11:35:50 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: CSRHIDTransitionDriver::start before command
Apr 17 11:35:51 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: USBF: 1215834.112 IOUSBCompositeDevice[0x32c5000]::GetFullConfigurationDescriptor - Error (e00002ed) getting first 9 bytes of config descriptor
Apr 17 11:35:51 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: CSRHIDTransitionDriver::stop
Apr 17 11:35:51 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [HCIController][setupHardware] AFH Is Supported
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][start] 0x365ab80 (IOService)
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][initHardware] 0x365ab80
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][createAudioEngine]
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][init]
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][initHardware] 0x2f7a800
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][pauseAudioEngine] - numActiveClients = 0 - state = 0 - pendingPowerState = 1
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][createAudioStreams] sampleBuffer = 0x11e0d000 (0x3c00 bytes)
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][initHardware] - done.
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][init]
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][initHardware] 0x2f7a800
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][pauseAudioEngine] - numActiveClients = 0 - state = 0 - pendingPowerState = 1
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][createAudioStreams] sampleBuffer = 0x11e1d000 (0x3c00 bytes)
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioEngine][initHardware] - done.
Apr 17 11:37:46 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][registerForDeviceNotification]
Apr 17 11:38:05 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][performPowerStateChange] 1 -> 2
Apr 17 11:38:05 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][unregisterForDeviceNotification]
Apr 17 11:38:09 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][performPowerStateChange] Unable to open connection to device.
Apr 17 11:38:09 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: [IOBluetoothSCOAudioDevice][registerForDeviceNotification]
Apr 17 11:38:09 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: IOBluetoothSCOAudioOutputEngine[performAudioEngineStart]
Apr 17 11:38:09 david-gs-power-mac-g5 kernel[0]: REQUIRE failure: mBluetoothDevice != NULL - file: /SourceCache/IOBluetoothFamily/IOBluetoothFamily-170.3.18/Drivers/IOBluetoothSC OAudioDriver/IOBluetoothSCOAudioOutputEngine.cpp, line: 53

G5 1.8 single Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 6

Apr 17, 2006 2:13 PM in response to David Grayson

Have you read my answer?

You do not have the latest Apple Bluetooth Software installed. Mac OS X v10.4.6 comes with Apple Bluetooth Software Version 1.7.3. Repair permissions and apply the combined Mac OS X updater.

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Answer 7

Apr 17, 2006 3:29 PM in response to Alexander Traud

Alexander,

I have read your answer: "However, this is an outstanding issue and you can find out yourself, while doing a search here. Pair your headset again, select it in Sound Preferences and it works again." and addressed it in my posting above. I have paired and re-paired the headset over and over again with no luck.

On my two personal Macs I have 10.4.6 on them, on my work computer here I have 10.4.5. I also addressed this issue in my above post stating that I am having this issue on 3 different computers.

I should try a different headset. Which ones are known to work?

G5 1.8 single Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 8

Dean Pahl

Level 4

3,870 points

Apr 17, 2006 5:33 PM in response to David Grayson

David —

Fwiw, I agree with Alexander that re-applying the Mac OS X 10.4.6 Combo for PPC updater may resolve your problem — and, in any case, that it's the best step for you to try now.

I don't know whether you used Software Update (or the Delta Update) previously, but as Alexander points out, there seems to be a problem. My reported Bluetooth firmware version is 1.7.3f4 after applying the Combo update. Apple implemented several improvements.

Be sure to review the " Important: Please read before installing" note in Article 303410: About the Mac OS X 10.4.6 Update (combo).

Then check the problem, and post back.

Regards to all,
Dean

If you want to discuss the system.log further, feel free to click on my name to send an email.

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Answer 9

jilloz

Level 1

0 points

Apr 17, 2006 5:42 PM in response to David Grayson

New to this whole discussion forum thing, and new to bluetooth headsets: The latter is the push to get me to join the former.

I have a new 510 Plantronics headset that I was hoping to use to watch DVDs quietly on airplanes, and to chat on Skype or iChat when at the office. When I tried to pair it with my G4 Powerbook, the computer recognised the device -- but then I got a message that headsets are not supported by my Bluetooth hardware. How are other people getting them to work? Do I need to buy some sort of Bluetooth adaptor?

I tried to go online to update my software, but it told me that everything was already current.

Any advice would be very welcome.

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Answer 10

Dean Pahl

Level 4

3,870 points

Apr 17, 2006 7:02 PM in response to jilloz

Hi, jilloz!

Please accept a warm welcome to Apple Discussions.

(1) Searching Apple Discussions. You'll find that searching a forum like this one is often very helpful. Use the Search box in the top-right-hand corner of this (or whichever is most relevant) main page. There are search tips that may be helpful.
I'm explaining this because, for a question like yours, search terms like [ headset (pair OR pairing) ] provide some very useful results, such as the thread: Successful pairing of BT headset and 12inch Powerbook (for Skype)? Check it out — particularly Alexander's post here.
(2) Firmware and the Mac OS X 10.4.6 Combo Update. I'm not sure of your PowerBook G4 model — which is relevant in that models purchased new since January 2005 have the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR chip "built-in," and thus don't need (and can't use) the firmware update Alexander explained in that thread.
The importance of current firmware is explained in this thread (the one you're reading right now). If you've never used System Profiler as discussed above, you can access it from /Applications/Utilities/ or from the Apple menu () »» About This Mac »» click on "More info." If the discussion about using the Mac OS X 10.4.6 Combo for PPC Updater or anything else isn't clear, please post back or initiate a new thread using the Post New Topic link.
Does this help?
Regards,
Dean
I don't know whether there are any issues specific to the Plantronics 510 — but Alexander may. Plantronics' support website was "down" as I drafted this reply.

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Answer 11

Apr 18, 2006 8:10 PM in response to David Grayson

hi how do you ask questions in a forum

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Answer 12

Dean Pahl

Level 4

3,870 points

Apr 18, 2006 9:07 PM in response to ramamccabe

ramamccabe,

You did fine.

To be most effective, it's usually best to:

• Try searching first, to see if there's already an answer. Use the search box at the top right of the appropriate forum page. There are also search tips to help.

• In your post(s), define the problem and your observations carefully; provide details of relevant info such as your equipment (in cases like this, Bluetooth module or adapter and make & model of affected Bluetooth-enabled device), software, firmware, etc.; and explain what you've already tried in an effort to solve the issue.

Since you have a MacBook Pro (which is ~brand new, with a single model so far), we can figure out the Bluetooth-related firmware and software. It may be helpful to know whether you used the Mac OS X 10.4.6 Combo for Intel Updater, the Delta Updater, or Software Update.

HTH!
Dean

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Answer 13

Apr 19, 2006 2:21 AM in response to David Grayson

I doubt this is a headset model issue. I have used five different ones (Bluetooth specification 1.1, 1.2 and 2.0) now (Motorola HS805, HS810, HS820, Nokia HS-54W) and never had that problem. However, for example for my latest Nokia HS-26W one, there are reports here on the forum where user had the same problem as you. Personally, I never faced it to reproduce it and analyze it more deeply.

Sorry, have a search on this forum and you will find that there is no solution for this problem (yet). I just answered because Dean Pahl could not withstand to answer with a lot of complicated steps – which all will not work as far as my experience tells.

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Answer 14

Apr 19, 2006 2:24 AM in response to Dean Pahl

When a user has this message about hardware not supporting headsets, a firmware update of the Bluetooth module or USB adapter is required. There is no question which model is used. Bluetooth in the Apple worls just needs that update.

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Answer 15

Apr 20, 2006 8:27 AM in response to Alexander Traud

I posted this last night, I am not sure why it's gone today.

After all of this, it turns out to be a headset issue. I bought a Motorola H300 and it works fine. What are the odds of buying two different headsets from two different vendor and both not working? Oh well, that's how it goes sometimes. I did not need to reapply the combo updater (I always install the combo) it just worked.

Anyway, Dean thank you for all your help, I appreciate you taking the time to try and figure out the problem. Alexander should take some lessons from you on patience. Thanks again.

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