Q: Is it true that Airport Express Utility 5.6 is not compatible with OS 10.8.2, even though the Airport Express Utility 6.2 that I have is said to be incompatible with my Express?

http://frank.is/mountain-lion-and-the-old-airport-utility/

This page tells you how to install the utility.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

Although OS X Mountain Lion comes with AirPort Utility 6, AirPort Utility 5.6 is perfectly compatible. Follow these steps:

1. Download AirPort Utility 5.6 > http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482 if you have downloaded it yet, ignore this step.

2. Open Terminal and type:

cd ~/Downloads && pkgutil --expand ./AirPortUtility56.pkg ~/Downloads/AirPortUtility56 && gunzip -c<./AirPortUtility56/AirPortUtility56Lion.pkg/Payload | sudo tar -C / -xvf - "./Applications/Utilities/AirPort Utility 5.6.app"

3. Open Finder, go to Utilities folder and open “AirPort Utility 5.6” to set up the AirPort Express

I have the same problem as the OP.  I don't get what you mean here under point 2.  I downloaded 5.6 but it won't install.  It says it is not compatible with my OS.  I am not tech minded so what do I do?  It downloads but does not install.

In step 2, you don't have to open the installer. Instead, you have to open Terminal (in Utilities folder) and copy that command

OK, I copied it and pasted it into terminal and I get this response

-bash: syntax error near unexpected token `&'

Now what?  I pasted this text

cd ~/Downloads && pkgutil --expand ./AirPortUtility56.pkg ~/Downloads/AirPortUtility56 && gunzip -c<./AirPortUtility56/AirPortUtility56Lion.pkg/Payload | sudo tar -C / -xvf - "./Applications/Utilities/AirPort Utility 5.6.app"

As I posted above there's a lot more user friendly Automator workflow at

http://frank.is/mountain-lion-and-the-old-airport-utility/

sorry edex67, but your link is the one that I did try and it gives me the message shell script error and does not function

(I gave up on the one to type into terminal as that didn't work either)

The shell script error is caused by running the workflow the wrong way. Drop the DMG file INTO the workflow.

did it just like in the pictures that describe it here.  http://www.macinstruct.com/node/491

I did drop the DMG file into the workflow and then I get the run shell script error message.

Thank you for the Automator workflow - it's running just fine. Except that the Airplay connection is dropped again after a couple seconds/minutes ... any suggestions?

What version of iTunes are you using? I would suggest starting another thread for that particular problem.

To jed240 there must be a problem with your machine as I used the Automator workflow just now. Try using the Terminal method instead.

edex67, I did try the Terminal version first.  Also a fail.  I get -bash: syntax error near unexpected token `&' when I do that.

How does the itunes version make a difference?  It is 11.0.1 but I don't get how that connects to this problem so not sure what problem I would be asking about if I start another thread. 

The iTunes version and the suggestion to start another thread was directed at ossiruchs.

Use this method instead:

http://www.macworld.com/article/1167965/mountain_lion_and_the_ancient_airport_ba se_station.html

Done!