is ichat software required for stand alone isight camera to work?

Messages is iChat.

iChat has been renamed "Messages" in OS X 10.8. Look for it in your Mac's Applications folder. If it is not there, use OS X Recover to reinstall your OS X.

Your Mac may have an alias for Messages in your Doc. If the Dock alias does not work but Messages in the Applications folder does work, delete the Dock alias and add a new alias from the Applications folder.

If you have not updated or reinstalled your Mac OS X this month, apply the updated (3 October) OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.5 (Combo). I suggest you restart your Mac and repair permissions. Then download and apply the Combo Updater. Repair permissions again immediately following the restart that completes the Combo Update.

If you are still having trouble with your old external iSight, see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090. You may simply have a bad cable or Firewire adapter. For other ideas about how to test your old Firewire iSight, see How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.5

explasticman wrote:... I ...try the iSight on my wife's Macbook Pro... It works...

Good work on the troubleshooting. You have now ruled out possible connection problems except for possible problems with your new mini's FW800 port. If you have or can borrow another FW device, you can try connecting it to your mini with the same cables and adapter to verify that mini's port is working.

explasticman wrote: ... It now seems like it must have to do with 10.8.5 on my new computer....

If you still believe this, use your Mac's  > Software Update... menu command and apply any needed updates.

I suggest you restart Mac and use Disk Utility to repair permissions before downloading and installing the (3 October) OS X Mountain Lion Update v10.8.5 (Combo) update. Repair permissions AGAIN immediately following the restart that completes the Combo Update.

If your problem continues, use OS X Recovery to reinstall Mac OS X Mountain Lion. Then use  > Software Update… to verify that all your software is up to date. Install any needed updates and repair permissions one more time regardless of whether additional updates are required after reinstalling OS X.

explasticman wrote: ... Is messages really just like iChat?...

No, not "just like" iChat. However, Messages is the replacement for iChat.

For summary info about Messages, see this linked page. For details, you can read all about Messages and compare it to your iChat experience using your mini's Messages > Help > Messages Help menu command.

explasticman wrote:... I would really like to get thie iSight working ...

If nothing else works, your service options for external iSight are shown

in iSight Service FAQ.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.5

explasticman wrote:... I don't have another Firefox device to try...

Not Firefox. Check with a different FireWire device. Consider these suggestions If a FireWire device isn’t working.

explasticman wrote:... Is anyone using an isight camera with Mountain Lion OS 10.8.5? Perhaps it just doesn't work with Montain Lion....

My external iSights work fine with my 10.8.5 Macs. Did you try the OS X update, repair, and reinstall already suggested?

Don't to use your old iSight with a FW hub or daisy chain. Consider Possible Firewire Conflict.

You can also try resetting your Firewire ports as explained in this old Apple Article.

If you have tried everything offered here, including all relevant suggestions from the HT2090 Troubleshooting article, and if you want to continue to try to make your old Firewire iSight work, contact Apple or your Apple-Authorized Service Provider for help.

You may find it easier, quicker, and even cheaper to use a new USB webcam that is Mac compatible.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.5

explasticman wrote: Sorry about ...

No problem.

explasticman wrote: ... This computer is about a month old … go to an extreme like that. But If I have to I will. Thanks

Thanks for the new information. There is absolutely NO reason to go to an extreme.

If I had considered everything suggested here and was still having problems with a new Mac, and if I had decided not to replace my old Firewire iSight, I would backup my month-old Mac mini and take it and the iSight (with cables and connectors) back to the retailer who sold me the new computer. The retailer can determine whether your new mini needs to be repaired or replaced. If not, your retailer can show you how to get it working properly.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.8.5

explasticman wrote: ... I will get with the dealer ...

You're on the right path. We will watch for your status updated.