Apple Bluetooth adapter for Hackintosh

This article describes connecting an original Apple Bluetooth module to a Hackintosh.

The Apple Bluetooth module has advantages over a Bluetooth USB dongle because it is 100% compatible with Mac OS and allows excellent work of a wireless Apple keyboard, mouse or touchpad. For instance, waking Hackintosh with those devices will be possible.

The most convenient to connect is a module from MacBook А1181. Some other modules can be connected similarly.

A Bluetooth module for Macbook A1181 can be bought on eBay for $15-20. But it is essential to include a connection cable and an antenna. Here is a photo of the one that I’ve bought:

But the module cannot be connected to Hackintosh straight away. Some modifications are required. Firstly, the socket needs to be replaced. Secondly, the module requires a 3.3V power supply instead of the 5V used in USB.

It is not a problem to convert 5V to 3.3V with an LD1117 DC-DC converter and a couple of capacitors. I’ve created a simple adapter with a proper motherboard USB connector. I’ve just cut the connector on the module’s cable and soldered the cable straight to my adapter. It is quicker and cheaper than trying to find the proper socket. I’ve used zip-tie to fix the cable to the board for better reliability.

Here is a photo of my PCB:

And here is the board with all components soldered to it:

A USB connecter on the motherboard is not a standard IDE socket despite that it has the same pitch. It is smaller. I’ve solved the problem by cutting the excessive plastic on a standard socket with an engraver.

I’ve checked that the DC-DC converter works appropriately before connecting the adapter to the computer and soldering the module. It had 3.3V on its “Red” and “Black” solder points. Only after all checks were performed, the module was soldered and the adapter connected to my Hackintosh: