Bluetooth gone missing at times, why???

sdm688 · Mar 31st, 2005, 05:21 PM

Hi all, I have builtin BT on my 1.5Ghz 15" Al PB. I have BT disabled (appears grey) on the top of the screen. I don't have any BT devices. I have noticed a couple of times the BT sign will have a stroke across it, indicating BT not available. I usually have to power the PB right down, wait a few mins and start it up then it is ok again. Does anyone know why this happens? Should I be concerned? I have really never connected BT since I purchased the PB (7 months old).

Thanks!

Moscool · Mar 31st, 2005, 06:20 PM

As far as I know the BT logo on the top bar has 3 positions: black (on but nothing connected); greyed out; and with a vertical dotted line through it (meaning something is connected). Anything else warrants a call to Applecare...

sdm688 · Mar 31st, 2005, 07:47 PM

Moscool, I was afraid you would say that. In any case, I am "The B with Wavy line" on this link: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107679

sdm688 · Mar 31st, 2005, 10:45 PM

I found some info on the support site from Apple: http://discussions.info.apple.com/we...5a.1@.68a74a80
sorry if it seems like I am answering my own questions. I just want to determine if this problem is something I should be concerned about. Even people in the Apple Discussion Forum don't seem to know. That's scarry!

EJR · Apr 1st, 2005, 02:28 AM

sdm688,
There is an issue with USB 1.1 powered devices knocking off Bluetooth on Startup after a shutdown. Apple are aware of it, in fact I have a case number on it. At first it looked like this affected the iMac G5's (I loose Bluetooth every time I start up with both my printer and scanner powered on....lost it because of my USB 1.1 powered hub first.) but seems to be more of a widespread problem now. To re-establish Bluetooth, Shutdown then start up making sure you have either unplugged the USB devices or removed the power plug or turned off the power. Here is a more recent post at Apple Discussions, and there are others.
<a href=http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?14@793.6gGUaUtpVGu.5518@.68a6fdd7>Bluetooth Unavailable</A>

The key is to shutdown, then startup a simple restart doesn't work. The issue occurs in the Startup process. Another "work around" is a USB 2 hub.
EJR
(aka Liz)

Moscool · Apr 1st, 2005, 05:05 AM

Something loosely related: it seems that BT can't handle too many devices at the same time (although it should). So when I synch my phone I'm much better off switching off my mouse and KB first... Otherwise the machines gets confused and doesn't recognise the phone or performs an incomplete synch.

sdm688 · Apr 1st, 2005, 08:13 AM

EJR, Moscool, Thank You for the advice. I do seem to think this problem is more widespread as I have found out from Apple Discussion Groups. What is interesting is the only thing I plug in into the USB is a cooling pad with fans. Not sure what "speed" (if it matters) it connects at. But the problem is not consistent when I plug in the cooling pad ... For the most part, the PB is "mobile" with no peripherals what so ever plugged in. Thankfully this "MIA" of the BT has only happened twice. I guess no point calling Apple about it like Moscool suggested then if Apple is already aware of it?

EJR · Apr 1st, 2005, 10:01 AM

sdm688,
I would suggest you report it to Apple anyway at least to go on record as having an issue with BT. My issue was elevated to Engineering it wasn't until then that I got the call telling me that "Engineering are aware of the problem and are working on a fix" that was in November and I'm still "waiting" the more people who advise Apple there is a problem the more seriously they will take it. On the chance that your issue is unrelated to the "Startup issue" I described, it would be good to call them, at least get a case number so you are on record.
EJ