Voodooprojects

Chameleon => The Black Hole => Topic started by: Logicpro8_user on May 13, 2010, 01:42:29 PM

Title: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 13, 2010, 01:42:29 PM
Hi Guys!

Im running a dual boot system (see my sig for specs) Snow Leopard and Windows 7 32bit
I know there has been some talk about the Apple Aluminium Keyboard not being able to use the boot options in Chameleon.

I just wondered if anyone has any more info or ideas to what may cause the Apple Aluminium Keyboard not to be useable at boot? The keyboard I am talking about is the wired version (see photo below)

Some people say its caused by the fakesmc and some people think that a kext would be able to solve this problem.
Some people even thing that its the Intel Badaxe 2 mobo thats it fault.

Any clue to what can be causing this problem? I don't like having to use another keyboard just to boot and it seems like a silly problem that can be fixed.

Any feedback or suggestions would be great!


(http://www.everymac.com/images/other_images/apple-aluminum-keyboard.jpg)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Superhai on May 13, 2010, 11:57:24 PM
Check USB settings in bios.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 14, 2010, 10:07:45 AM
Hi,


I have done this also, the badaxe 2 has only 2 options regarding USB setting in the BIOS,

1. Enable USB ports (this is set to enable)
2. USB Legacy Support (this is set to enable)

I didnt mention that the logitech keyboard is fine on boot but the Apple Alu one dont seem to be getting any power at boot, I have tried all USB ports, tried with the BIOS USB settings on and then off. Still nothing....

Very weird..
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Blackosx on May 14, 2010, 12:33:35 PM
I think I have read somewhere that the Apple aluminium USB keyboards require more power than standard USB keyboards. I don't know if that's gonna be any help to you though.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 14, 2010, 03:00:50 PM
mmmmm, How would I go about getting more power to the keyboard.....
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 14, 2010, 05:50:51 PM
I have had a play about with this,

I got it working but only when a non Apple Keyboard is plugged into the same port (Via a USB Hub) or right next to it on the motherboard, But If i plug anything else into any of the USB ports the apple keyboard dont work.

Its like its getting a jump start from the normal keyboard somehow! very weird!!!!!!!

I take it this problem is all down to the apple alu keyboard not having enough power of som sort......

This is a weird one!
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 14, 2010, 05:51:51 PM
I have the same problem, at least I think it is the same. My Apple Aluminum keyboard (same as yours), doesn't get recognized until either Windows or OSX has loaded. Which means that if I want to enter BIOS settings, change the drive my system should boot from, or use Chameleon, I have to plug in another keyboard :(

I have been told it is due to my system's BIOS not being able to recognize it, but the USB power problem seems to make sense.

I am now looking into using boot.plist options (default drive parameter in particular) in order to change the OS I'm booting into, rather than switching keyboards, then using Chameleon's GUI to do it. However, I don't think I can do this from Windows as it may break the permissions on the plist file - or can I, as it is merely a text file?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 14, 2010, 08:13:55 PM
I would like to know more about you boot.plist idea,

I have the keyboard working 98% but need to find out for sure how this issue is happening, If I plug it into a USB Hub with another keyboard it works fine. but when I added more USB bits like (WiFi, mouse) it wont work.......

I suspect that Apple Alu keyboards dont draw power out of the USB port like they would do on an Apple computer......
There is power always goinf to the Apple Alu Keyboard (I ran a test)!!!

The test was..

Plug the keyboard into the USB port on the motherboard byt itself...
Plug a USB drive pen that has a LED light on it drive into the Keyboards USB ports (I have 2 UBS on my keyboard, they are at both ends of the keyboard)

Then you will ssee that the USB Pen drive lights us, proving there is power going to the keyboard.....

This is a weird one! we could do with more people involved so we can get to the bottom of it! as it seems like something that can be fixed pretty easily! ;D
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 14, 2010, 08:23:50 PM
If you boot into Windows, and open the device manager, then open the properties for each of your USB ports, it will display the current power being used. I'll check what mine says over the weekend, I'll also try modifying the boot.plist in Windows to see what happens ...
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 17, 2010, 02:56:37 PM
Hmm I remember some hiccups too some time ago, not in Chameleon but w/ the USB legacy on/off thing while cold booting.

I think I nailed it @ some point but I have to fire up the hack and start checking things again.

(Using the same kbrd that OP mentions)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 17, 2010, 03:17:06 PM
Oh great news! would you be able to have a look for us.

I think it might be down to either a driver (Kext) or the DSDP.... maybe not...

I downgraded my Bios,. and the keyboard seems to work ok from time to time.... it work like 80 of the time... but has a lag of about 90 seconds....

check this out. some more info for our cause! 8)

http://www.convertit2mac.com/forum/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=44&threadid=74
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 17, 2010, 03:21:17 PM
Just an idea.

I have 2 partitions

1.EFI (Hidden)
2. Snow Leopard

Will the hidden EFI partition contain kexts?, Im not sure as I can get into it.....
I know Chameleon looks at the EFI partition 1st when booting...

a Guy over at convertit2mac.com has a key of these keyboards, updated some of the to the new firmware and kept some at the old firmware...

The old firmware works at boot, and in Chameleon no problem....

The new one don’t work so good!
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 17, 2010, 03:43:22 PM
You're complicating things now

- I remember hiccups that have to do w/ the said kbrd and its BIOS-based support (or its lack of) before booting any OS/KEXTS
- The EFI partition can hold you Chameleon setup, including KEXTS and other related files
- The link you posted is about other software, if you're using it you should seek advice from the same place
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 17, 2010, 03:52:44 PM
Sorry if its complicating for you.

The link I posted is about the Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo not any software

The questions are.

How do I get it to work Or how can I revert back to the old factory firmware 0.34?

Can it be fixed with Driver/Kext in the Extra folder? OR Is it a possibility that the EFI partition can hold a Kext that would make the keyboard work?.

How did you get it to work?

Thanks again for your time. 8)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 17, 2010, 04:06:54 PM
No problem, just keep it simple and step by step

We're using different mobos/bios and as I said I have to check w/ my hack to see if my findings are any good for you (and even if they're still working for me)

What kind of firmware are you talking about and where did you get it from? You can always revert back to the old firmware by the same means you flashed the "new" one. You've got a backup right?

Moving this to the BH and let's continue our discussion there. I'll post some screenshots/settings from my hack later and see if its of any help  :)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 17, 2010, 04:23:28 PM
Nice one!


Firmware:
well what happens is The Apple Alu Keyboard is shipped with a 0.34 Firware (well my one was), Now apple update has updated it to 1.1 ( I think) Just not sure how to get it back to the 0.34 firmware...

BIOS:
I flashed my BIOS with the newest Intel D975XBX2 Badaxe 2 firmware (that included some USB fixes) but the keyboard remained the same. (not working at boot). I have now downgraded my BIOS back a few firmware’s and got the Keyboard to work but only when plugged into a USB post right next to another USB keyboard... (Weird I know) Plus its got like a 2 mins lag (when switching between OSX and Windows in Chameleon boot loader.

Any help to what your setting are would be great and what you done to get it going. As I say, it is working but only just....

 :(
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 17, 2010, 07:04:45 PM
It would definitely be something related to the BIOS or USB component of the system. Nothing to do with Kexts or drivers within OSX, as these aren't even loaded untily after the Chameleon boot loader. Anyway, the only reason I wanted to get it working has been taken care of with Chameleon's "boot.plist" options - default partition to boot from. Now I can just set which partition I want to boot to, before restarting the system - not the best way to do things, but good enough for my needs :)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 17, 2010, 08:40:01 PM
I still cant put my finger on the problem..... very weird indeed, there is defo power to the keyboard as soon as the machine is turned on. I tested this with a USB device with a LED on it, the LED lights up as soon as I push the power button.

So something going on! hahaha

anymore ideas?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 17, 2010, 08:45:18 PM
I just tried an old Apple keyboard from my Blueberry iMac (tray loading), and it worked perfectly using the same USB slot. Maybe i should try to hook up the internal keyboard from my Apple II+ and see how that works  :P
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 18, 2010, 12:05:19 AM
Just tried this keyboard on my laptop (Sony Vaio VGN-N38z) I used the Iboot cd (same as 123 boot) and the Keyboard worked, even in the BIOS! so iys 100% a problem with the bad axe 2 USB ports......

I wonder if a PCI USB Card would sort that out? A nice Belkin one (that used the NEC chipset) so its 110% compatable with Snow Leo.

Need to order one though! ;D
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 18, 2010, 12:15:14 AM
Please update this thread if you get it working using a PCI USB card, I didn't even think of that :)

By the way, my motherboard is an Intel D945GCZ.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 18, 2010, 04:17:57 PM
Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card F5U220 on its way!

I thought that by NOT using the built in USB ports on the Bad Axe 2 it might work... There seems to be some problem with the USB Bus power on this mobo for some reason....

Hopefully a PCI Card will do the trick since it will bypass the Mobo USB..

The pci card uses the N.E.C chipset, that is 110% compatible with osx

I will report back. ;D
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 19, 2010, 07:38:20 PM
the USB PCI card didn't work, it seems like there is power going to the pci card at boot, when keyboard just wont play ball...
what more ideas?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 20, 2010, 11:49:12 PM
I can only access my hack remotely atm, so can't really see what's cooking during POST, neither my actual BIOS settings but:

looks like I have a bit more options in the BIOS than the ones you mention:

(http://imgur.com/5oyxSs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/5oyxS.png) (http://imgur.com/uE7SZs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/uE7SZ.png)

I got it working but only when a non Apple Keyboard is plugged into the same port (Via a USB Hub) or right next to it on the motherboard, But If i plug anything else into any of the USB ports the apple keyboard dont work.

That rings a bell too but I only use USB for the keyboard itself, a wireless mouse and an iMic (sometimes), all on different USB ports on the motherboard.

If you boot into Windows, and open the device manager, then open the properties for each of your USB ports, it will display the current power being used..


ASP info from the hack and MBP with the same keyboard:

(http://imgur.com/wPleBs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/wPleB.gif) (http://imgur.com/XnIUDs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/XnIUD.gif)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 21, 2010, 11:47:17 AM
Thanks for this info rocksteady.

The Intel D975XBX2 Bad Axe 2 does not have all this BIOS USB options. I have... Very limited...

1. Enable/Disable USB ports
2. Enable/Disable USB Legacy

rocksteady ….did you mention that you had the Intel D975XBX2 Bad Axe 2?.

I have found the following information....

1. The keyboard will never work on a cold boot, sometimes after a warm boot it works 100% and sometimes not at all, and sometimes is works with a huge 2 min delay.... but it has to have the Microsoft keyboard plugged for it to work.

2. A Microsoft keyboard work 100% all of the time.

3. The keyboards must be the only USB devices in the motherboard USB ports for it to work.

4. A PCI USB card didn’t work for the keyboard either.

If I am using I’m using Chameleon 2.0-RC4 would playing about with the boot options help me?. I have been hunting about on the net for some clues. And stumbled over these..

 <key>PciRoot</key>
<string>1</string>

(Not sure what PCI Root does)

<key>USBBusFix</key>
<string>yes</string>

<key>EHCIacquire</key>
<string>yes</string>

<key>UHCOreset</key>
<string>yes</string>

Failing that could it be something to do with my dsdt.aml ? this be altered to make the USB ports work all the time? I have seen people editing this dsdt.aml file to get things to work before...

Any further suggestion or ideas?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 21, 2010, 09:46:15 PM
Hey Logic,

rocksteady ….did you mention that you had the Intel D975XBX2 Bad Axe 2?.

No, never had an intel board, just the one in my sig

Try the following for some basic cold boot troubleshooting


Repeat the above with a minimal set of usb devices, say the keyboard itself and the mouse (on a different usb port on the motherboard not on the keyboard hub)


If I am using I’m using Chameleon 2.0-RC4 would playing about with the boot options help me?. I have been hunting about on the net for some clues. And stumbled over these..

Chameleon can do some slick things and we're busy in the kitchen trying to fix bugs and enhance functionality but it can't add the missing mA that your motherboard greedily eats up from your USB bus  :P

Joking aside, you can use the Default Partition option (http://forum.voodooprojects.org/index.php/topic,351.msg4311.html#msg4311) to have your preferred OS load even when your keyboard acts up. Partial software-based workaround for a hardware-based problem.

Failing that could it be something to do with my dsdt.aml ? this be altered to make the USB ports work all the time? I have seen people editing this dsdt.aml file to get things to work before...

Are you using a vanilla one so far?

A patched DSDT helps to get things recognized/work properly only after the bootloader takes over in order to set the field for the OS. It can sure help to tidy things up considering the usual mess they come with from the mobo manufacturer but again it won't add any mA to your system during POST.

Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 22, 2010, 10:20:34 AM
Well I just managed to somehow fry my Aluminum keyboard. Doing all of this plugging in on different ports has taken its toll :D Keyboard is now non-responsive and doesn't even work on my MacBook Pro :( Good thing it is still under warranty...
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 22, 2010, 05:08:56 PM
Yikes! Sorry to hear that Drule

but then again USB sucks donkey balls, I wonder why people use it so much

btw, is USB terminated properly on your mobo + case? I've seen some really ugly work form time to time...
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 22, 2010, 07:29:32 PM
I also have the BlueTooth version of that keyboard, but I'm having enough problems trying to get my BT Mighty Mouse operational in my current OSx86 SL 10.6.2 installation, so its USB or bust for now :) Don't laugh, but I'm typing this with a Blueberry iMac keyboard attached to my OSx86 system, staring at my MacBook Pro with MagicMouse and BT Aluminum Keyboard just sitting a few feet away, collecting dust until I sort this mess out :D Ok, laugh.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 22, 2010, 08:21:50 PM
 :lol no:  priceless

10 points for the funniest situation man

The old colored iMac Keyboards play nice from the first go (at least here) usb1 though, but I do miss its power button

What's wrong with the BT Mouse? BIOS/POST or OS X hiccups?, all you need is a compatible BT dongle (for the OS X part)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 22, 2010, 08:42:02 PM
Yup, that power button came  in handy a few times when I couldn't get the mouse active. :)

As for my BT MightyMouse, it works perfectly with my OSx86 10.5.7 installation (same computer, I'm test installing 10.6.x on an eSata drive attached to it). So I've been trying to figure out what is different about the IOBlueToothFamily and IOBlueToothHIDDriver kexts that are behaving nicely in 10.5.7 from those that refuse to recognize my mouse in 10.6.x

Of course, having attempted various SL installations on my Pentium D system this past week, without any success, has left me a bit confused as to what worked , what didn't and what to do next. Some sleep will probably help :)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 23, 2010, 02:39:35 PM
thanks again guys, I will do some more testing in the next few days.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 10:10:12 PM
Hi again, been away for a few days. I have done some testing regarding this problem of mine! The install I have is 100% Vanilla installed with retail DVD. Everyting runs 100% rock solid! very fast, apple updates no problem, everythng works fine, sleep, restart etc etc etc.

Only 1 problem...... Apple Alu keyboard dont work at Chameleon 2.0-RC4 OS selector.

1. You mention POST at boot, I take it you mean this sort of thing.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/mainboards/ga-p55-ud6/bios_post.png (http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/mainboards/ga-p55-ud6/bios_post.png)

I only get an Intel splash logo with "press F2 for setup" like this

http://xtreview.com/images/Intel-DP35DP/Intel-DP965LT-bios-1.jpg (http://xtreview.com/images/Intel-DP35DP/Intel-DP965LT-bios-1.jpg)

There dosent seem to be any setting in the BIOS to take this off. So I cant see whats being detected at POST.

2. I done some digging about on other forums and found a few interesting things, maybe you can tell me if they could work.

First is the USB Fix. Some people say it might work???????

Code: [Select]
<key>EHCIacquire</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>UHCIreset</key>
<string>Yes</string>

Other one is using a DSDT Patch fix... DSDT patch for USB to use native driver.


Code: [Select]
Method (_DSM, 4, NotSerialized)
                {
                    Store (Package (0x0f)
                        {
                            "device-id",
                            Buffer (0x04)
                            {
                                0x34, 0x3A, 0x00, 0x00  //the values below
                            },
                            "AAPL,clock-id",   // property needed for sleep support
                            Buffer (One)
                            {
                                0x0a   
                            },

                                "built-in",
                                Buffer ()
                                {
                                        0x00
                                },

                              "device_type",   //not sure it is useful
                              Buffer (0x05)
                              {
                                  "EHCI"
                              },

                           
                            "AAPL,current-available",
                            0x04B0,
                            "AAPL,current-extra",
                            0x02BC,
                            "AAPL,current-in-sleep",  // to solve a problem with sleep when stick is inserted
                            0x03E8,

                            Buffer (0x01)
                            {
                                0x00
                            }
                        }, Local0)
                    DTGP (Arg0, Arg1, Arg2, Arg3, RefOf (Local0))
                    Return (Local0)
                }

Code: [Select]
DeviceIDs:
Intel
USB1 - 0x2830
USB2 - 0x2831
USB3 - 0x2832
USB4 - 0x2834
USB5 - 0x2835
EHC1 - 0x2836
EHC2 - 0x283a
nForce
USB1 - 0x0aa5
USB2 - 0x0aa7
EHC1 - 0x0aa6

Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 10:15:48 PM
Oh 1 more thing. I mentioned that the Apple Alu keyboard in question works 100% fine on my Sony VGN-N38Z Laptop no problem at the Chameleon 2.0-RC4 OS Selector. This latop has the same USB chip as the badaxe 2 and uses the same ICH7R but still the bad axe 2 wont let it work. I have alsp tried only booting with the keyboard and mouse. No luck......

Maybe time to get a new motherboard?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 27, 2010, 10:25:52 PM
It is not a Chameleon problem, it is BIOS related. The two patches/fixes you mention will only take effect once OSX has loaded. Doesn't your Aluminum keyboard work once OSX is loaded?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 10:39:57 PM
I thought it was BIOS related, It work in windows 100% and in snow leopard 100% just not at boot.
But my other USB keyboard works fine at boot........... Thats a microsoft one.

I wonder how the 2 keyboards differ from 1 being able to work at POST/BIOS and Os selector and 1 does not.
I wonder what Bad Axe 2 BIOS lets the apple keyboard work......

Maybe time to get a new Mobo? I think the intel Bad Axe 2 is a bit dated but works good with snow leo
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: rocksteady on May 27, 2010, 11:00:45 PM
1. You mention POST at boot, I take it you mean this sort of thing.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/mainboards/ga-p55-ud6/bios_post.png (http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/mainboards/ga-p55-ud6/bios_post.png)

Yep that's what POST messages look like

I only get an Intel splash logo with "press F2 for setup" like this
http://xtreview.com/images/Intel-DP35DP/Intel-DP965LT-bios-1.jpg (http://xtreview.com/images/Intel-DP35DP/Intel-DP965LT-bios-1.jpg)
There dosent seem to be any setting in the BIOS to take this off. So I cant see whats being detected at POST.

Weird, there should be a QuickBoot, Logo, Splashscreen or something similar in your BIOS and an option to enable/disable it. On the other hand, if you searched meticulously, you're SOL

Booter options and DSDT patching will take some homework, it isn't a copy/paste job

Everyting runs 100% rock solid! very fast, apple updates no problem, everythng works fine, sleep, restart etc etc etc.

Only 1 problem...... Apple Alu keyboard dont work at Chameleon 2.0-RC4 OS selector.
Maybe time to get a new Mobo? I think the intel Bad Axe 2 is a bit dated but works good with snow leo

Personally I wouldn't buy a new mobo just to make a particular kbrd play nice with the BIOS, but it's your $, your call.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:12:36 PM
I woulnt get a new mobo just because the keyboard aint playing nice. I do think the badaxe 2 is a bit outdated BIOS wise for snow leo, but it does the job ok.

There must be something going on with this keyboard. I WILL get to the bottom of it! hahaha
was going to buy a apple white plastic on but not sure if that will even work.

I can get my head round this...

1. Sony vaio works with both apple keyboard and microsoft keyboard at boot.
2. Badaxe 2 works with microsoft keyboard and applekeyboard (works like 4% of the time)

I would say that its a BIOS problem but why is the microsoft keyboard working ok...... If it was a BIOS problem the microsoft keyboard wouldnt work either.

the 2 keyboards must have different parts inside of them. I even got a apple USB extension cable for the keyboard as the keyboard usb wire has a weird groove in the USB plug. I though that the weird groove might be missing some of the power of someting, but i was wrong....

I have heard of 1 other badaxe user have this working...... i got in touch with him but nothing back from him. :-[
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 27, 2010, 11:22:04 PM
It is because the BIOS is geared towards Windows related equipment, not Apple hardware. Which why all the other keyboards work without any problems. Even older Apple keyboards may work (see above), just not the Aluminum ones :(

Which means there is no guarantee that a new motherboard will fix the issue. FYI my MB is an Intel D945GCZ, and it doesn't recognize it.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:31:00 PM
i understand what your saying, but i had it working (only sometimes) its like its sharing the microsoft keyboard power.
I press the microsoft keyboard caps lock and the apple one lights up also! weird!!!

Maybe I should get over it!

The guys over here http://www.convertit2mac.com/forum/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=44&threadid=74 (http://www.convertit2mac.com/forum/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=44&threadid=74) are having the same problem, but 1 user seems to thing he has it working ok.......

http://www.convertit2mac.com also have a patched DSDT made for the badaxe2 and it says it fixes some problems..

http://www.convertit2mac.com/forum/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=3&threadid=31 (http://www.convertit2mac.com/forum/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=3&threadid=31)

I know we say that a DSDT wont solve this problem but i wonder what they fixed......
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:33:16 PM
also a user "buildsmart" reports that he has the same keyboard but on the old 0.34 firmware and it works fine. Mine is at the new firmware that kills this functionality of what we are talking about.

Is there anyway of getting the keyboard back to 0.34 firmware
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 27, 2010, 11:36:59 PM
When you say you had it working, are you sure it was with Chameleon or at the BIOS screen? Or was it in OSX that it worked? Mine works fine shortly after the kernel is loaded (test it by hitting the CapsLock - once it starts lighting up the system recognizes it).
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:46:31 PM
check this info out!

http://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-usa-09/CHEN/BHUSA09-Chen-RevAppleFirm-SLIDES.pdf

Good reading
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 27, 2010, 11:47:16 PM
Just read the post on that link, which you posted, and BuildSmart was referring to a wireless aluminum keyboard, which is a different animal :)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:48:50 PM
When you say you had it working, are you sure it was with Chameleon or at the BIOS screen? Or was it in OSX that it worked? Mine works fine shortly after the kernel is loaded (test it by hitting the CapsLock - once it starts lighting up the system recognizes it).

I had it working via when it was plugged into the computer right next to the microsoft keyboard (bith side by side in usb ports) then it worked (sometimes) to get into BIOS and at Chameleon boot selector.

But only some times, never from a cold boot!
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:50:41 PM
Just read the post on that link, which you posted, and BuildSmart was referring to a wireless aluminum keyboard, which is a different animal :)

I defo sure he was talking abou the wired one. as the 1st post is about the wired one and then he goes onto say "I have several of these keyboards which was purchased as a 10pk when they first became available."
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 27, 2010, 11:52:15 PM
check this info out!

http://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-usa-09/CHEN/BHUSA09-Chen-RevAppleFirm-SLIDES.pdf

Good reading

Looks interesting, but I don't have time to go through it all at the moment. Hopefully it will solve our problem :)
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 27, 2010, 11:56:51 PM
I think the key is to downgrade the firmware... BUT how! they guys email addy is on that PDF at the end, maybe we could email him?
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Drule on May 28, 2010, 12:01:04 AM
Well he shows how to bypass the "Firmware already upgraded" check, so I'd say if you can find an older firmware package, you should be able to downgrade.
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 28, 2010, 12:04:44 AM
there was an installer for the new firware so there must be one for the old one somewhere to...... ;D
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 28, 2010, 09:01:30 AM
well, it seems we are not the only ones with this problem, mac users are also getting the problem on mac hardware...

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1416944&tstart=0
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Gringo Vermelho on May 28, 2010, 04:10:26 PM
 :o That'll be the day, when you have to use an Apple Remote to boot up a Hackintosh with an Apple alu keyboard..
Title: Re: Apple Aluminium Keyboard at boot on Intel Badaxe 2 Mobo
Post by: Logicpro8_user on May 28, 2010, 05:43:24 PM
I know! makes no sense! I find that if I leave the 2 keyboards (apple alu and Microsoft) both plugged in, after a few boots the apple one seems to work at boot. about 50% of the time.

Its either the badaxe 2 BIOS or the keyboard firmware. Would like to know how to downgrade the alu keyboard firmware to the old one. Im on keyboard firware version 0.69 i know there is a 0.34 about but cant find it. the 0.34 one seems to work fine.