14 replies to this topic

[~Mr.Lonely~]

Hi there, I am hunting a mini pci-e wireless card for my hack. I come across that the ar5bxb112 are the fastest(450mbps) and natively supported card but after some research i notice that there is a half mini version of the card called ar5bhb112 where Qualcomm advertise it as exactly same card as ar5bxb112.
This is the eBay link of the card http://item.mobilewe...Id=220890763103
Can anyone confirm with me the card will work OOB as airport like ar5bxb112?
Do I need to rebrand the subsystem Id ? If yes what are they as I can confirm the device Id of this half mini card (168c:0030) is exactly same as the full size card.
The version my hack running is 10.7.2(64 bit vanilla without any kext except fakesmc and speed stepper patch )

My objective is to get a dual band Mimo 3x3,3 wireless card that work natively.

All input are welcomed ! Thank you !


Best regard,
Ken

[LatinMcG]

cant rebrand the card.. i bet nobody has been able to rebrand it without special tools.

likely it should work.

[~Mr.Lonely~]

LatinMcG, on 11 January 2012 - 05:11 AM, said:

cant rebrand the card.. i bet nobody has been able to rebrand it without special tools.

likely it should work.

Can you further explain y nobody can rebrand it ? Cause I saw iMac 2011 is using this ar5bxb112 as its wifi card.
And I just checked the extension for wifi in s/l/e the device Id 0030 is in the info.plist is that indicate that I can use it ? I need more info before making my purchase hopefully owner or someone who use this card before can share their experiance .


Thank you

Best regard,
Ken

[LatinMcG]

i take it u havent read anything about rebranding.
the SUBVENDOR id and SUBSYSTEM id  determine who made card and capabilities.

the only tools ive seen that could rebrand AR928x could not rebrand. only region  not id..

find one person that has rebranded AR9380.

however u can buy a reall apple card for 50$ but its not half size.

the device id is same. means it likely will work as long as rom isnt majorly different.

and u wont find prety much anyone that has used that card. its new on market less than 3 months.

[stevester911]

It will work, and while ^^ is correct that you can't rebrand the card you can "rebrand" the driver for the card to recognize it should it have a different device id.

[LatinMcG]

stevester911, on 12 January 2012 - 02:26 AM, said:

It will work, and while ^^ is correct that you can't rebrand the card you can "rebrand" the driver for the card to recognize it should it have a different device id.

rebrand the driver = add the device id to the info.plist = when u update the info.plist might be replaced and need to mod again. unles u make a legacy kext

[Skvo]

~Mr.Lonely~, on 10 January 2012 - 09:16 PM, said:

This is the eBay link of the card http://item.mobilewe...Id=220890763103
Can anyone confirm with me the card will work OOB as airport like ar5bxb112?

Hi.

AR5BHB112 does not work in Mac OS X 10.6.8, аnd does not work in Mac OS X 10.7.2

The card is recognized, but it doesn't find any wireless networks.

Logs in Mac OS X 10.6.8:

Spoiler

>> lspci -nnv
…
02:00.0 Network controller [0280]: Atheros Communications Inc. AR9300 Wireless LAN adaptor [168c:0030] (rev 01)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company HB112AGN 802.11abgn 3x3 Wi-Fi Adapter [103c:1627]
…
>> kextstat | grep AirPort
71 0 0x35325000 0x14e000 0x14d000 com.apple.driver.AirPort.Atheros9388 (426.35.3) <70 69 13 7 5 4 3 1>
>> system_profiler SPAirPortDataType -detailLevel full
AirPort:
  Software Versions:
  Menu Extra: 6.2.2 (622.2)
  configd plug-in: 6.2.5 (625.6)
  System Profiler: 6.0.1 (601.1)
  Network Preference: 6.2.2 (622.2)
  AirPort Utility: 5.5.3 (553.20)
  IO80211 Family: 3.2 (320.1)
  Interfaces:
en1:
  Card Type: AirPort Extreme  (0x168C, 0x1627)
  Firmware Version: Atheros 9380: 4.0.35.3
  Locale: RoW
  Country Code:
  Supported Channels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165
  Wake On Wireless: Supported
  Status: Not Associated
>> sudo dmesg
...
29.473488: ath_get_caps[4036] rx chainmask mismatch actual 7 sc_chainmak 0
29.479561: ath_get_caps[4011] tx chainmask mismatch actual 7 sc_chainmak 0
29.495124: Atheros: mac 448.3 phy 2704.1329.495172:  radio 0.029.495191:
29.501714: Use hw queue 0 for WME_AC_BE traffic
29.507326: Use hw queue 1 for WME_AC_BK traffic
29.512883: Use hw queue 2 for WME_AC_VI traffic
29.518193: Use hw queue 3 for WME_AC_VO traffic
29.523507: Use hw queue 8 for CAB traffic
29.528633: Use hw queue 9 for beacons
29.534421: wlan_vap_create : enter. devhandle=0x23b934ec, opmode=IEEE80211_M_STA, flags=0x1
29.541497: wlan_vap_create : exit. devhandle=0x23b934ec, opmode=IEEE80211_M_STA, flags=0x1.
29.742187: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
AirPort_AtherosNewma40: Ethernet address 88:9f:fa:2d:b8:d5
IO80211Controller::dataLinkLayerAttachComplete():  adding AppleEFINVRAM notification
IO80211Interface::efiNVRAMPublished():
AirPort: Link Down on en1. Reason 8 (Disassociated because station leaving).
40.085791: setDISASSOC from disconnectVap
40.085823: switchVap from 1 to 1
40.176601: performCountryCodeOperation: Disconnecting from AP
40.176626: setDISASSOC from disconnectVap
40.305546: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
40.311417: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
40.779406: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
40.790545: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
40.793742: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
40.916872: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
41.887928: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
42.011064: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
43.950662: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
43.961415: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
43.964607: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
44.420879: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
44.432542: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
44.435860: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
44.558941: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
45.530229: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
45.653380: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
47.593501: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
47.604679: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
47.607933: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
48.064620: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
48.075727: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
48.078980: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
48.202117: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
49.173361: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
49.296685: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
51.236933: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
51.247929: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
51.251150: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
51.707550: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
68.189827: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
68.193360: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
68.482306: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
69.453688: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
69.866432: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
71.807239: Tx IQ Cal failed(4189)
...

Logs in Mac OS X 10.7.2:

Spoiler

>> kextstat | grep AirPort
51 0 0x4ac21000 0x179000 0x178000 com.apple.driver.AirPort.Atheros40 (501.58.1) <50 19 14 7 5 4 3 1>
>> system_profiler SPAirPortDataType -detailLevel full
Wi-Fi:
  Software Versions:
  CoreWLAN: 2.1.1 (211.3)
  CoreWLANKit: 1.0.1 (101.1)
  Menu Extra: 7.0.1 (701.2)
  configd plug-in: 7.1.1 (711.1)
  System Profiler: 7.0 (700.3)
  IO80211 Family: 4.1.1 (411.1)
  WiFi Diagnostics: 1.0.1 (101.1)
  AirPort Utility: 5.5.3 (553.20)
  Interfaces:
en1:
  Card Type: AirPort Extreme  (0x168C, 0x1627)
  Firmware Version: Atheros 9380: 4.0.58.4-P2P
  MAC Address: 88:9f:fa:2d:b8:89
  Locale: RoW
  Country Code:
  Supported Channels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165
  Wake On Wireless: Supported
  AirDrop: Supported
  Status: Not Associated
>> sudo dmesg
...
P7.439991: ath_get_caps[4036] rx chainmask mismatch actual 7 sc_chainmak 0
7.451981: ath_get_caps[4011] tx chainmask mismatch actual 7 sc_chainmak 0
7.475643: Atheros: mac 448.3 phy 1303.127.475672:  radio 0.07.475682:
7.489559: Use hw queue 0 for WME_AC_BE traffic
7.500709: Use hw queue 1 for WME_AC_BK traffic
7.511685: Use hw queue 2 for WME_AC_VI traffic
7.522921: Use hw queue 3 for WME_AC_VO traffic
7.533762: Use hw queue 8 for CAB traffic
7.544120: Use hw queue 9 for beacons
7.554324: wlan_vap_create : enter. devhandle=0x37d664ec, opmode=IEEE80211_M_STA, flags=0x1
7.566522: wlan_vap_create : exit. devhandle=0x37d664ec, opmode=IEEE80211_M_STA, flags=0x1.
7.578500: start[1012] sc->sc_inuse_cnt is at offset: 2008, sizeof(_sc->sc_ic) is 2294
AirPort_AtherosNewma40: Ethernet address 88:9f:fa:2d:b8:89
IO80211Controller::dataLinkLayerAttachComplete():  adding AppleEFINVRAM notification
IO80211Interface::efiNVRAMPublished():
AirPort: Link Down on en1. Reason 8 (Disassociated because station leaving).
45.735660: setDISASSOC from disconnectVap
45.735681: switchVap from 1 to 1
46.070958: performCountryCodeOperation: Disconnecting from AP
46.070972: setDISASSOC from disconnectVap
46.085886: setWOW_PARAMETERS:wowevents = 2(1)
46.404636: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
46.408797: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
46.884151: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
47.105099: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
47.109499: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
47.232784: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
47.525844: setWOW_PARAMETERS:wowevents = 2(1)
48.209655: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
48.333968: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
50.281116: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
51.414581: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
51.418846: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
51.887398: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
51.979606: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
51.983998: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
52.108594: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
53.099096: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
53.223689: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
55.171950: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
59.833797: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
59.838055: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
60.304404: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
60.500494: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
60.504809: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
60.630114: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
61.605859: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
61.730708: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
63.692429: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
72.614671: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
72.618848: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
72.913733: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
73.905803: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
74.327151: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
76.274450: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
80.358382: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
80.362692: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
80.656213: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
81.631933: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
82.051850: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
84.013127: Tx IQ Cal failed(4193)
...

A similar problem:
D-Link DWA-566 (chipset AR9382) - http://www.osx86.net...-dwa-566-a.html
BigFoot Killer Wirelwss-N 1102 aka AR5BHB116 (chipset AR9382) - http://bbs.pcbeta.co...932196-1-1.html

[LatinMcG]

i guess u need the real apple card.

[Hacktrix2006]

I also have the same card and same issue. I have tried everything myself and still looking. Its wierd its finding the WiFi card just not allowing it to search.

Going to give KisMac a go as there used to be some atheros cards that didn't search untill that was running and i will let you know.

[Hacktrix2006]

KisMac didn't help so it looks like till the Linux Drivers are done which are currently being made the chances of getting it working on Mac will be slim for now

[LatinMcG]

likely issues due to it being half ? chipset might change compared to regular apple ? or subvendor needs to be faked  in dsdt ?

[Hacktrix2006]

Well for Apple to Detect it as a AR9380 not a AR9382 and show in the Airport Icon is a step in the good direction. A DSDT hack to change the sub and dev id as you say might be the way. Now the Killer N1103 is infact a half size AR9380 as its a 3R3T device and has the same components.

Is there such as DSDT edit for it ? if so could someone help me out on it if i get the IOReg after another clean install of Lion.

[LatinMcG]

device id is 30 not 2A .. subvendor id of apple version known ? ar5bxb112
use AR9285 dsdt fix as a guide for dsdt . cept add the _DSM section under _ADR and not the whole code of _PWR

found this in x86wifi.blogspot

Chris DaryOct 3, 2011 06:01 PM
McShively, just to follow up on your curiosity re: the ar5bxb112 - I ordered one, and it works perfectly for wifi by following this tutorial, but it doesn't seem to work with (and in fact seems to interfere with) bluetooth.

It does have 3 antennae ports - Labelled Ch. 0, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, and I only have antennae on 0 and 1. May be related, but I don't think so as Bluetooth shows up as fully unavailable on my mac now. My USB dongle will work sporadically and then fail.


so this tells me they do work.. on desktops and bluetooth is an issue.
maybe yours has a difference in chipset programin due to half ? (lower power = different firmware ? )

i had a similar experience with AW-NE772 was supposed to work and it didnt. it almost did. AW-NE771 does
so i find the Ar5B91 works better for me than AR5B92 ^ .. same family chipset but  was not working properly.

[Hacktrix2006]

Thanks for that mate. Will have a mess about to see if i can get it to work like. As far as with the DSDT i will have a look if i can't get it right would you be able to have a look at the DSDT with a IOReg like ?

[LatinMcG]

theres not much i can do to fix whats not fixable in dsdt.

driver or a dependancy issue.. or even a propietary firmware ? who knows? not me

subsystem id is 9A

Atheros Communications Inc. AR9300 Wireless LAN adaptor [168c:0030] (rev 01)
Subsystem: Apple Computer Inc. Device [106b:009a]
Control: I/O+ Mem+ BusMaster+ SpecCycle- MemWINV- VGASnoop- ParErr- Stepping- SERR- FastB2B- DisINTx-
Status: Cap+ 66MHz- UDF- FastB2B- ParErr- DEVSEL=fast >TAbort- <TAbort- <MAbort- >SERR- <PERR- INTx-
Latency: 0, Cache Line Size: 256 bytes
Interrupt: pin A routed to IRQ 17
Region 0: Memory at a8600000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=128K]
Expansion ROM at 8f900000 [disabled] [size=64K]
Capabilities: <access denied>