A little remote no longer

[davowolf]

It appears this no longer works since recently upgrading to my iMac and Catalina. Previously had MBPro 15".

Is it the end for it ?

 

[Raz0rEdge]

How exactly were you using that remote with the MBP since it doesn't have a IR receiver? Neither does the the iMac?

 

[davowolf]

I used an external 21" Apple screen with the laptop (never used the screen as always used indoors) and found the remote so useful.

I assume then this 21" did have an ir receiver ?

Disappointed to hear my iMac doesn't. Such a useful way to control on/off and volume.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

As you see from this compatibility list the remote was designed to work with a very small subset of Macs and only for a model year or two. Especially since all Mac keyboards have the controls easily accessible on them, likely no need for remote.

 

[ferrarr]

Look in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. You should be able to grant access to the remote somewhere in there.

Yes, Catalina is much more secure, and every device you want to have access to your information, you have to give explicit authorization for it.

 

[davowolf]

I dont see anything under Privacy 'f'.

I'm thinking my little remote may well be no longer, if Razor is right about a limited number of compatible devices.

 

[ferrarr]

Did you look in "Advanced", while you were there? There is an option to "Disable remote control infrared receiver"?

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Did you look in "Advanced", while you were there? There is an option to "Disable remote control infrared receiver"?

Not on my 2019 Macbook Pro or 2018 Mac Mini.

 

[ferrarr]

Not on my 2019 Macbook Pro or 2018 Mac Mini.

That explains the issue Davowolf is experiencing.

 

[davowolf]

Indeed so; no mention of ir receiver in Advanced.

So, I'll have to put the little blighter in the museum.

Thanks y'all for the help.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Satechi to the rescue!

Amazon (outdated link removed)

• COMPATIBILITY - supports most Bluetooth-enabled devices including, iPhone 11 Pro Max/11 Pro/11, XS Max/XS/XR/X , 8/8+, iPad Pro, iPod Touch, Samsung Galaxy S8, MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac Mini and more

Amazon

 

[Lifeisabeach]

You can also add an IR receiver to any Mac.

Apple Remote IR Receiver and customizing software for Mac OSX and HTPC/Boxee - Mira & Manta TR1 Receiver from Twisted Melon

(incompatible with Catalina)

 

[davowolf]

So in conclusion, if like me you use Catalina, its back to square one then; even the Satechi with ir upgrade to my iMac 27" (2019) won't work like my little white one ?

 

[Lifeisabeach]

So in conclusion, if like me you use Catalina, its back to square one then; even the Satechi with ir upgrade to my iMac 27" (2019) won't work like my little white one ?

The Satechi remote controls the volume, play/pause, etc. I haven't used it myself, but they say it works and I see no reason why it wouldn't. It uses bluetooth, not IR.

EDIT: Here's their product pages with another that they make:

Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote | Keyboards & Computer Peripherals
Aluminum Wireless Remote Control | Keyboards & Computer Peripherals

 

[Slydude]

Thanks for chasing that gizmo down LB. I thought Bluetooth solutions would work but hadn't chased it down yet. I use one of the Logitech remotes that has the option of using software to turn your iPhone/iPad into a remote. It works reasonably well as a remote but I haven'y used it to control the Mac much.

Aside: We have a third generation Apple TV and shortly after we got it my wife replaced the multi-device remote she was using, My job was to find and enter the control codes for our gear into the remote. As II started teaching the new remote the commands from our Apple TV remote my MacBook Pro started going berserk. It took me a minute or two to realize I needed to turn off the IR receiver which I had forgotten was even turned on.

 

[chscag]

You can also add an IR receiver to any Mac.

Apple Remote IR Receiver and customizing software for Mac OSX and HTPC/Boxee - Mira & Manta TR1 Receiver from Twisted Melon

(incompatible with Catalina)

Yeah, that's too bad. My Manta TR1 is now resting quietly in my obsolete junk box. Worked great with iTunes and older versions of Quicktime.