Pairing Saitek A-250 bluetooth speakers with iPhone/iPod touch
Today I paired my old Saitek wireless speakers with my relatively new iPod touch. I’d paired the Saitek to a PC before, and the iPod to a different wireless speaker, but this was my first time with iPod + Saitek.
Here are two links that were helpful to me, one on iPhone/iPod Touch bluetooth and one on the Saitek (and how to pair).
NOTE: these instructions are for the iPhone’s and iPod touch models that have built in bluetooth.
![Hands on with stereo Bluetooth and the iPhone 3.0 update [Macworld]](http://www.jdhodges.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/141249-iphonea2dppairing_original.jpg)
Here’s an excerpt from the 2nd article, altered to be specific to the Saitek A250:
On the iPhone or iPod, launch the Settings app and go to General -> Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is On, and you’ll see the “searching” indicator next to Devices. Then you put your Bluetooth accessory into pairing mode; for most accessories, this involves holding down a connection button (the Saitek forward/reverse icons) until an LED flashes blue and red (or in this case, one of the LCD’s icons flashes faster). Tap on the accessory’s name (the Saitek A-250 is called “DM03 sink”) when it appears in the Devices list on your iPhone or iPod, and in a few seconds it should connect automatically. (The Saitek A-250 requires a passcode “8888” when you connect; a keypad will appear on the iPhone or iPod’s screen.)
![Stream Audio with the Saitek A-250 Wireless 2.1 Speaker System [Geek.com]](http://www.jdhodges.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/logo1.gif){kind=logo}
Here is excerpt from the article, edited to be appicable to the iPhone/iPod:
Saitek A-250 passcode/PIN Number
“The passcode is 8888, but that won’t help unless you put the A-250 in pairing mode.
If you want to use your onboard Bluetooth[…] try the following”
1-Turn on the A-250
2-Initiate a Bluetooth device search from your iPhone/iPod. You should pick up a Headset “DM03-SINK” . That’s the A-250.
3- Now put the A-250 in device pairing mode, by pressing the Back (||) [forward/reverse] buttons at the same time for about 3-4 seconds. Pairing mode will be indicated by the flashing radio signal icon doubling in frequency.
4 – While the A-250 is in pairing mode, initiate a connection process from your iPod/iPhone for the DM03-SINK headset.
5 – when the PIN window opens enter “8888″ and you should get a connection.
6 – once you pair it with your iPhone/iPod, all the audio will play through the speakers
NOTE 1: you have to control volume ON the speakers, the iPhone/iPod won’t be able to adjust the volume
NOTE 2: the pause/play button on the speaker works wirelessly with the iPhone/iPod to pause/play, the forward/backward buttons do not work.
Hey i’ve a question when i serch for devices on my ipod i cant find the saitek a250 speakers. I pressed the forward and reverse buttons and the symbol was blinking faster but i culdnt find it on my ipod
please help me and wirte me a e-mail
Hello,
the same problem!!!!
Thanks a lot. Now I can use my sweet A250 at the pool with my iPhone. Loving it!
Glad to help, enjoy your rockin’ pool time amigo! 🙂
Thank you verry much. for this tip. My bluetooth dongle from Saitek A 250 is broken and then another bluetooth dongle purchased. But I cannot get it to the speakers to get the code because I didn’t know. Through your tip everything works fine again. Thank you verry much. Wim
You’re very welcome Wim! Glad to hear the tip worked and that you’re enjoying your A-250 again. 🙂
Thank you!!
This is what i have been searching for!
Now i can dust off my old A250 and bring it with me into the future! =)
Thank you!
Awesome! Glad your trusty Saitek will be rockin’ it into the future 🙂
Hi, when trying to pair the speakers show up on my MacBook Pro but not on my iPad/iPhone. I am running iOs 5.1
Any advice?
Thanks
Hi Rob!
Thank you for your question. I haven’t upgraded to iOS 5.1 yet so alas I am not much help yet 🙁 Once I get my devices upgraded I will definitely respond if I get it to work! 🙂
In the meantime, perhaps another reader will have a solution?
Best regards,
-JD
Many thanks for this. Working on iPad, iPhone, and macbook pro. IOS 5 & OSX Lion.
Awesome! Very glad it worked well on so many devices 🙂 Have a very happy New Year!
Sorry to post about a different OS – I came across this article whilst searching for an answer to connect the a-250’s to my Android Tab and managed to use the same method to pair it with my ATPrime. Thanks a lot, you’ve managed to ensure that the a-250’s have an extended life now.
Awesome ch! It is good to hear that the instructions were helpful for Android 🙂
I have been evaluating some new speakers and it is surprising how well the A-250’s stack up compared to current offerings.
Enjoy your speakers and thanks for commenting!
Hi !
Neither my iPad nor iPhone (5.1) find my saitek a-250 :(( but my iMac does !!!???
…..am I missing something ?
Thanks for your response !
Raphael
Bordeaux
Hi Raphael,
Thank you for your message. I am sorry to hear that your iPad and iPhone are not working with the A-250 🙁
I am wondering if it is an issue with iOS 5.x because my iPod touch (and I believe my wife’s iPad) running an older version iOS 4.x works very well.
If I find any way to resolve this issue I will let you know!
Best regards,
-JD
MacBook Pro 5,5 OSX 10.7.3: pairs and works perfect with built-in bluetooth and Saitek dongle
Ipad3, IOS 5.1 9B176: can’t find DM03-SINK
Ipad1, IOS 5.1 9B176: can’t find DM03-SINK
Iphone4s, IOS 5.1 9B179: can’t find DM03-SINK
Samsung Wave (GT-S8500), BADA 2.0: finds DM02-SINK, connects OK but no sound. BADA 2.0 is very buggy, it worked with the previous version, BADA 1.x
Mixed results… I like the Saitek speakers but bluetooth support is rather poor, it’s made to work with the dongle only…
Hi Wim,
Thank you for your detailed comment. That information will be helpful in troubleshooting the problems. I am sorry to hear that so many of your devices seem to not work with the Saitek speakers 🙁
Surprisingly, I have had good luck with a variety of Windows laptops and Android phones/tablets. I hope to do some testing with various iOS versions to see if that is the root of some of your problems (as I had no problem with an iPod touch and I believe my wife’s iPad with iOS 4.x connected with no problem either) yet your iOS 5.x devices are not connecting.
Thank you again for your comment and I hope that a new version of iOS (for Apple) and BADA (for Samsung) will resolve the issue for you!
Best regards,
-JD
Hi
Tested this morning again :
– iPhone 3G iOs 4.2.1 : can’t find DM03-SINK
– iPad 2 iOs 5.12 : can’t find DM03-SINK
If it does work for some users on those devices, maybe we’re talking about a “wrong steps” issue on the pairing method. A detailed modus operandi should maybe help us out !?! How long does it take for the device to detect Saitek around ?
Thanks again
Raphael (from Bordeaux)
Hi.
Have the same issue.
Have tried with Iphone4 ios 5.1
Have tried with Ipod gen4 ios 5.0
None of them work with the A-250
Any help is appreciated
Regards,
Johan
Hi Johan,
Thank you for your comment and for the additional diagnostic info.
I am currently away from home (and my A-250 speakers) but when I get home I will try to test my iPod 3rd gen, and my dad’s iPod 4th gen with iOS 4 and iOS 5 to see if a change in iOS 5 is causing the problem.
In the meantime, if any readers/commenters have tips or suggestions please go ahead and post them. Thanks!
Best regards,
-JD
Fantastic. Thanks so much!!!!
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comment. 🙂 I am very glad the pairing info helped!
Best regards,
-JD
My Saitek A.250 has been used in conjunction with my son’s i-pod (wired output to input- ie no blue tooth).
The A.250 no longer switches on (battery and mains)
Any advice please?
Hi Brian,
Thank you for your question, I am sorry to hear about the power problem! Good job trying both battery power and being plugged in, that definitely eliminates that as the problem.
One thing that comes to mind is to check all the buttons on the Saitek. The buttons are always a little finicky and I’ve had mine get stuck before, even at one time I think it may have prevented me from powering on the unit. I had a similar (very frustrating) issue with a CyberPower UPS recently that required me to take the faceplate off to get the button unstuck. So, please check for stuck or malfunctioning buttons.
If all the buttons are working properly then I am not sure what would be causing the issue other than it may have just died. I have never taken apart my A-250 to inspect it but that is always an option if all else fails for you.
Sorry to not be of more help 🙁 but good luck in your efforts to get your nice speakers working again! 🙂
Best regards,
-JD
Steps worked a treat with my Samsung galaxy s2 and i can fuly control playback from the A-250
Thanks
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your success with the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the Saitek A-250!
You have a nice phone and speakers so I hope you enjoy some great music on them 🙂
Best regards,
-JD
Hi JD,
Have you made any progress regarding the pairing of the A-250 with an iPhone / iPod using a newer iOS (like 6.01)?
I have tried anything on my iPod, iPad and iPhone but I can’t find the speaker meanwhile it works perfectly on my MacBook with OS X 10.8.2.
It would be great if you could give me a hit.
Thanks in advance
Hi Basti,
Thank you for your comment. I apologize for taking so long to reply!
Unfortunately, for every upgrade after iOS 4, I have been unable to get any iOS device to pair with the A-250 🙁
Here’s hoping Apple finally repairs A-250 compatibility soon! 🙂
Best regards,
-JD
Whoah. I’ve had my trusty Saitek A-250 for about five years, and I never realised it could use Bluetooth. I’d always just assumed it had its own proprietary protocol. Thanks to you I’ve just connected it to my Samsung Galaxy SII for the first time – goodbye line in cable! (Though I guess the cable’s still easier on the battery life.)
Hi Adrian, that is awesome! Very cool that you are getting good use out of your old Saitek A-250 with a pretty cutting edge device like the SGII. 🙂
Saitek really was very forward looking when they introduced the A-250 as back then portable wireless (bluetooth) speakers were rather rare, unlike today where we have lots of options!
Enjoy your cool-combo of devices and have a great weekend Adrian!
Best regards,
-JD
Thanks a lot for this tutorial.
Now I can use my sweet A250 at the pool with my Android-phones and Tablets.
Wow . . . loving it!
Hi Jessy,
Thank you for your comment, that is awesome that you are using your A250 with some sweet Android devices! It is pretty crazy that Android wasn’t even released when the A250 came out. 🙂
Thanks again for sharing your Android success story and have a great week Jessy!
Best regards,
-JD
This is most certainly an iOS-related issue, NONE of my iOS devices works, and have never worked during the 4-5 years i’ve have these speakers,
Not working: iPhone 5 ios 6.1.4
iPhone 3gs ios 6.1.3 – NONE of these see the DMK03 ans the androids and imac does. The iosdevices does Airplay without a hiccup.
Working: Samsung Galaxy S3
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0″
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1″
Samsung Galaxy Note 1
APPLE iMAC 21.5″ late 2012
Keep reporting, as it would be nice to get this working on iosdevices too.
Best regards. Lars Ohlsson
Hi Lars,
Thank you for your very informative comment. Sorry that I did not reply sooner!
Not working:
-Any Apple devices after iOS 4… iOS 4 is the only version I have been able to get to work.
Working:
+Samsung Galaxy Note 2
+Nexus 7 2013 (FHD)
+Nook HD+ (with Jellybean installed)
+HTC EVO 4G LTE
+HTC One V
+Various Windows 7 laptops
Best regards,
-JD
I’m trying to pair my ipod touch ios 7.02 and the ipod doesn’t find the A-250 (blinking fast). Any idea if this should work at this release level and if so what I might try?
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, Apple seems to have changed something after iOS 4 and now no iOS devices seem to work with the A-250. In other words, you are probably doing everything right… it is just some change that Apple made starting with iOS 5 and continuing to iOS 6 and now iOS 7.
It is quite a shame because they are lovely little speakers. 🙁
Sorry to not have better news!
Best regards,
-JD
PS if you are in the market for a nice portable bluetooth speaker that is compatible with iPods, iPhones and iPads (not to mention Android) I highly recommend the G-GRIP. When I could no longer use my A-250 I tried out a variety of options (Bose, Jambox, Logitech, Creative, HMDX…) and the G-GRIP is my favorite: the sound quality is good, battery life is nice, and the ruggedness is awesome! Not to mention the roughly $69 price is a good deal IMHO. 🙂
Super! Your tips got these old speakers working with my new devices–very exciting. Thank you so much.
Hi JB,
Awesome! I’m really glad you are getting some good use out of your A-250 speakers 🙂
Best regards,
_JD
What a star! Thanks! Shame about iOS, but my phone is playing through my old A250 right now!
That is awesome Ian, I am very glad this tip helped you!
Have a GREAT week and enjoy your A250 🙂
Best regards,
-J.D.