Is DolphinBar broken | Wii remote cannot connect to both DolphinBar and Dolphin

[desperado]

TLDR: First, I would like advice determining if the DolphinBar I got is already broken. Second, I would like advice on how to properly connect the Wii remote to both the DolphinBar and Dolphin software, since it seems to me I can only do one. 

I just bought a DolphinBar off of Amazon and I think the IR sensors came burnt out. I want to post this to verify my findings and ask some follow-up questions. I have had to buy two sensor bars in the past 2 days because I believe a off-brand 20$ bar also has one side of IR sensors that do not work. The DolphinBar IR sensors seem to not be lit up, even when no Wii remote is connected.  

To give more info, I wanted to say that I have a Wii MotionPlus remote that is a non-TR remote. I read a reddit post that said these aren't common but do exist. I bought this remote off of Amazon as well. I do believe it is an OEM remote cause it does connect to my PC and show the device as "Nintendo RVL-CNT-01". 

I also wanted to ask about how I connect my Wii remote to Dolphin because to me, it seems like I can connect to the DolphinBar OR the Dolphin software, not both. I am certain I am using mode 4 on the DolphinBar for the Wii remote. For instance, when I connect the Wii remote to the DolphinBar, and I load a game like Wii Sports, I cannot get past the Start screen where I have to hit A and B together (not connected to dolphin software?). However, when I disconnect the Wii remote from the DolphinBar and simply connect it to the Dolphin software, then the remote buttons work, but the pointer does not. I feel like I am in a back-and-forth kind of situation. What do I do?

I've watched countless youtube videos and they say to connect to the Dolphinbar using mode 4 and then just make sure in your controller settings to have the "Emulate the Wii's Bluetooth Adapter" selected, select "Real Wii Remote" from the dropdown, and then make sure continuous scanning is on. But to me, this doesn't guarantee that the Wii remote is going to connect to the Dolphin software. Do I have to tell the Dolphin Software I am using a DolphinBar? 

Any help is appreciated. 

See images here: https://imgur.com/a/1SMYncC

[JosJuice]

The DolphinBar will only light up its IR LEDs (they're not sensors) if you connect a Wii Remote to a DolphinBar.

With that said, I'm not sure why your Wii Remote doesn't work in Dolphin when you connect it to your DolphinBar in mode 4. Normally it should just work when doing what you describe. There's no special option in Dolphin for selecting that you're using a DolphinBar.

[desperado]

The DolphinBar will only light up its IR LEDs (they're not sensors) if you connect a Wii Remote to a DolphinBar.

With that said, I'm not sure why your Wii Remote doesn't work in Dolphin when you connect it to your DolphinBar in mode 4. Normally it should just work when doing what you describe. There's no special option in Dolphin for selecting that you're using a DolphinBar.

Thank you for the response! Do you think my DolphinBar IR LED's are broken based on the images I provided? I do not think they are lit up, which could be a reason the pointer isnt working.

[desperado]

The DolphinBar will only light up its IR LEDs (they're not sensors) if you connect a Wii Remote to a DolphinBar.

With that said, I'm not sure why your Wii Remote doesn't work in Dolphin when you connect it to your DolphinBar in mode 4. Normally it should just work when doing what you describe. There's no special option in Dolphin for selecting that you're using a DolphinBar.

Also, do you think it has anything to do with the version of Dolphin I am using? I was using one of the recent Dev. Versions, but I can switch to a Beta version if you think that could be a source of issue.

[desperado]

I believe I found the issue.  I ordered a new DolphinBar and I just plugged it in and it seems to work now. I connected to the DolphinBar and when I opened Dolphin it vibrated again, indicating it connected to the software. I have tested it with WarioWare and it seems to work.