In the last years I read already a few times about the iPod now being super upgradable to an SSD or micro SD nearly as big as you want.

Source: https://hackaday.com/2022/02/16/classic-ipods-are-super-upgradeable-in-2022/

So I looked up the parts already a while ago on Amazon, but they were pretty expensive, so I decided to wait or don’t do it. But a few weeks ago I saw one part being available on AliExpress, so I instantly looked up the other parts and ordered (round about 30€). See below for part links (just for example). Last week all parts arrived and I started my project and put everything together. If you also want to do that, here is a link on how to dis-/assemble the iPod:

https://de.ifixit.com/Anleitung/iPod+5.+Generation+(Video)+HDD+durch+CF+oder+SDHC-SDXC+Speicher+ersetzen/7492

As I wanted to minimize the risk for shorts and loose parts inside, I 3D-printed two thin layers of TPU to place between adapter and backplate and between adapter and board.

I then assembled everything (without closing the case!) and restored the iPod using my old MacBook (2013 - running macOS BigSur). I restored the partition in finder and then restored the iPod with Apple Music. Tried with windows first, but couldn’t get it to work. Works like a new one now! Definitely recommend if you have one laying around.

Ask me if you have any questions :)

The printable case I made is available for free here:

https://www.printables.com/de/model/554008-ipod-classic-5g-30gb-case-with-hexagon-back

Parts:

CF to microSD Adapter:

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32969402274.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.24ce72daqORMJv&browser_id=962e1e44ceee4c6c9d9c6091befb193d&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!9.07!7.26!!!9.67!!%40211bda9b16921191572525772d071f!66649911527!sea!DE!3959202765!&algo_pvid=9e3d8cec-8d2d-457c-99ab-488d594cf9ec&_universallink=1&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157

CF Upgrade Card:

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32841639355.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.24ce72daqORMJv&browser_id=962e1e44ceee4c6c9d9c6091befb193d&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!2.61!1.83!!!2.78!!%40211bda9b16921191572525772d071f!65127709746!sea!DE!3959202765!&algo_pvid=9e3d8cec-8d2d-457c-99ab-488d594cf9ec&_universallink=1&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2949ff11243daa41127157

Shell replacement (optional):

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004601572132.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.1b1f5f7afDD4iS&browser_id=962e1e44ceee4c6c9d9c6091befb193d&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=eeceeeccdcbefbd189fa2b5ca820dc6e624e22d6eb&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!EUR!19.77!19.77!!!153.63!!%40211beeec16921192993844874d0775!12000029788970474!sea!DE!3959202765!&algo_pvid=6d6d105c-ec1e-4187-b4e6-45f1a85b0999

Edit/Update:

I made a dock for it, that works with the charging/sync cable and fits my case.

Here are the print files for the dock:

https://www.printables.com/de/model/555680-ipod-dockstand-for-gorroths-tpu-case

Edit/Update 2:

I now also made a storage/travel box you can 3D-print available to download here:

https://www.printables.com/de/model/565265-ipod-classic-5-box-inkl-kabel-management-airtag-ed

Look at my post on the box here for details:

https://lemmy.world/post/4144089

  • Dougtron007@lemmy.world
    6·
    1 year ago

    This is super awesome. I’ve always wanted to do like a 1tb personal music archive one with a huge battery. The enclosure makes this one extra special.

    • Gorroth@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      1 year ago

      Thanks! Actually I looked up if that’s possible somehow, but unfortunately it seems not. Or at least not in an easy way

      • LazaroFilm@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        1 year ago

        I mean the pins are there. You would need to des older the connector and install a female USB-C one with 4 pins. Something like this. Then you’d likely need to print some holder/cover. For it.

        • Gorroth@lemmy.worldOP
          1·
          1 year ago

          Yes you are right. Designing a holder or cover for it to hold it in place wouldn’t be a problem for me once it’s soldered in (especially as there are two little screws holding a plastic surrounding of the 30pin I could repurpose). But I don’t have the tools and skill to solder something that small…

  • Corroded@leminal.spaceEnglish
    4·
    1 year ago

    Good write up. I imagine most people interested in iPods know about him but for those that don’t DankPods has a lot quality entertaining videos on modding iPods.

    Here’s his 1tb iPod video.

    • Gorroth@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      1 year ago

      Thanks! It really isn’t that hard to do. It’s important to just take your time, be patient and don’t use much force. There are really good tutorials out there you can watch before doing this, so you are prepared really good. And if there are questions, I know a good community here on Lemmy where you can ask ;)