Upgrading Obsolete iPod With Modern Hardware (With Great Difficulty)

There is a reason this video was released late. This modification was not only more complex than I have first anticipated but it didn't go smoothly. But we got there in the end. And the result is pretty cool!
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[@liviurosca]

I don’t know why but i was expecting some snake footage at the end of the video. 😂

[@kneerunjun]

FRANK

[@julieboruta]

@@kneerunjunfrom dank pods.

[@darjanator]

@@kneerunjun STINKY

[@TheMainCore]

Hey, Hugh is the OG Aussie Apple tinkerer! Love Dank though.

[@sammywrx]

An ipod video is never complete without fronk outro

[@impointr]

Australian ✅ Has a friend named James ✅ Fixes iPods ✅ Fixes old cars ✅ I sense a pattern here...

[@sussysussy513]

I font think hes dankpods

[@VastavikYT]

Just needs a danger noodle.

[@prinzexisalowqualityytber]

and a Snake named Frank

[@skeedabapndadm2789]

as a fat idiotic snake? Or plays drums?

[@QuickQuips]

Don't you mean nuggets?

[@impointr]

DankPods sounds different today

[@andrive]

Your 2nd dankpods comment

[@impointr]

@@andrive i sent this one first lol

[@rtyt2007]

The issue is that the iPod you used is a 120gb version (6.5gen). These can only accept a maximum of 128gb due to reduced ram. This is probably why you were getting the error

[@Noice76]

I disagree, I’m pretty sure it’s the ribbon cable from drive to board. I had this same issue and replacing that ribbon solved it

[@derickito]

@@Noice76 But when he put the old drive in it worked fine. You could still be right, but it’s weird that the old one still works fine.

[@therefix342]

I don't think that's the problem, if I remember right it will work, but only shows the max 128gb storage capacity. 5th gens don't have the capacity limit, but he was still unable to get it to work. I think the problem is his adaptor, they're known for not always working.

[@influx__]

I think the issue is more than likely the firmware on the drives themselves. Apple works with specific drive manufacturers to preload special firmware on their drives so that they will work with apple software. I work as a network engineer and had to learn this the hard way a long time ago when helping a client with an old apple server that they had a drive failure in. The drive itself was 250GB and cost about $1200. Popped that sucker in and everything immediately worked. The reason it works with the gen 5 is probably because that was before they implemented their stupid proprietary firmware into their devices.

[@Ikouy]

It's not a RAM issue, the system board only supports 28-bit Logical Block Addressing. It is the same issue any Windows NT older than XP SP1 has, except for Windows it is software.

[@iizutsumi]

Hey! Looks like your ipod is a 6.5 gen since it is 120gb (7th gens are always 160gb when space gray). Unfortunately 6.5 gens have a 128gb hard storage limit unlike a 7th gen, which could explain why it was error coding when trying to restore it

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Damn you APPLE !!!!!!👺

[@kikihun9726]

Just apple being apple

[@leeseth]

SCREW YOU APPLEEEEE

[@GenuineLenisita]

I had seen on Dankpods's Bee Pod video he had a 6th Gen and he put a 1TB SD Card in the ipod, it detected a 128GB capacity and not the 1TB, while on the 7th Gen it did it perfectly.

[@curlminion]

I believe invoxiplaygames wrote something to remove this limit, but I’m not sure if it’s been publically released

[@foxyfoxfilms]

“They are held together with some of the strongest clips known to man.” So funny😂😂😂 absolutely love it❤❤❤

[@slimbob7553]

I recently did the Taptic Engine mod and it is simply a MUST. It transforms the entire experience of using the iPod.

[@Drag0nmaster]

1:36 Oh no, spicy pillow

[@jordanvelazquez6321]

If only Apple fulfilled iPod enthusiasts dreams.

[@Splarkszter]

If only OpenSourcing abandoned Hardware and Software was obligatory.

[@lillywho]

Get your iPod Classic SE today! Only 999.99$!

[@JustChillingDom]

Makes zero sense for them to do so. Dedicated mp3 players are practically obsolete. Makes more sense for them to bring the headphone jack back

[@trandinhvietdung9357]

​@@JustChillingDomyeah mp3 player to be honest while they are nice to have the percentage of people who have interest or need for mp3 player is small. 3.5mm jack makes more sense but Apple will lose a lot of money in selling 9 dollars 3.5 dongle or Airpods. Although I think Apple or other companies should at least make dedicated MP3 players for the small market where people do not show any interest in online streaming service. Although you can load MP3 into phones, not many users are ok with each time they listen to music a notification sound always plays in the middle of music play which is the motivation behind for many enthusiasts to get an iPod or other known brand MP3 players like Walkman or Salsa.

[@logictv6667]

No

[@andrewjpalla]

You've got to be one of the best in the world at what you do. Not just such intricate mods but also film the entire process!

[@thetomgamerboi6817]

Well, this is the exact upgrade I've been doing on a 5th gen. Can confirm, this took a LOT of time. My ipod uses a TaoBao transmitter, and is connected directly to the battery, as well as a Iphone 7+ taptic motor epoxied to the rear case. That also has the advantage that just by soldering 2 wires to the power connector of the ipod, the rear case with the mods can be transferred from ipod to ipod easily.

[@kuchenblechmafiagmbh1381]

Can't wait to see a DankPods collaboration! 😍 Nice mod, I got myself such an 6th Gen (the 120 GB is also called 6.5 Gen, while the thin 160 GB is the 7th) two years ago, also a 5.5th Gen 80 GB and a Mini 1st Gen and modded these in early 2023, the 120GB got a 128GB iFlash SD (on stock firmware they're limited to that capacity due to LBA limit) and a golden case with blue clickwheel, the 80 GB got an iFlash Quad with four 256GB cards (it isn't limited by LBA) and that large 3000 mAh battery, also completely new case and the Mini got such a SD to CF adapter and 128 Gigs. The normal iPods have two rear housing types: from the 5th Gen onwards the thin rear housing is used by the 30 GB model, the thick by the 60/80 GB model, 6th Gen has 80 and that particular 120 GB model with thin rear and the 160 GB with the thick rear housing while the final 7th Gen 160 GB has the thin rear. Seems like the higher capacity hard drives had two discs inside so they needed that space. I'm not exactly sure but AFAIK to use a thick back case (that is mandatory for these large batteries) you need to get a different middle frame, you can't just click such a thick rear housing onto a thin iPod.

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

Wow. Your soldering and mod skills are amazing.

[@rodentartmouse]

You make this look so easy,but brains and experience is your key!!!

[@ardwivedi16]

I was so eagerly waiting for your video man. Thanks for the video

[@user-mb2st9yy5p]

Hugh is a mad genius. I love this mod!!

[@bvkes9986]

I was just thinking of how much i miss the old ipod classics and how cool itd be to see someone modify one to more modern standards. Awesome video!

[@danielsgrunge]

You’re really stepping up your game, awesome!

[@pomegranateiixx]

great to see another video from you hugh!

[@Aiham20080]

hey hugh i repaired my iphone 4 by using your tutorial and i just want to say thank you for the repair keep up the good work

[@DhavidSetiawanKilluaDhavid]

I thought this was DankPods channel 😂😂

[@harryroesser3916]

LOLlol

[@jojoboy16]

Missing the green ipad

[@thisislilraskal]

Nah Hugh's channel is better

[@thisdosntrelate]

Me too confused when it wasn’t an Australian

[@edwardfletcher7790]

​@@thisdosntrelateEh ? Both are Australian.... LoL

[@SilverWolvesScarletForestSnow]

I remember my mum buying me the iPod in 2001 and it being THE most amazing thing ever as I could put all my thousands of pirated mp3's on it like no other device could. That little HDD that they opted for over flash memory at the time was a genius move, despite it seeming old fashioned. I had my iPod with me everywhere until the battery decided to explode... Then my PSP took over iPod duty until the iPhone 4 which was the first good iPhone.

[@MickeyValentineA]

I did something similar a few years back, sans haptics. Worked great for awhile, but I dropped it, and it never worked again 😢. This is pretty impressive. Good job.

[@SB-qm5wg]

Incredible. Bravo 👏

[@Patroskon]

absolutely love this kind of contet

[@SayAhh]

Never had an iPod (nor Zune) and probably never will, but enjoyed the video nonetheless! A new Hugh video is now a treat to look forward to!

[@damiansmith5294]

My god man, I can tell how mad this project made you just through your voice. A wild project for sure!

[@maslov_dd]

wow, i like such videos about modification and modernization of old devices

[@crapasanya]

If you used an M.2 SATA SSD via an adapter, you would have 2 times more space. Then you could use a larger battery or taptic engine from the iPhone 7. In addition, you can use a ready-made bluetooth adapter with a built-in battery, they are much more economical and have auto shutdown. In addition, many of them support the APTX codec, which sounds much better. For example, you can use 1Mii ML300

[@funghiman8492]

I've seen posts that M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD mod drastically decreases battery life (compared to microSD card mod), also heat generated from SSD (thermal trottling is a common issue for most budget 2230/2242 SSDs) could be an issue. But in this case, being able to put a larger battery might just be worth it.

[@crapasanya]

@@funghiman8492 but this is a lot cheaper and you can get large 512gb SSD in there.

[@marvinochieng6295]

great video and great effort. i love this

[@marvinochieng6295]

but i wonder why you did it

[@TravysArtyst]

I may be a masochist, but seeing the otherwise calm Hugh Jeffreys practically loose his cool in frustration made my day!

[@babbonatale9005]

This is such a nice thing to do! The iPod Classic 120 GB model is the only Apple product I've ever bought, and it's one of the electronic devices I've owned I have best memories of, such a great product.

[@j0spor]

Forcing the battery to hold the switch is a pretty bad idea in my opinion. It reminds of the Galaxy Note 7 Dilemma. "Parts Plus Pods" had a great solution for that. And I also wonder why you use an SSD instead of an SD Card, since you dont have any advantages over a normal SD Card. (I think the writing speed from the iPod itself are 15mbits or so, so an SSD is just overkill) You could use the iFlash sd adapter since it uses much less space (if you cut it smaller). Or the new moonlight flash sd adapter, which is around 40% of iFlash Adapter and then install a 3000mHa battery instead

[@Kurazaybo]

I have been very close to getting the parts plus pods back case with bluetooth but I am not sure what happens when the battery dies. I am not comfortable/experienced enough to desolder and resolder a new battery. I guess it can be done. Have you seen the moonlit market solution?

[@j0spor]

@@Kurazaybo I got the parts plus iPod and I'm quiet happy with it. But before the battery dies, you can get another set 😁 My last iPod battery lasted 10 years, so I don't see a reason why the mod shouldn't. If you need a new battery anyways you could also get rid of the Bluetooth mod

[@Pax.Alotin]

*Hugh - your classic iPod* ------------ reminds me of 'Back to the Future' ---------- *the only thing missing is the **_'Flux-Capacitor'_*

[@bigmaxcc]

BTTF fan 🙌 nice rare to see one ☝️ 😎

[@arasakarider8998]

Yes! I love upgrades!

[@Sekhmmett]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful Frankenstein creation you have made!

[@lowclassgamer146]

This man is something else

[@mournblank]

What an amazing upgrade Hugh. I think it's time to upgrade our ipod touch for e-sim module that would be lit.

[@HarmlessBongo0]

It looks really nice ngl

[@tokyojon4344]

Interesting. I've upgraded my older iPod Mini (2004). It is well made, and to me personally the finest iPod create ever with it's hunk of metal and solid design. Placed in an SSD and new battery. The 64 GB SSD is the same size as that old 4GB or 6GB MicroDrive, so it's just a straight swap out. The Mini is fairly easy to open, work on, and upgrade, no soldering needed. I installed Linus Rockbox, an amazing OS. Only difficulty is, at times the clip between the MB and HD would go bad, and difficult for me to repair. I've found once my upgrades installed, it's extremely reliable. I still use it to this day for listening podcasts, audio books, and music. Never had difficulty installing iTunes. Never difficulty opening the Mini, or with anything else. However, I have no idea how to put in internal Bluetooth for the headset.

[@Lasisu71]

Nice work 👍👍

[@marwCZ]

My favorite upgrade!

[@SDRIFTERAbdlmounaim]

DankyPody with a calm demeanor 😂 u gotta get that 1Grit tho

[@jonnybrown1982]

Smart guy, nice one!

[@Kraaketaer]

Great work! Feels like a custom PCB for the storage adapters would be a welcome addition though - you could harvest the relevant connectors from the adapters you have, but likely make the adapter far, far more compact (especially if the custom PCB is two-sided) by having it be a direct ribbon cable-to-SD adapter.

[@idogarala4217]

This is awesome

[@Xmundos]

what a skill.... Amazing!!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

This is beautiful HW Hacking work. Retaining full original appearance and function with added modern upgrade features.... Love it 👍 Are you not a fan of the Rockbox FW ?

[@dothex]

No matter what the problem is... Hugh, you always find a way to solve it! Hope someone in the comments has an answer for that 7th Gen problem! A+

[@yuukimei9889]

He used a bad iPod that basically can't support more than 128GB. It's the 6th gen, not the 7th gen. He needs a 160GB 7th gen in the thin variant to make his modification work.

[@dothex]

@@yuukimei9889 Now that makes alot more sense. Good looking on the specs, because I damn sure plan to do this mod to my iPod.

[@yuukimei9889]

@@dothex Also, note that 6th gens come in thin 80GB, thick 160GB, or 120GB variants. The only 7th gen available is always the thin variant, which can go up to 2TB in the Stock OS.

[@dothex]

@@yuukimei9889 You have such an extensive knowledge of this.... You might need to put that info to use and make a video :) I know I'd definitely watch it!

[@yuukimei9889]

@@dothex I used to modify iPods myself. For example, I have three iPod Minis, 2nd generation, flash-modded with 128GB SD cards. Nowadays, I enjoy playing with my Nintendo Wii. It's fun to add new channels with games on my SD cards and stuff like that.

[@therefix342]

I'm really happy to see you used that Bluetooth module, I've been eyeing it up for probably 2 years now but not actually bothered to get my box of ipods out to do mods. How is the performance? Audio quality/hiss and wireless range wise? I was thinking of installing a better antenna with a cut out in the frame.

[@deathsyth8888]

*_DANKPOD_* *_NOISES_* *_INTENSIFIES_*

[@garycosby8979]

Wow... that was crazy

[@Aiham20080]

Amazing Repair hugh

[@skeennah1927]

Amazing!

[@bren2232]

that was so cool

[@samvrit3098]

Brilliant!

[@FH4Player6397]

Awesome video Hugh! Greeting from the UK!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

As a side note, ZIF to SATA and NVME adapters exist. Though the best iPods for modding would be the first gen, as there's plenty of space on the back, since it uses a mechanical drive.

[@pudelz]

Crazy... I actually revived one of my classic ipods (video 5.5) about two moths ago but I didn't go all out like you. I just did a storage upgrade (512G micro sd) and a 3000mAh battery. I'm actually waiting for a new shipment with a new front/back cases for the one I already revived and another ipod (video 5). Though my regular 5, I'm also getting a iflash adapter and a new regular size battery. I'll probably use it to make my own rockbox theme and eventually sell it to a buddy for the parts cost since I actually bought it off him for like $20 way back when it stopped holding a charge. I actually bought it from him for parts in case I ever needed any but I eventually fell into the same thing of just streaming or using my phone... Since I revived my ipod, I've been using it daily in my vehicle (aux input) and at work without the possible distractions that cell phones bring into the mix... In a way, I kind of want to add bluetooth but at the same time, I enjoy the "simplistic" features of having the classic device that I'm fine using wired.

[@Gannett2011]

I've modded a couple of 5th gens, wouldn't touch one of those later models, they are so hard to open! The audio quality on my 5th gen is disappointing, though, so it's really just a curio in my collection. Great video, though. That's what I like about your channel, you never know what's coming next.

[@GreggyMcfly]

DankPods: Someone's been in here.

[@5punkybob]

I loved this gen of iPod.

[@Phonerepair270]

Good job love it

[@soothingganga]

This video deserves atleast 10M views.

[@TheDZHEX]

dayum... ...that's kind of all I've got I've always wanted to see this kind of thing done to such an integrated device. I hope that Framework phone where you can do this sort of thing in a standardized fashion becomes a thing eventually... Repairability has very little market - any consumer will take "doesn't break (for 6..10 years)" over "easy to repair (but probably breaks within 4 years)" every day. However, Upgradeability does have a market - "buy now and plop in the better hardware when available (and fix whatever breaks more easily)"

[@ixamraxi]

A couple ideas if you ever make another. Might be a bit of an advanced mod, but the IC's require voltage when the device is on, so one option would be to tee off the voltage rail supplying voltage to one of the chips, something like the DAC (you can find schematics online to know which pin is the supply line), run that wire to the gate pin of a mosfet, then run the source pin to ground, and the drain pin to the bluetooth adapter for ground and then run vcc for the adapter straight to the battery, this would eliminate the need for a hidden switch through the earphone port as it would provide power only when the unit is powered on. I like the solution of leaving one of the screws out of the hold button to allow it to flex to hit the pair button, but another option might be a reed switch mounted inside. With this method, you would simply wave a strong magnet in proximity of the switch in order to pair. This would allow you to mount the switch almost anywhere inside the device too, it would just need to be somewhere where the magnet wont get stuck to the back of the device.

[@onecleangti]

I did the same Bluetooth board in a 5th gen iPod with an iflash quad and a slim battery that’s the entire back of the iPod. Hated the install process, couldn’t get the board to pair with many things, so I took it back out and replaced the headphone jack with a brand new one unmodified. Still using my iPod as it was intended with just a flash mod lol

[@-someone-.]

I’m sure your “spare parts” collection could do with some upgrades! Do more hack vids like this! 👍

[@libertarian1637]

“The battery will have to be glued in quite well” still probably less glued in than the original.

[@pkf4124]

I had actually forgotten about the click noise. Just had to go and check mine. I turned it off ten or more years ago. Thats why I forgot it did that. A worthy upgrade though to a great bit of now retro kit.

[@andrewbob4901]

Waiting for Hugh's drum stream to premiere.

[@nickmoranis2865]

One drop and this thing is toast.

[@BCProgramming]

I got a 5th gen iPod at the thrift store a few years ago, needed a new battery, and while the HDD somehow still worked I upgraded it to an SD Card adapter and gave it a 128GB SD Card. Then I put RockBox on it as well, so it doesn't even need iTunes and I can play a bunch of other file formats.

[@guaiqueritech]

Even though I love projects like these, the ultimate Bluetooth + haptics iPod is an old iPhone with a headphone jack. I still use my iPhone 5 precisely for this purpose… and replacement batteries / displays are cheap and easy to install. And you don’t have to deal with 30 pin cables, since it has Lightning. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, to boot. If you plan to go down that same approach, I advise to get a 1st gen SE: still has headphone jack, and Touch ID to unlock (it’s a chore to unlock the iPhone 5 via the 4-digits code every time) .

[@jrjubach]

Awesome!

[@WrightyOvBmet]

My 5.5 been modded to 1tb went with the big battery instead of Bluetooth as I like the wired headphones listening to audiobooks whilst I’m working it lasts my whole 40hr working week on constant takes about a day to charge 👍🏻

[@CoruscationsOfIneptitude]

good stuff!

[@dhoome1234ify]

0:21 Quick note: You could've used a iFlash instead of multiple CF adapters, since it can support normal SD cards

[@durrell246]

I assume he knew that because he is using the M2 iFlash in his daily driver, but the green/red combo is a lot cheaper for a test build.

[@thebigwagyu]

These iPod’s are famous because every guide uses something absurd to open them (mostly a Puddy knife) and are all like “well this will work or it won’t!”

[@nicholasr2003]

How do you select a Bluetooth audio device using the Bluetooth adapter since there’s no system setting to select anything?

[@lordoffishtown4455]

Very good point. How would you pair them to begin with.

[@-_-pan96-_-45]

That's what I thought too, but that's why he added the switch, he is so smart for this, I was like how is he gonna att the vibration, but it has that buzzer thing which I didn't know... HE'S SO SMAAARTTTT

[@JohnKrieger]

Great video

[@zerocks88]

Huge this is such an awesome mod, just can't get past the implementation of the BT switch xD would it have been possible to use a momentary switch for it? looks so flimsy with a toggle

[@andrebeese1145]

Hey Hugh, I had the same restore problem yesterday with an iPod mini after flash moding it. Look for a video called: How to format SDXC for iPods from SpottedTango. After formatting my sd card like the video shows I was finally able to restore. Hope this helps

[@kforkrish]

DankPods entered the chat.

[@LijmPistool]

7:28 Same switch.. same😂

[@quentinstacy35]

Good video. I've got an old iPod video, probably needs an upgrade as the battery doesn't last more than a few minutes off it's cradle. Thanks.

[@renegadingrowlet2327]

VERY impressive! Are you able to make it USB C or lightning? 🤔

[@nbaua3454]

Apple knocking your door.. "open up, we are here to take you..." 😅😅😅

[@sammyboyproductions]

Hi. I did a hdd to ssd conversion on an ipod mini a long time ago. I seem to remember having to flash the firmware of the compact flash drive to get it working. Hope this info is helpful to you getting your mods fully working.

[@cutekat444]

Hey Hugh, you should do this but with an iPod Classic 4th Gen Mono 😀

[@Ermagerdddrohernnnn]

Welcome to the dingus multiverse.

[@josephgittos3787]

My perfect iPod with the bluetooth for new headsets

[@muthaflaco75]

Software storage limit on 120gb iPods. Use a 160gb 7th gen and you'll have no issue. Alternatively, you can run rockbox on the 120gb.

[@zach-yb3xn]

Do I smell a dankpods reference?

[@StanleyKubick1]

I did like what I saw!

[@MrStevoTck]

This is something I would want to buy.

[@TechDude99]

DankPods would be proud

[@James_D.]

Nice!

[@darylfortney8081]

I would so much love one of these with also wireless charging.

[@Bort_86]

you can save a lot more space by using an iFlash solo and cutting the top off since it contains no traces at all! It's funny, just like 2 hours ago I worked on an iPod classic myself (replaced the front with logic board and all from my modded iPod whose battery connector was broken with parts from another one I had lying around) Might add bluetooth, but later :D