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

    • @GorrothOP
      4•1 year ago

      Yep you’re right :) I wanted to spend as less money as possible. And even with the 6$ card the iPod feels way faster than before. I don’t need 1TB for my music library, so that setup was the best choice for me. I also had a 128GB microSD laying around, but 64GB is more than enough for me.

      • @TCB13English
        2•1 year ago

        Thanks for the feedback, I own a classic 6th gen and I was looking into possible upgrades. Your solution might be best for mine given the low cost and the limitations my iPod has:

        The 6th Gen models (80Gb/120Gb/Thick 160Gb) are limited to LBA28 addressing by Apple, so these models will only show and use up to 128Gb of the storage installed

        I’m not sure, however, if the ZIP/CF adapter fits inside my iPod (https://yuuiko.github.io/iPodGuide/iPodGuidev2-1.pdf) there are thinner and thicker versions of the iPod and I believe mine if the thinner one. Controversially there’s also this guy here https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/458929/Installing+a+CF+drive+in+iPod+Classic+6th+Gen

        Anyone reading this with a iPod classic 6th gen that did this upgrade? Any feedback?

        • @GorrothOP
          1•1 year ago

          Do you own some calipers? If yes you could measure the thickness. If it’s as thick as the 5G (30GB, which is the thinnest of the 5th gen), then I don’t see a reason why it shouldn’t work. And if you „have nothing to loose“ I would suggest just opening up your iPod and have a look at the internals. This way you can compare the different cf cards and look for one that has the same connector as your iPod. There are many on AliExpress you could choose from. Pretty sure that can be done somehow :)

          • @TCB13
            1•1 year ago

            I’m waiting on the tools to open it as I also have to replace the battery. I’ll see then what can be done.

            • @GorrothOP
              2•1 year ago

              I’ll keep my fingers crossed! When everything arrived and you need further help, feel free to ask :)