The Apple diyMod: My Take on the Famous iMod [56k killer] Featuring 3G, 4G, 5G and nano 1G!

[joneeboi]

Hm, how did you ever find that website? :P I was wondering how long it would take for someone to find it (and mention it).

[cfcubed]

Originally Posted by joneeboi

Hm, how did you ever find that website? :P I was wondering how long it would take for someone to find it (and mention it).

Actually, I *think* I hit it a couple weeks ago while poking around in google (don't remember search terms... DIYmod, 3G, 4G, 5G or something), but forgot to tag it in delicious. Looked again yesterday & it did take a few searches & paging through results... Maybe you aren't paying Google enough

I have to say it shows class & integrity not bringing up your Just Listen Audio site/service here.. C'mon a subtle entry in your sig would not be out-of-line

Also, although I did the 3G (cfcubed's guide... piece of cake compared to 5G!), rescued another's attempt on a 5G & have been tinkering electronically for over 3 decades, I'd consider using that service myself.

Good luck.. You've sure spent a great deal of effort collating, collecting & confirming info on this thread! Not to mention the various DIYmods themselves.

BTW, Being quite happy w/my ipods, headamps & phones I've not poked around these parts... Too busy working on hotter things That Mini-Aleph was just a scrapyard warm up for an F1 clone well under way.

[Hayduke]

Joneeboi

Grats on the first step
About us at Just Listen Audio

[joneeboi]

Thanks, cfcubed and Hayduke.

[joneeboi]

In the ongoing pursuit of improving this thread, I am going to add another iPod parts source to the front page. I present the eBay store, podvillage! They have a very wide selection of iPod parts for low-to-reasonable prices. I have always recommended eBay as the best source for parts because of its wide selection and low prices, but you can never be sure of stock. Consider podvillage as a steady source of parts if you're headed eBay's way. Cautions go out for their relatively ample negative feedbacks. They almost overwhelmingly centre around lack of communication for a broken or wrong item. Of course, they have overall very good feedback, but some items slip through the cracks. If that happens to you, be sure to hammer them for communication and exchange/refund. Sometimes they pull items from broken iPods instead of shipping OEM parts, so also be wary of what you buy.

Personally, I like iDemiGods.com because I am in Canada. Shipping is very reasonable and prices are quite good. I like them because I can keep them accountable if an item is broken or if service is poor. That's also why I wanted to recommend an actual store on eBay instead of just eBay in and of itself. Of course, if you can find a better source for iPod parts, all the power to you. Just consider this one before you head off on your very merry way. Cheerio.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by joneeboi

In the ongoing pursuit of improving this thread, I am going to add another iPod parts source to the front page. I present the eBay store, podvillage! They have a very wide selection of iPod parts for low-to-reasonable prices. I have always recommended eBay as the best source for parts because of its wide selection and low prices, but you can never be sure of stock. Consider podvillage as a steady source of parts if you're headed eBay's way. Cautions go out for their relatively ample negative feedbacks. They almost overwhelmingly centre around lack of communication for a broken or wrong item. Of course, they have overall very good feedback, but some items slip through the cracks. If that happens to you, be sure to hammer them for communication and exchange/refund. Sometimes they pull items from broken iPods instead of shipping OEM parts, so also be wary of what you buy.

Personally, I like iDemiGods.com because I am in Canada. Shipping is very reasonable and prices are quite good. I like them because I can keep them accountable if an item is broken or if service is poor. That's also why I wanted to recommend an actual store on eBay instead of just eBay in and of itself. Of course, if you can find a better source for iPod parts, all the power to you. Just consider this one before you head off on your very merry way. Cheerio.

I've bought parts from them too. My dealings have been OK. Once they didn't include the center button for some plastics I bought, but they sent them. I didn't like their explanation that they "were out of them". They didn't mind, but I get the impression I wouldn't have gotten them if I had not asked.

[joneeboi]

Thanks for that input, Hayduke. I'm sure many will find it useful.

I've found that it comes down to knowing where to get which part. I've been spending time, often in inordinately large portions, looking at where to get the best prices on parts. Funny as it may seem, I prefer to get batteries from Best Buy if possible. Future Shop has that "sniper-laser-on-the-back-of-my-head-as-soon-as-I-enter-the-store," so I prefer just walking into Best Buy and grabbing the battery I need. I was surprised to find that batteries for 3G and 4G iPods cost just over $50 whereas 30GB and 60GB/80GB batteries go for $20. Regardless, if anything goes wrong, get a refund or exchange with BB's awesome return policy, and you don't have to worry so much about getting shilled online. I really wish there were some local store that had all the iPod parts I needed so there isn't the wait and shipping cost. Alas, we must work within the situation we find ourselves, don't we?

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by joneeboi

Thanks for that input, Hayduke. I'm sure many will find it useful.

I've found that it comes down to knowing where to get which part. I've been spending time, often in inordinately large portions, looking at where to get the best prices on parts. Funny as it may seem, I prefer to get batteries from Best Buy if possible. Future Shop has that "sniper-laser-on-the-back-of-my-head-as-soon-as-I-enter-the-store," so I prefer just walking into Best Buy and grabbing the battery I need. I was surprised to find that batteries for 3G and 4G iPods cost just over $50 whereas 30GB and 60GB/80GB batteries go for $20. Regardless, if anything goes wrong, get a refund or exchange with BB's awesome return policy, and you don't have to worry so much about getting shilled online. I really wish there were some local store that had all the iPod parts I needed so there isn't the wait and shipping cost. Alas, we must work within the situation we find ourselves, don't we?

I live in a smallish town, so sourcing from the internet is s.o.p. here :P
We got a Best Buy late last year, but I don't shop there much. Even with shipping, they are usually still more expensive. I just can't see paying $50 for something I can get for $5 online hehe

The only time I can source anything locally is when I'm not concerned about the quality (ie RadioShack).

I have developed a rather large bookmarks folder with supplier links

[funch]

Originally Posted by joneeboi

With respect to the image of the 4G photo, you take the signal from the top of the R and the bottom of the L. .

I was comparing this answer with the pic and caption of the 4G Photo on page one, and they don't agree. The pic caption says to take the signal from the top pad on each resistor. So, which is correct?

[joneeboi]

Hey funch,

Sorry for the discrepancy. I just checked, and the caption on the image is correct. Take the signal from the north pads for the left and right resistors.

[funch]

Thanks. That makes sense, 'cuz there are traces going past each of the 'north' ends of the resistors, to another pair of resistors, which I assume are part of the circuit to the headphone output.

[pcyl]

Well guys i have completed 5 and 5.5 G mod and will be proceeding to ipod 4 gen donated by a friend without Hard disk and a broken headphone connector catch up with you guys

[joneeboi]

Good to hear it, pcyl and funch. Now how about some pictures?

[iNiGFx]

the 20 bucks you spent on the diy mod, is it fairly easy to do? Or does it take a lot of experience with electronics

[funch]

Originally Posted by joneeboi

Good to hear it, pcyl and funch. Now how about some pictures?

Still waiting for caps and tonearm wiring. Then I'll post detailed pix (unless of course I screw things up!).