BDP
Feb-2nd-08, 3:18 am
So I had to fix another Ipod tonight, wouldnt charge or sync with windows, turns out the Ipod's software was corrupt and we had to start over :(
Figured there are many other people out there who dont have too much knowledge on Ipods and thought I would share a couple things.
Obviously there are different generations and with each there are different "hacks" available but most are common throughout.
PodZilla is a linux based firmware hack that you can throw on the 1st gens and have a dual boot O/S by selecting a key sequence upon 'resetting' the ipod... Podzilla allows playback of video and RPG games like doom and duke nukem32 in a linux based environment on the chrome backs 1G.
There is also various software available to replace iTunes and that allows you to edit/delete/add music/lyrics to your Ipod on the fly with ANY PC/MAC. Some listed here:
http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/08/10-alternatives-to-itunes-for-managing-your-ipod/
The software I use frequently is Floola altho there are a couple others.
In order to use softwares such as these, usually you must understand how to get your ipod into "Disk Mode", not to be confused with "Diagnostic Mode"... Disk mode allows the Ipod to be seen as a regular disk for the PC where you can read and write to it easier. Diagnostic mode only allows you access to the Ipod firmware utility to see charge rates, voltages and do various color/screen tests.
A good site to learn how to reboot/reset and how to change modes is:
http://www.command-tab.com/2006/03/30/hidden-ipod-commands/
Just click what you wanna do and the pictures will show you.
Like on a 2nd Gen, you will hold down <MENU> + <Center Button> until Apple logo appears, then hold <Center Button> + <Play Pause> to access disk mode.
Floola Can be found here:
http://www.floola.com/modules/wiwimod/index.php?page=download
The program is a simple EXE that you can put actually on your IPOD so you can download it at each computer you use, this program is similar to iTunes in appearance and will even let you play your music straight from the ipod no Playlists needed. I use this to upload CDs or MP3 file I have made or even recordings off of my Cell phone.
Please understand that I take no responsibility for you screwing up your ipod, chances are great that it can be recovered but would take some time. READ instructions carefully for each software and do as they say.
I hope this has helped to enlighten a couple people so you dont end up throwing it away or something. Oh and the battery issues, if it wont charge for some reason (just shows small red bar for battery) just leave it pluged in for a week or so and eventually the Lithium Ion battery will trickle charge enough to be recognized by the hardware's failsafes and it will begin to charge. Li-Ion batteries are very dangerous to charge and can explode which is why most cell phones have issues charging these batteries when they are low, its built into the charging circuit so the battery wont blow off someones hand or ear.
Ipods that are dead for more than 24 hours and wont charge can usually be fixed by letting them trickle charge for a week.
Never let your Ipod Die! Li-Ions take a charge whenever and dont have a memory so dont run them down thinking you can get longer life... Also these batteries are 3.7v same as most Cell phones, so find a friend who is good with soldering and have him replace it for you if you dont wanna send it in and have it replaced with a spare Ipod, they dont usually fix yours - they throw it in the bin to repair and just give you an already repaired one thats wiped clean.
Thanks for reading and Goodluck!
Figured there are many other people out there who dont have too much knowledge on Ipods and thought I would share a couple things.
Obviously there are different generations and with each there are different "hacks" available but most are common throughout.
PodZilla is a linux based firmware hack that you can throw on the 1st gens and have a dual boot O/S by selecting a key sequence upon 'resetting' the ipod... Podzilla allows playback of video and RPG games like doom and duke nukem32 in a linux based environment on the chrome backs 1G.
There is also various software available to replace iTunes and that allows you to edit/delete/add music/lyrics to your Ipod on the fly with ANY PC/MAC. Some listed here:
http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/07/08/10-alternatives-to-itunes-for-managing-your-ipod/
The software I use frequently is Floola altho there are a couple others.
In order to use softwares such as these, usually you must understand how to get your ipod into "Disk Mode", not to be confused with "Diagnostic Mode"... Disk mode allows the Ipod to be seen as a regular disk for the PC where you can read and write to it easier. Diagnostic mode only allows you access to the Ipod firmware utility to see charge rates, voltages and do various color/screen tests.
A good site to learn how to reboot/reset and how to change modes is:
http://www.command-tab.com/2006/03/30/hidden-ipod-commands/
Just click what you wanna do and the pictures will show you.
Like on a 2nd Gen, you will hold down <MENU> + <Center Button> until Apple logo appears, then hold <Center Button> + <Play Pause> to access disk mode.
Floola Can be found here:
http://www.floola.com/modules/wiwimod/index.php?page=download
The program is a simple EXE that you can put actually on your IPOD so you can download it at each computer you use, this program is similar to iTunes in appearance and will even let you play your music straight from the ipod no Playlists needed. I use this to upload CDs or MP3 file I have made or even recordings off of my Cell phone.
Please understand that I take no responsibility for you screwing up your ipod, chances are great that it can be recovered but would take some time. READ instructions carefully for each software and do as they say.
I hope this has helped to enlighten a couple people so you dont end up throwing it away or something. Oh and the battery issues, if it wont charge for some reason (just shows small red bar for battery) just leave it pluged in for a week or so and eventually the Lithium Ion battery will trickle charge enough to be recognized by the hardware's failsafes and it will begin to charge. Li-Ion batteries are very dangerous to charge and can explode which is why most cell phones have issues charging these batteries when they are low, its built into the charging circuit so the battery wont blow off someones hand or ear.
Ipods that are dead for more than 24 hours and wont charge can usually be fixed by letting them trickle charge for a week.
Never let your Ipod Die! Li-Ions take a charge whenever and dont have a memory so dont run them down thinking you can get longer life... Also these batteries are 3.7v same as most Cell phones, so find a friend who is good with soldering and have him replace it for you if you dont wanna send it in and have it replaced with a spare Ipod, they dont usually fix yours - they throw it in the bin to repair and just give you an already repaired one thats wiped clean.
Thanks for reading and Goodluck!