"Upgrading" an Apple iPod Classic using Raspberry Pi internals
This project is currently seeking help for the following:
- Finding a 2 inch 5:4 display for 1,2,3, and 4th gen ipods
- PCB design; the PCB must take in the appropriate connections and allow for the choesen pi to connect (Look up the cm4 lego style connector). Do not worry about size yet, first we need everything to work. Once everything works, the pcb will be resized to fit into the ipod chassis.
- 3D Design; printing parts such that the PCB designed can be mounted to the faceplate, also dsigning a dock surround for the usb c port.
Improving this Project
Use the Chassis and buttons from an iPod classic as a base.
While the purpose of the project is to bring dead iPods back to the land of the living; there exists custom chassis' and buttons on markets such as AliExpress or Ebay.
You will need these from either a dead iPod or from AliExpress:
- Faceplate
- Back Housing
- Scroll wheel
- Headphone jack
- Battery (Maybe)
Every other iPod model is simply too compact to fit anything other than original hardware without significant R & D.
While I would love to keep the original screen, I understand that this is about a 20 year old component at this point and may not be completely compatible with the pi sbc. Which is why I've begun looking into possible display replacements / upgrades. Displays using OLED or AMOLED technology would likely be the best option because of the low power draw (and greater color clarity).
It should be noted that the actual display size for the models are as follows:
- 1st + 2nd + 3rd + 4th
- 2 inch 5:4 diplay
- 5th + 6th + "7th"
- 2.5 inch 4:3 display
And thus potential upgrades are as follows:
- 1st + 2nd + 3rd + 4th
- 2 inch 5:4 diplay
- 5th + 6th + "7th"
- 2.4 Inch AMOLED
- This will be slightly smaller than the view window, alternatives are appreciated.
There are a number of possibilities when it comes wo which pi should be used. To narrow it down, first we need to consider the size limitation, which effectively eliminates every model A and B. Leaving the possibilities to the Pi Zeros and compute modules. One more point to consider is battery life.
The pi zero series has proven to use less power, is the smallest in the lineup, and has easily swapable storage. Making it our winner.
However, more recently, a smaller and relatively power efficient has surfaced: the Raspberry Pi CM4. Using the CM$ will allow potential usage of a thin chassis.