How To Make a Flash Based Video iPod

If you have an iPod Video with a broken hard drive or just want to upgrade to more energy efficient and more durable Flash memory, then Tarkan has just what you need. It’s a straightforward operation that shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Compact Flash card of any size (No less than 4 GB), I highly recommend this one
• 1 iFlash Video iPod Compact flash adapter (available at Tarkan’s store)
• 1 iPod opening tool (also available at Tarkan’s store)
• 1 iPod Video (5 gen or 5.5 gen will work)

Once you have all the necessary materials, the process is actually quite simple. First, you must pry open the iPod casing with the opening tool, this is the hardest part of the whole operation. To do this, create a small gap in between the front and back panels by holding the iPod face up in the palm of your hand and pulling the front panel towards yourself. Then insert the opening tool into the gap and work your may around the iPod until all the retaining clips come undone.

Next, you need to release the battery connector ribbon cable, you can do this either by just gently pulling on the ribbon cable or by releasing the locking mechanism with a toothpick/ eyeglass repair kit. Once this is done, lay the front and back sides next to each other so as to not strain the headphone connector ribbon cable

Afterwards, flip the hard drive over to expose the connection between the motherboard and the hard drive. Use your fingernail/screwdriver to lift the black bar on the hard drive to release the hard drive.

Next, plug the CF card into the iFlash adapter. Make sure the black bar on the iFlash adapter is raised, then plug the ribbon cable (the one formerly connected to the hard drive) into the iFlash adapter. Once it is in, press the iFlash adapter firmly into the iPod so that it can’t move around. Once that is done, connect the battery connector ribbon cable back into the motherboard.

Before closing and sealing everything up, restore the iPod by plugging it into your computer and opening iTunes. Once everything is confirmed to be working, seal up the case and then you have yourself a fully functional FlashPod!

This operation won’t just fix your broken iPod, it will also make it run faster, weigh less, and extend your battery life. However, the best part is that you no longer have to deal with fragile hard drive. Flash memory is extremely tough, I’ve found memory cards covered in mud and thoroughly soaked that somehow still work after they’re dried. The only downside to this is that syncing your iPod will take more time.

[via Tarkan]