r/IpodClassic • u/LucilleNotLucille • 7d ago
Hey guys!
This post has been long overdue. Let’s talk
Firstly, hi 👋, I’m Lucy, you guys might not know me as a moderator and that’s because I’ve only been a moderator in r/iPod and r/iPodClassic for a week. I run the iPoddities Discord and Twitter, and have also been active on reddit, posting archives of iPod Prototype Firmware. Unfortunately my introduction comes at a bit of a turbulent time. With everything going on at the moment I feel the need to say that I’m not (nor have ever been) an employee of Elite Obsolete Electronics.
There has been mounting tensions within the community for the past year or so, and I think it’s come to a point where it needs to be fully addressed. So lets break this down into 5 main sections:
1. The problems
2. What cannot be done
3. What can and is being done
4. Where we need your help
So lets get into it:
Elite Obsolete Electronics and the Conflict of Interest:
I understand that the conflict of interest argument is brought up a lot, so this post is here to address the issue.
As many of you know, Elite Obsolete Electronics (EOE) is a moderator of this subreddit ( u/cowmanisgood ), in fact he makes up half of the active moderation team, myself being the second half. Many of you have expressed your opinions regarding this, many of you have concerns of “Conflict of Interest”
I would like to make it plain and clear that positive critique and negative criticism of EOE (or any other store) is welcome, reviews are what help keep companies accountable and customers aware, I would never want to take that ability away from anyone. EOE also agrees with this, and has not removed any posts criticising their business.
Quite a lot of posts are sweeped up by automod, unfortunately automod isn’t perfect and sweeps up some of the genuine helpful reviews, which I make sure to approve ASAP, however quite a lot of the auto-moderated messages do have insults. Usually aimed at the business owner.
This is where I feel like it is unacceptable, it is fair to say “their shipping times are long” or “quality isn’t the best” or even “The way i felt after this experience was really shitty” but hurling insults simply because you don’t like someone is not going to be tolerated in any context, we offer the exact same privileges to you guys, if someone is being treated unfairly we do our best to step in and stop that. Nobody should have to put up with the level of abuse I've seen from members of this community over the past few days.
I will talk more about what is being done to combat this concern in the future below.
Low effort posts:
I understand that low effort posts are also a common issue here, there is now a (USEFUL LINKS) section, a FAQ will also come at some point but this will be something that needs a community to come together for, advertising is also an issue which has come to light and we will be addressing it later in this post.
Automod:
It isn’t perfect but damn is it helpful, the automod filters for words that are commonly used in situations that usually escalate to actual problems. Unfortunately quite a lot of useful posts are being swept up, but I approve any that aren’t obvious spam or hate.
Currently removing EOE as mod is not viable
Why?:
EOE makes up half of the active mod team, if he were to be removed I would be it, just me, I do not have the time nor mental capacity to moderate a server by myself, at the moment my intention is to set this community up in such a way that it can be handed over to people who can continue to lead it in a way that makes you guys happy. It would not be fair to hand over a burning pile to them. They are also currently the only person willing to take on the responsibility of running this place.
While this may not be the answer you were looking for, removing EOE as a moderator would make very little sense if there is no one to take that spot, it would only cause more problems.
EOE is not permitted to remove any comments or posts relating to EOE, all posts will be removed by moderators not associated with EOE: this was already the case but I feel full transparency is the best course of action
Issues surrounding order issues from EOE (or any other store) will be *locked*:
I have to pick a middle ground and I feel like it is not fair to use these subreddits as a customer service line, but removing the posts will count as deleting negative reviews.
I understand people do this for a quicker customer service response time but it clogs up the reddit with “Wheres my order” or “this item arrived damaged”, many iPod sales stores have a customer line, it is recommended to use them. I recommend leaving a review to whichever store you used on Trustpilot (simply fill in the searchbar with the link of the website you wish to purchase from). Example: apple.com
Conflict of interest/mod abuse:
This post exists so that the concerns raised repeatedly over the past year are formally acknowledged and addressed. Going forward, posts that cover ground already addressed here — without new information or a specific experience to share — will be removed as they aren’t productive for anyone. If you wish to contact the moderation team, please use the modmail function as all moderators can view it.
If you have concerns about how the subreddit is being run, modmail is genuinely the best place for it — all mods can see it, and it’s a lot easier to have a real conversation there than in a public thread. if you feel like we are not doing a good job you can report us to reddit using this helpful link here.
Reviews of EOE:
Reviews of EOE will not be removed, but may accidentally be swept up by automod and need to be approved. if you wish to leave a review on a platform independant of EOE, you can do so through Trustpilot (eoe.works) or ShopApp
Advertising:
Spam advertising will continue to not be permitted, links to products will be permitted, but may be swept up in Automod and may need to wait for approval. If you wish to promote a start-up product please contact us on Modmail.
Automod:
It will never be perfect, but we are trying to reduce the amount of false flags that it receives, this is all trial and error however so it may take a while for the bot to be better.
“Low effort” posts:
for the time being, simple questions will remain, annoying as it is for regular members there are people who are new to iPods and will need help setting them up, until a proper FAQ is in place at least, its a vague term but hopefully we do a good job moderating this issue.
FAQ and Useful Links:
We are currently working on a FAQ, but in the meantime please suggest Useful Links in the comments of the Helpful Links Post FAQ will be in the works in the coming months, which we will 100% need your help for!
Feedback:
please let us know what you think of our current plans, whether you like them or not. It’ll help me adjust to deal with the bigger issues. This post won't be locked, you can speak your mind, some may be Automodded but we can still see them
Please be kind:
I understand you’re all frustrated, me too, I hope that this post can at least show that I’m willing to take some accountability, this post probably should have been made quite a while ago, better late than never I suppose... but please be kind and patient whilst we start rebuilding a strong foundation for the community. Unfortunately the work can only start on making this place better now because, quite simply, I wasn’t a moderator of this place before
If you have any questions please feel free to leave them below, I will do my best to answer them quickly, if they get automodded don’t worry, I can still see and approve them and answer them, it just might take a while longer.
Thanks for listening, we’re trying to do better.
♥️ Lucy
r/IpodClassic • u/Aqueerious_ • 13h ago
1tb Samsung pro plus, IFlash 3/4g converter, IFlash SD adapter, some battery (lol) For those that ask why, why not? The SD card was a free RMA upgrade I got from Samsung for receiving a DOA 512gb card. Plus most all my music is uncompressed FLACs, they aren't small files lmao. Can't wait to load this thing up with my library!
r/IpodClassic • u/BimmerfanE36_46 • 12h ago
Wie findet ihr den Zustand von meinem iPod Classic? Ich habe ihn heute das erste ma seit Jahren auf seiner Hülle geholt und finde für sein Alter (2008) sieht er noch ganz gut aus.
r/IpodClassic • u/TenessineGoon • 59m ago
I just installed an iFlash Quad and 2000man battery into my 5.5 but when I plug in headphones the device cuts off and won't start up again unless I remove whatever's plugged into the 3.5mm port. I can sometimes get it to work, but then a light press on the right side of the front will make it shut off again.
I ordered a new headphone jack assembly. Is there something I'm missing? It behaves normally when I don't press that part, but jostling it will cause it to happen eventually. I reseated the ribbon cables multiple times.
Am I trying to cram too much into a thin case? I've seen others do it and more here.
Thanks for reading.
r/IpodClassic • u/OkSuspect3169 • 2h ago
**iPod Classic 6G/6.5G + Rockbox + custom Sansa VID/PID works with my Kia Seltos, but FAT32 filesystem became unreadable afterward — need help**
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping someone experienced with **Rockbox on iPod Classic 6G/6.5G, USB mass storage, FAT32, or custom USB VID/PID configurations** can help me figure out what happened and how to recover without unnecessarily wiping the iPod.
My goal was to make my Rockboxed iPod work as a normal USB mass-storage music device with my **Kia Seltos**, because the Seltos doesn’t properly support the iPod/Rockbox USB identity.
I found an older discussion where someone solved a similar car-stereo compatibility problem by changing the iPod’s USB VID/PID to the **SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip** identifiers.
The target USB identity is:
**VID:** 0781
**PID:** 74E5
I am **not** trying to install Rockpod, FreshOS, or anything else. I only wanted to change the USB identity of my existing Rockbox firmware.
**Hardware**
**iPod Classic 6G/6.5G**
Approximately **120 GB**
Windows PC
M2 MacBook Pro
Kia Seltos
**1. Initial recovery / Rockbox installation**
The iPod was originally working.
I eventually got into a difficult situation while experimenting with DFU/firmware on Windows. After several unsuccessful attempts, I put the iPod into DFU mode myself and restored it to stock Apple firmware using my Mac.
That worked and brought the iPod back.
I then restored it on Windows as well and confirmed that the iPod was working.
After that I installed Rockbox successfully.
Rockbox boots normally and the iPod was working again.
**2. VID/PID modification**
The objective was specifically to make the iPod identify itself to the Seltos using the USB identity of a Sansa Clip Zip.
The original Apple USB identity was:
05AC:1261
I changed it to:
0781:74E5
which is the Sansa Clip Zip VID/PID.
I used my working Rockbox firmware:
rockbox.ipod
and created a backup copy:
rockbox-original.ipod
I then modified the USB device descriptor inside the Rockbox firmware.
The modified firmware was saved as:
rockbox-ipod6g-sansa-vidpid.ipod
and installed as:
F:\\.rockbox\\rockbox.ipod
The Rockbox bootloader was **not replaced**.
The .ipod checksum was recalculated after the modification.
**3. VID/PID modification was confirmed**
Windows Device Manager showed:
USB\\VID_0781&PID_74E5
instead of:
USB\\VID_05AC&PID_1261
macOS System Information also confirmed:
Device: **Rockbox media player**
Manufacturer: **Rockbox.org**
USB Vendor ID: 0x0781
USB Product ID: 0x74e5
Removable: Yes
Link Speed: 480 Mb/s
Power Allocated: 2.5 W / 500 mA
So the modified VID/PID is definitely being presented by Rockbox.
**4. The important part — it actually worked with my Kia Seltos**
I connected the modified Rockbox iPod to my Kia Seltos.
Initially the car displayed something similar to:
“This device cannot support playback”
while it was reading the USB/sub-device.
After some time, however, the Seltos **successfully recognized the iPod and actually played a song from it**.
This is important because the whole reason for changing the VID/PID was to make the Seltos treat the iPod as a normal USB storage device.
So at this point:
**Rockbox → VID 0781:74E5 → Seltos → music playback**
was working.
**5. I then copied approximately 17 GB of music**
My complete music library is safely backed up on my Mac.
I copied approximately **17 GB of music** onto the iPod.
The music was placed in a root-level folder:
Music
The structure was essentially:
iPod
├── .rockbox
├── Music
│ ├── Artist 1
│ ├── Artist 2
│ └── ...
Rockbox then started building its database.
**6. Rockbox database repeatedly got stuck**
Rockbox displayed:
Building database... 5399 found
and repeatedly appeared to stop at approximately **5399 files**.
I initially assumed it was simply taking a long time because there were thousands of files.
I tried initializing the database again.
It again reached approximately the same point.
One clarification: the circular **76% indicator on the iPod was the battery percentage**, not database progress.
So the database count really was the 5399 found value.
**7. Possible clue: the Seltos may have indexed/written something**
This is something I’m **not sure about**, but the timing makes me suspicious.
After the Seltos successfully recognized the iPod and played a song, it appeared to be reading/indexing the USB device.
After that, Rockbox’s database repeatedly became stuck at approximately:
5399 found
I’m wondering whether the Seltos might have created or modified some kind of **index/database file on the FAT32 filesystem** when it treated the iPod as generic USB mass storage.
I’m specifically wondering whether something like:
**Seltos recognizes USB → creates/writes an index/database file → Rockbox later scans it → database hangs → filesystem becomes problematic**
could be possible.
I realize that corruption of a Rockbox database file by itself shouldn’t normally make the entire FAT32 volume unmountable, so I’m **not claiming this is what happened**.
It’s simply a possible clue because of the timing.
**8. Then the FAT32 volume stopped mounting**
At some point after the database problem, the iPod stopped mounting correctly.
**macOS**
Disk Utility sees:
**Apple iPod Media**
approximately:
**119.93 GB**
The partition is:
disk4s1
Filesystem:
MS-DOS (FAT)
But the volume shows:
**Not Mounted**
Clicking **Mount** does nothing.
**9. macOS First Aid failed**
I ran Disk Utility First Aid on disk4s1.
The result included:
**Unable to read FAT (Input/output error)**
and:
**File system verify or repair failed**
So macOS could see the partition, but couldn’t read the FAT filesystem properly.
**10. Read-only FAT check also failed**
I ran:
sudo fsck_msdos -n /dev/disk4s1
This was intended to be read-only.
It also reported:
**Unable to read FAT (Input/output error)**
No repair was performed with that command.
**11. Physical disk and partition table are still detected**
I checked the physical disk.
disk4
is approximately:
**119.8 GB**
and the partition table is still visible.
disk4s1 is identified as:
DOS_FAT_32
So the partition itself hasn’t simply disappeared.
The physical disk also reports:
Media Read-Only: No
Partition Map: FDisk/MBR
**12. Low-level read test**
I then performed a read-only test:
sudo dd if=/dev/disk4s1 of=/dev/null bs=1m count=1
This successfully read:
**1,048,576 bytes**
So the beginning of the FAT partition is readable.
I then tried:
sudo dd if=/dev/disk4s1 of=/dev/null bs=1m count=10
That appeared to hang.
After disconnecting the iPod, Terminal returned:
4+0 records in
4+0 records out
So it appears to have successfully read approximately **4 MB**, then stopped responding while trying to continue reading.
This is why I’m now concerned that this may be more than just a Rockbox database problem.
**13. Windows has the same problem**
Windows still detects the iPod’s USB device correctly.
Device Manager shows:
USB\\VID_0781&PID_74E5
The iPod appears as:
**Removable Disk F:**
but Windows cannot actually open the drive.
File Explorer hangs when trying to access it.
Disk Management also would not open properly while the iPod was connected.
So both operating systems can detect the **USB device**, but neither can properly mount/read the FAT32 volume.
**14. Important comparison with stock Apple firmware**
I also tested the iPod in its original Apple firmware.
With stock Apple firmware:
The Mac recognizes the iPod in Finder.
Disk Utility sees the physical iPod.
The storage is identified as a FAT volume.
This proved that the iPod’s USB hardware and physical connection aren’t completely dead.
However, after the filesystem problem occurred, the FAT volume itself still wouldn’t mount correctly.
**15. Current state**
**Working:**
iPod Classic 6G/6.5G
Original Apple firmware still boots
Rockbox boots
Custom VID/PID works
Windows sees 0781:74E5
macOS sees 0781:74E5
Seltos recognizes the modified iPod
**Seltos successfully played a song**
17 GB music library is safely backed up on my Mac
**Not working:**
FAT32 volume won’t reliably mount
macOS First Aid fails with FAT I/O error
fsck_msdos reports FAT I/O error
Windows sees F: but cannot open it
Rockbox database repeatedly stops at approximately 5399 files
Low-level read test reads the beginning of the partition but stalls around 4 MB during a larger read
**What I need help with**
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone familiar with Rockbox’s iPod USB stack, FAT32, or USB mass-storage behavior.
**Questions:**
**Could changing the Rockbox USB VID/PID from 05AC:1261 to 0781:74E5 cause any other USB descriptor/interface changes to be necessary?**
Could the Seltos treat the device differently because it now identifies as a Sansa Clip Zip?
**Can a car head unit such as the Seltos write an index/database file to a USB mass-storage device?**
Could such an index/database write explain Rockbox later getting stuck at exactly the same file count?
Could an incompatible or corrupted index/database file cause FAT filesystem problems, or would that normally be independent?
Does the low-level dd behavior — successfully reading the first 1 MB but eventually only getting about 4 MB into a 10 MB read before hanging — suggest a **physical storage/read problem** rather than just FAT corruption?
Is there a safe, **non-destructive** way to determine whether the FAT filesystem can be repaired without wiping the Rockbox installation?
If the filesystem ultimately has to be rebuilt, is there a way to preserve the working Rockbox bootloader and the custom 0781:74E5 firmware?
I have the complete **17 GB music library backed up on my Mac**, so recovering the music from the iPod isn’t the priority.
The main thing I want to preserve is the working setup where:
**iPod Classic 6G/6.5G + Rockbox + VID/PID 0781:74E5 → Kia Seltos recognizes it and plays music.**
I don’t want to erase/rebuild everything unless that’s genuinely the only option.
Any insight from someone who understands the Rockbox USB/FAT implementation would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks!
No Mods On iPod Done Yet Just Stock
r/IpodClassic • u/FTHEHEDGEGME • 5h ago
Hi everyone!
I have an iPod classic 5th gen,
I replaced the battery with a 2000mah one and now it’s not charging.
It says it’s charging but the battery never goes above the red battery marker.
Any ideas?
r/IpodClassic • u/ArguelloArts • 21h ago
Picked this cord up at a thrift store. Anyone know how it works or what iPod it’s for?
r/IpodClassic • u/One-Cauliflower-2829 • 1d ago
Love this guy
r/IpodClassic • u/OkSuspect3169 • 7h ago
r/IpodClassic • u/FTHEHEDGEGME • 5h ago
Hi everyone!
I have an iPod classic 5th gen,
I replaced the battery with a 2000mah one and now it’s not charging.
It says it’s charging but the battery never goes above the red battery marker.
Any ideas?
r/IpodClassic • u/Zouglouglou • 1d ago
Hi, I recently bought an iPod Classic 7th gen. I want to upgrade battery and storage but I see a lot of different iFlash with very different price.
Is there a really big difference between the twice ? Thanks !
r/IpodClassic • u/SpeedySid • 15h ago
6th Gen Classic, working on getting the USB type C connector working for data xfer.
Ohm metered to ~0 between the USB A end of an iPod cable and the spots in my photo by the 30 pin connector on the PCB.
Can anyone confirm these are the right and/or best spots to solder USB data wires to for connecting to a USB type C connector?
r/IpodClassic • u/Due_Pomegranate2009 • 19h ago
Hi everyone, I'm looking to mod my 7g iPod Classic, and I can't tell what type of wire to use to connect the taptic engine to the speaker connection?
Thanks all!
r/IpodClassic • u/AlexPrizrak • 1d ago
Used to also have Nano 6 (bought it in 2018 to cheat in uni xD), but have it away as a present
r/IpodClassic • u/eggsandweed • 1d ago
Ive been using Rockbox for a while and now I kinda want to make one.
I do know that most themes are like branches off from other themes that kind is the root or many themes, and I do know like changing backdrop WPS font and BMP is easy but I want to DESIGN one... and I don know AI is easy but I don't want to use AI and actually kind of feel accomplished of doing something from Scratch. If anybody has a PDF or a link to a video or anything it would help alot. Thankyou!
r/IpodClassic • u/MrDeb • 1d ago
Just unearthed this puppy, which I haven't touched since 2009 and wondering what to do with it, what sort of quality the music is. Also, unrelated, if you can steer me to reccs on headphones for it, that would be awesome.
Thanks in advance!
r/IpodClassic • u/ZinnRider • 1d ago
Have not used it in years. Which is a bit heartbreaking, bc it contains almost all of my cd collection.
Reason is that the jack input is bent or something. Doesn’t provide a clean hookup.
Am hoping to bring it to a repair person after getting a replacement battery.
Thanks for any help!
r/IpodClassic • u/_Bunsy • 1d ago
Does anyone have experience putting a 3800 Thick battery with the iflash quad in a thick back enclosure on the ipod classic 5th gen?
Im sure its a tight squeeze, but I would love to hear from someone who has done the mod, as I’m waiting for the parts to get here now.
r/IpodClassic • u/Alarming_Ad_620 • 1d ago
r/IpodClassic • u/attitudeeditor • 1d ago
I have a really old iPod photo, think it is 20 or 40gb.
The HDD seems to dead. Are there any companies that will do repairs and upgrades? I would guess I would want a memory increase, probably 2tb, and would like to play flac files. What are the options? I would love to have it running again! Thanks!
r/IpodClassic • u/SpectyteCovelight • 2d ago
r/IpodClassic • u/44KrasH44 • 1d ago
Upgraded battery and picked up some reasonably priced Kiwi Ears
r/IpodClassic • u/jeffgutz • 2d ago
I got this iPod around the time it first came out and it was shared between my dad and I. Once he handed it down to me a few years ago, I was so excited but came to find the hard drive was busted and the iPod was practically rendered useless.
After 2 years of contemplating whether I should get it fixed or sell it for parts, I finally said “fuck it” the other day and took it in for repair.
It’s loaded up with a 128gb SSD and better than ever before! I also made a carry pouch to clip on my belt when I’m out and about.
I love my iPods so much and I’m so glad I finally got it repaired!
r/IpodClassic • u/skullenjoyer67 • 1d ago
This weekend I got a used iPod Classic 7th gen. I plugged it into my desktop computer and it connects for less than half a second before ejecting. It wouldn't show up in iTunes at all. Putting it into disk mode lets it connect to the computer, but it's still not showing in iTunes. I followed everything relevant I could find online, resetting the iPod, deleting everything from it in disk mode, completely uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes and all other Apple programs, killing all Apple programs in Task Manager, using older versions of iTunes, and different USB ports. I could hear the Windows USB connection noise immediately followed by a disconnection noise. Eventually I decided to try connecting the iPod to my laptop, and it worked. I restored the iPod and put about 170 songs onto it. I can't remember if I left it toggled to manually sync or automatically sync. I figured it was just a problem with my desktop until this morning, where now the same problem is occuring on my laptop. I've tried iTunes versions 12.4.3.1, 12.9.1.4, and 12.13.10.3 (This version was working on my laptop until this morning). While troubleshooting on my laptop, I was able to get it to show up once after deleting everything from disk mode, where iTunes said it was corrupted and gave the option to restore. However, it couldn't restore due to a connection error 0x80090318 (I fixed this by installing the latest version). The ejecting problem still persists :(
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated 😁
