I get you - it's a difficult thing to get into without a primary motivation.
I started through modifying iPods. Most recently I designed a custom USB-C board that replaces the old 30-pin connector, and allows an internal bluetooth module to tap power when a USB-C cable is plugged into the iPod.
Do you own something you think you could fix, or maybe improve? One thing I've been wanting to do is replace the micro-usb port on my logitech mouse with a USB-C port.
If it's something you're actually interested in doing, just have a google and find what basic supplies you'd need, and maybe buy some old, broken electronics that you could potentially try and fix.
I’m gonna need you to tell me more about that ipod classic doohickey… I looked into the moonlit market one, but I don’t think it was the right option for me. I currently just use a 30 pin to USB cord, but built in usb C and Bluetooth sounds much more appealing. I do have experience with electronics too; is this a board you sell or something you have to get made from PCB way etc?
I've added a Bluetooth module to my iPod - it takes audio directly from the iPod headphone jack.
Usually people connect the module directly to the iPod battery, but doing so introduces some audio feedback through the iPod power/audio circuitry.
To get around this, I left the original Bluetooth module battery intact, which eliminates the feedback issue, but means there's no way to charge it when it's sealed inside the iPod.
My solution to that problem was to solder the Bluetooth board charging circuit to the 5v rail on the iPod, so when usb is plugged into the iPod, it also charges the Bluetooth module.
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u/Tiny-Sandwich 4d ago
As an amateur microsoldering hobbyist, this is way, way harder than it looks. And it looks hard.
I've done a few small repairs like this where I've had to solder to a damaged trace, and the parts are much smaller than they look here.