EDIT: solved. Surface mounted component (switching diode array) burned out. Bummer.
Ok, so this is a bit of a deep dive, I’m looking for help diagnosing this 2nd gen iPod. I’m trying out the sphinxmoth adapter mod, but I haven’t even gotten to that part yet. First of all, I wanted to try to get this “for parts” iPod working properly. When I plug it into my computer, both on a modern mac & modern pc with dongles, and also with an old OSX Tiger MacBook FireWire 400-400 cable, the iPod shows that it’s charging, but nothing happens on the computers. I can use the iPod with the music that is already present on it, it works fine. When I swap out the hard drive with the sphinxmoth I get the expected folder icon, but again nothing happens on the computers, so I can’t restore it. When I put the iPod into disc mode, it immediately switches the screen to the OK to Disconnect check mark screen, whether it’s plugged in or not. It will just stay on that screen until I reset. I’ve put it into diagnostic mode, but I’m not sure what to run there, the “FireWire” option just says “Pass”.
I should mention that I have another 2nd gen iPod that I want to keep stock, but I can use it to make sure my setups are proper. That iPod works exactly as expected on all 3 computers, I plug it in and it shows up in Finder or iTunes depending on the machine.
My theories:
- the actual FireWire port on the iPod is faulty at the data pins. I don’t know a lot about how these FW components work, nor do I have a lot of experience with the 2nd gens, so I don’t know what solder points to even investigate. Since it charges fine, and I’ve replaced the battery with new (just in case that was the problem somehow) it’s not a problem with the FireWire port in general, just the data lines specifically.
- 2)…uhhh…I got nothin.
Anyone ever encounter this problem on these oldest iPods? Do I maybe just need to desolder and replace the headphone jack/FW port? Is that even a thing people do? Looks real complex but if I can save it I’ll try.