Reviving a Basic iPod with a Raspberry Pi

Voicing your opinions about what the all-time greatest Apple merchandise are is a positive approach to get into an argument with an Apple mega fan. But few will disagree that the product designs of the 2000s have been among the greatest. Consider among the oddball devices that have been being made on the time, then examine them with iPods, iPhones, and iMacs. Apple was head and shoulders above the competitors.

Many of these product designs are even superior to right this moment’s greatest devices. However, the {hardware} is antiquated and of little use nowadays. Redditor potatojemsas got here up with the proper approach to preserve these previous devices in service by conserving the slick consumer interface, however changing the entire inside {hardware} with fashionable parts. The result’s the PiPod 3G — a third-generation iPod that’s now packing a Raspberry Pi.

At first look, the PiPod seems like a traditional gadget straight out of 2003, however internally it’s a totally completely different beast. Built round a compact Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, the gadget transforms the nostalgic music participant into a contemporary streaming and offline playback system. Instead of syncing songs via iTunes, it connects to a Plex server, permitting customers to stream or obtain music libraries on demand.

The iconic contact interface has been recreated utilizing hand-cut copper pads linked to an MPR121 capacitive contact sensor. While nonetheless a piece in progress, customized PCBs are already on the best way to refine responsiveness and higher emulate the unique click on wheel really feel. A 2.0-inch SPI TFT show replaces the getting older monochrome display, bringing up to date visuals whereas sustaining the acquainted kind issue.

Power comes from a 2,300mAh lithium-polymer battery paired with a Wemos D1 Mini battery defend, although future revisions goal to combine charging, voltage regulation, and battery monitoring right into a single customized board. Connectivity has additionally been modernized, with Wi-Fi dealing with streaming duties and a USB Bluetooth adapter added to keep away from interference points.

The PiPod doubles as a tiny general-purpose laptop. With a keyboard linked, it capabilities as a full Raspberry Pi system — albeit with a tiny 320×240 show. Planned upgrades embrace a devoted audio DAC, headphone jack, and improved inside structure.