Bluetooth 5G iPod - Finished!

Here it is! "Native" Bluetooth support for the 5G iPod Video. A few weeks ago I posted a tutorial on Instructables.com for how to add internal Bluetooth to your 4G iPOd. Modding the iPod video was considerably more difficult. Unlike the previous hack, I wanted a to leave the external appearance looking stock. So, with the exception of the custom clear front panel, the iPod looks just like any other.

Most external Bluetooth modules will work, but keep in mind that the smaller the better. Even with the smallest one though, there is very little room in the case. The standard 30GB 5G iPod is significantly thinner than the 4G, so unless you want to use a bigger back plate, the CF conversion is a must. You can get the adapter from Tarkan at www.tarkan.info

You have to take my word for it, but the pretty blue light means I've got streaming stereo Bluetooth!

My original design used a universal module from Jabra, but I was lucky enough to find an even smaller module (thanks Xanatos451). The picture on the left shows the circuit board from the external BT module wired directly into the iPod's motherboard. The wires you see are for power, audio and LED outputs.

The led is mounted from the inside and through the metal frame. If you don't have a clear front panel like this one, you can still mod your existing front panel without drilling through it (more to come on that later). You can get the iVue clear panel at RapidRepair.com.

This hack was a lot more difficult than the one for the 4G unit so don't even think about doing this unless you're quite comfortable with the complete disassembly and reassembly of your iPod. Of course, there is always the distinct possibility that you will brick your iPod.

Feel free to post comments, I'll post more details over the next few days followed by a more complete set of Instructables.com. In the meantime you can check out the rest of my iPod Hacks here.