# Introduction

Refurbishing an iPod Mini 2nd Gen 4GB with a new after-market battery and Red CF card microsd adapter. The Red microsd to CF card adapter is a bit finicky and requires a MBR rebuild during the iPod restore process.

bootsect /nt60 D: /mbr

Replace D: with the drive letter of your iPod.

The microsd card used in this project is a PEF128GEP31MCX5 - Patriot 128GB A1 microsd. The stated performance from data sheets is Read speed up to 100MB/s | write speed up to 80MB/s.

I was only able to get around 80MB/s reads and 20MB/s writes when running f3read & f3write on MacOS. This speed is more than enough to support the USB write/read speeds of an iPod.

# Process

## Top and Bottom Plastic Covers

To remove the top and bottom, heat it to soften the adhesive. To reduce the amount of damage while opening, use a thin razor blade on the long edge and pry up. Once lifted, use a thin plastic pry tool to continue lifting. The plastic tools lowers the chances of damage.

## Bottom Steel Plate

Work on the side without the ribbon as it is fragile. Use a tweezer or any tool that can keep a hold in the hole and push it to release the tab. Do it to the other closest tab. Once one side is released, wiggle out the remain tabs.

## Disconnect Click Wheel

## Sliding iPod Assembly Out of Case

Remove two philips screws and slide the whole iPod assembly out.

## Disconnect Battery

## Removing HDD

Peel back the black adhesive enough to access the ribbon cable. Use a flathead screwdriver to disconnect the connector.

## Prepping Storage and Battery

Tape down the microsd card into the CF Card adapter and apply double-sided adhesive to the back.

## Restoring

## Securing Red microsd to CF Adapter and Battery on iPod Board

## Reassembled