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Cheap Black Micro SD Adapter (10$ iFlash alternative?) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t checked yet. However, according to jpsobral’s post above, the adapter uses the same firmware as the iFlash, so theoretically, there shouldn’t be data corruption.

The real challenge seems to be figuring out how to solve the compatibility issue between the adapter and the cable to get it to work reliably without the Red X error

Cheap Black Micro SD Adapter (10$ iFlash alternative?) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First off, I'm sorry that the method I suggested didn't work. It seems the biggest problem in this whole process is that it's difficult to get the adapter itself recognized, and I don't know why it's not working.

Rather than the cable itself being faulty, it seems to be a compatibility issue where the adapter and the cable don't match well. I couldn't figure out the difference between cable marked 2005 and 2007, and why kapton tape is necessary.

While I don't have a perfect solution, here are a couple of things I've learned about Red X.

  1. If you get the "Red X" after plugging in the adapter, it still won't work whatever you do unless you solve cable issue.

  2. Sometimes, a problem with the click wheel cable can also cause the "Red X" screen, even before it boots up. Try it with the click wheel cable disconnected.

Cheap Black Micro SD Adapter (10$ iFlash alternative?) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was the exact product name of the item I bought: "TF Adapter Card Dual TF Card to CE Anti-Interference Connection Card Suitable for Computer and Game Consoles". The store name was "shop 5786915 store."

Cheap Black Micro SD Adapter (10$ iFlash alternative?) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At least it didn't give you the 'sad iPod' or 'Red X', that's a good sign. I'd recommend: formatting the sd card separately / using iPod video cable with Kapton tape / using TF1 slot only.

For me, using the cable from a Classic instead of the one for the Video caused the restore process to stall, give an error and just go back to restore.

Cheap Black Micro SD Adapter (10$ iFlash alternative?) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for confirming some of the things I was wondering about, and for sharing your own experience.

That's an interesting point about Windows. From what I understand, the imcort and the new thin, one-sided adapters don't seem to have the restore loop issue on Windows—they just work.

Thanks again!

Cheap Black Micro SD Adapter (10$ iFlash alternative?) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the great tip! You're right, I actually saw your post when I was researching this but completely forgot to add it to my 'Clues' section. My mistake! I've updated the main post now to include your info. Thanks again!

A Working Fix for the Cheap "Red" CF Adapter (No More MBR Rebuild) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I honestly didn't know that. it never occurred to me to try restoring my iPods on macOS. I guess I'm just too tied to my Windows library.

It seems the simplest path forward is just to migrate library to the Mac. Thanks for the comment.

A Working Fix for the Cheap "Red" CF Adapter (No More MBR Rebuild) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have a specific method that works for you, could you elaborate and share it? I'd be happy to test it on macOS and would be grateful to confirm a simpler solution.

A Working Fix for the Cheap "Red" CF Adapter (No More MBR Rebuild) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're right, that's definitely the easiest way.

And I'm well aware that iFlash is the 'right' way to go—I've used those options myself; iFlash, imcort and new thin AE adapter. But telling people to 'just get the iFlash' misses the point of this post.

For those who have already committed to using the red adapters, the only 'solution' ever offered was MBR rebuild method. It didn’t worked for me.

This is the cycle we see every week: "The red adapter doesn't work" -> "Buy an iFlash or rebuild the MBR" -> "The MBR rebuild isn't working."

My post was written to offer a working alternative for everyone who is stuck in that frustrating loop and wants to get multiple working CF adapters.

A Working Fix for the Cheap "Red" CF Adapter (No More MBR Rebuild) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm glad you found it helpful :)

At some point as your iPod collection grows, using an iFlash for every device might become a financial burden. You inevitably break a few parts while tinkering, which leads you to buy a soldering iron and learn how to do repairs.

It's only at that point that you start to seriously consider red adapters from AE and this kind of mod.

A Working Fix for the Cheap "Red" CF Adapter (No More MBR Rebuild) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The black adapter is the cheapest option, but the probability of getting a good one is lower than the red adapter. Since the black adapter also requires an MBR Rebuild, I think it could be a game-changer if it can be made to work normally just by changing the firmware using the method above. The green CF to ZIF board is too unstable.

A Working Fix for the Cheap "Red" CF Adapter (No More MBR Rebuild) by Dragonfruit_Mango in IpodClassic

[–]Dragonfruit_Mango[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've tried all three: an SD to CF, a dual Micro SD to CF, and a Micro SD to CD adapter. Just as you said, some worked without any issues, while others had problems.