Please help: How to import FLAC files into iPod/Rockbox. (Spent 8 hours trying).

[njbiology]

Hi,

I have an 80GB iPod Video 5th generation and successfully installed the appropriate version (actually 30GB, to be safe) onto my iPod; I am able to upload (via iTunes) all of my mp3/mp4 files into my iPod and then format the iPod which now features the Rockbox software so that the now Rockbox iPod displays my songs. 

However, despite hours of reading, experimentation, and looking on youtube, I have not yet been able to have iTunes either look like Rockbox (just as the iPod's interface does) or able to enable iTunes to accept .FLAC files.

As mentioned: I am able to install the Rockbox software onto the iPod; everytime I add songs to my iPod (directly, as I never enter them into the iTunes library, but directly into the iPod by dragging and dropping the mp3/mp4 tracks into the device itself)...but everytime I add songs to my iPod, I disconnect the iPod device and have the iPod running Rockbox initialize again to recognize the newly added mp3s/mp4s.

I should mention: I see no real evidence of the Rockbox software being installed on my computer - I do have unzipped folders, but no actual program file to be opened and I decided (finally, after many re installs) to use the basic installation version, because I didn't want to manually add the fonts.  Also, I did install the frontends backage.

I feel as though that I should by able to connect my iPod device and choose between opening iTunes and opening, instead, a literally Rockbox interface on my (windows) computer; or at least be able to see evidence of iTunes working with Rockbox.

What am I doing wrong?  Can I get my .flac files into my iPod?  Someone, in a blog, wrote of creating a folder directly on the iPod drive (without saying where...in the hidden music folder?) and I don't know if this would work, but if it would, it would take forever for files to be transferred that way.

I hope someone will reply to this - it would be greatly appreciated and, likely, useful to many with the same question - if you do reply, please explain all details (because the individual who made the suggestion about entering them directly through "browsing them in" and so on didn't explain his solution, which who knows? may work).

Thanks,
Steve

[saratoga]

However, despite hours of reading, experimentation, and looking on youtube, I have not yet been able to have iTunes either look like Rockbox (just as the iPod's interface does) or able to enable iTunes to accept .FLAC files.

iTunes does not look like rockbox, nor does it read FLAC files.  Its also not really on topic here, as we're not too concerned with PC software.  If you want to play flac files in iTunes, talk to Apple.

I feel as though that I should by able to connect my iPod device and choose between opening iTunes and opening, instead, a literally Rockbox interface on my (windows) computer; or at least be able to see evidence of iTunes working with Rockbox.

Rockbox is a firmware for mp3 players.  It doesn't actually run on your PC.  It doesn't really even have anything to do with your PC.  You just put flac files on your ipod, and then Rockbox will play them.

What am I doing wrong?  Can I get my .flac files into my iPod?  Someone, in a blog, wrote of creating a folder directly on the iPod drive (without saying where...in the hidden music folder?) and I don't know if this would work, but if it would, it would take forever for files to be transferred that way.

Yes, just drag and drop them onto your ipod.  You can create folders anywhere you like, it doesn't matter.  You don't even have to put them in a folder, though its neater if you do rather then just dropping them randomly on your ipod's disk.

[njbiology]

wow....hehe....thank's, Saratoga.  I had a suspicion of this...  This day was a waste.  I'm going to try it (as I almost did a few hours ago) and see if I don't mess this one up.

Btw, do you happen to agree that when you drag files directly into the iPod (I did it, but then deleted them before executing the experiment a few hours ago) that it takes longer then iTunes transfers files of like size?

[saratoga]

Btw, do you happen to agree that when you drag files directly into the iPod (I did it, but then deleted them before executing the experiment a few hours ago) that it takes longer then iTunes transfers files of like size?

No I would not agree with that.  The time is the same.

[Spoonman]

it could be that if u drag files to your ipod that is in emergency disc mode (monochrome "do not disconnect" sign when connecting the ipod to your computer when u are running rockbox) the transfer takes more time. so first reboot to original apple firmware and then transfer your file and the speed should be the same as in itunes.