iPod 1st Gen Nano (2GB) controls nonresponsive

[TheMarkster]

Subject: iPod 1st Gen Nano (2GB) controls nonresponsive

Note: This is *not* a Rockbox issue since the problem is the same with either Rockbox or the original firmware and since the problem pre-existed the installation of Rockbox onto the device. 

When I turn the unit on it powers up normally, but then will not recognize any button pushes.  There are a couple notable exceptions, however.  Firstly, it *will* recognize a Menu + Select combination press, which causes it to reboot.  Secondly, toggling the hold switch from unlocked to locked and back to unlocked will cause the backlight to come on momentarily.

The interface with the computer works normally.  I used iTunes to update the original firmware to the latest and greatest firmware, but it still has the same issue.  I also used the Rockbox Utility to install Rockbox on it, which worked without a hitch.  Neither OS will recognize the buttons, though.

My car stereo has a USB interface which allows it to control the iPod.  This seems to work just fine (as I recall - it has been a long time since I tried it), but the controls on the stereo are cumbersome to use, so I don't bother with it.  Since the car stereo works (Clarion DUZ385SAT) to control the iPod I could probably get an iPod remote control (wired or wireless) and use that, presuming I could find one that offered full control, and not just volume, next/prev, and play/pause, but I digress...

Anways, any ideas?  I'm thinking it has to be some sort of hardware issue with the iPod.  The curious thing is the Menu + Select combination is recognized, causing the player to reset, and yet neither button is recognized once the player restarts.  But for that little intrigue, I would think maybe there was a mechanical issue with the buttons.

[Chronon]

Weird.  My daughter had an e250 that suffered a similar fate.  None of the button presses would be recognized by either the original firmware or in Rockbox.  The only action that was recognized was a long press of the power/menu button, which would turn the unit off (a short press going unrecognized by both firmwares).  A short press of the power button would be recognized while powered off and would turn the unit on.

It's a mystery to me.

[dreamlayers]

Anways, any ideas?  I'm thinking it has to be some sort of hardware issue with the iPod.  The curious thing is the Menu + Select combination is recognized, causing the player to reset, and yet neither button is recognized once the player restarts.  But for that little intrigue, I would think maybe there was a mechanical issue with the buttons.

The Menu + Select reset is done by hardware.  That's why it works even if the iPod is locked up.  Apparently that part of the circuit works, but the part involved in reading buttons from software is defective.

You could try replacing the wheel, which I think comes with buttons and a chip on a flexible circuit board.  However, I can't be sure that will fix your problem.

[TheMarkster]

Thanks, dreamlayers.  I was thinking something along those lines, but I didn't know the clickwheel thing came with the circuitry that might resolve the issue.  I found one on eBay that would cost me about $15 or so including shipping.  Not worth it in my opinion for this outdated player, and like you say, it might not even fix it.