Rockbox Technical Forums

Support and General Use => Hardware => Topic started by: Mastershrimp on March 24, 2020, 04:48:47 AM

Title: iPod nano 2G: Rockbox as last attempt to "cure" white screen?
Post by: Mastershrimp on March 24, 2020, 04:48:47 AM
Hi,

I revived my old iPod nano 2G a few days ago and was surprised to see that it was still working like a charm. I used it until the battery died so I plugged it in for charging. At this point the display flickered (black/white lines) and then went all-white - apparently the "white screen of death". Interestingly I can still use the iPod (sync with iTunes, play music) - just with a white display.

I've restarted (menu+center button) and reverted (via iTunes) the device, but the screen remains white. So I'm pretty sure I fried something while charging.

Before I look for physical fixes/replacements: Do you think there's a slight chance that it's a software-related issue so that flashing Rockbox onto the thing might cure it?

I understood I can remove Rockbox easily using the Rockbox Utility? So it might be worth a try...


Thanks for your responses
BR
MS
Title: Re: iPod nano 2G: Rockbox as last attempt to "cure" white screen?
Post by: Chronon on March 28, 2020, 07:04:25 PM
If it's software related, then restoring it with iTunes should fix it.  Probably a good idea to check...

You could try the voice interface with Rockbox if everything works except the screen.
Title: Re: iPod nano 2G: Rockbox as last attempt to "cure" white screen?
Post by: Mastershrimp on March 28, 2020, 07:07:32 PM
Hi, thanks for your response. Restoring via iTunes didnt help unfortunately. I read that in some rare cases it was fixed by removing the battery (kind of like pulling the plug instead of shutting it down). But the how-to for that on ifixit seemed quite complex ;)

Well, I give it a try with Rockbox tomorrow. The voice interface might indeed be a good alternative. Thanks for the idea!
Title: Re: iPod nano 2G: Rockbox as last attempt to "cure" white screen?
Post by: rogueKlyntar on May 03, 2020, 07:22:26 PM

I revived my old iPod nano 2G a few days ago and was surprised to see that it was still working like a charm. I used it until the battery died so I plugged it in for charging. At this point the display flickered (black/white lines) and then went all-white - apparently the "white screen of death". Interestingly I can still use the iPod (sync with iTunes, play music) - just with a white display.


Interesting; a few years ago I dropped my MacBook and the screen went off and nothing would light it again but I could turn on the laptop, hit Enter to select my account, type in my password and when I pressed the Play key it started playing AC/DC. I still have the laptop lying around somewhere hoping I can get it to a repair store. Wonder if the problem lies in the same registry or whatever, idk how this stuff works.